Lionel 73-0020-250 User manual

73-0020-250
12/06
North Pole Central
Chrimas Train
Read-to-Run Set
Owner’s Manual
CAUTION—ELECTRIC TOY
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER EIGHT YEARS OF AGE. AS WITH
ALL ELECTRIC PRODUCTS, PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE OBSERVED DURING
HANDLING AND USE TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.
TRANSFORMER RATINGS—INPUT: 120 VAC; 60 HZ ONLY.
AC OUTPUT: 18 V; 30 VA

Congratulations!
2
Congratulations on your purchase of the ready-to-run North Pole Central Christmas Train Set! This set features everything you need to get started—a mighty PowerMax Transformer, a huge
loop of easy-to-assemble FasTrack track, a string of detailed cars, and a powerful Lionel locomotive.
Have fun growing with this complete train set! Start with the set components, then follow
your imagination into your own miniature world. Expand your railroad empire with addition-
al FasTrack track sections, enhance your layout with accessories, lengthen your consist with
extra cars, or operate a new locomotive at the head end of your train! Explore the possibilities
at your authorized Lionel dealer.
Use this Owner’s Manual to learn how to set up, operate, and maintain your train set for
years of reliable operation.
The transformer included with this set should be periodically
examined for conditions that may result in the risk of fire,
electric shock, or injury to persons (such as damage to the
output cord, blades, housing, or other parts). In the event that
such conditions exist, the transformer should not be used until
properly repaired.
Parents!
North Pole Central Christmas Train Set Features
Bright
headlight
Puffing
smoke
Operating
couplers
Christmas
music
boxcar
Animated
chase
gondola
Lighted
caboose
interior
Air whistle
Forward-Neutral-Reverse
operation
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™
The name FasTrack®is used with permission from Pitsco, Inc.

North Pole Central Christmas Train Set Inventory
• 4-4-2 Locomotive
• Tender with air whistle
• Christmas music boxcar
• Animated chase gondola
• Square window caboose
• PowerMax Transformer with accessory wire
• Three straight FasTrack track sections
• Eight curved FasTrack track sections
• One straight FasTrack terminal track section
• Smoke fluid
• Replacement traction tire
• Owner’s Manual
• Lionel RailRoader Club flyer
3
Table of contents
Creating your layout
Operating your PowerMax Transformer safely 4
Building your Lionel layout 5
Joining the FasTrack track sections 5
Wiring your PowerMax Transformer 6
Running your train
Running your train set 7
Adding smoke fluid to your locomotive’s smoke generator 8
Coupling 9
Operating your train 10
Operating your Christmas music boxcar 11
Experiencing the features of the PowerMax Transformer 12-13
Reverse unit procedure 14
PowerMax Transformer operation
Powering your layout with the PowerMax Transformer 15
Lubricating your locomotive 16
Replacing your locomotive’s traction tire 17
Replacing your locomotive’s headlamp 18
Lubricating the gears on your Chase Gondola 19
Replacing your Square Window Caboose lamp 20
Advanced connections: powering two isolated blocks with two transformers 21
Troubleshooting 22
Notees 23
Limited Warranty/Lionel Service 24

Operating your PowerMax Transformer safely
4
Your Lionel PowerMax Transformer is listed by Underwriter’s Laboratory Inc. and has been carefully designed to ensure peak performance. When using electrical products, basic
safety precautions should be maintained.
Be sure to observe the following guidelines:
• Read the manual thoroughly before using this device.
• This device is not recommended for children under eight years of age.
• Parents should periodically inspect this product for potential hazards and, if necessary,
have them repaired by an authorized Lionel Service Center. In the event that such a condi-
tion exists, the transformer should not be used until it has been properly repaired.
• The PowerMax Transformer is intended to be used indoors. Do not use this device if water
is present. Serious or fatal injuries may result.
• Use the PowerMax Transformer only for its intended purpose.
• The PowerMax Transformer was meant to operate on 120-volt, 60-Hertz power. Do not con-
nect this product to any other power supply.
• Do not operate the PowerMax Transformer with a damaged cord, plug, or case.
• To avoid the risk of electrical shock, do not disassemble the unit. There are no user service-
able parts inside. If damaged, take this product to an authorized Lionel Service Center.
• Do not operate the PowerMax Transformer on your layout unattended. Obstructed acces-
sories or stalled trains may overheat, resulting in damage to your layout.
• Always unplug the PowerMax Transformer from the power source when not in use.
• Never insert objects into the ventilation slots on this product. Damage to sensitive
electronic components can result.
Creating your layout

