Lionel F3A User manual

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Lionel powered and
non-powered F3A
diesel locomotive set
Owner’s Manual
73-8150-250
07/99
LIONEL
Includes instructions to upgrade your
F3 with these available kits:
Railsounds: Part No# 6-22964
Command Control: Part No# 6-22960
Electrocouplers: Part No# 6-22957

1
Congratulations!
Table of contents
Transformer operations
Running your F3 set with a Lionel transformer 2
Using your F3 magnetic coupler 2
Experiencing the range of your F3’s Signalsounds 3
Your F3’s 104E reverse units operation 3
Installing the Lionel no. 610-5906-001 sound activation button 5
Maintaining and servicing your powered and
non-powered F3A set
Lubricating your F3A’s 6
Lubricating your F3A’s Pullmormotor armatures 7
Replacing your F3A unit’s lamps 8
Upgrades to you F3A set
Railsounds upgrade 9
Your F3A’s Railsounds™system-the basics 10
Notes on Railsounds™11
Experiencing the range of your F3A’s Railsounds™system 11
Command Control upgrade 12
Electrocoupler upgrade 13
TrainMaster Command operations
The Command control environment 14
Running your F3 in the TrainMaster Command environment 15
CAB-1 commands for your F3 15
CAB-1 numeric keypad commands for your F3 16
Tuning your F3’s performance 17
Assigning your powered and non-powered F3A units a new ID# 18
Programming your F3A set to use the Electrocouplers 19
Reprogramming R2LC circuit boards to restore or change features 20
Lionel Service 21
You purchased a tough, durable locomo- tive-the F3 diesel locomotive built by
Lionel. From the crisp detail and expert dec-
oration on the outside to the brute power
under the hood, the Lionel F3 is ready for
duty on your model railroad. Experience the
superiority of today’s Lionel. Your F3 is also
upgradable to include the latest Command
Control and Railsounds features.
• Two powerful Lionel Pullmor®motors
(in powered unit)
• Lionel electronic reversing unit
•SignalSounds horn and bell
• Magne-Traction®
• Die-cast magnetic couplers (on front of
“A” Units)
•Illuminated headlights and illuminated
interiors
• Upgrade ready

2
Transformer operations
Your Lionel F3 is equipped with a front oper- ating magnetic
knuckle coupler.
Lionel magnetic cou-
plers react to the magnetic
field generated by a Lionel
remote-control track sec-
tion (available separately).
Place your lo-comotive’s
coupler trigger disc over
the central coil of a
remote-control track section and press UNCOUPLE
on the controller. The magnetic field pulls the
disc downward, and the knuckle opens.
One operating technique
favored by Lionel railroad-
ers is the “moving uncou-
ple.” Press the UNCOUPLE
button as the F3 passes over
a remote-control section.
The magnetic field will
open the coupler; the con-
sist remains behind as the
locomotive moves on. But
be careful—the speed of a newly uncoupled and
moving locomotive can increase dramatically.
Position your F3’s trigger disc over the
remote-control section, then press “uncou-
ple.” The coupler opens.
3
3Move ‘em out!
• Get your F3 moving. Press the DIR button on your CAB-1 remote or Lionel
transformer. This sequences the Lionel 104 E reverse unit to the next operat-
ing state. The 104 E unit alternates between three states: forward, neutral,
and reverse.
• Adjust track voltage until your F3 moves at your desired speed. To increase
speed, increase track voltage. To decrease speed, reduce voltage. To stop the
locomotive, cut track power.
• See table on page 4 for information on locking your F3 in a sin-
gle operating state
Place your F3 locomotives on Lionel or Lionel-
compatible O, 027 gauge track.
2
2Power up your F3s with your transformer.
• Your F3 is designed to operate on 10-16 volts alternating current.
Virtually all Lionel and Lionel-compatible alternating-current transformers are suit-
able.
• DO NOT POWER YOUR F3 WITH DIRECT CURRENT (DC). Damage to sensitive electron-
ic components may occur.
• When you first power up your track, your F3’s headlights will illuminate.
At this point, the locomotive is in neutral. This occurs when placing the F3 on your
railroad for the first time. When your train is first powered up, the default state will
be neutral and the default direction is forward. This means whenever you power up
your engine the engine will remain in neutral, and when the power is removed and
again applied, the train will move forward. This condition holds true if the engine is
being powered up for the first time or if the engine has been powered down longer
than five seconds.
Note!
1
1
Running your Lionel F3 with a Lionel transformer
Using your F3’s magnetic coupler

