Lionel 4-8-4 GS-4 Northern User manual

Featuring
Lionel
4-8-4 GS-4 Northern
Locomotive and Tender
Owner’s Manual
Lionel
4-8-4 GS-4 Northern
Locomotive and Tender
Owner’s Manual
71-1127-250
2/08

Congratulations!
Congratulations on your purchase of the Lionel GS-4 Northern locomotive and tender! On the outside, this locomotive features numerous prototypical details and expert decoration
in your favorite livery. Inside the body, this locomotive is equipped with some of the most
advanced sounds and controls in model railroading. This powerful locomotive is ready for
duty on your layout.
Features of this locomotive
• LEGACY Control System equipped—able to run with the new LEGACY
Control System, in the TrainMaster Command Control environment, or in
the conventional environment with only a standard transformer
• Odyssey II Speed Control with ON/OFF switch
• Five official railroad speeds with ÇrewTalk dialog
• Refined Conventional Transformer Control Mode with lower starting
speeds, improved smoke output
• High-torque Pittman®motor with momentum flywheel
• Puffing synchronized fan-driven smoke unit with adjustable smoke output
• Illuminated headlight and backup lights on locomotive
• Illuminated flashing “MARS” light on locomotive
• Illuminated classification lights on locomotive
• Wireless Tether connection between locomotive and tender
• LEGACY RailSounds sound system with real-time quilling whistle
• Dual FatBoy speakers for the ultimate in sound reproduction
• ElectroCoupler on rear of tender
• Illuminated marker lights on rear of tender
• Minimum curve: O-54
2
The following Lionel marks may be used throughout this instruction manual and are protected under law. All
rights reserved.
Lionel®, TrainMaster®, Odyssey®, RailSounds®, CrewTalk™, TowerCom™, DynaChuff™, StationSounds™,
Pullmor®, ElectroCoupler™, Magne-Traction®, CAB-1®Remote Controller, PowerMaster®, Lionel
ZW®, ZW®, PowerHouse®, TMCC®, Lionelville™, Lockon®, Wireless Tether™, LionMaster®, FatBoy™,
American Flyer®, TrainSounds™, PowerMax™, LEGACY™, PowerMax™Plus
The name FasTrack®is used with permission from Pitsco, Inc.

Table of contents
Quick Start
LEGACY Control operations 4
TrainMaster Command Control operations 4
Transformer operations 4
LEGACY Control System operations
Get ready to run 5
Start ‘Er Up 5
The LEGACY CAB-2 Controller 6
The Velocity Throttle 7
The Multi-Controller 7-8
The Train Brake Slider 8
The Warning Sound Controller 9
The Speed Bar 10
MARS light 11
Locomotive switch function overview
Switch overview 12
TrainMaster Command Control operations
TrainMaster Command Control operations 13
Operating your locomotive in the Command Control environment 13
CAB-1 Remote Controller commands 14
CAB-1 Remote Controller numeric keypad commands 15
Tuning your locomotive’s chuff intensity and performance 16-17
Assigning your locomotive a new ID# 17
Reprogramming your locomotive to restore features 18
Conventional transformer operations
Operating your locomotive in the conventional environment 19-20
Locking your locomotive into a single direction 21
Uncoupling in the conventional environment 22
Odyssey II Speed Control system operations
Odyssey II Speed Control system operations 23
Odyssey II Speed Control system LEGACY Control operation 23
Odyssey II Speed Control system TrainMaster Command Control operation 23
Odyssey II Speed Control system conventional transformer operation 23
LEGACY RailSounds Sound System operations
LEGACY RailSounds sound system operations 24
Installing the battery 25-26
Using the LEGACY RailSounds sound system in the TrainMaster Command Control environment 27
Using the LEGACY RailSounds sound system in the conventional environment 28
Installing a Lionel Sound Activation Button for conventional operation 29
Activating the CrewTalk dialog and TowerCom announcements in the conventional environment 30
Maintaining and servicing your locomotive
Adding fluid to your locomotive’s smoke generator 31
Adjusting the smoke output 31
Lubricating your locomotive 32
Maintaining your locomotive’s handrail antenna 33
Servicing your locomotive’s lamps 33
Tire-Traction 34
Installing the O gauge front coupler 35
Limited Warranty/Lionel Service 36
3

