Lionel GG1 User manual

73-0171-250
8/11
Rev.1
Featuring the Conventional
RailSounds sound system
CAUTION—ELECTRIC TOY
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE. AS
WITH ALL ELECTRIC PRODUCTS, PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE OBSERVED DURING
HANDLING AND USE TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK.
TRANSFORMER RATINGS—INPUT: 120 VAC; 60 HZ ONLY.
AC OUTPUT: 18 V; 80 VA
Lionel
GG1 Freight Set
Owner’s Manual
Lionel
GG1 Freight Set
Owner’s Manual

Train set includes
• GG1 locomotive
• Flatcar with trailers
• Single-dome tank car
• Operating generator car
• Porthole caboose
• CW-80 Transformer with accessory wire
• Three straight FasTrack track sections
• Eight curved FasTrack track sections
• One straight FasTrack terminal track section
• Replacement traction tire
• Owner’s Manual
Congratulations!
2
Congratulations on your purchase of the GG1 Ready-to-Run Freight Set! This set features everything you need to get started—a mighty CW-80 Transformer, a huge loop of easy-to-
assemble FasTrack track, a string of detailed cars, and a powerful Lionel locomotive.
Have fun growing with this complete train set! Start with the set components, and then
follow your imagination into your own miniature world. Expand your railroad empire with
additional FasTrack track sections, enhance your layout with accessories, lengthen your con-
sist with extra cars, or operate a new locomotive at the head end of your train! Explore the
possibilities at your authorized Lionel dealer.
Use this Owner’s Manual to learn how to set up, operate, and maintain your train set for
years of reliable operation.
The transformer included with this set should be periodically
examined for conditions that may result in the risk of fire,
electric shock, or injury to persons (such as damage to the
output cord, blades, housing, or other parts). In the event that
such conditions exist, the transformer should not be used until
properly repaired.
Parents!
The following Lionel marks are used throughout this catalog and are protected under law. All
rights reserved.
Lionel®, 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™,
MultiHorn™, Choo-Choo™

3
Table of contents
Creating your layout
Operating your CW-80 Transformer safely 4
Building your Lionel layout 5
Joining the FasTrack track sections 6
Connecting your CW-80 Transformer 7-8
Running your train
Running your train set 9
Coupling 9
Experiencing the features of the CW-80 Transformer 10-11
Locking your locomotive into forward-only operation 12-13
Operating the conventional RailSounds sound system 14
Adjusting the volume 14
Installing the pantographs on your GG1 15
CW-80 Transformer operation
Powering your layout with the CW-80 Transformer 16
Setting the accessory output 17
Maintaining and servicing your locomotive
Lubricating your locomotive 18
Replacing your locomotive’s traction tire 19
Replacing your locomotive’s lamps 19
Maintaining and servicing your locomotive
Operating your generator car 20-21
Replacing the lamp in your generator car 22
Replacing the lamp in your searchlight 23
Replacing the driving washer in your generator car 23
Replacing the lamp in your caboose 24-25
Notes 26
FCC Statement 27
Limited Warranty/Lionel Service 28

4
Operating your CW-80 Transformer safely
Your Lionel CW-80 Transformer is listed by Underwriter’s Laboratory Inc. and has been carefully designed to ensure peak performance. When using electrical products, basic
safety precautions should be maintained.
Be sure to observe the following guidelines:
• Read the manual thoroughly before using this device.
• This device is not recommended for children under fourteen years of age.
• Parents should periodically inspect this product for potential hazards and, if necessary,
have them repaired by an authorized Lionel Service Center. In the event that such a condi-
tion exists, the transformer should not be used until it has been properly repaired.
• The CW-80 Transformer is intended to be used indoors. Do not use this device if water is
present. Serious or fatal injuries may result.
• Use the CW-80 Transformer only for its intended purpose.
• The CW-80 Transformer was meant to operate on 120-volt, 60-Hertz power. Do not connect
this product to any other power supply.
• Do not operate the CW-80 Transformer with a damaged cord, plug, or case.
• To avoid the risk of electrical shock, do not disassemble the unit. There are no user service-
able parts inside. If damaged, take this product to a Factory Trained Lionel Service Station.
• Do not operate the CW-80 Transformer on your layout unattended. Obstructed accessories
or stalled trains may overheat, resulting in damage to your layout.
• Always unplug the CW-80 Transformer from the power source when not in use.
• Never insert objects into the ventilation slots on this product. Damage to sensitive
electronic components can result.
Creating your layout

