Lionel 238E Torpedo 4-6-2 steam locomotive User manual

Lionel 238E Torpedo
4-6-2 steam locomotive
Owner’s Manual
71-8052-250
4/97
®
featuring and

2
2
• Powerful Pullmor®motor
• Lionel CommandTM LCRU2
reverse unit for use with
the Lionel TrainMaster®
CommandTM model railroad
control system
• Magne-Traction®and
Tire-TractionTM
• Smoke generator that
produces clean, safe,
and realistic smoke
• All-new die-cast 746RS
tender
• RailsoundsTM Torpedo
digital sound system
• Detailed backhead with
engineer and fireman
Table of contents
Transformeroperations
Running your Torpedo with a Lionel transformer 3
Locking your Torpedo into a single operational state 4
Your Torpedo’s RailSounds system—the basics 5
Experiencing the range of your Torpedo’s Railsounds system 6
Notes on Railsounds 6
TrainMasterCommandoperations
Your Torpedo in the TrainMaster Command environment 7
CAB-1 commands for your Torpedo 8
Railsounds in the Command environment 8
CAB-1 numeric keypad commands for your Torpedo 9
Tuning your Torpedo’s performance 10
Maintaining your Torpedo’s handrail antenna 10
Assigning your Torpedo a new ID# 11
Using your Electrocoupler in the
TrainMaster Command environment 12
Using your Electrocoupler in the nonCommand environment 12
MaintainingandservicingyourLionelTorpedo
Lubricating your Torpedo 13
Lubricating your Torpedo’s Pullmor
®
motor armature 14
Replacing your Torpedo’s headlight 15
Adding fluid to your Torpedo’s smoke generator 16
Lionel Service 16
Congratulations!
Y
ou own one of the most sophisticated
model trains ever built—the Lionel
TrainMaster®Command-equipped 238
Torpedo steam locomotive.
Combining the vintage look and feel
of historic 1930s-era tooling with the
cutting-edge performance of Train-
Master Command control, your Lionel
Torpedo is ready for duty on your
model railroad.
xperience the superiority of today’s
Lionel. And have fun!

Transformer operations
Running your Lionel Torpedo with a Lionel transformer
Place your Torpedo on Lionel or Lionel-compatible O gauge track.
•Note the pull of Magne-Traction®between your Torpedo and the steel
track. Magnetized wheels and axles increase pulling power (more than 25
cars on straight and level track) and keep your Torpedo on track while
passing swiftly through curves. Your Torpedo will negotiate O-31 and larg-
er curves. Note: Included with the locomotive are two optional traction-
enhancing tires that can be installed on
the center drivers to give your Torpedo
extra driver-railhead grip (see enclosed
flier for installation instructions).
•With track power OFF, connect the
locomotive tether between the engine
and tender. The six-pin tender plug con-
nects with the six-pin plug on the loco-
motive. Feed any excess tether into the
locomotive cab. Connect the drawbar from the locomotive to the outer
hole on the tender’s drawbar. The inner hole on the tender’s drawbar is
for display only; the Torpedo will not negotiate turns if the locomotive is
connected to the tender’s inner drawbar hole.
2
2
3
3
Power up your Torpedo with your transformer.
•Your Torpedo is designed to operate on 8-18 olts alternating current.
Virtually all Lionel and Lionel-compatible alternating-current transform-
ers are suitable; we recommend the TrainMaster Command model rail-
road control system.
•DO NOT POWER YOUR TORPEDO WITH DIRECT CURRENT (DC). Damage to
sensitive electronic components may occur.
•When you first power up your track, the Torpedo will wait between 3 and
8 seconds as it “listens” for digital language from the TrainMaster Command
Base (available separately). When it’s determined that it’s on a conventional
(nonCommand) railroad, the Torpedo’s headlight will illuminate and
Railsounds will fire up. At this point, the Torpedo is in neutral. (This occurs
when placing the Torpedo on your railroad for the first time. Thereafter, it
starts in forward after every three-second power interrupt.)
Note!
Move ‘em out!
•Get your Torpedo mo ing. Press the DIR button on your CAB-1
remote or Lionel transformer. This sequences the Lionel Command
reverse unit (LCRU2) to the next operating state.
•Adjust track oltage until your Torpedo moves at your desired speed.
1
1
3
3