Joining the FasTrack track sections
FasTrack track sections join together easily. With interlocking roadbed sections and large rail tabs, the track fits together securely so you always get good electrical contact. Take a
look at Figure 2 to see how to join the track sections.
1. Line up your two sections of track.
2. Insert the rail tabs into the openings at the ends of the corresponding
rails.
3. Press the sections together until the interlocking roadbed snaps into
place.
Figure 2. Joining the track sections
Building your Lionel layout
Your set comes with eight curved, three straight, and one terminal section of track. Figure 1 provides some examples of layouts that you can build with these track sections.
By adding more FasTrack track sections, you can create an endless number of exciting
track arrangements for more fun, action, and variety. The railroad empire of your dreams can
quickly become a reality!
Creating your layout
Figure 1. Track layout ideas
5
Rail tab

Wiring your PowerMax Transformer
6
Creating your layout
Connect your FasTrack terminal section to the PowerMax Transformer. Use the wires that are already attached to the terminal section. Make sure that all connections are secure.
Loose connections can produce extremely high temperatures. For this reason, do not touch
the terminals or track connections during use. Also, do not locate scenery materials such as
lichen or ground foam near the terminals.
1. Feed the wires through the notch in the FasTrack terminal section. Refer to
Figure 3.
2. Loosen the red TRACK thumbscrew terminal, then slide the spade-
shaped connector on the red wire into position. The thumbscrew post should
be positioned between the “blades” of the spade connector. Be sure that the blades are
touching the metal post. Tighten the thumbscrew to secure the connection.
3. Loosen the black TRACK thumbscrew terminal, then slide the spade-
shaped connector on the black wire into position. Tighten the thumbscrew to
secure the connection. Be sure that the blades are touching the metal post. Tighten the
thumbscrew to secure the connection.
4. Plug the PowerMax Transformer into your wall outlet (120 volts).
As your layout expands, you may also make power connections with the stripped ends
of wires, placing no more than two wires on each terminal. For best performance on
large layouts, it is recommended that you use 16-gauge wire to connect your PowerMax
Transformer to the track. On larger layouts where several track connections are required,
the use of separate junctions/terminal strips (available at your local electronics store) is
recommended to prevent voltage drops.
To prevent the excessive build up of heat, be sure to select the proper wire gauge
for your layout. Track connections must be made with 18-gauge wire or heavier.
Larger layouts require a minimum of 16-gauge wire.
Caution!
Figure 3. Controller connections
FasTrack terminal section
Notch
Spade-shaped
connector

7
Running your trains
Running your train set
With track power off, place your train set on the track.
Refer to page 8 for information on coupling the cars.
3
3
2
4
Power up your locomotive with your transformer.
Your locomotive is designed to operate on 7-15 volts alternating cur-
rent. Virtually all Lionel and Lionel-compatible alternating-current transformers
are suitable.
Do not power your locomotive with direct-current (DC) transformers.
The locomotive was designed for use with alternating-current (AC)
transformers only.
Move ‘em out!
Get your locomotive moving. Your locomotive goes through a repeating pattern
of operations: forward, neutral, reverse, neutral, and so on. To sequence the reverse
unit, press the DIRECTION button on your transformer, or briefly bring the throttle
all the way back to the OFF position and then forward. Each press of the DIRECTION
button or interruption in track power causes the locomotive to advance to the next
operational state.
Adjust track voltage until your locomotive moves at your desired speed.
1
Connect the drawbar between the locomotive and tender.
See Figure 4.
If the smoke unit switch is in the ON position, add smoke fluid to your
locomotive’s stack to prevent damage to the smoke unit. Refer to
page 8 for additional information.
Caution!
Note!
Figure 4. Drawbar connection