3
Transformer operations
With SignalSounds, you experience the sounds of real railroading like never
before. Simply put, it delivers realistic, and
authentic sounds to your model railroad. To
adjust the volume of signalsounds see the
next page for location of adjustment knob
• Diesel Horn. Press horn to produce an
authentic diesel horn blast.
• Mechanical bell. Press BELL on your
CAB-1 or transformer to begin the effect;
again to discontinue.
Experiencing the range of your F3’s SignalSounds system
Your F3’s 104 E Reverse unit
The New E-Series Reversing Unit controls
the direction of the engine. When the revers-
ing unit senses an interruption in track
power, it will cycle into the next direction in
the sequence. The sequence is neutral, for-
ward, neutral, reverse.... Track power inter-
ruptions are created using the direction
control on your transformer or Cab-1, or by
turning the throttle to zero.
When power is first applied (or after a 5
second power interruption), the engine will
power up in neutral, always before forward.
A single press of the direction button will set
your engine in forward motion. This will
help eliminate unexpected start ups, derail-
ments, and crashes. Listed in the table on
the next page is the direction sequence pat-
tern that your 104 E unit will follow under
the given conditions.
As always, a lockout switch is included to
deactivate the 104 E’s sequencing function.
(for switch location see illustration on the
next page) A new feature is that now you
will have a neutral available even when the
reversing unit is “off”. In addition, you no
longer have to slow the engine by hand to
turn off the reversing unit while the train is
moving. Simply stop the engine, and throw
the switch. The 104 E unit will be locked
into its last moving direction, plus neu-
tral. Even simpler, just put the switch in the
“PROG” position and keep power off for 5
seconds. When you start, you will be locked
in neutral/forward.
NOTE: Due to limitations of the electronic components, it is hard to predict how each engine
will function when power is interrupted between 2.5 seconds and 5 seconds. Engines will
function either as in case #1 or case #2. This solely depends on the tolerances of the installed
electronics and is not affected or caused by your power supply.

4
Transformer operations
Summary Table of Engine Directions
Condition Direction Change Cycle
Case #1: First power up or without power longer than 5 sec.
E unit off (switch in PROGposition) N, F, N, F, etc.
E unit on (switch in RUNposition) N, F, N, R, etc.
Case #2: Engine without power for less than 2.5 seconds
E unit off (switch in PROGposition) N, Last-Dir, N, Last-Dir, etc.
E unit on (switch in RUNposition) N, F, N, R, etc.
NOTE: With your 104 E reversing unit, positioning the switch in the PROG position locks
your engine into its last moving direction plus neutral. Positioning the switch in the RUN
position resumes normal sequencing operation.
Your F3’s 104 E Reverse unit
F3 A reverse unit control switch
program
lock
forward
run

5
Transformer operations
Installing the Lionel no. 610-5906-001 sound activation button
To operate the bell and horn sounds when operating your F3 set with conventional
transformers, you’ll need to install the Lionel
no. 610-5906-001 sound activation button
(available separately). Connect the button(s)
as shown below.
12
12
For AC transformers lacking a horn/whistle button (two no. 5906s required)
Lionel no. 610-5906-001
sound activation button for activat-
ing 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
maynotbecompatible withRailsounds.
Note!
ATTACH TO GROUND TERMINAL
ATTACH TO POWER TERMINAL
Red wire
TO YOUR TRANSFORMER
CUSTOMER’SWIRE
BLACK WIRE
Note!
All track power must feed
through “Sound Activation
Button”
Do not bypass button
For AC transformers with a horn/whistle button

