Lionel 249 Steam Freight/ Passenger Set User manual

No. 249 Steam
Freight/ Passenger Set
Operation Manual
Traditional Version
www.lionelcorporation.com
PLEASE READ BEFORE USE AND SAVE

Table of Contents
SetUpChecklist ................................................3
GettingStarted .................................................4
AssemblingRealTrax.....................................4
ConnectingtheTransformer................................4
LubricatingtheEngine....................................5
CouplingtheEngineandCars...............................5
PlacingtheEngineontheTrack.............................5
BasicOperation.................................................6
ActivatingFeatures.......................................6
Maintenance....................................................8
Lubrication and Greasing Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
CleaningtheWheelsandTrack..............................9
Compatibility..................................................11
TransformerCompatibilityChart.................................12
Service and Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Locomotive Light Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Passenger Light Bulb Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
CAUTION: ELECTRICALLY OPERATED PRODUCT:
WARNING: Whenusingelectrical products,basicsafetyprecautionsshouldbeobserved,includingthefollowing:
Readthismanualthoroughlybeforeusingthisdevice.
lM.T.H. recommends that all users and persons supervising use examine the hobby transformer and other electronic equipment
periodically for conditions that may result in the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, such as damage to the primary
cord, plug blades, housing, output jacks or other parts. In the event such conditions exist, the train set should not be used until
properlyrepaired.
lDonotoperateyourlayoutunattended. Obstructedaccessoriesorstalledtrainsmayoverheat,resultingindamagetoyourlayout.
lThistrainsetisintendedforindooruse. Donotuseifwaterispresent. Seriousinjuryorfatalitymayresult.
lDonotoperatethehobbytransformerwithdamagedcord,plug,switches,buttonsorcase.
lThe transformer was designed to operate on regular US household current (120 volt, 50-60 Hertz). Do not connectto any other
sourceofpower.
lTo avoid the risk of electrical shock, do not disassemble the transformer unit. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. If the
unitisdamagedcontactM.T.H.Serviceforinstructions.
lThe transformer is equipped with an internal circuit protector. If the circuit protector trips, unplug the power cord from the
electrical wall outlet, check your layout for any short circuits. The circuit breaker will reset automatically when the short is
removedfromthecircuit.
lUnplugthetransformerfromtheelectricalwalloutletwhennotinuse.
lDonotusethistransformerforotherthanitsintendedpurpose.
Transformer Ratings:
Input: 120 VAC, 60 Hz Only, Outpu
Recommended for Ages 14 and up. Not recommended for children under 14 years of age without adult supervision. As
with all electric products, precautions should be observed during handling and use to prevent electric shock.
t: Z-500: 18VAC, 54W
This product may be protected by one or more of the following patents: 6,019,289; 6,280,278; 6,281,606;
6,291,263; 6,457,681; 6,491,263; 6,604,641; 6,619,594; 6,624,537; 6,655,640.
©2011, M.T.H. Electric Trains, Columbia, MD 21046

Tools Needed
Cotton Swab or Rag
Philips Screwdriver
M.T.H. Maintenance Kit (30-50051)
Battery ChargerOptional (50-1019) Pliers Scissors
Set Includes
8-Pieces O-31 Curve
RealTrax (40-1002)
4-Pieces
Straight RealTrax
(40-1001)
Lighted Lock-On
(40-1003)
Real Trax
wire harness (40-1015)
You can obtain replacement parts and replacement instructions from the
M.T.H. Parts Department (Order online: www.mthtrains.com, e-mail:
[e-mail],Fax: [phone], Phone: [phone], Mail: 7020
Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532).
Set Up Checklist
rAssemble RealTrax®
rLubricate the engine
rConnect the transformer
rPlace the engine and cars on the track and couple them together
rApply power to run as described in the Basic Operation section of these
instructions
No. 249 Steam Freight/Passenger Set (Traditional)
3
rSteam Locomotive
and Tender
r3 Cars
Controller
Transformer

Knock-out must be removed
before remote lock-on can
be installed
Remove knock-out from
outer edge of track by
holding and twisting up
with a pair of pliers
REMOVE TAB
FROM OUTER EDGE
STEP
1
STEP
2
Gently push together RealTrax
Insert lock-on into
knock-out tab
(Lock-on is the interface between
the track and transformer)
Make sure the metal
contacts line up. Align Quick
Connect Plugs
REMOVE TAB
FROM OUTER EDGE
STEP STEP STEP
3
STEP
4
STEP
5
STEP
6
-750
DIRECTION
BELL
HORN
WHISTLE
POWER
AIL ING
RK
By MTH Electric Trains
®
TRANSFORMER CONTROLLER
OFF
FULL
POWER
Also functions as a binding post.
Red Harness
Wire/Plug
Red Harness
Wire/Plug
Black Harness
Wire/Plug Black Harness
Wire/Plug
Getting Started
®
Assembling RealTrax
The quick connectors and built-in roadbed allow you to set up RealTrax anywhere,
including carpeted surfaces.
Connecting the Transformer
The transformer included with this set provides an easy-to-use, safe power source for
AC-powered trains and accessories.
To complete the connection between the track and the transformer, simply plug in the
color-coded wire harness that was included in your set and plug the transformer into
your wall outlet.
• Plug the wire from the transformer into the Z-Controller’s center port.
!Connect the Wires from the Z-Controller to the Lighted Lock-On, being sure that
the
!wires are connected from red-to-red and black-to-black.
!Unplug when not in use
No. 249 Steam Freight/Passenger Set
4
(Traditional)

