Lionel FT AA Diesel Locomotives User manual

78-2293-250
7/15
FT AA
Diesel Locomotives
Owner’s Manual
FT AA
Diesel Locomotives
Owner’s Manual

2
Congratulations!
Locomotive Features:
• Electric locomotive with user-selected operational modes: Conventional AC transformer control
mode or LionChief wireless remote control with AC or DC power
• Non-Powered diesel locomotive
• Front ElectroCoupler on both units (compatible with LionChief Plus remote only)
• Operating headlights
• Fan-driven smoke
• RailSounds RC sound system (Powered A unit only) with diesel revving and background
sounds, horn, bell, and user-activated announcements
• On/off switches for smoke and background diesel sounds (Powered A unit only)
• Lighted cab interior
• Powerful maintenance-free motors (Powered A unit only)
• Die-cast metal trucks, pilots and fuel tank
• Metal frame
• Traction tires
• Constant speed control
Remote Features:
• Forward and reverse speed control knob
• Buttons for horn sound, bell, and special freight crew announcements
• Requires three AAA alkaline batteries (not included)
• Allows activation of the ElectroCouplers
Congratulations on your purchase of these LionChief Plus FT AA Diesel locomotives! Equipped with the RailSounds RC sound system and two electrocouplers, these LionChief Plus locomotives
can be operated with the LionChief remote or the controls on a standard three-rail AC transformer.
This set features both powered and non-powered units equipped with smoke. You may also purchase
separate powered FT B-Units to expand your set and apply more power. Connect as many units as you
wish (A-B-A, A-B-B-A, etc), power them up, and move ‘em on out!
The following Lionel marks are used throughout this Owner’s Manual and are protected under
law. All rights reserved.
Lionel®, LionChief™, LionChief Plus™, LEGACY™, FasTrack®,TrainMaster®, Odyssey®, RailSounds®,
CrewTalk™, TowerCom™, DynaChuff™, StationSounds™, Pullmor®, ElectroCoupler™, Magne-
Traction®, CAB-1®Remote Controller, American Flyer®, Lionel ZW®, ZW®, MagniVision®, TMCC®,
Lionelville®, Wireless Tether™, Powerhouse™, LionMaster®, Conventional Classics™, Postwar
Celebration Series™, TruRail™, PH-1 Powerhouse®, Powermaster®, Powerstation-Powerhouse®,
Accessory Motor Controller™, AMC™, Accessory Switch Controller™, ASC™, Action Recorder
Controller™, ARC™, Track Power Controller 300™, TPC 300™, Track Power Controller 400™, TPC
400™, Block Power Controller™, BPC™, Operating Track Controller™, OTC™, FatBoy™, Lionel
Lines®, Joshua Lionel Cowen Series™, Lockon®, TrainSounds™, MultiHorn™, MultiWhistle™,
Choo-Choo™, SensorTrack™, Plug-n-Play™

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Table of contents
LionChief Plus system features
Locomotive Control 4
Smoke 4
LionChief RC sound system 4
ElectroCouplers 5
Switch locations 5
The LionChief Plus remote
Installing AAA batteries into the remote control 6
Operating your locomotive set with your LionChief remote 7
Remote operations
Running your locomotive set with the LionChief remote 8
Operating the ElectroCouplers with the LionChief remote 9
Operating multiple LionChief Plus locomotives 9
Triggering sounds and announcements with the LionChief remote 10
Transformer operations
Running your locomotive set with your transformer 11
Triggering sounds and announcements with your transformer 12
Locomotive operation and maintenance
Adding smoke fluid to your locomotives’ smoke units 13
Adjusting the volume using the LionChief remote 14
Lubricating your locomotives 15
Servicing your locomotives’ LEDs 16
Replacing the traction tires 16
FCC statement 17
Troubleshooting 18-19
Lionel Limited Warranty Policy & Service 20