Running your train
8
Adding smoke fluid to your locomotive’s smoke generator
Y
our locomotive is equipped with a smoke generator that produces safe, clean white smoke
during operation if the smoke unit switch is in the ON position. Refer to Figure 8 on
page 14 for the location of the switch.
The smoke generator requires the periodic addition of Lionel smoke fluid in order to function.
A small bottle of smoke fluid is included with this set. Press down and unscrew the cap. Pierce
the end of the nozzle with a pin, then add about four drops of fluid directly into the locomotive’s
stack. Smoke production commences momentarily. It will start faster if you run your locomotive
at higher speeds. When smoke production decreases, add more fluid (about four drops). An idle
locomotive will not smoke.
Smoke production is greater at higher voltages and when the locomotive is pulling a heavy
load or a long consist.
Caution! When the smoke unit switch is in the ON position, always keep a small amount
of smoke fluid in the locomotive’s smoke generator; the generator’s element
can become damaged if operated without smoke fluid. This is particularly true
if your locomotive sits in neutral for an extended period of time without smoke
fluid in the generator.
If you prefer to operate the locomotive without smoke or you do not want to add
smoke fluid, slide the smoke unit switch to the OFF position.
Note!

9
Running your train
Coupling
When coupling your cars, at least one of the mating couplers must be open as shown at the left in Figure 5. Press down on the lock release to open the coupler, then push the cars toward
each other until they lock together.
Keep in mind that it’s easier to couple cars on a straight stretch of track.
Lock release
Figure 5. Coupler operation
Note!

10
Operating your trains with the PowerMax Transformer
You’re clear for departure! Move the throttle control handle forward to increase power to the track. The farther forward you push the handle, the faster your train will go.
Quickly shutting off or throwing the throttle all the way forward will not result in
an instant change in track voltage.
When operating in the conventional (non-Command) environment, remember that the great-
er the load on the engine (adding more cars for the engine to pull, for example), the farther
forward the handle must be pushed before it will operate the locomotive.
Note!
Running your train

Running your train
11
Your Christmas music boxcar requires one nine-volt alkaline battery (not included). To install the battery, open the door, attach the battery harness to the battery, then slide the
battery into the battery clip. See Figure 6. If you have a difficult time installing the battery in
that confined space, simply pull away the sides of the body and lift it away.
To play the Christmas music, slide the switch on the bottom of the car to the ON position.
Operating your Christmas music boxcar
Bend the body away
from the frame
To play, slide the switch
on the bottom of the car
to ON
Speaker
Circuit board
Figure 6. Battery installation and switch location
Battery clip
Battery harness

Refer to Figure 7 on page 13 for the location of the Transformer features listed in this sec- tion.
THROTTLE
Push the throttle forward to increase track power. The markings on the throttle approxi-
mate the percentage of full power. For more realism, push the throttle slowly to gradually
increase or decrease the speed of the locomotive. Slowing or stopping the locomotive with the
throttle instead of the DIRECTION button will allow you to continue in the same direction
when you increase the throttle again. To achieve this effect, reduce the throttle to the point
that the locomotive stops moving, don’t completely turn off the throttle. That way, your train
won’t sequence into neutral.
POWER-ON INDICATOR
The green light will remain on during normal operation. The green light will begin to
flash if you exceed the power limit of the Transformer. The unit will allow you to momentarily
exceed the power limit, but power will be gradually reduced until the problem is corrected.
This safety feature replaces the circuit breaker. The benefit is that the Transformer will not
instantly turn off.
DIRECTION
The DIRECTION control button interrupts track power to activate the reverse unit in loco-
motives with forward-neutral-reverse operation.
When the DIRECTION button is presssed, track power is interrupted instantaneously.
Track power is restored gradually when the DIRECTION button is released.
WHISTLE/HORN
The WHISTLE/HORN button will activate Lionel sound-equipped locomotives, including
those equipped with the RailSounds sound system. The sound will continue until the button is
released. No external sound activation buttons are needed.
BELL
The BELL button will activate all RailSounds bells. Press the BELL button to begin the
sounds; press the button again to turn off the ringing.
Your locomotive is not equipped with bell sounds.
Do not activate horns, whistles, or bells on RailSounds-equipped locomotives until
track power has been turned on for a few moments, or a continuous horn/whistle
or bell sound may occur. To correct this problem, simply turn off the PowerMax
Transformer, then turn it back on.
The PowerMax Transformer may cause random whistles in the Lionel Mighty
Sounds of Steam™ tenders with a three-pin connector. We recommend that you a
purchase a RailSounds-equipped tender to solve this problem.
Note!
Note!
Note!
Running your train
12
Experiencing the features of the PowerMax Transformer
Note!

