Lionel F3 A-B-A Diesel User manual

71-4588-250
8/04
Lionel
F3 A-B-A Diesel
Locomotive Set
Owner’s Manual
Lionel
F3 A-B-A Diesel
Locomotive Set
Owner’s Manual
SYSTEM
featuring
and

Congratulations!
Congratulations on your purchase of the Lionel F3 A-B-A diesel locomotive set! This set features a powered A-unit, a non-powered B-unit, and a non-powered A-unit. On the
outside, these locomotives feature numerous prototypical details and expert decoration in your
favorite livery. Inside the bodies, these locomotives are equipped with some of the most
advanced sounds and controls in model railroading. This set is ready for duty on your layout.
Features of this locomotive set
• TrainMaster Command Control equipped—able to run in the TrainMaster
Command Control environment or in the conventional environment with
only a standard transformer
• RailSounds sound system with CrewTalk communication and TowerCom
announcements (powered A-unit only)
• Odyssey System for speed control (powered A-unit only)
• Directional lighting including operating LED headlights
• Operating marker lights
• ElectroCouplers
• Dual powerful maintenance-free motors with momentum flywheels
(powered A-unit only)
• Four traction tires (powered A-unit only)
• Fan-driven smoke units (in both A-units)
• Lighted number boards
• Lighted cab interior
• Minimum curve: O-31
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®
The name FasTrack®is used with permission from Pitsco, Inc.

Table of contents
Quick Start
Transformer operations 4
TrainMaster Command Control operations 4
Conventional transformer operations
Conventional operations 5
Operating your locomotive set in the conventional environment 6
Locking your powered locomotive into a single direction 7
Coupling your locomotive in the conventional environment 8
RailSounds sound system operations
RailSounds sound system operations 9
Installing the battery 10
Using the RailSounds sound system in the conventional environment 11
Installing a Lionel Sound Activation Button for conventional operation 12
Using the RailSounds sound system in the TrainMaster Command Control environment 13
Odyssey System operations
Odyssey System operations 14
Activating the Odyssey System in the conventional environment 14
Turning off the Odyssey System in the conventional environment 15
Odyssey System Command Control operation 15
TrainMaster Command Control operations
TrainMaster Command Control operations 16
Operating your locomotive set in the Command Control environment 16
CAB-1 Remote Controller commands 17
CAB-1 Remote Controller numeric keypad commands 18
Tuning your locomotive’s performance 19-20
Assigning new ID#’s to your locomotives 20
Building a lash-up 21
Reprogramming your locomotives to restore features 22
Maintaining and servicing your locomotive
Adding fluid to your locomotive set’s smoke generators 23
Lubricating your locomotive 24-26
Replacing your locomotive’s LEDs and lamps 27
Replacing the traction tires 27
Limited Warranty/Lionel Service 28
3

4
Quick Start
Transformer operations
1. Slide the Odyssey System switch to the NO ODY position to operate without
speed control. To operate your locomotive with speed control, slide the Odyssey System
switch to the ODY position and refer to pages 14 and 15.
2. Place your locomotive on Lionel or Lionel-compatible O-31 or larger
track.
3. Power your locomotive at 8-18 volts with your alternating current (AC)
transformer.
Do not power your locomotive with a direct-current (DC) transformer. Damage to
sensitive electronic components may occur.
4. Wait three to eight seconds as your locomotive determines whether it is in
a conventional environment or a TrainMaster Command Control
environment.
5. Move ‘em out! Press the DIRECTION button on your controller, then
throttle up.
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-31 or larger
track.
3. Increase track voltage to full power (19 volts AC).
Do not power your locomotive with a direct-current (DC) transformer. Damage to
sensitive electronic components may occur.
4. Press ENG and 1 to address your locomotive with your CAB-1 Remote
Controller.
5. Throttle up and move ‘em out.
Note!
Note!

