Lionel LionMaster Challenger User manual

Lionel
LionMaster Challenger
Steam Locomotive
Owner’s Manual
73-8090-250
7/04
Lionel
LionMaster Challenger
Steam Locomotive
Owner’s Manual
SYSTEM
featuring
and

Congratulations!
Congratulations on your purchase of the Lionel LionMaster Challenger steam locomotive and tender! On the outside, this locomotive features numerous prototypical details and
expert decoration in your favorite livery. Inside the body, this locomotive is equipped with some
of the most advanced sounds and controls in model railroading. This powerful locomotive is
ready for duty on your layout.
Features of this locomotive
• TrainMaster Command Control equipped—able to run in the TrainMaster
Command Control environment or in the conventional environment with
only a standard transformer
• Odyssey System for speed control with ON/OFF switch
• Refined Conventional Transformer Control Mode with lower starting
speeds, improved smoke output, and simplified Odyssey System controls
• RailSounds sound system with CrewTalk communication and TowerCom
announcements
• FatBoy speaker
• Dual powerful maintenance-free motors with momentum flywheels
• Four traction tires
• Wireless Tether connection between locomotive and tender
• Directional lighting with operating headlights and back-up light on rear of
tender
• Illuminated classification lights
• Synchronized, fan-driven smoke unit
• Flickering firebox in cab
• ElectroCoupler on rear of tender
• Minimum radius: O-31
2
The following Lionel marks may be used throughout this instruction manual and are protected under law.
All rights reserved.
Lionel®, TrainMaster®, Odyssey®, RailSounds®, CrewTalk™, TowerCom™, DynaChuff™,
StationSounds™, Pullmor®, ElectroCoupler™, Magne-Traction®, CAB-1®Remote Controller,
PowerMaster®, Lionel ZW®, ZW®, PowerHouse®, TMCC®, Lionelville™, Lockon®, Wireless Tether™,
LionMaster®
The name FasTrack®is used with permission from Pitsco, Inc.

Table of contents
Quick Start
Transformer operations 4
TrainMaster Command Control operations 5
Conventional transformer operations
Conventional operations 6
Operating your locomotive in the conventional environment 7
Locking your locomotive into a single direction 8
Coupling your locomotive in the conventional environment 9
RailSounds sound system operations
RailSounds sound system operations 10
Installing the battery 11-12
Using the RailSounds sound system in the conventional environment 13
Installing a Lionel Sound Activation Button for conventional operation 14
Using the RailSounds sound system in the TrainMaster Command Control environment 15
Odyssey System operations
Odyssey System operations 16
Odyssey System conventional (transformer) operation 16
Odyssey System Command Control operation 17
TrainMaster Command Control operations
TrainMaster Command Control operations 18
Operating your locomotive in the Command Control environment 18
CAB-1 Remote Controller commands 19
CAB-1 Remote Controller numeric keypad commands 20
Tuning your locomotive’s performance 21-22
Assigning your locomotive a new ID# 23
Reprogramming your locomotive to restore features 24
Maintaining and servicing your locomotive
Adding fluid to your locomotive’s smoke generator 25
Lubricating your locomotive 26
Maintaining your locomotive’s handrail antenna 27
Replacing the traction tires 28
Servicing your locomotive’s LED 29
Replacing your tender’s LED 30
Notes 31
Limited Warranty/Lionel Service 32
3

Quick Start
Transformer operations
1. Place your locomotive on Lionel or Lionel-compatible O-31 or larger
track.
2. Power your locomotive at 8-18 volts with your alternating-current (AC)
transformer.
Do not power your locomotive with a direct-current (DC) transformer. Damage to
sensitive electronic components may occur.
3. Wait three to eight seconds as your locomotive determines whether it is in
a conventional environment or a TrainMaster Command Control
environment.
4. Move ‘em out! Press the DIRECTION button on your controller, then
throttle up.
4
Caution!

Quick Start
TrainMaster Command Control operations
To operate your locomotive in the Command Control environment, you need a Command
Base (available separately, 6-12911) and a CAB-1 Remote Controller (available separately,
6-12868). Both products are offered together in the TrainMaster Command Set (6-12969).
1. Turn off track power and plug-in the Command Base.
2. Place your locomotive on Lionel or Lionel-compatible O-31 or larger
track.
3. Increase track voltage to full power (no more than 19 volts AC).
Do not power your locomotive with a direct-current (DC) transformer. Damage to
sensitive electronic components may occur.
4. Press ENG and 1 to address your locomotive with your CAB-1 Remote
Controller.
5. Throttle up and move ‘em out.
5
Caution!