Quick Start
Power your locomotive with an alternating-current (AC) transformer only. Powering your
locomotive with a direct-current (DC) transformer, or in excess of 19 volts AC, may result
in damage to sensitive electronic components.
LEGACY Control operations
For the finest operating experience, your locomotive is fully compatible with the new LEGACY Control
System.
To operate in LEGACY mode, you need a LEGACY
Command Base and LEGACY CAB-2 Remote Controller.
Both products are offered together in the LEGACY
Command Set, 6-14295.
1. Turn off track power and plug in the LEGACY Base.
2. Place your locomotive on Lionel or Lionel-compatible O-54 or larger track
and connect the drawbar between the locomotive and tender as illustrated
in Figure 1.
3. Increase track power voltage to full power (no more than 19 volts AC).
4. Press ENG and 1 to address your locomotive with your LEGACY CAB-2
Remote Controller.
5. Throttle up and move ‘em out.
TrainMaster Command Control operations
To operate your locomotive in the Command Control environment, you need a Command Base (available separately, 6-12911) and a CAB-1 Remote Controller (available separately, 6-12868).
1. Turn off track power and plug-in the Command Base.
2. Place your locomotive on Lionel or Lionel-compatible O-54 or larger track
and connect the drawbar between the locomotive and tender as illustrated
in Figure 1.
3. Increase track voltage to full power (no more than 19 volts AC).
4. Press ENG and 1 to address your locomotive with your CAB-1 Remote
Controller.
5. Throttle up and move ‘em out.
Transformer operations
1. Place your locomotive on Lionel or Lionel-compatible O-54 or larger track
and connect the drawbar between the locomotive and tender as illustrated
in Figure 1.
2. Power your locomotive at 12-18 volts with your alternating current (AC)
transformer.
3. Wait three to eight seconds until the locomotive’s headlight illuminates
and the LEGACY RailSounds sound system starts up.
4. Move ‘em out! Press the DIRECTION button on your controller, then
throttle up. 4
Note!
Figure 1. Drawbar connection

5
LEGACY Control System operations
This section is a brief overview of the LEGACY Control System. For a more in depth
explanation of the LEGACY Control System features, please see your LEGACY Control
System Operations Manual.
GET READY TO RUN
Get your engine running now by following the instructions in this guide. We'll power up the track, "address the engine" so it can be controlled by your CAB-2 remote and learn to use the
Velocity Throttle, Whistle, Bell, Brake and Direction commands.
Power Up The Track
Refer to PowerMaster, TPC, or ZW manual for the correct method to power up. With your
locomotive on the track and ready to roll, power-up your track to a constant 18 volts. If a circuit
breaker trips when you turn on the Lionel power supply, check the wheels of your locomotive to
make sure they are all securely on the track. Check to make sure the track is free of all metals that
may cause a short circuit.
Address Your Engine
First, you must address the engine. This "tells" your CAB-2 which locomotive you want to
control. This is important when you have more than one engine on your layout.
To address an engine:
1. Press ENG
2. Press 1
3. Press Start Up
See reference numbers 1, 2, and 3
Start 'Er Up
Now it is time to start up your engine's sound system.
To start the engine's Railsounds system, press Start on the touch-screen or any action key
(Whistle, Bell, Velocity Throttle, etc.).
Your engine sound system will start up and the Touch-screen Control Panel will appear.
Note!

LEGACY Control System operations
The LEGACY CAB-2 Remote Controller
6
Main Display
Displays real-time information about your railroad
system. Displays real-time feedback of operation.
Scroll Button
Navigates through the entire list
of Engines, Trains, Switches, etc.
Select Button
Performs addressing by
3-4 digit road number.
Touch Screen Key Pad
A group of touch sensitive keys
with icons for each function. These
keys serve many purposes and
their icons change accordingly.
Train Brake Slider
This slider is used to increase
or decrease the amount of Train
Brake effecting the engine or train.
Train Link Button
For future use.
AUX-1/Thru Button
Press to view the Control Panel
while operating. Controls switch
direction.
AUX-2/Out Button
Controls switch direction.
Emergency Halt Button
Stops everything on
layout, also stops
recording playback.
Record Button
Used to record and
playback events.
Velocity Throttle
Throttle control over
engines, also used
to navigate thru info/
options.
Set Button
Used to set Engine address and for
programming.
Info Button
Used to enter/view the info/options of
selected components.
CTC Button
Turns the Remote Control ON and
OFF. Used to enter the Remote and
Base options. Pressing CTC while
in a menu will always bring you
back to main screen.
Soft Keys
These keys directly correlate to the
5 selection boxes located at the
bottom of the main screen. These
are also used in the info/option
menus to select options.
Warning Sound Controller
Warning Bell and Variable Whistle/
Horn control. Pull down to sound
Whistle/Horn. Push up and release
to trigger Warning Bell.
Official R.R. Speed Control Bar
Toggles the touchscreen display of R.R.
preset speeds and control panel.
Multi Controller
Boost, Brake, and Direction control.
Rock forward for Boost, rock
backward for engine brake, and
press down for direction change.
Click-hold-and rock for absolute
direction slect.
Front & Rear Coupler Buttons
Fire couplers.
Feedback Buttons
Toggle ON/OFF the vibration feedback
feature in the CAB-2 Remote.
Low, Medium, High Momentum Buttons
Used to select the desired momentum of
your addressed engine/train/accessory.