Conventional transformer operations
Conventional operations
Your locomotive set is capable of operating in the conventional environment with nothing
more than a standard Lionel alternating-current (AC) transformer.
In the conventional environment, your powered A-unit locomotive cycles through a
repeating pattern of operations: forward, neutral, reverse, neutral, and so on. To advance to the
next operation, press the DIRECTION button on your transformer. Alternately, you could use
the throttle to briefly turn off track power so that the locomotive advances to the next operation
when power is restored.
Once you cycle the powered A-unit locomotive into forward or reverse, you control your
locomotive set’s speed by varying track voltage with the transformer’s throttle. To increase the
speed of the locomotive, you increase track voltage. To decrease the speed, you decrease track
voltage. To stop the locomotive and to change directions (or to enter neutral), track voltage is
turned off or interrupted.
Use the HORN and BELL buttons on your transformer (or separate buttons if your
transformer is not equipped with these controls) to activate these features. Only the powered
A-unit is equipped with sounds.
To experience all of your locomotive set’s features, we recommend operating in the
TrainMaster Command Control environment. With a simple one-wire connection, you can use
the CAB-1 Remote Controller to access all of the functions of your locomotive set. Refer to
pages 16 to 21 to see how to operate your locomotive set in the TrainMaster Command Control
environment.
5

Conventional transformer operations
Operating your locomotive set in the conventional environment
1. Slide the Odyssey System switch to the NO ODY position to operate without
speed control. To operate your locomotive with speed control, slide the Odyssey System
switch to the ODY position and refer to pages 14 and 15.
Keep the Odyssey System switch in the NO ODY position when you are not running
your locomotive with speed control. If the Odyssey System switch remains in the ODY
position, your locomotive may lock into an unwanted speed setting as you adjust
your throttle to control train speed. This effect may be caused by variations in your
power supply and/or conditions on your layout. To operate your locomotive with the
Odyssey System for speed control, slide the Odyssey System switch to the ODY position
and refer to the procedures on pages 14 and 15. Be sure that the locomotive is not in
motion and track power is turned off when you engage the Odyssey System switch.
2. Place your locomotive set on Lionel or Lionel-compatible O-31 or larger
track. Be sure that the non-powered A-unit faces the rear of the train. The back-up light on
the B-unit should face the rear of the train.
3. Power your locomotive set at 8-18 volts with your alternating current (AC)
transformer.
Power your locomotive with an alternating-current (AC) transformer only.
Powering your locomotive with a direct-current (DC) transformer may result in
damage to sensitive electronic components.
4. Wait three to eight seconds as your locomotive set determines whether it
is in a conventional environment or a TrainMaster Command Control
environment.
When the locomotive set has determined that a TrainMaster Command Base is not connected
to the track, the locomotive set’s headlight will illuminate and the RailSounds sound system
will start. You are ready for operation in the conventional environment.
5. Move ‘em out!
Press the DIRECTION button on your transformer to sequence your powered A-unit
locomotive through the repeating pattern of operations: forward, neutral, reverse, neutral,
and so on. You may also briefly turn off track power to advance the locomotive set to the
next operating state. Adjust the throttle until your locomotive set moves at your desired
speed.
When placing your powered A-unit locomotive on your layout for the first time, it will
start out in neutral. Thereafter, it will start in forward after every power interruption
lasting five seconds or longer.
Use the HORN and BELL buttons on your transformer to activate those features on the
powered A-unit locomotive. Refer to page 12 if your transformer is not equipped with those
buttons.
Note!
6
Note!
Caution!

Conventional transformer operations
Locking your powered A-unit locomotive into a single direction
When the Command reverse unit switch is in the RUN position, your powered A-unit
locomotive sequences through a repeating pattern of operations: forward, neutral, reverse,
neutral, and so on.
To “lock” your powered A-unit locomotive into a single direction (for example, to operate in
forward only), you can deactivate the Command reverse unit’s sequencing function. Refer to
Figure 1 for the location of the Command reverse unit switch.
1. Use your transformer’s DIRECTION button or interruptions in track power to get your
powered A-unit locomotive moving in the desired direction or into neutral.
2. Slow the locomotive down without stopping (reduce the throttle without turning off track
power).
3. Slide the Command reverse unit switch on the powered A-unit locomotive to the PGM
position. At this point, the locomotive is “locked” into your chosen direction.
To restore the forward-neutral-reverse sequence, just slide the Command reverse unit switch
back to the RUN position.
Your locomotive will “reset” to forward after any power interruption lasting five
seconds or longer, regardless of the direction you set.
7
SND
NO SND
ODY
NO ODY
RUN
PRGM
NO SMK
SMK
Figure 1. Switch locations
Smoke unit switch
(see page 23 for details)
Command reverse
unit switch
RailSounds sound
system switch
(see page 10-13 for details)
Odyssey system switch
(see page 14 and 15 for details)
FRONT
Powered A-unit
Note!