13
Whistle/Horn
Activates the whistle or horn sound
effect in your Lionel locomotives. Press
WHISTLE/HORN to begin the sound;
release the button to end it.
Bell
Starts or stops the tolling bell in any
RailSounds or TrainSounds-equipped
locomotive. Press BELL to begin the
sound, again to stop it.
Direction
Press the DIRECTION button to go forward
or reverse, or to place the locomotive in
“neutral” (no movement, headlight is on).
Throttle
Controls your locomotive’s speed. Throw the
throttle forward to increase locomotive speed,
backward to slow it down.
Power-on indicator
The green light
illuminates when the
PowerMax is on.
Figure 7. Transformer features
Running your train
Experiencing the features of the PowerMax Transformer (continued)

Running your train
Reverse unit procedure
The electronic reverse unit inside your Lionel locomotive acts like the transmission in a car. When you apply power to the track, the locomotive moves in the direction specified by the
reverse unit—or it sits in neutral, awaiting another power interruption. Power interruptions
are the signal that tells the reverse unit to sequence to the next operational state.
To interrupt power and sequence the locomotive’s reverse unit, press the direction control
button or briefly bring the throttle lever all the way back to the OFF position. Refer to Figure
9 for the location of these controls. The reverse unit alternates between three states: forward,
neutral, and reverse.
Also, the locomotive can be “locked” into a certain mode of operation by throwing the
reverse unit switch located on the underside of the frame (see Figure 8). To lock your locomo-
tive into a specific operational state, sequence the locomotive into the desired state and reduce
track power without completely powering down the locomotive, then throw the switch to the
OFF position. The DIRECTION button will then have no affect on the direction of the locomo-
tive. If you would like to resume forward-
neutral-reverse operation, simply throw the
reverse unit switch back to the ON position.
Additionally, this reverse unit has a “power-
up reset” feature. If the locomotive sits
without power for a short period of time, the
reverse unit will automatically reset and start
in the forward direction when the transformer
is turned on or “powered up,” regardless of
the reverse unit switch position. If the switch
is in the OFF position, the locomotive will
start in the forward direction and be “locked”
there. Reverse unit ON/
OFF switch
Smoke unit ON/
OFF switch (see
page 9)
Figure 8. Switch location
Figure 9. Direction control button location
Direction control button
Whistle control button
Bell control button
Throttle
OFF ON
OFF ON
14

PowerMax Transformer operation
15
Powering your layout with the PowerMax Transformer
Your PowerMax Transformer provides a total output of 1.8 amps. Also, available voltage depends on how much load is on the output. Generally, track voltage is 0-16 volts (AC).
You may momentarily approach or exceed the 1.8 amp limit of the PowerMax Transformer
when pulling illuminated cars, or fighting over grades with heavy loads. When you reach
1.8 amps, the green light on the Transformer will begin to flash. This indicates that the
Transformer is in “fold-back mode.” In fold-back mode, the Transformer is automatically
reducing, or folding back, power. This gradual reduction in power provides interruption-free
power while bringing the amperage back down to a safe level. If this condition lasts for more
than 30 seconds, the Transformer will shut off the power to the track and the green light will
continue to flash. Move the throttle to the off position to reset the Transformer and return to
normal operation.