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Locomotive control
You may choose to control your LionChief Plus locomotives with the included LionChief remote (using a transformer or power supply capable of supplying a constant 18 VAC or 18 VDC to the
track) or using a conventional three-rail AC transformer with a throttle and whistle/horn and bell
button. Use the TRANSFORMER/REMOTE control switch to select between LionChief remote opera-
tion or conventional three-rail AC transformer operation.
If you choose to run your locomotives in LionChief mode, slide the TRANSFORMER/REMOTE
switch to the REMOTE position. Your powered locomotive runs on fixed 18 VAC or 18 VDC voltage,
which is optimal for the sound system and smoke system. The locomotive listens to commands from
its LionChief remote at a specific frequency to increase or decrease speed, change directions, trigger
sounds, or operate the ElectroCouplers. That’s why the locomotive and remote must be operated as a
matched pair.
If you choose to run your LionChief locomotives with a transformer, slide the TRANSFORMER/
REMOTE switch to TRANSFORMER position with the track power off. The powered locomotive
responds to the transformer’s throttle, direction, horn, and bell buttons.
Smoke
Both locomotives feature operating smoke units that produce safe, clean, white smoke. Always keep a small amount of smoke fluid in each smoke unit when you are running your locomo-
tive set with the SMOKE switches in the ON position. Slide the SMOKE switches to the OFF position if
you do not want to operate the locomotives with smoke. We recommend using only Lionel Premium
Smoke Fluid (6-37841, available from your authorized Lionel dealer).
LionChief RC sound system
Your powered locomotive features a wide range of sounds to make operation even more realistic and interactive! The diesel revving sounds are synchronized with the speed of the locomotive. You
may choose to turn the diesel sounds off by sliding the RPM/SOUND switch to the OFF position. See
page 5 for switch locations.
LionChief Plus system features

5
LionChief Plus system features
ElectroCouplers
The ElectroCouplers can only be activated when the TRANSFORMER/REMOTE switches are in the REMOTE position. For more information on activating the ElectroCouplers, see page 9.
Note that in Transformer mode, you should open the coupler on the car when coupling to your
train as you will not have remote control of each locomotive’s ElectroCoupler. Press the bell button
twice to operate the powered unit’s front coupler. Press the horn button twice to operate the non-
powered unit’s front coupler.
Switch locations
Refer to Figure 1 for the location of the switches on the underside of the locomotive’s cab.
RPM/SND switch: Turns background sounds on and off. Horn, bell, and announcement are not
affected.
TRANSFORMER/REMOTE switch: Toggles between remote control mode and transformer con-
trol mode.
SMOKE switch: Turns the smoke unit on and off.
Figure 1. Switch locations
REAR REAR
FRONT
RPM/SND
OFF ON
TRANSFORMER/
REMOTE
TRANSFORMER/
REMOTE
SMOKE
OFF ON
SMOKE
OFF ON
FRONT
Powered Unit Non-Powered Unit

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The LionChief Plus remote
Installing AAA batteries into the Remote Control
For safety purposes, you must use a Phillips screwdriver to access the battery compartment. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw that secures the battery compartment hatch and lift the
hatch to access the battery compartment (as shown in Figure 2). Insert three AAA alkaline batteries
orienting the +/- as shown in the bottom of the battery compartment. Replace the battery door and
tighten the Philips head screw. Be careful to avoid overtightening the screw.
Use only Alkaline AAA batteries. Use only new batteries. Never mix new and used
batteries or use different types together.
Figure 2. Opening and closing the battery compartment
When you are not operating the train, move the On/Off switch to the
Off position to conserve the battery life.
Important!
Important!
Remove screw and remove
battery compartment hatch
REMOVE ALL BATTERIES WHEN THE TRAIN WILL NOT BE USED FOR AN
EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. LIONEL'S LIMITED WARRANTY DOES NOT
COVER DAMAGE TO YOUR REMOTE CAUSED FROM LEAKING BATTERIES.
Important!

