Lionel LionMaster 4-6-6-4 Challenger User manual

72-8077-250
5/02
4-6-6-4 Challenger
Steam Locomotive and Tender
Owner’s Manual
®
SYSTEM
featuring
and

2
Features of the LionMaster Challenger
• Two powerful maintenance-free motors
• Command reverse unit for use with the Lionel
TrainMaster Command Control system
• Fan-driven smoke generator that produces
clean, safe, realistic smoke
• Die-cast ElectroCoupler (rear of tender)
• Wireless Tether connection between locomotive
and tender
• Odyssey System for speed control
• RailSounds digital sound system
• Brilliant headlight
• CrewTalk (in Command)
• TowerCom (in Command)
• Tire-Traction
• Directional lighting
• Flickering firebox
You own one of the finest and most sophisticated model trains ever built—
the Lionel TrainMaster Command and
Odyssey System-equipped LionMaster
Challenger. From its many hand-applied
scale details, to the advanced technology
found inside, your locomotive is ready for
duty on your model railroad layout.
Experience the superiority of today’s Lionel.
Congratulations!
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™

3
Table of contents
Transformer operations
Running your locomotive with a Lionel transformer 4
Locking your locomotive into a single operational state 5
Using your tender-mounted ElectroCoupler in the non-Command environment 6
Installing a Lionel Sound Activation Button 7
RailSounds operations
Your locomotive’s RailSounds sound system—the basics 8
RailSounds in the Command environment 8-9
Experiencing the range of your locomotive’s RailSounds system 10
Notes on RailSounds 10
Odyssey System operations
The Odyssey System 11
Odyssey System conventional (transformer) operation 11
Odyssey System Command operation 12
TrainMaster Command operations
The CommandControl environment 13
Running your locomotive in the TrainMasterCommand environment 14
CAB-1 commands for your locomotive 14
CAB-1 numeric keypad commands for your locomotive 15
Tuning your locomotive’s performance 16
Assigning your locomotive a new ID# 17
Reprogramming the Command reverse unit to restore features 18
Maintaining and servicing your locomotive
Maintaining your locomotive’s handrail antenna 19
Adding fluid to your locomotive’s smoke generator 19
Lubricating your locomotive 20
Servicing your locomotive’s lamps 21
Replacing your tender’s lamps 21
Tire-Traction 22
Notes 23
Limited Warranty/Lionel Service 24

4
3
3Move ‘em out!
Get your locomotive moving. Press the DIRECTION button on your CAB-1
remote or Lionel transformer. This sequences the Command reverse unit to the next
operating state.
Adjust track voltage until your locomotive moves at your desired speed. To
increase speed, increase track voltage. To decrease speed, reduce voltage. To stop the
locomotive, turn-off track power.
See page 5 for information on locking your locomotive in a single
operational state.
Place your locomotive on Lionel or Lionel-compatible
O-31 or larger track.
2
2Power up your locomotive with your transformer.
Your locomotive is designed to operate on 8-18 volts alternating
current. Virtually all Lionel and Lionel-compatible alternating-current
transformers are suitable.
Do not power your locomotive with direct current (DC). Damage to
sensitive electronic components may occur.
When you first power up your track, the locomotive will wait
between three and eight seconds as it “listens” for digital language from the
TrainMaster Command Base (available separately). When it has determined that it’s
on a conventional (non-Command) railroad, the locomotive’s headlight will
illuminate and RailSounds will fire up. At this point, the locomotive is in neutral.
(This occurs when placing the locomotive on your railroad for the first time.
Thereafter, it will start in forward following every three-second power
interruption.)
To experience all of your locomotive’s features, we recommend using the
TrainMaster Command Control system, available at your authorized Lionel dealer.
1
1
Running your locomotive with a Lionel transformer
Transformer operations
Caution!
Note!
With track power OFF,
connect the drawbar between
locomotive and tender as
illustrated in Figure 1. That’s all
you have to do with Lionel’s
Wireless Tether, an infrared
communication system that
eliminates the plugs and wires of
the past. Figure 1. Drawbar connection