6
Lubricating your powered and non-powered F3A set
Lubricate areas marked by arrows with Lionel oil sparingly
Lubricate with Lionel oil
sparingly
Lubricate with Lionel oil
sparingly
Lubricate with Lionel grease
sparingly
Lubricate with Lionel grease
sparingly
Underside of non-powered F3A unit
Underside of powered F3A unit
Maintaining and servicing your powered and
non-powered F3A set
Help your Lionel powered and non-pow- ered F3A set lead a long and produc-
tive life on your railroad by maintaining it
properly.
We recommend you purchase aLionel 929
Lubrication and Maintenance kit (no. 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 F3’s
wheels, contact rollers, or your track.
You’ll know your F3 requires lubrication
when visual inspection reveals dryness on
the parts indicated in the illustration.
Remove accumulated dirt and dust before
lubricating, and always lubricate any loco-
motive emerging from prolonged storage.

7
Maintaining and servicing your powered
& non-powered F3A set
LIONELLIONEL
Lubricating your F3’s Pullmor motor armatures
Your powered F3A unit will require occa- sional lubrication of its Pullmor motor
armatures. If you hear excess noise during
operation, or if the locomotive slows down
intermittently, you may need to oil the top
armature bearing.
Start by separating the body shell from
the frame; remove the front body screw and
unclip the rear shell tabs from the frame
slots. Apply a small amount of Lionel oil
(two drops) in the armature shaft hole.
Finish the job by reinstalling the body
shell. Reinsert the rear tabs into the frame
slots, then line up the screw holes in the
front, and reinsert the screw.
Your F3 unit contains sophisti-
cated electronic devices that are
extremely sensitive to static
electricity. Please avoid all phys-
ical contact with these devices.
Note!

8
Replacing your powered/non-powered F3A unit’s lamps
Your F3A units are both illuminated by two 14-volt lamps. One illuminates the
headlamp and the other illuminates the cab
interior. During the course of normal opera-
tion, they may require replacement.
Start by separating the plastic body shell
from the frame; remove the front screw on
the underside of the frame and lift the body
up slightly, pulling it forward to release the
two rear clips from the frame slots.
Each lamp rests in a holder, with its
prongs plugged into a
socket. Carefully pull the
bulb straight up out of
the holder to remove it.
Replace the expired lamp with Lionel part
no. 610-8049-300, available from your local
Lionel Authorized Service Center or Lionel
Service. (For more information, see Lionel
Service on page 21.)
Insert the replacement lamp’s prongs into
the socket, making sure of a tight connec-
tion. To reinstall the shell, first insert the
rear tabs on the body into the slots on the
frame. Line up the screw holes on the frame
and body shell, and reinsert the screw. Make
sure all of the wires are inside the body
before you tighten the screw.
2343
Make sure to insert the rear tabs on the body into the slots on the
frame before inserting the front screw.
Maintaining and servicing your powered and
non-powered F3A set
Lionel part no. 610-8049-300
Note! If you have upgraded your locomotive to Command Control,
press Aux2 to make sure headlamps were not accidently turned off,
before replacing bulb
Note! If you have upgraded your locomotive to Command Control,
press Aux1-9 to make sure cab lights were not accidently turned off, before
replacing bulb