Conventional transformer operations
Coupling your locomotive in the conventional environment
Each locomotive unit is equipped with one ElectroCoupler that is released by remote control
at any point around your layout in the TrainMaster Command Control environment. The
ElectroCouplers are located on the noses of the A-units and the rear of the B-unit.
In the conventional environment, the ElectroCouplers will not open manually or by using a
Remote-Control Track section. To couple your locomotive in the conventional environment, you
must rely on a piece of rolling stock equipped with a magnetic coupler. Simply release the
magnetic coupler and couple the rolling stock to the locomotive, even if the ElectroCoupler is
closed.
Keep in mind that you may still make use of Lionel Remote-Control Track sections (6-65530
for O gauge; 6-12746 and 6-65149 for O-27 gauge; and 6-12020 for FasTrack layouts) with the
magnetic couplers on the rolling stock. Place the trigger disc on the magnetic coupler over the
central coil on the Remote-Control Track section, then press UNCOUPLE on the track section’s
controller. As illustrated in Figure 2, the magnetic field pulls the disc downward, releasing the
coupler.
8
Figure 2. Magnetic coupler operation
Remote-Control
Track Section

9
RailSounds sound system operations
RailSounds sound system operations
Your powered A-unit locomotive is equipped with the Lionel RailSounds sound system, the
most realistic model railroad sound system in the world. The RailSounds sound system
brings the sounds of the railroad to your layout through high quality digital samples of real
locomotives.
When you operate your powered A-unit locomotive in the conventional environment, you get
the realistic sounds of the diesel engine, which automatically rev up as the speed of the
locomotive increases. You can sound the locomotive set’s horn or activate the ringing of the
mechanical bell. When you are through with operations and power down the track, your
locomotive set’s RailSounds sound system starts a realistic diesel shutdown sequence (a nine-
volt alkaline battery is required for the shutdown sequence).
When you operate your powered A-unit locomotive in the TrainMaster Command Control
environment, you get full control of the RailSounds sound system. You still get the horn and
bell sounds. The locomotive’s RPM sounds automatically rev up, but you can also set a
particular RPM sound using your CAB-1 Remote Controller. In the Command Control
environment, the release of the ElectroCouplers is accompanied by a coupler release sound. Use
the BRAKE button, and listen for the sound of squealing metal. You can also trigger CrewTalk
communication and TowerCom announcements, which simulate the interaction between the
locomotive crew and the yardmaster. Whenever you choose to shutdown your locomotive, the
realistic shutdown sequence commences (a nine-volt alkaline battery is required for the
shutdown sequence).

RailSounds sound system operations
Installing the battery
While the RailSounds sound system is powered through the track, we recommend that you
install a nine-volt alkaline battery in the powered A-unit locomotive to prevent the sound
system from shutting down during track power interruptions (for example, at a switch or a dirty
section of track). Follow these steps and refer to Figure 3 as you install the battery.
If the RailSounds sound system turns off during interruptions in track power, you
may need to replace the battery.
1. Carefully lift up and remove the rear roof-top hatch.
2. Remove the protective cover from the battery harness.
3. Snap the battery harness onto the nine-volt alkaline battery’s terminals.
4. Slide the battery into the battery clip.
5. Replace the hatch.
10
Note!
Figure 3. Battery installation (powered A-unit locomotive only)
Volume
control knob
Lift up and
unsnap
Powered Unit
Battery
harness

