Lionel A Christmas Story User manual

73-0118-250
5/09
CAUTION—ELECTRIC TOY
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE. AS
WITH ALL ELECTRIC PRODUCTS, PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE OBSERVED DURING
HANDLING AND USE TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK.
TRANSFORMER RATINGS—INPUT: 120 VAC; 60 HZ ONLY.
AC OUTPUT: 18 V; 80 VA
A Christmas Story
Ready-to-Run Train Set
Owner’s Manual
A Christmas Story
Ready-to-Run Train Set
Owner’s Manual

A Christmas Story Train Set Inventory
• 0-8-0 Locomotive
• Tender
• Boxcar
• Gondola with box load
• Reefer car
• Porthole window caboose
• CW-80 Transformer
• Three straight FasTrack track sections
• Eight curved FasTrack track sections
• One straight FasTrack terminal track section
• Smoke fluid
• Replacement traction tire
• Owner’s Manual
Congratulations!
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Congratulations on your purchase of the Lionel A Christmas Story Ready-To-Run Train Set! This set features everything you need to get started—a CW-80 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 additional 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.
A Christmas Story Train Set Features
• Bright headlight
• Puffing smoke
• Electronic whistle
• Forward-Neutral-Reverse operation
• Opening boxcar doors
• Operating couplers

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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!
A CHRISTMAS STORY and all related characters and elements
are trademarks of and © Turner Entertainment Co.
WB SHIELD: TM & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
(s09)
FCC Statement
Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Notes: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protec-
tion against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipement off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one
or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
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, Odyssey II™, LEGACY RailSounds™
The name FasTrack® is used with permission from Pitsco, Inc.

4
Table of contents
Creating your layout
Operating your CW-80 Transformer safely 5
Building your Lionel layout 6
Joining the FasTrack track sections 7
Wiring your CW-80 Transformer 7-8
Running your train
Running your train set 9
Adding smoke fluid to your locomotive’s smoke generator 10
Coupling 11
Operating your train with the CW-80 Transformer 11
Experiencing the features of the CW-80 Transformer 12-13
Reverse unit procedure 14
CW-80 Transformer operation
Powering your layout with the CW-80 Transformer 15
Maintaining and servicing your set
Lubricating your locomotive 16
Replacing your locomotive’s traction tire 17
Replacing your locomotive’s headlamp 17
Replacing your porthole caboose lamp 18
Troubleshooting 19
Lionel Limited Warranty Policy & Service 20

Operating your CW-80 Transformer safely
5
Your Lionel CW-80 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 fourteen 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 condition exists, the
transformer should not be used until it has been properly repaired.
• The CW-80 Transformer is intended to be used indoors. Do not use this device if water is present.
Serious or fatal injuries may result.
• Use the CW-80 Transformer only for its intended purpose.
• The CW-80 Transformer was meant to operate on 120-volt, 60-Hertz power. Do not connect this
product to any other power supply.
• Do not operate the CW-80 Transformer with a damaged cord, plug, or case.
• To avoid the risk of electrical shock, do not disassemble the unit. There are no user serviceable
parts inside. If damaged, take this product to an authorized Lionel Service Center. A list of autho-
rized Service Centers is packed with this unit.
• Do not operate the CW-80 Transformer on your layout unattended. Obstructed accessories or
stalled trains may overheat, resulting in damage to your layout.
• Always unplug the CW-80 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

6
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
FasTrack Add-on Track Packs make it easy to expand your railroad. Each Track Pack includes all
the track sections you need to create a more advanced layout using the sections included with this set.
Refer to Figure 2 to explore the possibilities.
Figure 2. Add-on Track Pack layouts
Inner Passing Loop Add-on Track Pack
6-12028
Figure 8 Add-on Track Pack
6-12030
Outer Passing Loop Add-on Track Pack
6-12031
Siding Track Add-on Track Pack
6-12044
Track Packs available separately.

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 3 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 3. Joining the track sections
Creating your layout
7
Rail tab
Wiring your CW-80 Transformer
Connect your FasTrack terminal section to the CW-80 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 4 on page 8.
2. Loosen the red TRACK thumbscrew terminal, then slide the red
spade-shaped connector 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 black
spade-shaped connector 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. If you need to power an accessory (available separately at your authorized
Lionel dealer), connect the accessory to the ACCESSORY thumbscrew terminals.
Use the accessory wire included with the CW-80 Transformer..

Wiring your CW-80 Transformer (continued)
8
Creating your layout
5. Plug the CW-80 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 CW-80 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. Follow these guidelines:
• Track connections must be made with 18-gauge wire or heavier. Larger layouts
require a minimum of 16-gauge wire.
• Use 24-gauge wire only when connecting single accessories that require lower
current.
• When wiring multiple accessories (two or more) or accessories that require higher
current, be sure to use 18- to 16-gauge wire.
Caution!
U
120/60z
0~18VAC
AB
U
0~18VAC
TRACK ACCESSORY
Figure 4. Controller connections
FasTrack terminal section
Notch
Spade-shaped
connector

9
Running your train
Running your train set
With track power off, place your train set on the track.
Refer to page 11 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 current.
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 5.
If the smoke unit switch is in the ON position, add smoke fluid to your loco-
motive’s stack to prevent damage to the smoke unit. Refer to
page 10 for additional information.
Caution!
Note!
Figure 5. Drawbar connection

Running your train
10
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
tip on the nozzle. Add about four drops of fluid directly into the locomotive’s stack. Smoke pro-
duction 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!