4
4
T
o select a single operational state for
your Lionel Torpedo (example: for-
ward only), you can deactivate the
LCRU2’s sequencing function with the
reverse unit control switch, located on
the underside of the locomotive.
Get your locomotive moving in the
desired direction, then slow it down
without stopping. Set the reverse unit
control switch to PROGRAM/LOCK.
The Torpedo is now “locked” into your
chosen direction.
When you no longer want single-
direction operation, just slide the
reverse unit control switch back to
FORWARD/ RUN.
Locking your Torpedo into a single operational state
FORWARD/RUN PROGRAM/LOCK
Use this setting for
normal operations.
Use this setting to choose
a single operational state
like “forward.”
Transformer operations

L
ionel Railsounds is the most realistic
model railroad sound system in the
world. Your locomotive features the
Railsounds
Torpedo digital
sound system
for the ultimate
in realism.
Begin by in-
stalling a 9-volt
alkaline battery in
the tender. This
ensures full-fea-
ture operation of
Railsounds. The
battery com-
partment is
located beneath the tender’s removable coal
load. Connect the 9-volt alkaline battery to
the lead and replace the coal load.
When you first apply track power, the
Torpedo’s Railsounds system produces
sounds of the locomotive at rest. As the
Torpedo
moves, chuff-
ing begins,
increasing with
the locomo-
tive’s speed.
To silence the
steam chuffing
(whistle/bell are
unaffected), slide
the Railsounds
switch, located
beneath the coal
load, to the OFF
position before powering up the locomotive. The
whistle is activated by using the lever or but-
ton on your transformer or CAB-1.
5
5
Your Torpedo’s Railsounds system—the basics
Install a 9-volt alkaline batter in our Torpedo’s tender.
Although Railsounds is
powered by track voltage,
the batter is required for
uninterrupted operation.
Use only alkaline batteries.
Discontinue locomotive
power for 10 seconds before
changing the Railsounds
ON/OFF switch position.
If Railsounds “drops out” dur-
ing track power interrupts
(direction change), replace the
battery.
Note!
Note!
Note!
Volume control dial Railsounds ON/OFF switch

6
6
W
ith Railsounds, you experience
the sounds of real railroading like
never before. Simply put, it’s the most
sophisticated, authentic model railroad
sound system in the world. And
remember—inside your Lionel 238
Torpedo are the sounds of the
Railsounds Torpedo digital sound sys-
tem. No other electric train can offer
you authentic Torpedo sounds. That’s
the power of Lionel.
• Variable chuff rate. Your Torpedo’s
speed determines the steam chuff rate.
• MultiWhistleTM. Different whistles
ever time—a Railsounds exclusive.
• Authentic bell. Press B LL on your
CAB-1 or transformer to begin the
effect, again to discontinue. ven the
final “hit” is muted like the real thing.
• Re erse unit reset sound. Power
down your track, wait for 3-5 seconds,
and listen for the air-release sound—
that’s the Torpedo telling you its Lionel
Command reverse unit has just reset to
forward operation.
• Shutdown sequence. No other
model railroad sound system shuts
down like Railsounds. Turn off track
power, and after the air-release reset
sound, you have two seconds to restart
your Torpedo. If you’re done with oper-
ations, Railsounds will commence with
an authentic Torpedo shutdown
sequence about two seconds after the
air-release reset occurs.
Experiencing the range of your Torpedo’s Railsounds system
Notes on Railsounds
• Use the volume control dial, located
beneath the tender’s removable coal
load, to adjust sound output (see page 5).
• Listen for incidental engine sounds
during Railsounds operation. They’re
automatic and, of course, authentic.
• The 9-volt alkaline battery you installed
ensures continuous Torpedo sounds, even
during short track-power interrupts.
• Longer track-power interruptions (includ-
ing locomotive derailments) cause Rail-
sounds to shut down after about 7 seconds.
• For even more authentic Railsounds
effects, operate your Torpedo in the
TrainMaster Command environment. See
page 7 for details.
Transformer operations