RailSounds sound system operations
Using the RailSounds sound system in the conventional environment
When you first begin to operate your powered A-unit locomotive, you will hear the sounds
of the locomotive set at rest. As the locomotive set moves, the RPM sounds automatically
increase with the locomotive’s speed. In the conventional environment, the horn and bell
sounds are activated by your transformer controls.
To silence the diesel roar, slide the RailSounds sound system switch located on the underside
of the powered A-unit locomotive (refer to Figure 1 on page 7) to the NO SND position before
you power up the locomotive set or after the locomotive set has been powered down for a
minimum of ten seconds. The horn and bell sounds will still be active. To adjust the volume,
use the volume control knob located beneath the rear roof-top hatch.
For proper operation of the RailSounds sound system during track power
interruptions and for the locomotive set shutdown sequence, you must install a nine-
volt alkaline battery in the powered A-unit locomotive. See page 10.
In the conventional environment, you will experience several features of the RailSounds
sound system.
•Four levels of diesel roar. Your locomotive's speed automatically determines the level
of diesel RPM roar.
•MultiHorn. A different horn sound at different speeds—a RailSounds sound system
exclusive.
•Mechanical bell. Press BELL on your transformer to begin the effect, then press BELL a
second time to discontinue the effect.
•Reverse unit reset sound. Power down your track, wait three seconds, and listen for
the air-release sound—that’s the locomotive set telling you that its Lionel Command reverse
unit has reset to forward.
•Shutdown sequence. When you turn off track power, you have two seconds to power up
again after you hear the reverse unit reset sound. If you do not restore power, you will hear
the realistic diesel shutdown sequence. Because track power is off, a battery is required for
this sequence to function.
11
Note!

RailSounds sound system operations
Installing a Lionel Sound Activation Button for conventional operation
If your transformer lacks HORN and BELL buttons, you will need to install Lionel
no. 610-5906-001 Sound Activation Buttons (available separately) to activate the locomotive’s
horn and bell sounds.
Connect the buttons as shown below. Be sure that all track power passes through the Sound
Activation Button(s). Do not bypass the buttons.
12
12
POWER
SUPPLY
POWER
SUPPLY
For AC transformers lacking a bell button
For AC transformers lacking bell and horn/whistle buttons
Existing wire
Black wire
Red wire
Lionel no. 610-5906-001
SoundActivation Button for
activating the bell
Lionel no. 610-5906-001
SoundActivation Button
for activating the
horn Lionel no. 610-5906-001
SoundActivation Button for
activating the bell
Black wire
Wire
nut
Red wire
Red wire Existing wire
Common/Ground/U
Power/A
Common/Ground/U
Power/A

13
RailSounds sound system operations
Using the RailSounds sound system in the TrainMaster Command
Control environment
To access all of the features of the RailSounds sound system, you must operate your powered A-unit locomotive in the TrainMaster Command Control environment. The CAB-1 Remote
Controller is required to activate features such as TowerCom announcements, CrewTalk
communication, and coupler release sounds. Refer to pages 16 to 20 to learn how the
RailSounds sound system is integrated into TrainMaster Command Control operations.
For proper operation of the RailSounds sound system during track power
interruptions and for the locomotive shutdown sequence, you must install a nine-volt
alkaline battery. See page 10.
In the TrainMaster Command Control environment, you will experience all of the features of
the RailSounds sound system.
•Four levels of diesel roar. Your locomotive’s speed automatically determines the level
of diesel RPM roar. You may also set the RPM sounds to a particular level using your CAB-1
Remote Controller.
•MultiHorn. A different horn sound at different speeds—a RailSounds sound system
exclusive.
•Mechanical bell Press BELL on your CAB-1 Remote Controller to begin the effect, then
press BELL a second time to discontinue the effect.
•Squealing brakes. Press the BRAKE button and listen for the squealing of the
locomotive’s brakes.
•Coupler release sounds. Use your CAB-1 Remote Controller to release an
ElectroCoupler, and you get the sounds of the coupler opening.
•TowerCom announcements. These messages simulate the communication from the
yardmaster. You get “clear for departure” and “hold for clearance” messages.
•CrewTalk communication. Listen for the crackling, unintelligible radio
communication inside your locomotive.
•Reverse unit reset sound. Power down your track, wait three seconds, and listen for
the air-release sound-that’s the locomotive telling you that its Lionel Command reverse unit
has reset to forward.
•Shutdown sequence. When you turn off track power, you have two seconds to power up
again after you hear the reverse unit reset sound. If you do not restore power, you will hear
the realistic diesel shutdown sequence. Because track power is off, a battery is required for
this sequence to function.
Note!