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The LionChief Plus remote
Operating your locomotive set with your LionChief remote
ON/OFF SWITCH
To conserve your batteries,
move the On/Off switch to
the Off position when you are
done operating your train.
SPEED INDICATOR LIGHT
The red light will remain on during
normal operation. The light will begin to
flash when the locomotive is in motion,
and the flashing will vary with the
locomotive's speed.
BELL
The BELL button will
activate the bell sounds on
locomotives equipped with
this feature. Press the BELL
button to begin the sounds;
press the button again to
turn off the bell. Press
two times within
ONE second to
trigger the
front ElectroCoupler
on the powered unit.
HORN
The HORN button will activate
your locomotive’s horn. Press two
times within ONE second to
trigger the rear ElectroCoupler on the
powered unit.
COUPLER
The COUPLER button will activate
your locomotive’s couplers. Press
two times within ONE second to trigger
the front ElectroCoupler on the non-
powered unit.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Press the center button for a variety of
announcements. See page 10 for more
information.
THROTTLE
Turn the throttle knob clockwise to go for-
ward and adjust the speed. Turn the throttle
knob counter-clockwise to go reverse and
adjust the speed. To stop the train, simply
return the throttle knob to the center posi-
tion.

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Running your locomotive set with the LionChief remote
Slide the TRANSFORMER/REMOTE switches to the REMOTE position.
Refer to Figure 1 on page 5 for the location of these switches.
With track power turned off, place your locomotives on the track.
Power up the track to 18 volts (AC or DC) and move the remote power
switch to ON. When the locomotives are powered up, the powered unit will beep
until it syncs with the remote. When the locomotive is synced up with the remote, the
locomotive start-up sounds will begin to play.
If both smoke units switches are in the ON position, add smoke fluid to
the stacks to prevent damage to the smoke units. Refer to page 13 for
additional information.
When in remote mode and powered up on the track, the pow-
ered locomotive will continue to beep until it is synced up with
its remote. If the locomotive beeps during operation, be sure
that fresh batteries are installed properly in the remote and
the TRANSFORMER/REMOTE switch is in the REMOTE position.
Move ‘em out! Use your remote to run your train. You can adjust the speed in for-
ward or reverse, blow the whistle, sound the bell, or trigger an announcement. Refer to
page 14 for complete details.
Turn off the power supply when you are done running your trains.
Switch off your remote control to conserve the batteries.
Remote operations
3
4
1
5
2
Caution!
Note!

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Remote operations
Operating the ElectroCouplers with the LionChief remote
In LionChief remote mode, press the HORN/ElectroCoupler button two times within one second to open the non-powered unit’s ElectroCoupler. Press the BELL/ElectroCoupler button two times within
one second to open the powered unit’s ElectroCoupler. The buttons must be pressed quickly and then
released in the period of one second to activate the ElectroCouplers.
Keep in mind that it’s easier to couple cars on a straight stretch of track.
Note!
Operating multiple LionChief Plus locomotives
You may choose to operate more than one LionChief Plus locomotive at the same time—includ- ing locomotives of the same type (e.g., two FT AAs with different road names and/or road num-
bers). Each locomotive is paired with a unique remote. A locomotive will only respond to commands
from its corresponding remote.
If you attempt to operate two of the exact same locomotives (same type, roadname, and Lionel part
number), then one remote will control both locomotives simultaneously. If you purchase a separate
B-Unit with the same roadname, the remote will control it as well.

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Remote operations
When the locomotive is… The announcement states…
Sitting still less than 30 seconds “Stand by” announcement #1
Response #1
“Stand by” announcement #2
Response #2
Sitting still longer than 30 seconds “Cleared out bound” announcement
Response
Running less than 30 seconds “Departed” announcement #1
Response #1
“Departed” announcement #2
Response #2
Running more than 30 seconds “All clear ahead” announcement
Response
Triggering sounds and announcements with the LionChief remote
Press the announcement on the LionChief remote to trigger the corresponding sounds. In addi- tion, your powered locomotive plays a variety of announcements that are designed to match the
way you operate the locomotive set. You can trigger an announcement that corresponds to each part
of the journey. See page 14 to silence the sounds or adjust the volume level.
Note that the dialog is different between locomotive types (e.g., between GP7s and FT AAs.) As
such, the actual announcements are not listed out in the table above.