9
Upgrades
Available Railsounds and Command Control Upgrades
To experience the most from your F3 sev- eral upgrade options are available,
including Railsounds, Command Control,
and Electrocouplers. With these you can
enjoy the full spectrum of digitally recorded
real diesel sounds and the ability to control
your locomotive from anywhere. As with all
upgrades you may choose to have this done
at an authorized Lionel Service Center for a
fee, or you can choose “do it yourself”.
Just follow these instructions we have
included and you’ll be ready to experience
the fun that is today’s Lionel
Railsounds Upgrade
Installation is as follows: using kit 6- 22964 , which includes two plug-in cir-
cuits. Remove the cab from the chassis as
described on page 8. Carefully remove the
entire circuit board assembly from the two
plastic stand-offs. Carefully lift the assembly
just high enough to remove the Signal
Sounds circuit board with the aluminum
heat sink bracket and set it aside. (You will
want to store this in the static resistant
packaging from the upgrade kit). Plug the
RailSounds sound card to the slot marked
“AUDIO”. (The sound card can be identi-
fied by the large square chips/receptacle on
both sides). Plug the power supply card to
the slot marked “POWER”(The power sup-
ply card has the large coil). NOTE: Be sure
these are plugged in correctly, or
RailSounds will not function. Damage may
occur if the engine is operated with these
circuits in the wrong locations!
If no other upgrades are to be made,
recab the engine reversing the cab removal
steps. Your engine will now have RailSounds
including horn and bell which respond to
your sound activation button, and engine
sounds which respond to the speed of the
locomotive and to track voltage. Other ran-
dom realistic sounds will occur, listen for
these. For even more sounds and com-
mand control of your engine, install the
command upgrade kit 6-22960 (sold sepa-
rately). The next section includes detailed
instructions for this upgrade.
Signalsounds
Board
Raildsounds
“Chip” Board
Railsounds Power
Board
To Front of F3

10
Upgrades
Your F3’s Railsounds system—the basics
Lionel Railsounds is the most realistic model railroad sound system in the
world. Your F3 Railsounds upgrade features
digital samples from an authentic F3 for the
ultimate in realism.
Begin by
installing a 9-
volt alkaline
battery in the
non-powered
F3A unit. This
ensures inter-
ruption free
operation of
Rail-Sounds.
Remove the
front screw on
the underside of
the frame and lift
the body up
slightly, pulling it
forward to release
the two rear clips
from the frame slots. Connect the 9-volt bat-
tery to the battery clip on the circuit board.
Replace the body and reinsert the screw.
Although track voltage powers
Railsounds, the battery is re-
quired for uninterrupted opera-
tion and shutdown sequences.
Use only alkaline batteries; do
not use “heavy duty” batteries.
Apply track power and the F3’s Railsounds
system delivers an authentic start-up
sequence, followed by sounds of the locomo-
tive at idle. As the F3’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
switch to its SIG
(signal) position
before powering
up the locomo-
tive. See page 18
for the non-pow-
ered F3A unit’s
switch location
and positioning. To return to the diesel RPM
roar, return the switch to the FULL position.
Discontinue locomotive power
for 10 seconds before changing
the Railsounds on/off switch.
If Railsounds “drops out” dur-
ing track power interrupts,
replace the battery.
Install a 9-volt alkaline battery in your non-powered
F3A unit. Remove the body, and connect the battery to
the circuit board. Then reinstall the body on the
frame.
Note!
Note!
Note!
To Front of F3

11
Upgrades
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 F3’s
speed determines the level of diesel RPM
roar—automatically, if you prefer: idle,
slow, medium, or full-speed output.
• MultiHornTM. 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 F3 set in neutral and
increase track voltage to maximum. RPMs
will continue to increase as long as the F3
remains in neutral, eventually reaching
their highest level. Now, decrease track volt-
age to the desired speed level. Press DIR on
your CAB-1 remote or transformer, and head
out with your F3 at full churn, just like the
real thing. RPMs will remain at that level
until the locomotive has come to a com-
plete halt. Experiment with controllable
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
F3 set telling you its Liontech Command
reverse unit has just reset to forward oper-
ation.
• 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 sec-
onds to restart your F3. If you’re done with
operations, Railsounds will commence with
an authentic F3 shutdown sequence about 2
seconds after the air-release reset occurs.
Experiencing the range of your F3’s Railsounds system
Notes on Railsounds
• Use the non-powered F3A unit’s roof-
mounted “radiator fan” volume control to
adjust sound output. (See page 17 for its
location.)
• Listen for incidental locomotive sounds
during Railsounds operation. They’re auto-
matic and, of course, authentic.
• The 9-volt alkaline battery you installed
ensures continuous F3 diesel roar.
• Longer track-power interruptions (includ-
ing locomotive derailments) cause
Railsounds to shut down after about 7 sec-
onds.
• For even more authentic Railsounds
effects, operate in the TrainMaster
Command environment.
Battery must be installed for shut-
down sequence
Note!