16
Maintaining and servicing your set
Figure 10. Lubrication points
Lubricating your locomotive
H
elp your steam locomotive lead a long and productive life on your railroad by maintain-
ing it properly.
We recommend that you purchase a Lionel Lubrication and Maintenance Kit (6-62927),
available from your Lionel dealer. Two basic rules to keep in mind: never over-lubricate (a
small amount will do) and avoid getting grease or oil on the locomotive’s wheels, contact roll-
ers, or your track.
You’ll know your locomotive requires lubrication when visual inspection reveals dryness on
the parts indicated in Figure 10. Remove accumulated dirt and dust before lubricating, and
always lubricate any locomotive emerging from prolonged storage.
Lubricate axle ends
with Lionel oil
sparingly
Lubricate gears with
Lionel grease sparingly
Lubricate axle ends
with Lionel oil sparingly

17
Maintaining and servicing your set
Replacing your locomotive’s traction tire
One of the locomotive’s drive wheels is fitted with a rubber traction tire to enhance tractive effort, allowing your locomotive to pull many cars at once.
To replace the traction tire, simply unscrew the drive rod nut from the wheel using a 3/16”
nut driver. Refer to Figure 11. Remove the old traction tire from under the drive rod and slip
on the replacement, Lionel part no. 600-0242-206. Replace the spacer, retighten the drive rod
nut, and you’re ready to pull that long freight back to the yard.
Figure 11. Traction tire replacement
Lionel part no. 600-0242-206
Spacer
Driver rod nut

Maintaining and servicing your set
18
Linkage rods
Front truck
screws
Smoke unit
lug wire
Smoke unit
Lionel part no.
600-0161-300
Y
our locomotive lights the way with its operating headlight. During the course of normal
operations, the lamp may require replacement. Refer to Figure 12 as you replace the
lamp.
1. Remove the two front truck screws and carefully slide the front truck assembly off the link-
age rods.
2. Lift the smoke unit out far enough from the cab to allow lamp extraction.
3. Pull the lamp straight out and replace it with Lionel part no. 600-0161-300, available from
your nearest authorized Lionel Service Center or from Lionel Service. Be careful not to twist
the lamp, or it may break.
4. Reinstall the smoke unit, making sure that the smoke stack lines up with the cab top opening.
5. Reassemble the front truck, making sure that the linkage rods go into the holes in the
front truck. The lug wire from the smoke unit must be reinserted through the slot in the
front truck assembly and secured under one of the two front screws. Tighten the screws
firmly, but do not over-tighten them.
Replacing your locomotive’s headlamp
Figure 12. Headlight replacement

19
Maintaining and servicing your set
Your animated gondola is equipped with a gear drive mechanism that propels the two fig- ures around the crates in the center of the gondola when the car is moving.
Occasionally, the worm gear may need lubrication. It is important to inspect the worm
gear periodically. If you see little or no lubrication on the worm gear, it’s time to add a small
amount of lubricant. See Figure 13. We recommend that you purchase the Lubrication and
Maintenance Set (6-62927), available at your authorized Lionel Dealer.
Lubricating the gear on your Chase Gondola
Figure 13. Chase Gondola worm gear lubrication
lubricate the worm
gear sparingly
If the crate load retainers become detached, make sure that they are pushed back down
completely.
Note!

20
Maintaining and servicing your set
Window
tab
Window shell
End frame tab
End frame
tab
Hinge
Part no. 600-8352-311
Replacing your Square Window Caboose lamp
Figure 14. Caboose lamp replacement
During the course of normal operations, the lamp inside your caboose may require replacement. Follow these steps and refer to Figure 14.
1. Lift off the roof from the window shell and body.
2. Pull out the end frame tab from the slot formed by the caboose body and roof. The end
frames are hinged at the platform to swing outward, away from the body.
3. Remove the window shell. To remove the window shell, carefully bend the sides of the
caboose outward while pulling up on the window shell until the tabs are released from the
windows.
4. Pull the lamp straight up and out of the socket. Replace it with Lionel part no. 600-8352-311,
available at your authorized Lionel Service Center or Lionel Service.
5. Lower the window shell back into the body, making sure that the tabs snap into the win-
dows.
6. Reposition the roof above the window shell and body, fit the tabs on the end frames into
the corresponding slots in the body, and press down the roof to secure the end frame tabs.