Building your Lionel layout
Your set comes with eight curved, three straight, and one terminal section of track. Figure 1 provides some examples of layouts that you can build with these track sections.
By adding more FasTrack track sections, you can create an endless number of exciting
track arrangements for more fun, action, and variety. The railroad empire of your dreams can
quickly become a reality!
Creating your layout
Figure 1. Track layout ideas
5
FasTrack Add-on Track Packs make it easy to expand your railroad. Each Track Pack
includes all the track sections you need to create a more advanced layout using the sections
included with this set. Refer to Figure 2 to explore the possibilities.
Figure 2. Add-on Track Pack layouts
Inner Passing Loop Add-on Track Pack
6-12028
Figure 8 Add-on Track Pack
6-12030
Outer Passing Loop Add-on Track Pack
6-12031
Siding Track Add-on Track Pack
6-12044
Track Packs available separately.

Creating your layout
6
Joining the FasTrack track sections
FasTrack track sections join together easily. With interlocking roadbed sections and large rail tabs, the track fits together securely so you always get good electrical contact. Take a
look at Figure 3 to see how to join the track sections.
1. Line up your two sections of track.
2. Insert the rail tabs into the openings at the ends of the corresponding
rails.
3. Press the sections together until the interlocking roadbed snaps into
place.
Figure 3. Joining the track sections
Rail tab

7
Connecting your CW-80 Transformer
Creating your layout
Connect your FasTrack terminal section to the CW-80 Transformer. Use the wires that are already attached to the terminal section. Make sure that all connections are secure.
Loose connections can produce extremely high temperatures. For this reason, do not touch
the terminals or track connections during use. Also, do not locate scenery materials such as
lichen or ground foam near the terminals.
1. Feed the wires through the notch in the FasTrack terminal section. Refer to
Figure 4 on page 8.
2. Loosen the red TRACK thumbscrew terminal, then slide the red
spade-shaped connector into position. The thumbscrew post should be positioned
between the “blades” of the spade connector. Be sure that the blades are touching the
metal post. Tighten the thumbscrew to secure the connection.
3. Loosen the black TRACK thumbscrew terminal, then slide the black
spade-shaped connector into position. Tighten the thumbscrew to secure the
connection. Be sure that the blades are touching the metal post. Tighten the thumbscrew
to secure the connection.
4. If you need to power an accessory (available separately at your
authorized Lionel dealer), connect the accessory to the ACCESSORY
thumbscrew terminals. Use the accessory wire included with the CW-80 Transformer.
5. Plug the CW-80 Transformer into your wall outlet (120 volts).
As your layout expands, you may also make power connections with the stripped ends
of wires, placing no more than two wires on each terminal. For best performance on large
layouts, it is recommended that you use 16-gauge wire to connect your CW-80 Transformer to
the track. On larger layouts where several track connections are required, the use of separate
junctions/terminal strips (available at your local electronics store) is recommended to
prevent voltage drops.
To prevent the excessive build up of heat, be sure to select the proper wire gauge
for your layout. Follow these guidelines:
• Track connections must be made with 18-gauge wire or heavier. Larger
layouts require a minimum of 16-gauge wire.
• Use 24-gauge wire only when connecting single accessories that require lower
current.
• When wiring multiple accessories (two or more) or accessories that require
higher current, be sure to use 18- to 16-gauge wire.
Caution!