12
Upgrades
NOTE: The antenna connection is already
built into your engine. The antenna in the
upgrade kit is not required.
This upgrade is made using kit 6-22960, which includes a radio circuit and an
antenna. Remove the cab from the chassis as
described on page 8. First, unplug the 104E
unit circuit board by pulling it straight back
from its mounting pins and set it aside. Next,
plug the circuit board (R2LC) into the same
mounting pins that the 104E unit was
removed from.
Command Control Upgrade
104E Unit
R2LC
To Front of F3

13
Upgrades
This upgrade is made using kit 6-22957. One upgrade kit is required for each F3-A
unit. With the cab removed, begin by replac-
ing the old coupler and routing the leads
from the electrocoupler through the pilot
and frame as shown in the upgrade kit
instructions. Once the wires are routed,
install the coil coupler leads into the white 2
pin connector included with your upgrade
kit. See illustration below for correct installa-
tion. Plug the connector into the main cir-
cuit board at the locations for the powered
and non-powered F3A shown. Finally, make
sure the wires are clear of the motor and the
truck guides. Neatly bundle them using twist
ties for added protection and reinstall the
cab.
Electrocouplers Upgrade
Powered Unit Coupler Install
Electrocoupler leads
Non-Powered F3A Unit Coupler Install
Electrocoupler leads
To Front of F3
To Front of F3

14
Trainmaster Command operations
The Command control environment
Lionel TrainMaster Command is the advanced model railroad control system
from Lionel. Your upgraded F3A is equipped
with the Liontech Command reverse unit,
and your non-powered F3A unit features an
R2LC for digital Railsounds control.
TrainMaster Command gives you the power
to operate multiple Command-equipped
locomotives on the same track, at the same
time.
To operate in Command, you need
a Command Base and a CAB-1
remote. Find them both at your authorized
Lionel retailer.
Place your F3 set on Lionel or Lionel-compatible
O gauge track.
• Make sure track power is OFF before placing them on the
track.
• Make sure your Lionel Command Base is ON and its communica-
tions wire is connected to the COMMON post on your Lionel transformer or
the U on any of your installed PowerMasters.
• Once positioned on the track, increase track voltage to FULL (on
PowerMaster, slide the CMD/CONV switch to CMD).
2
2Address your F3 set using CAB-1.
• Press ENG and 1 on the numeric keypad of your CAB-1 remote. This
command is sent by CAB-1 to the Command Base, which then translates
your command into digital code. That code is sent around your railroad’s
outside rails in the form of a digital “halo.” All Command-equipped
Lionels listen to this digital communication, but they do not respond until
they hear their individual ID number—in this case, “1.”
• The digital language of TrainMaster Command—and not track power—
controls the actions of Command-equipped Lionels. Track power is simply
like gasoline in the tank of your car—it gives you the power to go places,
but it doesn’t tell you where to go or how fast to get there.
• All Lionel Command Control Upgrade Kits come factory-pro-
grammed with an ID# of “1.” To change the ID#s of both your F3A
Units, see page 18.
3
3Move ‘em out!
• Throttle up or press any command button on CAB-1. Your F3 set will
respond to your every command. Read on.
1
1