To select a single operational state for your Lionel locomotive (example:
forward only), you can deactivate the
Command reverse unit’s sequencing
function with the Command reverse unit
(PROG/RUN) switch.
Get your locomotive moving in the
desired direction, then slow it down
without stopping. Set the Command reverse
unit switch to PROG. Refer to Figure 2 for
the location of the switch. The locomotive is
now “locked” into your chosen direction.
When you no longer want single-direction
operation, just slide the Command reverse
unit switch back to RUN.
Your locomotive’s reverse unit will
“reset” to forward after any power
interruption lasting five second or
longer, regardless of the original
locked-out direction.
Locking your locomotive into a single operational state
Transformer operations
5
Note!
Figure 2. Switch locations
Command reverse unit
Smoke Unit Switch
(see page 19 for details)
Front
Rear

Transformer operations
6
Using your tender-mounted ElectroCoupler in the
non-Command environment
To uncouple rolling stock from your locomotive tender’s ElectroCoupler in
the non-Command environment, you must
rely on a piece of rolling stock equipped
with Lionel magnetic couplers coupled
directly to your locomotive tender’s
ElectroCoupler. The magnetic coupler on
the rolling stock will then react to the
magnetic field generated by a Lionel
Remote-Control Track section (available
separately, 6-65530 for O gauge, 6-65149 or
6-12746 for O-27 gauge). Place your
rolling stock’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 coupler opens as
illustrated in Figure 3.
Your locomotive tender’s
ElectroCoupler will NOT open
manually or by using a
Remote-Control Track section.
Magnetic coupler on the rolling stock coupled
to your locomotive
Note!
Remote-Control
Track section
Figure 3. Trigger disc operation

Transformer operations
Installing a Lionel Sound Activation Button
12
POWER
SUPPLY
POWER
SUPPLY
For AC transformers with a horn/whistle button
For AC transformers lacking a horn/whistle button
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 whistle Lionel no. 610-5906-001
SoundActivation Button for bell
Black wire
Red wire
Red wire
The no. 610-5906-001 button works with any Lionel AC transformer except
no. 6-4690 Type MW. Transformers made by other manufacturers may not be
compatible with RailSounds.
Note!
To activate the bell and whistle sounds when operating your locomotive with
conventional transformers, you’ll need to
install a Lionel no. 610-5906-001 Sound
Activation Button (available separately).
Connect the button(s) as shown below.
All track power must feed through
the Sound Activation Button. Do
not bypass the button.
Note!
Existing wire
Common/Ground/U
Power/A
Common/Ground/U
Power/A
7

RailSounds operations
8
Note!
Note!
Note!
Note!
Your locomotive’s RailSounds sound system—the basics
Lionel RailSounds sound system is the most realistic model railroad sound
system in the world. Your locomotive
features digital samples from real-life steam
locomotives for the ultimate in realism.
Begin by installing a 9-volt alkaline
battery in the tender as illustrated in Figure 4
on page 9. This ensures interruption-free
operation of the RailSounds sound system.
The battery clip is located inside the tender.
To access the battery clip, you must first
remove the four body screws from the bottom
of the tender and then lift off the top of the
tender. Refer to the Figure 4 on page 9 for the
location of the body screws.
When you first apply track power, the
locomotive’s RailSounds sound system will
produce the sounds of the locomotive at rest.
As the locomotive moves, chuffing begins,
increasing with the locomotive’s speed.
To silence the steam chuffing sound
(whistle/bell are unaffected), slide the
RailSounds switch, located on the underside
of the tender (see page 9 for the location), to
the SIGNAL SOUNDS position before
powering up the locomotive. The whistle is
activated by using the lever or button on your
transformer or CAB-1 Remote Controller. The
volume control knob is located on the bottom of
the tender (see page 9).
Please remove the protective cover from the battery clip before installing the battery.
Although RailSounds is powered by track voltage, the battery is required for
uninterrupted operation and shutdown sequences. Use only alkaline batteries.
Discontinue locomotive power for 10 seconds before changing the RailSounds
ON/OFF switch position.
If the RailSounds sound system “drops out” during track power interruptions
(during direction changes, switches, crossings, etc), replace the battery.
RailSounds in the Command environment
Your locomotive’s RailSounds system gives you even more in the TrainMaster
Command environment.
•DynaChuff. Real steam locomotive
chuffing depends on the locomotive’s
load. DynaChuff simulates both labored
and relaxed chuffing sounds. Highball
down the mainline and hear the labored
chuffing of a locomotive battling
inertia. Reduce your throttle setting, and
chuffing relaxes to a more sedate sound,
as though the load placed on the
locomotive has decreased. Experience
DynaChuff on steep grades, at yard
crawls, and at speed. Another
RailSounds exclusive.
• Bonus sounds like squealing brakes
with the CAB-1 BRAKE command.
• Incidental sounds you control with
CAB-1 numeric keypad commands, like
steam let-off and steam release effects.