8
Creating your layout
Connecting your CW-80 Transformer (continued)
U
120/60z
0~18VAC
AB
U
0~18VAC
TRACK ACCESSORY
Figure 4. Controller connections
FasTrack terminal section
Notch
Spade-shaped
connector

Coupling
When coupling your cars, at least one of the mating couplers must be open as shown at the left in Figure 5. Press down on the lock release to open the coupler, then push the cars toward
each other until they lock together.
Keep in mind that it’s easier to couple cars on a straight stretch of track.
Lock release
Figure 5. Coupler operation
Note!
9
Running your train
Running your train set
With track power off, place your train set on the track.
Refer to the following section for information on coupling the cars.
3
2
3
Power up your locomotive with your transformer.
Your locomotive is designed to operate on 7-15 volts alternating cur-
rent. Virtually all Lionel and Lionel-compatible alternating-current transformers
are suitable.
Do not power your locomotive with direct-current (DC) transformers.
The locomotive was designed for use with alternating-current (AC)
transformers only.
Move ‘em out!
Get your locomotive moving. Your locomotive goes through a repeating pattern
of operations: forward, neutral, reverse, neutral, and so on. To sequence the reverse
unit, press the DIRECTION button on your transformer, or briefly bring the throttle
all the way back to the OFF position and then forward. Each press of the DIRECTION
button or interruption in track power causes the locomotive to advance to the next
operational state.
Adjust track voltage until your locomotive moves at your desired speed.
1
Note!

10
Refer to Figure 6 on page 11 for the location of the Transformer features listed in this section.
THROTTLE
Push the throttle forward to increase track power. The markings on the throttle approxi-
mate the percentage of full power. For more realism, push the throttle slowly to gradually
increase or decrease the speed of the locomotive. Slowing or stopping the locomotive with the
throttle instead of the DIRECTION button will allow you to continue in the same direction
when you increase the throttle again. To achieve this effect, reduce the throttle to the point
that the locomotive stops moving, but don’t completely turn off the throttle. That way, your
train won’t sequence into neutral.
DIRECTION
The DIRECTION control button interrupts track power to activate the reverse unit in your
locomotive. Your locomotive will not respond to this button when the reverse unit switch is in
the OFF position.
WHISTLE
The WHISTLE button will activate your locomotive’s whistle or horn. The sound will con-
tinue until the button is released. No external sound activation buttons are needed.
BELL
The BELL button will activate the bell sounds on locomotives equipped with this feature. Press
and hold the BELL button for two to three seconds to begin the sounds; press and hold the button
again to turn off the ringing.
Do not activate horns, whistles, or bells on RailSounds-equipped locomotives
until track power has been turned on for a few moments, or a continuous horn/
whistle or bell sound may occur. To correct this problem, simply turn off the CW-80
Transformer, then turn it back on.
POWER-ON INDICATOR
The green light will remain on during normal operation. The green light will begin to
flash if you exceed the power limit of the Transformer. The unit will allow you to momentarily
exceed the power limit, but power will be gradually reduced until the problem is corrected.
The benefit is that the Transformer will not instantly turn off.
Running your train
Experiencing the features of the CW-80 Transformer
Note!

11
Experiencing the features of the CW-80 Transformer
(continued)
Whistle
Activates the whistle or horn sound
effect in your Lionel locomotives.
Press WHISTLE to begin the sound;
release the button to end it.
Bell
Starts or stops the tolling bell in
any RailSounds-equipped locomo-
tive. Press BELL to begin the sound,
again to stop it.
Direction
Press the DIRECTION button to go forward
or reverse, or to place the locomotive in
neutral (no movement, headlight is on).
Throttle
Controls your locomotive’s speed. Throw the throttle
forward to increase locomotive speed, backward to slow
it down.
Power-on indicator
The green light
illuminates when the
CW-80 is on.
Figure 6. Transformer features
Running your train