15
TrainMaster Command operations
Running your F3 in the TrainMaster Command environment
Press AUX2 to turn your
F3’s headlight on and
off.
Activates keypad.
DIESEL AIR-RELEASE
SOUND.
Press HALT to shut down all Power-Master electrical out-
put on your railroad. Stops all Command-equipped
Lionels in operation.
Turn the THROTTLE to the
right to accelerate, left to
decelerate. Engine RPMs
will increase or decrease
with throttle settings.
address Locomotive #1
PowerMasters set to CMD or traditional
power supplies ON FULL
Press ENG
Press 1 (the ID#)
Throttle up/press any command button
Example
CAB-1 commands for your F3
Press WSTL/HRN to activate
the F3 horn, release it to dis-
continue. MULTIHORN DIESEL
HORN SOUND.
Press DIR—the locomotive
decelerates to a complete stop;
turn the throttle up, and the
locomotive will accelerate in
the new, opposite direction.
THERE IS NO NEUTRAL STATE.
DIESEL AIR-RELEASE SOUND.
Press BELL once to activate the
bell, again to discontinue.
DIESEL MECHANICAL BELL
SOUND.
Press and hold BRAKE to slow
down or stop. Release BRAKE and
return to the previous speed.
Engine RPMs decrease once
stopped. RPMs will increase once
brake is released and train begins
moving. SQUEALING BRAKE
SOUNDS.
Non-powered F3A
unit rear coupler
releases. COUPLER
RELEASE SOUNDS.
Powered F3A unit front
coupler releases.
COUPLER RELEASE
SOUNDS.
Press and hold BOOST for
extra power. Release BOOST
and return to the F3’s previ-
ous speed.
Your Command upgrded F3 set comes factory-programmed with
an ID# of “1.” To get your F3A set in
action, set PowerMasters to CMD or
set all power supplies on full. Press
ENG and “1” on CAB-1. Turn the
throttle or press any command but-
ton; your F3A set is ready for
Command operations.
Note! Sounds other than horn and bell only if Railsounds upgrade installed . Coupler will
operate only if coil coupler upgrade is installed.

16
CAB-1 numeric keypad commands for your F3
TrainMaster Command operations
0Stops and resets the F3’s. Resets the F3’s direction to FORWARD. Resets
Railsounds to automatic RPM operation.
HORN BLOWS. RPMS RETURN TO
AUTOMATIC.
1Raises the volume of Rail- sounds. SOUND VOLUME INCREASES.
2CrewTalk™ is the sound of unintelligable walkie-talkie communi-
cation. CREWTALK ANNOUNCEMENT
3Raises Railsounds RPM level. Starts up Railsounds. RPMS
INCREASE.STARTUP SEQUENCE
COMMENCES.
4Lowers the volume of Rail- sounds. SOUND VOLUME DECREASES.
5Activates the Railsounds shut- down sequence. Just like the real
thing, your F3’s RPMs must be at idle for
shutdown to occur. Press 6 repeatedly to
lower RPMs until they won’t descend fur-
ther. Your locomotive is now at idle. Press 5
to initiate the shutdown sequence.
CREWTALK ANNOUNCEMENT / DIESEL
SHUTDOWN COMMENCES.Remember, the
horn, bell, and RPMs will not sound until
you restart Railsounds.
6Lowers Railsounds RPM level. RPMS DECREASE.
7TowerCom™includes audible stand- by and departure announcements.
There is a 4 second delay in this function.
8Turns F3A’s cab interior light off.
CREWTALK ANNOUNCEMENT
9Turns F3A’s cab interior light on.
CREWTALK ANNOUNCEMENT
When you press AUX1 on CAB-1, you turn the numeric key-
pad into 10 command buttons.
The keypad lets you control
extra command features (until
you press any top-row button
like SW, ACC, RTE, TR, or ENG).
The CAB-1 keypad overlays included
with your F3 are designed to
help you learn the auxiliary
features specific to this loco-
motive. RAILSOUNDS SOUNDS
IN BOLD ITALIC.
DIESEL ENGINE
RESET
VOLUME
CAB LIGHT
RPM
S
SHUT
CREW
TALK
TOWER
COM
DOWN
OFF ON
➠
➠
➠
➠
START-UP
AUX1