TrainMaster Command operations
Your Torpedo in the TrainMaster Command environment
L
ionel TrainMaster Command is the fun
and sophisticated model railroad con-
trol system from Lionel. Your Torpedo
features the Lionel Command reverse
unit, which acts as both a conventional
reverse unit as well as the key to unlock-
ing many extra features when you oper-
ate in Command mode.
TrainMaster Command gives you the
power to operate multiple Command-
equipped locomotives on the same track,
at the same time. It’s the most fun you
can have with electric trains, and it’s
incredibly easy too! Just follow the
directions below and you’ll be on your
way.
TO OPERATE IN COMMAND, YOU NEED A
COMMAND BASE AND A CAB-1 REMOTE.
Find them both at your authorized
Lionel retailer.
Place your Torpedo on Lionel or Lionel-compatible
O gauge track.
•Make sure track power is OFF before placing it on track.
•Make sure your Lionel Command Base is ON and its communi-
cations wire is connected to the COMMON post on your Lionel
transformer or the U on any of your installed PowerMasters.
• Once positioned on the track, increase track oltage to FULL (on
PowerMaster, slide the CMD/CONV switch to CMD).
Address your Torpedo with CAB-1.
•Press ENG and 1 on the numeric keypad of your CAB-1 remote.
This command is sent by CAB-1 to the Command Base, which then
translates your commands into digital code. That code is sent
around your railroad’s outside rails in the form of a digital “halo.”
All Command-equipped Lionels listen to this digital communica-
tion, but they do not respond until they hear their own ID number.
• The digital language of TrainMaster Command—and not track
power—controls the actions of Command-equipped Lionels. Track
power is simply like gasoline in the tank of your car—it gives you
the power to go places, but it doesn’t tell you where to go or how
fast to get there.
•All Command-equipped Lionels come factory-programmed
with an ID# of “1.” To change your Torpedo’s ID#, see page 11.
Move ‘em out!
•Throttle up or press any command button on CAB-1. Your
Torpedo will respond to your ever command. Read on. The fun is
just beginning!
2
2
1
1
3
3
7
7

Tender’s rear cou-
pler releases. C OUPLER
RELEASE SOUNDS
.
8
8
Press AUX2 to turn
your Torpedo’s
headlight on and off.
Press WSTL/HRN to
activate the Torpedo’s
whistle, release to dis-
continue.
M ULTI -W HISTLE
STEAM WHISTLE SOUND
.
Press DIR—the loco-
motive decelerates to a
complete stop; turn the
throttle up, and the
locomotive moves in
the opposite direction.
TH R IS NO N UTRAL.
S TEAM AIR - RELEASE SOUND .
Press B LL once to
activate the bell,
again to discontinue.
T RADITIONAL BELL SOUND .
Press HALT to shut
down all PowerMaster
electrical output on
your railroad. Stops all
Command-equipped
Lionels in operation.
Turn the THROTTL
to the right to acceler-
ate, left to decelerate.
S
PEED - DEPENDENT VARIABLE
STEAM CHUFFING
. D YNA C HUFF
DYNAMIC CHUFFING EFFECT
.
CAB-1 commands for your Torpedo
C OUPLER RELEASE SOUNDS .
Press and hold BOOST
for extra power. Release
BOOST and return to the
locomotive’s previous
speed. L ABORED CHUFF
Press and hold BRAK
to slow down or stop. Re-
lease BRAK and return
to the previous speed.
S
QUEALING BRAKE SOUNDS .
TORPEDO RAILSOUNDS
EFFECTS IN BOLD ITALIC
Railsounds in the Command environment
Y
our Torpedo’s Railsounds system
gives you even more in the
TrainMaster Command environment.
• DynaChuffTM
.Real steam locomotive
chuffing depends on the locomotive’s
load. DynaChuff simulates both labored
and relaxed chuffing sounds. Highball
down the mainline and hear the labored
chuffing of a locomotive battling inertia.
Reduce your throttle setting, and chuffing
relaxes to a more sedate sound, as though
the load placed on the Torpedo has
decreased. xperience DynaChuff on
steep grades, at yard crawls, and at speed.
Another Railsounds exclusive.
• Bonus sounds like squealing brakes
with the CAB-1 BRAK command.
• Incidental sounds ou control with
CAB-1 numeric keypad commands, like
steam letoff and steam release effects.
SW ACC RTE TR ENG
®
WSTL / HRN
BELL
DIR
BOOSTAUX 1 COUPLER
BRAKEAUX 2 COUPLER
HALT
1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9
TrainMaster Command operations