RailSounds operations
RailSounds in the Command environment (continued)
Figure 4. Tender details
9
Tender Body Screws
Tender Body Screws
+
RAILSOUNDSIGNALSOUNDS
-
Rear
Front
RailSounds volume
control RailSounds On/Off
Switch
Installing a 9-volt alkaline battery in
your locomotive’s tender.
RailSounds
SignalSounds

Notes on RailSounds
• Use the volume control knob, located on
the bottom of the tender, to adjust sound
output. Refer to Figure 4 on page 9. Use
a flat-blade screwdriver to adjust the
volume level.
Do not force the volume control
knob past the point where it will
easily turn, or damage to the
volume control will result.
• Listen for incidental locomotive sounds
during the operation of the RailSounds
sound system. They’re automatic and, of
course, authentic.
• The 9-volt alkaline battery you installed
ensures continuous sounds, even during
short track-power interruptions. The
battery must be installed for the shut-
down sequence.
• Longer track-power interruptions
(including locomotive derailments)
cause RailSounds to shut down after
about seven seconds.
• For even more authentic RailSounds
effects, operate your locomotive in the
TrainMaster Command environment. See
pages 14-16 for details.
10
RailSounds operations
With RailSounds, you experience the sounds of real railroading like never
before. Simply put, it’s the most
sophisticated, authentic model railroad
sound system in the world.
• Variable chuff rate. The speed of
your locomotive determines the steam
chuff rate.
• MultiWhistle. Different whistles
for different speeds—a RailSounds
exclusive.
• Authentic bell. Press BELL on your
CAB-1 or transformer to begin the effect,
again to discontinue. Even the final
“hit” is muted like the real thing.
• Reverse unit reset sound. Power
down your track, wait for three to five
seconds, and listen for the air-release
sound—that’s the locomotive telling
you its Command reverse unit has just
reset to forward operation.
• Shutdown sequence. No other model
railroad sound system shuts down like
RailSounds. Turn off track power, and
after the air-release reset sound, you
have two seconds to restart your
locomotive. If you’re done with
operations, RailSounds will commence
with an authentic shutdown sequence
about two seconds after the air-release
reset occurs.
Experiencing the range of your locomotive’s RailSounds system
Note! A 9-volt alkaline battery must be
installed for the shutdown
sequence.
Note!

11
Setting Speed Control
1. Run the engine at the desired speed for approximately five seconds.
2. Press and hold the horn button.
3. While holding the horn button, increase the track voltage by at least three volts (at least a
quarter turn).
At this point, speed control is set. Be sure that the throttle position is maintained at a higher
setting than the initial level. If the throttle position is lowered, the locomotive will slow down
as the available voltage decreases. Setting the voltage at 3-4 volts above the “set” point will
provide enough power to climb grades and pull heavy loads while prolonging the lives of your
locomotive’s lamps.
To change the speed control setting, you must deactivate the current setting, then set the
new speed.
Engine speed will increase slightly before returning to the set speed. To check if
speed control has been set, turn up the throttle. The lights should get brighter but
the speed should not increase
Turning off Speed Control using your transformer:
1. While the engine is in neutral, turn your controller up to the maximum power (no more
than 20 volts), wait one second, then press and hold the horn button.
2. While holding the horn button, slowly reduce track voltage to one-fourth of full power. The
marker lights will turn off. Keep reducing the throttle and the marker light will turn on.
3. Release the horn button.
4. Cycle the engine to forward/reverse. The engine is now out of speed control mode.
In conventional operation, the lights in both the engine and tender are
connected directly to track power. Do not exceed 14-16 volts for extended
periods. Doing so will reduce the life of your lamps.
Odyssey System operations
Odyssey System conventional (transformer) operation
The Odyssey System
The Odyssey System is a “cruise control” for your locomotive. Once the speed is
set (see below), your locomotive will
maintain a constant speed, no matter what
loads the locomotive pulls or what grades
you have on your layout. This digitally-
controlled system also allows for extremely
slow movement that will amaze any “scale”
enthusiast.
Caution!
Note!