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Transformer operations
Running your locomotive set with the transformer
Slide the TRANSFORMER/REMOTE switches to the TRANSFORMER position.
Refer to Figure 1 on page 5 for the location of these switches.
With track power turned off, place your locomotives on the track.
Power up the track using your conventional AC transformer.
If both SMOKE unit switchs are in the ON position, add smoke fluid to each stack to pre-
vent damage to the smoke units. Refer to page 13 for additional information.
Get your locomotives moving. Your locomotive set goes through a repeating pat-
tern of operations: neutral, forward, neutral, reverse, neutral, and so on. To sequence the
reverse unit, press the DIRECTION button on your conventional three-rail AC transformer,
or briefly bring the throttle all the way back to the OFF position and then forward. When
track power is interrupted, the locomotive set advances to the next operational state. Adjust
track voltage until your locomotives move at your desired speed.
The ElectroCouplers can only be activated using the LionChief remote (with the
TRANSFORMER/REMOTE switch in the REMOTE position). The LionChief remote will not
send any commands to the powered locomotive when operated in a conventional environ-
ment.
3
4
2
1
Caution!
Note!

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Transformer operations
Triggering sounds and announcements with the transformer
Using the HORN/WHISTLE button on your conventional three-rail AC transformer, you can trigger the sounds listed below. In addition, your powered locomotive plays a variety of announcements
that are designed to match the way you operate the locomotive. To activate the announcements on
your LionChief Plus powered locomotive, simply press the HORN/WHISTLE button for a period less
than a second (there must not be any additional horn/whistle activations for another two seconds for
the announcements to play.) See page 14 to silence the sounds or adjust the volume level.
When the locomotive is… The announcement states…
Sitting still less than 15 seconds “Stand by” announcement #1
Response #1
“Stand by” announcement #2
Response #2
Sitting still longer than 15 seconds “Cleared out bound” announcement
Response
Running less than 7 seconds “Departed” announcement #1
Response #1
“Departed” announcement #2
Response #2
Running more than 7 seconds “All clear ahead” announcement
Response
Note that the dialog is different between locomotive types (e.g., between GP7s and FT AAs.)
As such, the actual announcements are not listed out in the table above. Announcements and
responses will be selected at random by the internal electronics.
Three-rail AC transformers have a wide variety in their internal designs. As such, your specific
transformer may not activate the sounds in the manner described above. If you find this is the case
with your transformer, some experimentation may be required to find the correct timing, based on
your transformer.

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Locomotive operation and maintenance
Adding smoke fluid to your locomotives’ smoke units
Both of your locomotives are equipped with synchronized fan-driven smoke units that produce safe, clean white smoke during operation if the SMOKE unit switches are in the ON position.
Refer to Figure 1 on page 5 for the location of the switch.
The smoke units require the periodic addition of Lionel smoke fluid in order to function. We rec-
ommend using only Lionel Premium Smoke Fluid (6-37841, available from your authorized Lionel
dealer). Only add about four drops of fluid directly into each locomotive’s stack at one time. Smoke
production commences momentarily. The smoke will be light when the locomotives are stationary
and increase when in motion. When smoke production decreases, add more fluid (about four drops).
If you prefer to operate the locomotives without smoke, slide the SMOKE unit
switches to the OFF position.
When the SMOKE switch is in the ON position, always keep a small amount of smoke
fluid in each locomotive’s smoke unit, as the elements can become damaged if operated
without smoke fluid.
Caution!
Note!
Figure 3. Adding smoke
Note! Only the use of Lionel Premium Smoke Fluid (6-37841) is approved for warranty
coverage of Lionel products.
Put smoke fluid here
REAR
FRONT