9
9
W
hen you press AUX1 on CAB-1,
you turn the numeric key-
pad into 10 command but-
tons. The keypad “stays open”
and gives you access to extra
command features until you
press any top-row button
(SW, ACC, RT , TR, or NG). The
CAB-1 keypad overlay included
with your Torpedo is
designed to help you learn
the auxiliary features specific
to this classic locomotive.
T ORPEDO R AILSOUNDS EFFECTS IN BOLD ITALIC .
CAB-1 numeric keypad commands for your Torpedo
STEAM
ENGINE
RESET
VOLUME
SMOKE
➠
BLOW
OFF
SHUT
DOWN
OFF ON
STEAM
RELEASE
PRESS
& HOLD
SMOKE
BOOST
➠
START-UP
AUX1
0
Stops and resets the Torpedo
to FORWARD.
W HISTLE BLOWS . H EADLIGHT
FLICKERS
.
1
Raises the volume of Railsounds.
S
OUND VOLUME INCREASES .
2
Reserved for future use.
3
Starts up Railsounds. S TARTUP SEQUENCE
COMMENCES
. STEAM BLOWOFF SOUND .
4
Lowers the volume of Rail-
sounds.
S OUND VOLUME DECREASES .
5
Activates the Railsounds steam
shutdown sequence. Just like the
real thing, our Torpedo must be idle for
shutdown to occur.
S TEAM SHUTDOWN COMMENCES .
Remember, the whistle and bell will
not sound until you restart
Railsounds.
6S
TEAM RELEASE SOUND.
7
Reserved for future use.
8
Turns off the smoke generator.
9
Turns on the smoke generator.
Press and hold 9 (10 seconds max-
imum) to initiate Smoke Boost™—it
superheats the smoke generator and
enhances smoke output when you
start running your Torpedo.
Always keep smoke
fluid in your Torpedo’s
smoke generator. Using
Smoke Boost with
depleted fluid can dam-
age the generator’s ele-
ment.
Note!

10
10
Tuning your Torpedo’s performance
MOMENTUM
Simulate the labored performance of
a locomotive pulling a heavy load with
momentum. Press L, M, or H (located
under CAB-1’s removable panel) for
light, medium, or heavy momentum.
The LCRU2 remembers the setting until
you change it. For delayed response,
use H. For quick response, choose L.
BOOSTING AND BRAKING
Use the BOOST and BRAK com-
mand buttons for incremental control
of speed and a superior method for han-
dling grades, stops-and-starts, and
more. Plus, using BRAK in the
Command environment gives you a
bonus Railsounds effect—the ultrareal-
istic sound of squealing brakes.
STALL
Make your Torpedo feel more respon-
sive by setting a “stall” voltage. Get your
locomotive moving, then press S T; the
Torpedo will stop. The headlight will flash,
indicating it’s in the S T mode. Turn the
throttle clockwise to get the engine mov-
ing, then decrease speed until the locomo-
tive just stops. Then press S T again; the
LCRU2 remembers the stall setting until
you change it. To clear stall, press S T
twice, holding it for one second each time.
HIGH VOLTAGE SETTING
Press S T, headlight will flash. Get your
locomotive moving to the maximum
speed you want it to run, press BOOST.
Use this to keep your locomotive from acci-
dentally being derailed at high speed.
SOUND QUALITY
To achieve your preferred Railsounds
master volume level, use the volume
control dial located beneath the tender’s
coal hatch doors. Turn the dial left or
right to adjust the volume to your liking.
For quick remote-control of volume
below the master setting—like muting—
use the CAB-1 numeric keypad’s vol-
ume control. Pressing AUX1 and 4 on
the keypad lowers overall Railsounds
output.
Maintaining your Torpedo’s handrail antenna
Y
our Torpedo’s handrails are more
than just model grab irons—they’re
the LCRU2’s antenna for receiving
Command Base digital communica-
tions. Please handle the Torpedo carefull to
avoid handrail damage. To ensure opti-
mum reception, both handrails are
insulated from the die-cast shell. If your
Torpedo experiences difficulty receiv-
ing Base communications, check the
handrail ends in the cab and pilot for
the presence of insulating material.
nsure each stanchion is present and
enjoys a proper fit. Finally, prevent the
handrails from touching any part of the
die-cast locomotive cab.
TrainMaster Command operations