Odyssey System operations
12
Odyssey System Command operation
While in the Command Control environment, the speed control
feature of the Odyssey System is always on.
When turning the throttle, the speed of the
engine will respond to each signal from the
Command Base. Example: Address the
engine and slowly turn the throttle. The first
light flash corresponds to the first speed
step. This is the slowest speed of the
locomotive.

13
TrainMaster Command operations
The Command Control environment
TrainMaster Command Control is the advanced model railroad control system
from Lionel. TrainMaster Command Control
gives you the power to operate multiple
Command-equipped locomotives on the
same track, at the same time.
To operate in Command mode, you
need a Command Base (6-12911)
and a CAB-1 remote (6-12868). Find
them both at your authorized Lionel retailer.
Place your locomotive on Lionel or
Lionel-compatible O-31 or track.
2
2Address your locomotive 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 Lionel
engines 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 Lionel
engines. 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 Command locomotives come factory-programmed with an
ID# of “1.” To change the ID# of your locomotive, see page 17.
3
3Move ‘em out!
• Throttle up or press any command button on the CAB-1. Your
locomotive will respond to your every command. Read on.
1
1• Make sure track power is OFF before placing on the track.
• Make sure your Lionel Command Base is plugged-in and its
communications wire is connected to the COMMON post on your Lionel
transformer or the U terminal on any of your installed PowerMasters.
• Once positioned on the track, increase track voltage to FULL (no
more than 20 volts). On PowerMasters, slide the CMD/CONV switch to CMD.
Note!

Running your locomotive in the TrainMaster Command environment
Your Command-equipped
locomotive comes factory-
programmed with an ID# of “1.” To
get your locomotive in action, set
PowerMasters to CMD or set all power
supplies on full (no more than 20
volts). Press ENG and “1” on your
CAB-1. Turn the throttle or press any
command button; your locomotive is
ready for Command operations.
Address Locomotive #1
Set PowerMaster to CMD or traditional
power supplies to full throttle (no more
than 20 volts)
Press ENG
Press 1 (the ID#)
Throttle up/press any command button
Example
CAB-1 commands for your locomotive
TrainMaster Command operations
Tender rear coupler
releases. Coupler
release sounds.
Press AUX2 to turn
your locomotive’s
headlight on and off.
Press WSTL/HRN to
activate the
locomotive’s whistle,
release to discontinue. Multi-
Whistle steam whistle
sound.
Press DIR—the loco-
motive decelerates to a
complete stop; turn the throttle
up, and the locomotive moves in
the opposite direction. There is
no neutral. Steam air-
release sound.
Press BELL once to
activate the bell,
again to discontinue.
Traditional bell sound.
PressHALT to shut down
all PowerMaster
electrical output on
your railroad. Stops all Command-
equipped Lionels in operation.
Use HALT only in
emergency situations.
Turn the
THROTTLE to the
right to accelerate,
left to decelerate.
Speed-dependent variable
steam chuffing. DynaChuff
dynamic chuffing effect. Press and hold BOOST
for extra power.
Release BOOST and
return to the locomotive’s
previous speed. Labored chuff.
Press and hold BRAKE
to slow down or stop.
ReleaseBRAKE and return to the
previous speed. Squealing
brake sounds.
Locomotive RailSounds effects in bold italic.
Coupler release
sounds.
Note!
SET L M H
Beneath this panel
14