12
Figure 7. Switch and volume control knob locations
LOCK RUN
Volume Control Knob
Electronic Reverse Unit Switch
When the electronic reverse unit switch is in the RUN position, your locomotive sequences through a repeating pattern of operations: forward, neutral, reverse, neutral, and so on.
To “lock” your locomotive into forward operation only, you can deactivate the reverse
unit’s sequencing function. Follow the steps below and refer to Figure 7 for the location of the
reverse unit switch.
1. Turn off track power, wait three seconds, and then remove the locomotive from the track.
2. Slide the reverse unit switch to the LOCK position. See Figure 7 for the location of this
switch. At this point, the locomotive is “locked” into forward direction operation.
3. Place your locomotive back on the track. Power up the track and press the DIRECTION
button on your transformer to confirm that the locomotive is locked in forward-only
operation. See Figure 8 on page 13 for the location of this button on the transformer.
To restore the forward-neutral-reverse sequence, turn off track power and remove your loco-
motive from the track. Slide the reverse unit switch back to the RUN position, then place the
locomotive back on the track.
Running your train
Locking your locomotive into forward-only operation

Running your train
13
Locking your locomotive into forward-only operation (continued)
Figure 8. Direction control button location
Direction control button
Whistle control button
Bell control button
Throttle

Running your train
14
Adjusting the volume
Use the volume control knob on the underside of the locomotive to adjust the volume. Refer to Figure 7 on page 12. Use a small screwdriver to access the volume control knob.
Operating the conventional RailSounds sound system
When you power up the locomotive on the track, you will hear the sounds of the idling locomotive. The sounds will increase proportionally with the locomotive's speed. Use
the volume control knob to adjust the volume. See Figure 7 on page 12 for the location of this
control, which is located on the underside of the locomotive.
Whistle/Horn
Press the WHISTLE/HORN button on your transformer to sound the whistle/horn. The sound
will play for as long as you hold the button.
Bell
Press the BELL button on your transformer to activate the bell sound. Press BELL again to dis-
continue the sound.

Running your train
15
Although your locomotive is wired to operate on a three-rail track, it is equipped with operating pantographs which can be wired into the power circuit by any model railroader
whose layout works with a catenary, or overhead power line.
The pantographs are held in place with a spring catch and can be removed simply by pull-
ing the base frame upward. This is a very important feature as it prevents damage to the
pantograph in the event of a derailment or catching on a catenary. To replace, open the panto-
graph and snap into place by pushing in the center portion. See Figure 9 below.
Catenary Operation
For prototypical operation with the pantographs, remove the body screws from the underside
of the locomotive and lift the body from the frame. See Figure 10 on page 18 for the location
of the body screws. An adult should cut and splice a wire from one of the collector leads to the
rear pantograph. The pantograph in the rear should be raised to collect power.
Pantograph pick-
ups located here
inside body
Installing the pantographs on your GG1
Operation with raised pantographs will require increased overhead clearance.
Figure 9. Installing the pantographs
Note!
Snap pantograph
onto the insulators
Insulators (eight
total, four for each
pantograph)

16
CW-80 Transformer operation
Powering your layout with the CW-80 Transformer
Your CW-80 Transformer provides a total output of five amps. The track outputs will deliver all of this power to the track when no accessories are connected to the Transformer. Keep
in mind that connected accessories borrow some of this power. For example, if the accesso-
ries require two amps of the total five-amp capacity of the Transformer, you have three amps
available for track power. This built-in flexibility will provide power for virtually any small- to
medium-sized railroad. Also, available voltage depends on how much load is on the two out-
puts. Generally, track voltage and accessory voltage are 0-18 volts (AC) each.
This Transformer is capable of operating trains up to and including dual-motored AC
locomotives. To operate at this level of track power, it may be necessary to disconnect any
accessories. You may also attempt to lower the accessory voltage settings. Refer to the “Setting
the accessory output” section on page 17.
You may momentarily approach or exceed the five-amp limit of the CW-80 Transformer
when pulling illuminated cars, fighting over grades with heavy loads, or operating acces-
sories. When you reach five amps, the green light on the Transformer will begin to flash. This
indicates that the Transformer is in “fold-back mode.” In fold-back mode, the Transformer
is automatically reducing, or folding back, power. This gradual reduction in power provides
interruption-free operation while you bring the amperage back down to a safe level.