17
Trainmaster Command operations
Tuning your F3’s performance
MOMENTUM
TrainMaster Command’s momentum fea-
ture simulates the labored performance of a
locomotive pulling a heavy load. Press L, M,
or H (located under CAB-1’s removable
panel) for light, medium, or heavy momen-
tum. The F3’s LCRU remembers this setting
until you change it. For quick locomo-
tive response, choose L.
BRAKING AND BOOSTING
There’s more to starting and stopping
than just turning the CAB-1 throttle. Use the
BOOST and BRAKE command buttons—
they give you incremental control of speed
and are the superior way to handle grades,
gradual stops-and-starts, and more. Plus,
using BRAKE in the Command environment
gives you a bonus Railsounds effect—the
ultrarealistic sound of squealing brakes.
SOUND QUALITY
To achieve your preferred Railsounds
master volume level, we recommend you
use your non-powered F3A unit’s radiator-
fan volume control dial (see below for loca-
tion). Turn the dial left or right to adjust
the volume to your liking.
For quick remote-control of volume
below the master setting—for example,
muting—use the CAB-1 numeric keypad’s
volume control. Press AUX1 and then 4 on
the numeric keypad to lower overall
Railsounds output.
HIGH VOLTAGE SETTING
Press SET, headlight will flash. Get your
locomotive moving to the maximum speed
you want it to run, press BOOST. Use this to
keep your locomotive from excess-speed
derailing. Turn off the high voltage setting
by pressing SET, then BOOST, holding each
for one second.
STALL
Make your F3 feel more responsive by set-
ting a “stall” voltage. Get your locomotive
moving, then press SET; the F3 will stop.
Turn the throttle clockwise to get the loco-
motive moving, then decrease speed until
the locomotive just stops. Then press SET
again; the LCRU remembers the stall setting
until you change it. To clear stall, press SET
twice, holding it for one second each time.
Volume adjustment
knob
Front fan on F3B
Note! These settings will be
lost when you assign
new engine ID#s.

18
Assigning your powered and non-powered F3A units a new ID#
Assign a new I D# to your
Command-equipped F3 set
Command Base ON
Place the F3 set on track
PowerMasters set to CMD or
traditional power supplies ON FULL
Set the reverse unit control switches to
PROGRAM on both F3A Units
Turn track power on
(PowerMasters):
Press BOOST
Program the F3A units with a new
ID#:
Press ENG
Press a number you choose
(the ID#)
Press SET
Set BOTH reverse unit control
switches to FORWARD/RUN
Your F3 set remembers its ID#
forever; change it any time with
these steps
Example
ENG
TrainMaster Command operations
Using CAB-1, press ENG, the locomotive
ID#, then press the SET button located under
CAB-1’s removable panel. See the powered
F3A’s headlight flash and hear the non-pow-
ered F3A’s horn honk; that’s your signal that
the programming has been accepted. Slide
BOTH control switches to FORWARD/ RUN.
Your F3 set is now programmed to respond
to the number you entered.
We recommend that you chose an easy to
remember ID# for your engine. Some
possibilities are part of the engine road
number, your age, any two digit number
that is not used by another
engine. Write the number on a small
piece of tape and put this on the bottom
of the fuel tank to aid in remembering.
As your fleet of Command-equipped Lionels grows, give your F3 set its own
ID#. Choose from any between 1 and 99. For
ease of use, give both locomotives
the same ID#.
Turn the Command Base ON and place the
F3 set on track. Power up, then slide BOTH
locomotives reverse unit control switches to
PROGRAM.
Non-powered F3A program
switch
F3 A reverse unit control switch
FORWARD
RUN FULL
PROG
LOCK
SIG
PROGRAM
LOCK
FORWARD RUN
Non-powered F3A sound
switch