CAB-1 numeric keypad commands for your locomotive
TrainMaster Command operations
15
When you press AUX1 on CAB-1, you turn the numeric keypad into 10 command buttons. The keypad “stays open” and gives
you access to extra command features until you press any top-row
button (SW, ACC, RTE, TR, or ENG). The CAB-1 keypad overlay
included with your locomotive is designed to help you learn the
auxiliary features specific to this classic locomotive.
Locomotive RailSounds effects in bold italic.
STEAM ENGINE
RESET
VOLUME
SMOKE
➠
BLOW
OFF
SHUT
DOWN
OFF ON
STEAM
RELEASE
PRESS
& HOLD
SMOKE
BOOST
➠
START-UP
CREW
TALK
TOWER
COM
0Stops and resets the locomotive to FORWARD. Headlight flickers.
1Raises the volume of RailSounds. Sound volume increases.
2CrewTalk is the sound of unintelligible walkie-talkie
communication.
3Starts-up RailSounds. Start-up sequence commences. Steam
blowoff sound.
4Lowers the volume of RailSounds. Sound volume decreases.
5Activates the RailSounds steam shutdown sequence. Just like the real
thing, your locomotive must be idle for
shutdown to occur. Steam shutdown
commences. Remember, the whistle and
bell will not sound until you restart
RailSounds. CrewTalk sounds*.
6Steam release sound*.
7TowerCom is an audible announcement that includes that
engine’s road number and/or name. There is
a four second delay in this function.
8Turns off the smoke generator. Steam release sound*.
9Turns on the smoke generator. Press and hold 9 (ten seconds maximum) to
initiate Smoke Boost—this superheats the
smoke generator and enhances smoke
output when you start running your
locomotive. Steam release sound*.
*Hearing the Steam release sound or the
CrewTalk sounds lets you know that the
locomotive has received these commands.
Note! AUX1, 8 and 9 only work if the
smoke unit switch is in the ON
position.

16
Tuning your locomotive’s performance
MOMENTUM
TrainMaster Command’s momentum
feature 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
momentum. The locomotive’s Command
reverse unit remembers this setting until
you change it. For quick locomotive
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
ultra-realistic sound of squealing brakes.
SOUND QUALITY
To set your maximum volume level, use
the volume control knob located on the top
of the tender beneath the rear hatch (see
Figure 4 on page 9). Turn the knob left or
right to adjust the volume to your liking.
For quick remote-control of volume
below the master setting—like muting—
use the CAB-1 numeric keypad’s volume
control. Press AUX1, 4 on the keypad to
lower overall RailSounds output.
HIGH VOLTAGE SETTING
Press SET, and the headlight will flash.
Get your locomotive moving to the
maximum speed you want it to run, then
press BOOST. Use this to keep your
locomotive from derailing at excessive
speeds. Turn off the high voltage setting by
pressing SET, then BOOST, holding each for
one second.
STALL
Make your locomotive feel more
responsive by setting a “stall” voltage. Get
your locomotive moving, then press SET; the
locomotive will stop. Turn the throttle
clockwise to get the locomotive moving,
then decrease speed until the locomotive
just stops. Press SET again; the Command
reverse unit remembers the stall setting
until you change it. To clear the stall
setting, press SET twice, holding it for one
second each time.
These settings will be lost when you assign a new engine ID number.
Note!
TrainMaster Command operations

17
TrainMaster Command operations
Assign a new ID# to your
Command-equipped
locomotive
Set the Command reverse unit switch to
PROG
Command Base plugged in
Place the locomotive on track
PowerMasters set to CMD or traditional
power supplies ON FULL (no more than
20 volts)
Turn track power on (PowerMasters):
Press BOOST
Program the locomotive with a new ID#:
Press ENG
Press a number you choose
(the ID#)
Press SET
Set the Command reverse unit switch to
RUN
Your locomotive remembers its ID#
forever; change it any time with these
steps
Example
We recommend that you choose an easy to
remember ID# for your engine. Some possi-
bilities are part of the engine road number,
your age, or 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 tender frame to aid in remembering.
As your fleet of Command-equipped Lionel locomotives grows, you’ll want
to give your locomotive a more
individualized number. Choose from any
between 1 and 99. To make things easy, use
a portion of your locomotive’s cab number.
Set the locomotive’s Command reverse
unit switch to PROG (see Figure 2 on
page 5). Plug in the Command Base and
place the locomotive on track, then power
up. Using CAB-1, press ENG, the locomotive
ID# that you select and then press the SET
button located under CAB-1’s removable
panel. Hear the horn blow (or see the
headlight flash if RailSounds is off); that’s
the Command reverse unit confirming the
new ID#. Set the Command reverse unit
switch to RUN. Your locomotive is ready for
operations with its all-new ID#.
Assigning your locomotive a new ID#