Activating the Odyssey System in the conventional environment
Follow these steps to activate your powered A-unit locomotive’s speed control in the conventional environment.
1. Slide the Odyssey switch to the ODY position. Refer to Figure 1 on page 7 for the location of
the switch.
2. Run the locomotive set at the desired speed for approximately five seconds.
3. Press and hold the HORN button on the transformer.
4. While holding the HORN button, increase the track voltage by at least three volts (at least a
quarter turn).
The powered A-unit locomotive’s speed will increase before returning to the initial speed. At
this point, speed control is set. Increasing the throttle will not increase the speed of the
locomotive; however, decreasing the throttle will decrease the speed of the locomotive.
You may notice a slight delay between adjusting your transformer’s throttle and the
change in your locomotive’s speed as the Odyssey System works to regulate the
voltage to the motor. If you desire instantaneous response to throttle changes, turn
off the Odyssey System.
In the conventional environment, the lights in the locomotive are connected
directly to track power. To prolong the life of your lamps, do not exceed 14 to 16
volts for extended periods.
Odyssey System operations
Odyssey System operations
The Odyssey System is “cruise control” for your powered A-unit locomotive. Once the speed
control is set, your locomotive set will maintain a constant speed, no matter what load is
placed on the locomotive set or grades you have on your layout. The Odyssey System also allows
for extremely slow movement that will amaze any scale enthusiasts.
In the conventional environment, you activate the Odyssey System and set your powered
A-unit locomotive to operate at one particular speed. Your locomotive maintains this speed until
you turn off speed control or set a new speed.
In the Command Control environment, the Odyssey System is activated using your CAB-1
Remote Controller. When the Odyssey System is active, your powered A-unit locomotive will
maintain its speed until you adjust the CAB-1 Remote Controller’s throttle.
In the conventional environment, keep the Odyssey System switch in the NO ODY
position when you are not running your locomotive with speed control. If the Odyssey
System switch remains in the ODY position, your locomotive may lock into an
unwanted speed setting as you adjust your throttle to control train speed. This effect
may be caused by variations in your power supply and/or conditions on your layout.
Note!
14
Note!
Caution!

Odyssey System Command Control operation
When the Odyssey System is activated, changes in the speed of the powered A-unit locomotive will correspond to each signal from the Command Base. For example, when
you address the locomotive and slowly turn the throttle knob, the first flash of the light on the
Command Base corresponds to the first speed step, which is the slowest speed of the locomotive.
The locomotive will maintain that speed until you increase or decrease the throttle.
In the TrainMaster Command Control environment, you can use your CAB-1 Remote
Controller to turn the Odyssey System on or off. The position of the Odyssey System switch (see
Figure 1 on page 7) is the Odyssey System default setting when you power up the locomotive.
You can override the default setting with the following commands. The override settings will be
cleared and the default setting will be restored when you power down the locomotive.
Do not wait longer than two or three seconds between pushing the buttons in each sequence.
If the command is not accepted, repeat the sequence.
The powered A-unit locomotive must be in “neutral” when you enable or disable the
Odyssey System.
Turn off the Odyssey System.
When you press 7, you will trigger a TowerCom announcement. This has no impact
on the Odyssey System function.
Turn on the Odyssey System.
When you press 9, you will activate the Air release sound and turn on the smoke unit
(if it was off). This has no impact on the Odyssey System.
15
Odyssey System operations
Turning off the Odyssey System in the conventional environment
Follow these steps to turn off the Odyssey System in the conventional environment.
1. While the powered A-unit locomotive is in neutral, turn your controller up to the maximum
power (no more than 19 volts), wait one second, then press and hold the horn button.
2. While holding the HORN button, slowly reduce the track voltage to approximately one-third
or one-half of the full power.
3. Release the HORN button.
4. Move the locomotive in forward OR reverse. The locomotive set is now out of speed control mode.
Sliding the Odyssey System switch to the NO ODY position will disable the Odyssey
System. We recommend that you keep the Odyssey System switch in the NO ODY
position unless you want to activate the locomotive’s speed control.
Note!
Note!
Note!
Note!