Conventional transformer operations
Conventional operations
Your locomotive is capable of operating in the conventional environment, controlled by
nothing more than a standard Lionel alternating-current (AC) transformer.
In the conventional environment, your locomotive cycles through a repeating pattern of
operations: forward, neutral, reverse, neutral, and so on. To advance to the next operation, press
the DIRECTION button on your transformer. Alternately, you could use the throttle to briefly
turn off track power so that the locomotive advances to the next operation when power is
restored.
Once you cycle the locomotive into forward or reverse, you control your locomotive’s speed
by varying track voltage with the transformer’s throttle. To increase the speed of the locomotive,
you increase track voltage. To decrease the speed, you decrease track voltage. To stop the
locomotive and to change directions (or to enter neutral), track voltage is turned off or
interrupted.
Use the WHISTLE and BELL buttons on your transformer (or separate buttons if your
transformer is not equipped with these controls, see page 14) to activate these features.
To experience all of your locomotive’s features, we recommend operating in the TrainMaster
Command Control environment. With a simple one-wire connection, you can use the CAB-1
Remote Controller to access all of the functions of your locomotive. Refer to pages 18-24 to see
how to operate your locomotive in the TrainMaster Command Control environment.
6

Conventional transformer operations
Operating your locomotive in the conventional environment
1. With your transformer turned off, place your locomotive on Lionel or
Lionel-compatible O-31 or larger track.
2. Connect the drawbar between the locomotive and tender as illustrated in
Figure 1.
7
Figure 1. Drawbar connection
3. Power your locomotive at 8-18 volts with your alternating-current (AC)
transformer.
Power your locomotive with an alternating-current (AC) transformer only.
Powering your locomotive with a direct-current (DC) transformer may result in
damage to sensitive electronic components.
4. Wait three to eight seconds as your locomotive determines whether it is in
a conventional environment or a TrainMaster Command Control
environment. The headlight flickers as the locomotive searches for a signal from the
Command Base. When the locomotive has determined that a Command Base is not
connected to the track, the flickering will stop and the headlight will remain illuminated.
You are ready for operation in the conventional environment.
5. Move ‘em out! Press the DIRECTION button on your transformer to sequence your
locomotive through the repeating pattern of operations: forward, neutral, reverse, neutral,
and so on. You may also briefly turn off track power to advance the locomotive to the next
operating state. Adjust the throttle until your locomotive moves at your desired speed.
When placing your locomotive on your layout for the first time, it will start out in
neutral. Thereafter, it will start in forward after every power interruption lasting five
seconds or longer.
Use the WHISTLE and BELL buttons on your transformer to activate those features. Refer
to page 14 if your transformer is not equipped with those buttons.
Caution!
Note!

Conventional transformer operations
Locking your locomotive into a single direction
When the Command 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 a single direction (for example, to operate in forward only),
you can deactivate the Command reverse unit’s sequencing function. Refer to Figure 2 for the
location of the Command reverse unit switch.
1. Use your transformer’s DIRECTION button or interruptions in track power to get your
locomotive moving in the desired direction.
2. Slow the locomotive down without stopping (reduce the throttle without turning off track
power).
3. Slide the Command reverse unit switch to the PROG position. At this point, the locomotive is
“locked” into your chosen direction. To restore the forward-neutral-reverse sequence, just
slide the Command reverse unit switch back to the RUN position.
Your locomotive will “reset” to forward after any power interruption lasting five
seconds or longer, regardless of the direction you set.
8
Figure 2. Locomotive switch locations
SMOKE
ODYSSEY
Smoke unit switch
(see page 25 for
details)
Odyssey System switch
(see pages 16-17 for details)
Note!
Command reverse
unit switch

