Lionel Alco PA-1 User manual

Lionel powered and
non-powered
PA-1 diesel locomotive set
Owner’s Manual
®
featuring and
71-8246-250
Rev. 12/00
LIONEL
SYSTEM

2
Congratulations!
You own one of the most sophisticated model trains ever built—the Lionel
TrainMaster Command-equipped PA-1 diesel
locomotive set. From the crisp detail and
expert decoration on the outside to the
advanced technology and brute power under
the hood, the Lionel PA-1 set is ready for
duty on your model railroad. Experience the
superiority of today’s Lionel.
• Odyssey System™
Electronic speed control for incredible
low speed operation and automatic
compensation through grades, etc.
• Lionel Command™reverse units for
use with the Lionel TrainMaster®
Command™model railroad control
system
• RailSounds™diesel sound system—
digital samples from a real PA-1
(in non-powered unit)
• Tire-Traction®(in powered unit)
• Die-cast ElectroCouplers™
• Directional headlights and illuminated
interiors
• CrewTalk™and TowerCom™
(in command mode)
• Diesel smoke generators (in both
units)

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Table of contents
Transformer operations
Running your PA-1 set with a Lionel transformer 4
Using your PA-1’s ElectroCouplers 5
Your PA-1’s RailSounds system—the basics 6
Experiencing the range of your PA-1’s RailSounds system 7
Notes on RailSounds 7
Installing the Lionel no. 610-5906-001 sound activation button 8
Your PA-1’s Odyssey System 9
Adding fluid to your locomotives’ smoke generators 10
TrainMaster Command operations
The Command control environment 11
Running your PA-1 in the TrainMaster Command environment 12
CAB-1 commands for your PA-1 12
CAB-1 numeric keypad commands for your PA-1 13
Tuning your PA-1’s performance 14
Your PA-1’s Odyssey System in the Command Control Environment 14
Assigning your powered and non-powered PA-1 units a new ID# 15-16
Advanced TrainMaster Command operations
Building lash-ups 17-19
Maintaining and servicing your powered and non-powered PA-1 set
Replacing your PA-1 unit’s lamps 20
Tire-Traction 21
Lubricating your PA-1 set 22
Reprogramming R2LC circuit board to restore features 23
Lionel Service 24

Running your Lionel PA-1 set with a Lionel transformer
Place your PA-1 set on Lionel or Lionel-compatible
O gauge track.
• Your PA-1 will operate on most 031 radius track configurations. We
recommend 042 radius minimum for best performance.
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2Power up your PA-1 set with your transformer.
Note!
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3Move ‘em out!
• Get your PA-1 set moving. Press the DIR button on your CAB-1 remote or
Lionel transformer. This sequences the Liontech Command reverse unit (R2LC)
to the next operating state. The R2LC alternates between three states: forward,
neutral, and reverse.
• Adjust track voltage until your PA-1 set moves at your desired speed. To
increase speed, increase track voltage. To decrease speed, reduce voltage. To stop
the locomotive set, cut track power.
• To select a single operating state (example: forward only), you can deacti-
vate the R2LC’s sequencing function. Get your PA-1 set moving in the desired
direction, then slide the reverse unit control switch on the powered PA-1’s under-
side to PROGRAM (PGM). See page 15 for the switch location and positioning.
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• Your PA-1 set is designed to operate on 7-18 volts alternating cur-
rent. Virtually all Lionel and Lionel-compatible alternating-current transform-
ers are suitable; we recommend the TrainMaster Command model railroad con-
trol system.
• Do not power your PA-1 set with direct current (DC). Damage to sensi-
tive electronic components may occur.
• When you first power up your track, the PA-1 set 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 con-
ventional (non-Command) railroad, both PA-1’s headlight and cab light will
illuminate and the non powered PA-1’s RailSounds will fire up. At this point, the
PA-1 set is in neutral. (This occurs when placing the PA-1s on your railroad for
the first time. Thereafter, they start in forward after every three-second power
interrupt.)
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Transformer operations