DO NOT
OVER OIL
DO NOT
OVER OIL
Lubricate Axles Lubricate Pick-Up Roller Axles
Idler Gears Lubricate
Leading Truck Pivot Point and Axle
Lubricating and Greasing the Engine
Before operating, lubricate all exposed moving parts using a multi-purpose
oil (available with M.T.H.'s Maintenance Kit, sold separately) or a light
household oil. Follow the lubrication points.
Position armature for proper
operation by lifting up on the
coupler latch arm making sure the
couplers are together and then
releasing the coupler latch arm.
STEP
1
Coupling the Engine and Cars
Placing The Engine On The Track
To connect the engine to the tender lift the engine slightly and connect the hole in the
drawbar of the engine around the pin at the front of the tender. Once these have been
connected, you may place the engine on the track (See Below).
No. 249 Steam Freight/Passenger Set
5
(Traditional)
Place around
the pin at front
of tender

The Throttle knob controls how fast your train will travel.
The locomotive is stopped, started and reversed by means of the reversing ‘E-Unit’
located inside the locomotive. The E-Unit is a three position sequence relay which
cycles whenever current to the locomotive is interrupted. This can be done by
operating the ‘direction’ control on the transformer, or by moving the transformer
voltage control to the OFF position. The sequence of its operation is Forward,
Neutral, Reverse, Neutral, etc. In other words, if the locomotive is in forward
motion, operate the ‘Direction’ control once to stop it, and twice to reverse it.
If you want to operate the train in one direction only, which is necessary if you
have automatic stations or Insulated blocks in your layout, you must ‘lock-out’ the
E-Unit. Make sure the locomotive is moving in the desired direction then stop it.
Now, move the E-Unit lever (located at the rear of the motor) to its OFF position
or toward the right side of the locomotive. If the E-Unit is ‘locked out’ while it is
in the Neutral position, the locomotive will not run at all. Also, because the E-Unit
works partially by gravity, it will not operate properly if the locomotive is held on
its side or upside down. To resume normal operation move the E unit level to the
left.
Basic Operation
Activating Features
Throttle- To increase or decrease track voltage, and therefore train speed, turn the
throttle control knob. Turning clockwise will increase voltage and speed, while
turning counterclockwise will decrease voltage and speed. The engine will maintain
the speed you set after you release the throttle until you turn it again to change the
voltage and speed.
Cycle Phases
Neutral
Neutral
ForwardReverse
E-Unit Lever
No. 249 Steam Freight/Passenger Set
6
(Traditional)

Whistle- If your model includes a whistle, to sound the whistle, firmly press the
horn/whistle button on your transformer or controller. The whistle will sound for
as long as you continue to depress the button. It will stop when you release the
button.
No. 249 Steam Freight/Passenger Set
7
(Traditional)

DO NOT
OVER OIL
DO NOT
OVER OIL
Maintenance
Lubricating and Greasing Instructions
The engine should be oiled and greased in order to run properly.
Regularly lubricate all axles and linkage components, including pickup roller
axles, to prevent squeaking. Use light household oil, such as that found in
M.T.H.'s maintenance kit. Do not over oil. Use only a drop or two on each
pivot point.
No. 249 Steam Freight/Passenger Set
8
(Traditional)
Lubricate Axles Lubricate Pick-Up Roller Axles
Idler Gears Lubricate
Leading Truck Pivot Point and Axle

Lubricate pickup
rollers, where axle
meets wheel and
where axle meets
truck side.
Track Cleaning Block (40-1099) Maintenance Kit (30-50010)
Car
Cleaning the Wheels and Track
40-1099)
Lubrication
Use a light household oil for lubrication.
Apply oil sparingly, using a toothpick or
small applicator. Add a drop of oil to the
axle holes in the front and rear of each wheel
(see photo below). Wipe away excess oil
with a cotton swab.
Periodically check the locomotive wheels and
pickups for dirt and buildup, which can cause poor
electrical contact and traction. Wheels and tires
can be cleaned using denatured (not rubbing)
alcohol applied with a cotton swab.
To clean the track, use RailKing Track Cleaning
Fluid found in Maintenance Kit (30-50010) or
denatured (not rubbing) alcohol and a clean rag. Unplug the transformer and wipe the
rails of the track, turning the rag frequently to ensure that you are using clean cloth on the
rails. Thereafter, keep an eye on the track and clean it when it gets dirty to ensure good
electrical contact and to lengthen the life of the tires.
Clean any type of track with this heavy-duty track cleaning block ( . Durably
constructed from ABS plastic, the block includes a built-in cleaning pad. For really
stuborn track, you can insert sandpaper into the block in just a few quick steps.
No. 249 Steam Freight/Passenger Set
9
(Traditional)

Locomotive Light Bulb Replacement
Rotate the headlight bulb counter-clockwise to remove.
Removable Light
No. 249 Steam Freight/Passenger Set
10
(Traditional)
Roof Plate Screw Replaceable Light
Passenger Car Light Bulb Replacement
To replace the interior light bulbs remove the screw in the center of the roof plate.