TrainMaster Command Control operations
TrainMaster Command Control operations
TrainMaster Command Control is the advanced model railroad control system from Lionel. To
operate your locomotive set in the Command Control environment, you need a Command Base
(available separately, 6-12911) and a CAB-1 Remote Controller (available separately, 6-12868).
Your commands are sent by the CAB-1 Remote Controller to the Command Base, which then
translates the command into digital code. That code is sent through the outside rails to your
locomotive, which will not respond until it recognizes its unique ID#. TrainMaster Command
Control gives you the power to operate multiple Command-equipped locomotives on the same
track at the same time.
Keep in mind that track power is like gasoline in the tank of a car—it gives you the power
to go places, but it doesn’t tell you where to go or how fast to get there.
Operating your locomotive set in the Command Control environment
1. Turn off track power and plug-in the Command Base. Be sure that the
Command Base is connected to the outside rail or to the Common/Ground/U terminal on
your track power supply.
2. Place your locomotive set on Lionel or Lionel-compatible O-31 or larger
track. Be sure that the back-up light on the B-unit and the headlight on the non-powered
A-unit face the rear of the train.
3. Increase track voltage to full power (no more than 19 volts AC). On
PowerMasters, slide the CMD/CONV switch to CMD. Program Track Power Controllers to
Command Control operation.
4. To operate your locomotive as a lash-up, press TR and 9on your CAB-1 Remote
Controller. To operate your locomotives individually, press ENG and enter 1 for the powered
A-unit; 2for the B-unit; and 3for the non-powered A-unit.
To change the lash-up or individual ID#’s, refer to pages 20 and 21.
5. Throttle up and move ‘em out! Your locomotive set will respond to every command
from your CAB-1 Remote Controller.
16
Note!

TrainMaster Command Control operations
CAB-1 Remote Controller commands
The CAB-1 Remote Controller commands are detailed below. The corresponding
RailSounds sound system effects are in bold italic type. The
RailSounds sound system is in the powered A-unit only.
Releases the front coupler.
Coupler release sound.
Releases the rear coupler.
Coupler release sound.
Activates the numeric keypad.
Air release sound.
Toggles the headlight on and off.
Accelerates the locomotive set with a clockwise rotation.
Decelerates the locomotive set with a counter-clockwise
rotation.
Shuts down all PowerMasters on your railroad. Stops all
TrainMaster Command Control-equipped locomotive
sets in operation. Use HALT only in emergency situations.
Activates the locomotive set’s horn. Release the button to
discontinue the sound. Multihorn diesel horn
sound.
Toggles the bell sound on and off. Mechanical bell
sound.
Changes the locomotive set’s direction. The locomotive set
decelerates to a stop and continues in the opposite direction
when you increase the throttle. Air release sound.
Increases the locomotive set’s speed while the button is pressed. Release the button to
return to the initial speed.
Decreases the locomotive set’s speed while the button is pressed.
Squealing brake sounds.
17
SET L M H

TrainMaster Command Control operations
CAB-1 Remote Controller numeric keypad commands
When you press the AUX1 button on your CAB-1 Remote Controller,
you turn the numeric keypad into ten command buttons. These
commands are specific to your locomotive set, and an overlay is included to
help you learn these functions. After you press the AUX1 button, you will
be able to press any numbered button until you address a different
Command Control equipped product. The corresponding
RailSounds sound system effects are in bold italic type.
The RailSounds sound system is in the powered A-unit only.
Stops and resets the locomotive set. Resets the locomotive set’s direction to forward. Resets
the RailSounds sound system to automatic RPM operation. Horn blows. RPM sounds
return to automatic.
Raises the volume of the RailSounds sound system. Sound volume increases.
Activates CrewTalk communication, unintelligible radio dialogue. CrewTalk
communication.
Increases the RailSounds sound system RPM level. Starts the RailSounds sound system.
RPM level increases. Start-up sequence commences.
Lowers the volume of the RailSounds sound system. Sound volume decreases.
Activates the shutdown sequence. Like prototypical locomotive sets, the RPM level must be
at idle for shutdown to occur. Press 6repeatedly to lower the RPM level until the RPM
sounds reach idle. Press 5to initiate the shutdown sequence and listen for the CrewTalk
communication. Keep in mind that the horn, bell, and RPM sounds are inactive until you
restart the RailSounds sound system by pressing 3. CrewTalk communication.
Diesel shutdown sequence.
Lowers the RailSounds sound system RPM level. RPM level decreases.
Activates a TowerCom announcement, which includes a call-out specific to your locomotive
set. Pressing 7the first time triggers a “hold for clearance” message. Press 7again, and a
“clear for departure” message plays. There is a four-second delay in this function.
TowerCom announcement.
Turns off the smoke units in the A-unit locomotives. Air release sound.
Turns on the smoke units if the smoke unit switches are in the ON position. Be sure to add
smoke fluid before turning on the smoke units to prevent damage to your locomotives. Air
release sound.
AUX1,8 and 9function only if the locomotive set’s smoke unit switches are in the
ON position. 18
Note!
➠
➠
➠
➠
AUX1