7
LEGACY Control System operations
THE VELOCITY THROTTLE
The Velocity Throttle (that big red rotary knob in the middle of your Lionel remote) is used to start your engine moving, slow it down or speed it up. Use it simply by turning it
clockwise (speed up) or counter-clockwise (slow down).
4. Turn the Velocity Throttle clockwise a small amount. Your engine will begin to move.
5. Experiment with the engine’s response to the Velocity Throttle. Turn the Velocity Throttle
clock-wise and counter-clock-wise.
6. Slow and stop your engine by turning the Velocity Throttle counter-clockwise.
See reference numbers 4, 5, and 6
See reference numbers 7, and 8
THE MULTI-CONTROLLER
Direction
The direction of your engine toggles between forward and reverse at the touch of the Multi-
Controller.
7. Press the Multi-Controller once. Your engine's lights will change directions.
8. Turn the Velocity Throttle clockwise a small amount. Your Engine will reverse directions
and travel in the opposite direction.

8
LEGACY Control System operations
THE MULTI-CONTROLLER (continued)
Boost & Brake
Boost and brake give you another way to
control the speed of your train. Boost gives your
loco a temporary increase in tractive power, and
returns to the previous speed when you release the
control, while the brake command slows you down
quicker than the Velocity Throttle alone and holds
your speed at the adjusted level.
9. Experiment with Boost and Brake. Notice how
your engine responds to the Multi-Controller. See reference number 9
THE TRAIN BRAKE SLIDER
A
Train Brake is used to slow down and limit the top speed of your train by adding a load.
The more the Train Brake is applied by pulling the Train Brake Slider down, the more
laboring is heard from the engine. Eventually Train Brake application will slow down the train
and it is even possible to stop a train by pulling the Train Brake Slider all the way down. A
tremendous amount of laboring can be heard whenever you apply the Train Brake in a large
amount.
10. Experiment with the Train Brake. Try a small amount of the Train Brake when your
engine is moving down the rails at a medium speed. Notice the effect the Train Brake has
on sound and speed. Try adding more Train brake and notice that the Train Brake can
limit the top speed available to your engine.
Try adding even more Train Brake and notice that the Engine sounds like it is working
harder and harder as the Train Brake is applied more.
See reference number 10

9
LEGACY Control System operations
THE WARNING SOUND CONTROLLER
Warning sounds are an important part of Lionel Railroading. Your Lionel Legacy Control System equipped engines have a real-time variable "quilling" whistle and horn, while
Lionel TMCC engines do not have this feature.
11. Blow the Horn/Whistle by pulling down on the Warning Sound Controller.
12. Try pulling down the Warning Sound Controller various amounts and listen. Notice the
difference in intensity of the Whistle or Horn.
13. Push the Warning Sound Controller up once and quickly release. Notice that the bell rings
once.
14. Push the Warning Sound Controller up and hold it for 1.5 seconds. Notice that the Bell is
sounding continuously.
15. Push the Warning Sound Controller up once. Notice that the continuous Bell stops.
16. Experiment with ringing the Bell in your own rhythm or continuously, depending on how
you push the Warning Sound Controller
See reference numbers 11, and 12 See reference numbers 13, 14, 15, and 16

10
LEGACY Control System operations
THE SPEED BAR
Selection of Official Rail Road Speeds
The Speed Bar is used to select a new touch-screen Icon Control set. This set of touch- screen keys is used to select official Railroad Speeds. Two additional controls, "High Ball,"
(Top Speed) and "Brake to Roll," (speed step one) are possible with this Touch-Screen set of
controls. Pressing AUX-1 returns you to the standard control panel.
17. Press, hold and release the
RR Speed icons one by one.
Experiment.
18. The speed of the engine
changes with each press and
release of a different RR
Speed key.
19. TowerCom dialog occurs each
time you press and hold a RR
speed key.
20. The Engineer dialog
responds and the speed of the
engine changes as soon as
you release the RR speed key.
21. If you touch a RR speed
key and release it quickly, a
speed change is enabled with
no dialog scene.
22. You can also use the Velocity
Throttle and other action
controls in this mode and
continue to use Official RR
speeds at the same time.
23. Repeat step 17.
24. Press AUX-1 to leave the RR speed mode and return to the standard mode and return to
the standard control panel.
25. Press the speed bar to toggle between the Official RR Speed Control Panel and the
Standard Control Panel.
At this point you know the basics of how to operate. There is a lot of fun waiting as you
experience the interaction of the controls and the touch-screen.
Be sure to read the entire Lionel Legacy Control System Manual to get the most from your
Lionel products.
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50
35
20
See reference numbers 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25