17
Lionel offers accessories of all shapes and sizes — from crossing signals to coal and lumber loaders — available at your authorized Lionel dealer. When you are ready to operate your new
accessory, the CW-80 Transformer allows you to choose how much power your accessory receives
with programmable accessory output. The ability to control the voltage allows you to set the speed of
your accessory motors and the intensity of your lights. Accessories connected to the accessory output
terminals receive constant voltage whenever the transformer is plugged in, regardless of the throttle
position. Follow these steps to set the voltage.
The accessory output voltage was set to 12 volts at the factory.
1. Connect your accessory to the CW-80 Transformer as discussed on pages 7-8.
2. Bring the throttle all the way back to the OFF position.
3. Press and hold down the DIRECTION, WHISTLE, and BELL buttons on the
Transformer. Refer to Figure 6 on page 11 for the location of these buttons.
The green light on the Transformer will flash, and track power will turn off.
4. With all three buttons held down, raise the throttle slowly until you reach your
desired accessory voltage.
5. Release the buttons once you have reached your desired voltage.
The accessory turns off, and the solid green light indicates that you have set the accessory voltage.
6. Bring the throttle all the way back to turn off the power.
The voltage will momentarily increase, briefly causing the lights to shine brighter or the motors
to operate faster, before returning to the set level. At this point, increasing the throttle again will
control track power only.
Setting the accessory output
Note!
CW-80 Transformer operation

18
Maintaining and servicing your locomotive
Lubricating your locomotive
H
elp your Lionel locomotive lead a long and productive life on your railroad by maintain-
ing it properly.
We recommend that you purchase a Lionel Lubrication and Maintenance Kit (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’s wheels, contact
rollers, or your track.
You’ll know your locomotive requires lubrication when visual inspection reveals dryness on
the parts indicated in Figure 10. Remove accumulated dirt and dust before lubricating, and
always lubricate any locomotive emerging from prolonged storage.
Figure 10. Underside details and lubrication points
Lubricate with Lionel
grease sparingly
Lubricate with Lionel
grease sparingly
Lubricate with Lionel
oil sparingly
Lubricate with
Lionel oil sparingly
Lubricate with Lionel
oil sparingly
REAR
FRONT
Body
screws
Body
screws
Body
screws

19
Maintaining and servicing your locomotive
Replacing your locomotive’s lamps
Your locomotive is illuminated by two 14-volt bayonet base lamps. During the course of normal
operations, they may require replacement.
1. Remove the locomotive’s six body screws. See
Figure 10 on page 18 for the screw locations.
Carefully lift the shell away from the frame.
2. Locate the assembly containing the expired lamp.
To remove the lamp, gently push the lamp down
and turn counter-clockwise to disengage the lamp
from the socket. See Figure 11.
3. Replace it with Lionel part no. 6000363300, avail-
able from your Factory Trained Lionel Service Station, or from Lionel Customer Service.
See Instructions for Obtaining Service on page 28 for more information.
4. Replace the body, securing it with the six body screws.
To prevent damage to the locomotive body, do not overtighten the body screws.
Note!
Figure 11. Lamp replacement
Lionel part
No. 6000363300
Inside the GG1
Replacing your locomotive's traction tires
Your locomotive is equipped with traction tires to increase the tractive effort of your locomotive and allow it to pull more cars at one time.
During the course of normal operations, the traction tires may become worn out. Replacement
traction tires are included with the locomotive. We recommend that you have the traction tires
(6308302065) replaced by your Factory Trained Lionel Service Station, or by Lionel Customer Service,
because the truck and side frames must be removed to access the wheels. See Instructions for
Obtaining Service on page 28 for more information.

20
Rolling stock operation and maintenance
When the door is opened, the interior light illuminates the huge diesel-electric generator (whether the generator car is stationary or in motion) until the door is closed. Connect
the power pole and the searchlight only when your generator car is stationary. The searchlight
(shown in Figure 12 on page 21) is switched on and off by opening and closing the car door.
If your railroad is powered by constant voltage (18 volts), position your generator
car on a siding with lower voltage (under 14 volts). The generator car operates best
between 10-14 volts.
Note!
Operating the generator car