TrainMaster Command Control operations
Tuning your locomotive set’s performance
TrainMaster Command Control allows you to fine-tune the performance of your powered
A-unit locomotive. Use your CAB-1 Remote Controller to make these adjustments.
These settings will be lost if you assign a new ID#.
Momentum
The TrainMaster Command Control momentum feature simulates the labored performance
of a locomotive pulling a light, moderate, or heavy load. Press L, M, or H(located under the
removable panel on the CAB-1 Remote Controller) to adjust the momentum setting. For quicker
response to your commands, press L. Your locomotive set will keep this setting until it is
changed.
Adjusting the speed
The BRAKE and BOOST buttons give you incremental control of your locomotive’s speed
while you press and hold these buttons, allowing you to make small, gradual adjustments
around curves and over grades. The locomotive set will resume its initial speed when the
buttons are released. Listen for the squeal of your locomotive’s brakes when you use the BRAKE
button.
Sound quality
Press AUX1,1or 4on your CAB-1 Remote Controller to raise and lower the overall volume
of the RailSounds sound system. To limit your locomotive’s volume, we recommend that you
adjust your locomotive’s volume control knob (see Figure 3 on page 10 for the location).
Setting the maximum speed
You may use your CAB-1 Remote Controller to set your locomotive’s maximum speed. This
will prevent locomotive sets from derailing as a result of excessive speed.
1. With the Command reverse unit switch in the RUN position, address your locomotive by
pressing ENG and entering the ID# or the lash-up ID#.
2. Press SET on the CAB-1 Remote Controller. The headlight will flash.
3. Get your locomotive moving at your desired maximum speed.
4. Press BOOST.
The maximum voltage has been set. To clear this setting, press SET and then BOOST,
holding each button for one second.
19
Note!

Note!
Note!
TrainMaster Command Control operations
Tuning your locomotive set’s performance (continued)
Setting the minimum speed
You may use your CAB-1 Remote Controller to set your locomotive’s minimum, or stall, speed.
1. With the Command reverse unit switch in the RUN position, address your locomotive by
pressing ENG and entering the ID# or lash-up ID#.
2. Press SET on the CAB-1 Remote Controller. The headlight will flash.
3. Get your locomotive moving at your desired minimum speed.
4. Press SET again. The locomotive will stop.
The next time you throttle up, your locomotive will start at the speed you set. To clear this
setting, press SET twice, holding the button for one second each time.
Assigning new ID#’s to your locomotives
While you may oprate your locomotive set as a lash-up, you will want to give each unit a unique ID#. Each locomotive will respond to commands associated with its ID# while all
other units will disregard these commands. This allows you to open the appropriate
ElectroCouplers and set the directional lighting.
To restore your locomotive set’s functions, see page 22.
1. Slide the Command reverse unit switch on your locomotive to the PGM position. See pages 7,
25, and 26 for the locations of the Command reverse unit switches on each unit.
Work with only one locomotive at a time.
2. Place the locomotive set on the track.
3. Connect the Command Base and plug it in.
4. Power up the track.
5. Press ENG.
6. Enter the unique ID#. Choose any number from 1 to 99 that has not been assigned to
another locomotive set (ENG). We recommend using a part of your locomotive’s cab
number.
7. Press SET. The locomotive’s horn will sound or the lights will flash.
8. Slide the Command reverse unit switch back to the RUN position.
The locomotive’s ID# has been set. Be sure to record the new ID# for your reference.
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