18
TrainMaster Command operations
Reprogramming the Command reverse unit to restore features
Due to the inevitable derailments and static, it is possible that your Command
reverse unit could someday lose its setup
program. The symptom of this condition
would be unresponsiveness in Command
mode. This can be easily remedied by
“reprogramming” your Command reverse
unit using the following steps.
STEP 1: Move the switch on your
locomotive from RUN to PROG.
STEP 2: Plug in your Command Base.
STEP 3: Place the locomotive on track,
then turn on power to your track.
STEP 4: Press “ENG” then input the
locomotive’s ID#. Press “SET.”
STEP 5: Press “ENG,” the ID#, “AUX1,”
then press 74 for this particular locomotive.
STEP 6: Turn off power to your track and
wait ten seconds.
STEP 7: Remove the locomotive from your
track, and move the switch from PROG to
RUN.
STEP 8: Place the locomotive back on
track, then turn power on to the track.
STEP 9: Press “ENG” and the ID#, then
operate as normal.

19
Maintaining and servicing your locomotive
Adding fluid to your locomotive’s smoke generator
Your locomotive is equipped with a smoke generator that produces safe,
clean, white smoke during operation.
The smoke generator requires the periodic
addition of Lionel smoke fluid in order to
function. A small tube of smoke fluid was
included with this locomotive. Pierce the
fluid tube’s end with a pin, then add eight to
ten drops of fluid directly into the smoke
stack. Smoke production will commence
momentarily, faster if you run your
locomotive at speed. When smoke production
wanes, add more fluid (eight to ten drops).
In Command Control, when the
locomotive is first placed on the track and
powered up, the smoke generator will be in
a default “OFF” position. Using any
function key on your CAB-1 remote will turn
the smoke generator on. Turning off the
sound (AUX1, 5) or resetting the locomotive
(AUX1, 0) will return the smoke unit to the
initial “OFF” position. Always keep a small
amount of smoke fluid in the locomotive
smoke generator; the generator’s element
can become damaged if operated without
fluid. Smoke production is greater at higher
voltages and when the locomotive is pulling
a heavy load or long consist.
Note! Always keep smoke fluid in your locomotive smoke generator. If not, turn it off when
smoke is not desired using the smoke unit switch shown in Figure 2 on page 5 or the
AUX1, 8 command if you are running in Command mode. Using Smoke Boost with
depleted fluid can damage the generator’s element.
Maintaining your locomotive’s handrail antenna
Your locomotive handrails are more than just model grab irons—they’re the
Command reverse unit’s antenna for
receiving Command Base digital
communications. Please handle the
locomotive carefully to avoid handrail
damage. To ensure optimum reception, both
handrails are insulated from the die-cast
metal shell. If your locomotive experiences
difficulty receiving Command Base
communications, check the handrail ends in
the cab and pilot for the presence of
insulating material. Ensure that each
insulator is present and enjoys a proper fit.
Finally, prevent the handrails from touching
any part of the die-cast metal locomotive
cab.

20
Maintaining and servicing your locomotive
Help your Lionel locomotive lead a long and productive life on your railroad by
maintaining it 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 locomotive requires
lubrication when visual inspection reveals
dryness on the parts indicated in Figure 7.
Remove accumulated dirt and dust before
lubricating, and always lubricate any
locomotive emerging from prolonged
storage. Also, lightly lubricate the
locomotive side rods, drive rods, linkage,
front and rear truck pivot points, and tender
wheel bearings after each 25 hours of
operation.
Lubricating your locomotive
Figure 7. Lubrication points
Oil both sides of the
locomotive
Oil both sides of
the
locomotive
Oil rods and pivot
points on both
sides of the
locomotive
Oil rods and pivot
points on both
sides of the
locomotive
Cab Screws
Cab Screws
Cab Screws
Rear
Front