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Adjusting the volume using the LionChief remote
To turn off the powered locomotive’s diesel background sounds, slide the SOUND switch to the OFF position. Refer to Figure 1 on page 5 for the location of this switch.
The overall volume of the sounds in your powered locomotive can be adjusted, but this requires the
use of the LionChief remote (in remote operation mode). To enter Volume Control Mode, place the
remote on a flat surface. Using one hand, press the HORN and BELL buttons simultaneously. After
three seconds, the remote’s red LED will begin to flash, acknowledging that you are in volume adjust-
ment mode. Keep the HORN and BELL buttons depressed.
Using your other hand turn the speed control knob up or down to adjust the volume to your prefer-
ence. Release the HORN and BELL buttons to exit volume adjustment mode.
Locomotive operation and maintenance

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Help your Lionel locomotives lead a long and productive life on your railroad by maintaining them properly.
We recommend that you purchase a Lionel Lubrication and Maintenance Kit (part 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 locomotive wheels, contact rollers, or your
track.
You’ll know your locomotives require lubrication when visual inspection reveals dryness on the
parts indicated in Figure 4 or the locomotives begin to squeak. Remove accumulated dirt and dust
before lubricating, and always lubricate any locomotive emerging from prolonged storage. Also,
lightly lubricate the front and rear truck pivot points after each 25 hours of operation.
Figure 4. Lubrication points and screw locations
Locomotive operation and maintenance
Lubricating your locomotive set
Lubricate with
Lionel oil sparingly
Lubricate with Lionel
oil sparingly
Lubricate with Lionel
grease sparingly
Lubricate with Lionel
grease sparingly
REAR
FRONT
Both Powered and Non-Powered Units

16
Servicing your locomotives’ LEDs
Each of your locomotives are equipped with LED-style lamps for longer life. Please contact your Factory Trained Authorized Lionel Service Center or Lionel Service if LED replacement is
required.
Locomotive operation and maintenance
Replacing the traction tires
Your powered locomotive is equipped with traction tires to increase the tractive effort of your locomotives and allow them to pull more cars at once.
During the course of normal operations, the traction tires may become worn out. To replace the
traction tires, remove the side frame screws from the underside of the trucks and lift away the side
frame. Remove the worn tire, then slip the replacement around the wheel. Reposition the side frame
on the truck and secure it with the two screws.
Two replacement tires are included with your locomotive set. If additional tires are needed, see our
parts list for this locomotive on www.lionel.com for a replacement part number and ordering infor-
mation.

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FCC Statement
FCC and RSS Statements
Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user 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 protection
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.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause unde-
sired operation.
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s).
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interfer-
ence that may cause undesired operation of the device.

18
LionChief Troubleshooting
Problem: The locomotives stopped dead:
LionChief Plus locomotives are equipped with “motor lock out” technology. This means that if the
internal electronics do not detect the motor feedback signal (a function of the constant speed control
system) within a two-second period of being given a command to start moving (or has been under-
way for a period of time) the motor will lock itself out. This is done to prevent the locomotives from
losing control.
Solution: Simply return the Lionchief dial to the center (stopped) position, if using Remote mode or
cycle the power on your conventional transformer. Once you tell the locomotives to begin moving they
will. If the problem persists you likely have a loose electrical connector inside the powered locomotive
and it should be taken to a local Factory Trained Authorized Service Station or contact Lionel Service
directly.
Problem: The locomotives do not smoke
Resolution:
• Ensure that each SMOKE switch is in the ON position. (You must cycle the power if you have to
change the position of the switch.)
• Ensure you have four drops of smoke fluid in each smoke stack. Before getting the locomotive
set running.
• You may need to blow down the stacks to clear any potential blockage that may have been created
when you added smoke fluid.
• If you do not plan to use the smoke units ensure the SMOKE switches are in the OFF position, fail-
ure to add smoke fluid can cause permanent damage to the smoke units.
Problem: The LionChief Remote will not control the powered locomotive
Resolution:
• Ensure you have fully charged batteries in the remote. (The LED on the top of the remote will
illuminate when the remote is turned on.)
• Ensure you are using the remote paired with the locomotive you are trying to operate (road name
and road number match).
• Ensure the TRANSFORMER/REMOTE switch is in the REMOTE position. Turn the track power off,
turn the remote OFF. Power up the locomotive set with the track power. The powered locomotive will
begin to beep when power is applied, now turn the remote on and wait. The remote is synced to the
locomotive. When the sounds in the locomotive come alive you will know the locomotive and remote
have synchronized.
• If the red LED on the top of the remote begins to blink when the throttle is turned and the loco-
motive set does not begin to move it may be an instance of the “motor lock out” feature. Ensure
the batteries in the remote are new and fully charged.