5
Transformer operations
To use your powered and non-powered
PA-1 set ElectroCouplers in the non-
Command environment, you must first cou-
ple a piece of rolling stock equipped with
Lionel magnetic couplers directly to your
powered and non-powered PA-1 set. The
magnetic coupler on the rolling stock will
then react to the magnetic field generated
by a Lionel remote-control track section
(available separately). Place your rolling
stock’s coupler “trigger disc” over the cen-
tral coil of a remote-control track section
and press uncouple on the controller. The
magnetic field pulls the disc downward, and
the coupler opens.
Using your powered and non-powered PA-1 set ElectroCouplers in
the non-Command environment
Your powered and non-powered PA-1
ElectroCouplers will NOT open manu-
ally or by using a remote-control
track section
Note!
Remote-control track section
Using your powered and non-powered PA-1 set’s ElectroCouplers
in the TrainMaster Command environment
Both ends of your Lionel powered and non-powered PA-1 units are
equipped with ElectroCouplers™
that respond to either the COUPLER
F (front) or COUPLER R (rear) but-
ton on your CAB-1 remote when oper-
ated in the TrainMaster Command
environment. Simply press either but-
ton on your CAB-1 remote, and that
coupler opens.
Magnetic coupler on the rolling stock
coupled to your PA-1 set
Your powered and non-powered PA-1 set’s ElectroCouplers are NOT designed to be
opened manually.
Note!

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Your PA-1’s RailSounds system—the basics
Lionel RailSounds is the most realistic
model railroad sound sys-
tem in the world. Your
PA-1 features digital sam-
ples from an authentic
PA-1 for the ultimate in
realism.
Begin by installing a
9-volt alkaline battery in
the non-powered PA-1
unit. This ensures inter-
ruption free operation of
RailSounds. Remove the
six screws on the under-
side of the frame and lift
the body up. (see page 20)
Connect the 9-volt battery
to the battery clip and
stand the battery in the bracket as shown.
Replace the body and reinsert the screws.
Apply track power and the PA-1’s
RailSounds system deliv-
ers an authentic start-up
sequence, followed by
sounds of the locomotive
at idle. As the PA-1’s speed
increases, the RPMs move
through four levels of
roar. Sounds return to idle
only after the locomotive
has come to a complete
halt. To silence diesel
RPM roar (horn and bell
remain unaffected), slide
the RailSounds (RS)
switch to its OFF position
before powering up the
locomotive. See page 16
for the non-powered PA-
1’s switch location and
positioning. To return to the diesel RPM
roar, return the switch to the ON position,
before powering up the locomotive.
Install a 9-volt alkaline battery in your
non-powered PA-1 unit. Remove the
body, and connect the battery to the clip
and bracket. Then reinstall the body on
the frame.
Note!
Note!
Note!
Transformer operations
Although track voltage powers RailSounds, the battery is required for uninterrupted
operation and shutdown sequences. Use only alkaline batteries; do not use “heavy
duty” batteries.
Discontinue locomotive power for 10 seconds before changing the RailSounds
on/off switch.
If RailSounds “drops out” during track power interrupts, replace the battery.

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Transformer operations
With RailSounds, you experience the sounds of real railroading like never
before. Simply put, it’s the most sophisticat-
ed, authentic model railroad sound system
in the world.
• Four diesel-roar levels. Your PA-1’s
speed determines the level of diesel RPM
roar—automatically, if you prefer:
idle, slow, medium, or full-speed output.
• MultiHorn™. A different horn sound
every time—a RailSounds exclusive.
• Mechanical bell. Press BELL on your
CAB-1 or transformer to begin the effect;
again to discontinue.
• Full control of RPMs. Prefer hands-
on control of diesel RPM roar? Want to
“ramp up” RPMs before pulling out, just
like real diesels do? It’s easy with
RailSounds. Place your PA-1 set in neu-
tral and increase track voltage to maxi-
mum. RPMs will continue to increase as
long as the PA-1 remains in neutral,
eventually reaching their highest level.
Now, decrease track voltage to the desired
speed level. Press DIR on your CAB-1
remote or transformer, and head out
with your PA-1 at full churn, just like the
real thing. RPMs will remain at that
level until the locomotive has come to
a complete halt. Experiment with con-
trollable RPMs—it’s a blast!
• Reverse unit reset sound. Power
down your track, wait for 3-5 seconds,
and listen for the air-release sound—
that’s the PA-1 set telling you its
Liontech 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 2 seconds to restart your PA-1. If
you’re done with operations, RailSounds
will commence with an authentic PA-1
shutdown sequence about 2 seconds after
the air-release reset occurs.
Experiencing the range of your PA-1’s RailSounds system
Notes on RailSounds
• Use the non-powered PA-1 unit’s frame-
mounted volume control to adjust sound
output. (See page 16 for its location.)
• Listen for incidental locomotive sounds
during RailSounds operation. They’re
automatic and, of course, authentic.
• The 9-volt alkaline battery you installed
ensures continuous PA-1 diesel roar.
• Longer track-power interruptions
(including locomotive derailments)
cause Railsounds to shut down after
about 7 seconds.
• For even more authentic RailSounds
effects, operate in the TrainMaster
Command environment.
Battery must be installed for shutdown sequence
Note!