Conventional transformer operations
Coupling your locomotive in the conventional environment
The locomotive’s tender features one ElectroCoupler that is released by remote control at any
point around your layout in the TrainMaster Command Control environment.
In the conventional environment, the ElectroCouplers will not open manually or by using a
Remote-Control Track section. To couple your locomotive in the conventional environment, you
must rely on a piece of rolling stock equipped with a magnetic coupler. Simply release the
magnetic coupler and couple the rolling stock to the locomotive, even if the ElectroCoupler is
closed.
Keep in mind that you may still make use of Lionel Remote-Control Track sections (6-65530
for O gauge; 6-12746 and 6-65149 for O-27 gauge; and 6-12020 for FasTrack layouts) with the
magnetic couplers on the rolling stock. Place the trigger disc on the magnetic coupler over the
central coil on the Remote-Control Track section, then press UNCOUPLE on the track section’s
controller. As illustrated in Figure 3, the magnetic field pulls the disc downward, releasing the
coupler.
9
Figure 3. Magnetic coupler operation
Remote-Control
Track Section

10
RailSounds sound system operations
RailSounds sound system operations
Your locomotive is equipped with the Lionel RailSounds sound system, the most realistic
model railroad sound system in the world. The RailSounds sound system brings the sounds
of the railroad to your layout through high quality digital samples of real locomotives.
When you operate your locomotive in the conventional environment, you get realistic
chuffing sounds, which automatically increase through four levels as the speed of the
locomotive increases. You can sound the locomotive’s whistle or activate the ringing of the bell.
When you are through with operations and power down the track, your locomotive’s RailSounds
sound system starts a realistic steam shutdown sequence (a nine-volt alkaline battery is
required).
When you operate your locomotive in the TrainMaster Command Control environment, you
get full control of the RailSounds sound system, including the whistle and bell sounds. The
locomotive’s chuffing sounds automatically increase, but you can also set a particular chuff
level using your CAB-1 Remote Controller. In the Command Control environment, the release of
the ElectroCoupler is accompanied by a coupler release sound. Use the BRAKE button, and
listen for the sound of squealing metal. You can also trigger CrewTalk communication and
TowerCom announcements, which simulate the interaction between the locomotive crew and
the yardmaster. Whenever you choose to shutdown your locomotive, the realistic shutdown
sequence commences (a nine-volt alkaline battery is required).

RailSounds sound system operations
Installing the battery
While the RailSounds sound system is powered through the track, we recommend that you
install a nine-volt alkaline battery in the tender to prevent the sound system from
shutting down during track power interruptions (for example, at a switch or a dirty section of
track). Follow these steps and refer to Figure 4 on page 12 as you install the battery.
If the RailSounds sound system turns off during interruptions in track power, you
may need to replace the battery.
1. Remove the body screws from the underside of the tender. Refer to Figure 4 on page 12 for
the location of the screws.
2. Lift the body off the frame. Be careful to avoid pulling on the wires that connect the body to
the frame.
The front of the tender body is a separate piece. This piece is freed when the tender is
lifted off the frame. Be sure to replace the front of the tender during reassembly.
3. Remove the protective cover from the battery harness.
4. Snap the battery harness onto the nine-volt alkaline battery’s terminals.
5. Slide the battery into the battery holder.
6. Replace the body on the frame and secure it with the body mounting screws. Be careful to
avoid pinching any wires between the body and the frame.
11
Note!
Note!

RailSounds sound system operations
Installing the battery (continued)
12
Figure 4. Battery installation
Inside the tender
Battery
harness
Battery
holder
REAR
REAR
FRONT
SIGNAL
SOUND RAIL
SOUND
Underside of the tender
Body screws FRONT
Volume control knob

RailSounds sound system operations
Using the RailSounds sound system in the conventional environment
When you first power up your locomotive, you will hear the sounds of the locomotive at
rest. As the locomotive moves, the chuffing sounds automatically increase with the
locomotive’s speed. In the conventional environment, the whistle and bell sounds are activated
by your transformer controls.
To silence the chuffing sounds, slide the RailSounds sound system switch located on the
underside of the tender to the SIGNALSOUNDS position before you power up the locomotive or
after the locomotive has been powered down for a minimum of ten seconds. The whistle and
bell sounds will still be active. To adjust the volume, use the volume control knob located on the
underside of the tender.
For proper operation of the RailSounds sound system during track power
interruptions and for the locomotive shutdown sequence, you must install a nine-volt
alkaline battery. See pages 11-12.
In the conventional environment, you will experience several features of the RailSounds
sound system.
• DynaChuff. Your locomotive’s speed automatically determines the level of chuffing
sounds. At low speeds, the chuffing is relaxed. When you highball down the mainline, the
chuffing is labored.
• MultiWhistle. A different whistle sound at different speeds—a RailSounds sound system
exclusive.
•Authentic bell. Press BELL on your transformer to begin the effect, then press BELL a
second time to discontinue the effect.
• Reverse unit reset sound. Power down your track, wait three seconds, and listen for
the air-release sound—that’s the locomotive telling you that its Lionel Command reverse
unit has reset to forward.
• Shutdown sequence When you turn off track power, you have two seconds to power up
again after you hear the reverse unit reset sound. If you do not restore power, you will hear
the realistic steam shutdown sequence. Because track power is off, a battery is required for
this sequence to function.
13
Note!