19
Problem: Sound volume is low
Resolution: Follow the volume adjustment directions found on page 14. If this does not correct the
problem please contact Lionel Service.
Problem: The powered locomotive continues beeping and will not respond to
the LionChief Remote
Resolution:
• Ensure the remote you are using is matched to the locomotive you are trying to control (road
name and road number). Follow the instructions on page 8.
• Ensure the TRANSFORMER/REMOTE switch is in the REMOTE position.
• Ensure the remote is powered on.
LionChief Troubleshooting (continued)

©2015 LIONEL L.L.C., CONCORD, NC 28027
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
PRINTED IN CHINA
Lionel Limited Warranty Policy & Service
T
his Lionel product, including all mechanical and electrical components, moving parts, motors and structural components, with the
exception of Lamps, LED’s, Traction Tires and smoke unit batting are warranted to the original owner/purchaser for a period of
ONE YEAR from date of Purchase against defects in materials or workmanship.
This warranty does NOT cover the following:
• Normal wear and tear
• Defects appearing in the course of commercial use
• Damage resulting from abuse / misuse of the products
Modification to this product in any way; visually, mechanically or electrically and / or evidence of any attempt of consumer repair voids the
warranty in its entirety.
Any warranted item which is found to be defective in original materials or workmanship and is delivered by the original owner/
purchaser to Lionel LLC or a Factory Trained Authorized Service Station MUST be accompanied by the original receipt or gift receipt from
the original place of purchase. The product will be repaired or replaced without charge for parts or labor. In the event the defective
item cannot be repaired and a suitable replacement is not available, Lionel will offer to replace the product with a comparable model (at the
discretion of Lionel LLC), if available.
T
o obtain service please contact Lionel Customer Services at 586-949-4100 option 2 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm EDT. You can
also contact us online at: [email protected] Having the product accessible during the call will help expedite the service process. Our
Customer Service Representatives are required to walk you through some simple troubleshooting steps to help identify / resolve the problem with
your specific product. In the event a product, sent in for repair, is found to be in proper working order a handling fee of $50.00 will be charged
to the customer.
If it is deemed your product must be sent to Lionel LLC for repair you will be assigned a Return Authorization Number to
identify and track your repair. Please, under no circumstances, send a product to Lionel LLC without a Return Authorization
Number. Items received without a Return Authorization Number will be refused for delivery. The Return Authorization Number
must be clearly printed on the outer shipping carton.
S
ome states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above exclusion may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal right and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.
P
lease complete the information below and keep it, along with a copy of the original DATED sales receipt. The sales receipt must be presented
when requesting warranty service.
In no event shall Lionel LLC be held responsible for incidental or consequential damages.
Instructions for Obtaining Service
Warranty Information
Name _________________________________________________________________________
Address ________________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip ________________________________________________________________
Daytime Phone Number (________)____________________________________________________
Email address __________________________________________________________________
Product Number (example: 6-30208) _____________________________________________________
Product Name (Name on the Set Box) _____________________________________________________
Place of Purchase _____________________________________________________
Date of Purchase _____________________________________________________
Lionel Customer Services
6000 Victory Lane
Concord, NC 28027.