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Transformer operations
Installing the Lionel no. 610-5906-001 sound activation button
To operate the bell and horn sounds when operating your PA-1 set with convention-
al transformers, you’ll need to install the
Lionel no. 610-5906-001 sound activation
button (available separately). Connect the
button(s) as shown below.
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12
For AC transformers lacking a horn/whistle button (two no. 5906s required)
Lionel no. 610-5906-001
sound activation button for
activating the bell
Lionel no.
610-5906-001
sound activation
button
(for horn)
Lionel no.
610-5906-001
sound activation
button (for bell)
Black wire
Red wire
Red wire Attach to ground terminal
Attach to power terminal
to your transformer
The no. 610-5906-001 sound activation button (available separately) works with
any Lionel AC transformer except no. 6-4690 Type MW. Transformers made by other
manufacturers may not be compatible with RailSounds.
Note!
Attach to ground terminal
Attach to power terminal
Red wire
to your transformer
Customer’s wire
Black wire
Note!
All track power must feed
through “Sound Activation
Button”
Do not bypass button
For AC transformers with a horn/whistle button

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Transformer operations
Your PA-1’s Odyssey System™
You can lock your PA-1 into speed control mode (ideal for low speed operation) so
it will automatically compensate for grades,
or to simply maintain a specific speed set-
ting. To turn on the speed control, get your
PA-1 moving at the desired speed, in for-
ward or reverse. Let it run at the desired
speed for at least 5 seconds. Press and hold
the horn/whistle button for 2-3 seconds as
you increase the throttle by at least 3 volts.
Your PA-1 will accelerate briefly, then will
return to your set speed once you release the
horn/whistle button. As long as the throttle
position is maintained at a higher setting
than the initial level, your engine will
maintain a constant speed. If the throttle is
turned below the original level, your PA-1
will slow down due to the available voltage
decrease below the “set” level. To check if
the speed control setting has been “accept-
ed”, ease up the throttle. You will see the
lights brighten, but the speed will remain
constant. For best results, adjust the track
voltage about 3-4 volts above the “set”
point. This will provide enough spare volt-
age to compensate for uphill grades, etc.,
but will prevent excessive voltage to the
lamps and smoke unit. (In conventional
mode, these operate at track voltage, and
excessive voltage may lead to premature
bulb burn-out.)
* If you wish to change the speed control
setting, you must deactivate the speed
control, then reactivate at the new
setting.
To turn speed control off, get your PA-1
into neutral for at least 5 seconds. Press the
horn/whistle for 2-3 seconds while lowering
the throttle voltage by at least 3 volts. Do not
turn throttle to off, or speed control may not
deactivate. This can be difficult if you have
established a low speed control setting. Once
you are in neutral, you can increase the
track voltage before pressing the horn/whis-
tle button and lowering the voltage. This
will give you more “room” to lower the volt-
age. (The speed control deactivates when it
sees a -3 volt change with horn/whistle
pressed, regardless of initial voltage level.)
Note! Speed control settings are retained in memory even if power is turned off.
They will remain present until deactivated.

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Transformer operations
Adding fluid to your locomotives’ smoke generators
Your locomotives are equipped with smoke generators that produce safe,
clean white smoke during operation.
All smoke generators require the periodic
addition of Lionel smoke fluid in order to
function. Pierce the tube end with a pin,
then add 20-25 drops of fluid into each
Locomotive’s stack. Smoke production will
commence momentarily, faster if you run
your locomotive at speed. When smoke
production wanes, add more fluid (four to
eight drops).
If you prefer to have smoke free
locomotives, there is a switch located on the
bottom of each engine near the fuel tank
marked SMK/NO SMK (see page 15/16 for
location). Move the switch to NO SMK and
your locomotives will stop smoking.
When the smoke unit is on, always keep
a small amount of smoke fluid in the
locomotives’ smoke generators; the
generators’ elements can become damaged
if operated without fluid. Smoke production
is greater at higher voltages and when the
locomotives are pulling a heavy load or long
consist.
For best results, power should be turned
off when you are adding smoke fluid. If any
fluid stays in the smokestack, it may be
necessary to gently blow into the stack
opening to force the fluid through.
NOTE: When you are in neutral (conven-
tional mode only), the smoke units will
pulsate on and off to prevent overheating of
the element.