RailSounds sound system operations
Installing a Lionel Sound Activation Button for conventional operation
If your transformer lacks WHISTLE and BELL buttons, you will need to install Lionel
no. 610-5906-001 Sound Activation Buttons (available separately) to activate the locomotive’s
horn and bell sounds.
Connect the buttons as shown below. Be sure that all track power passes through the Sound
Activation Button(s). Do not bypass the buttons.
14
12
POWER
SUPPLY
POWER
SUPPLY
For AC transformers lacking a bell button
For AC transformers lacking bell and horn/whistle buttons
Existing wire
Black wire
Red wire
Lionel no. 610-5906-001
SoundActivation Button for
activating the bell
Lionel no. 610-5906-001
SoundActivation Button
for activating the
whistle Lionel no. 610-5906-001
SoundActivation Button for
activating the bell
Black wireBlack wire
Wire
nut
Red wire
Red wire
Existing wire
Common/Ground/U
Power/A
Common/Ground/U
Power/A

15
RailSounds sound system operations
Using the RailSounds sound system in the TrainMaster Command
Control environment
To access all of the features of the RailSounds sound system, you must operate your locomotive in the TrainMaster Command Control environment. The CAB-1 Remote
Controller is required to activate features such as TowerCom announcements, CrewTalk
communication, and coupler release sounds. Refer to pages 18-21 to learn how the RailSounds
sound system is integrated into TrainMaster Command Control operations.
For proper operation of the RailSounds sound system during track power
interruptions and for the locomotive shutdown sequence, you must install a nine-volt
alkaline battery. See pages 11-12.
In the TrainMaster Command Control environment, you will experience all of the features of
the RailSounds sound system.
• DynaChuff. Your locomotive’s speed automatically determines the level of chuffing
sounds. At low speeds, the chuffing is relaxed. When you highball down the mainline, the
chuffing is labored.
• MultiWhistle. A different whistle sound at different speeds—a RailSounds sound system
exclusive.
• Authentic bell. Press BELL on your transformer to begin the effect, then press BELL a
second time to discontinue the effect.
• Squealing brakes. Press the BRAKE button and listen for the squealing of the
locomotive’s brakes.
• Coupler release sounds. Use your CAB-1 Remote Controller to release the
ElectroCoupler, and you get the sounds of the coupler opening.
• TowerCom announcements. TowerCom announcements are messages from the
dispatcher that include the locomotive’s road name and number.
• CrewTalk communication. CrewTalk communication is unintelligible radio
communication.
• Reverse unit reset sound. Power down your track, wait three seconds, and listen for
the air-release sound—that’s the locomotive telling you that its Lionel Command reverse
unit has reset to forward.
•Shutdown sequence. When you turn off track power, you have two seconds to power up
again after you hear the reverse unit reset sound. If you do not restore power, you will hear
the realistic steam shutdown sequence. Because track power is off, a battery is required for
this sequence to function.
Note!

Odyssey System operations
Odyssey System operations
The Odyssey System is “cruise control” for your locomotive. Once the speed control is set,
your locomotive will maintain a constant speed, no matter what load is placed on the
locomotive or grades you have on your layout. The Odyssey System also allows for extremely
slow movement that will amaze any scale enthusiasts.
16
The Odyssey System is automatically operational when you operate your locomotive in conventional (non-Command Control) mode, as long as the Odyssey switch is in the ON
position (see Figure 2 on page 8). This means that your locomotive will maintain a constant
speed, compensating for grades, loads, and turns. Simply use your transformer’s throttle to
adjust the speed of your locomotive. If you would like to deactivate the speed control feature,
slide the Odyssey switch to the OFF position while the locomotive is not in motion.
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.
Because of the way that speed control operates in conventional mode, you will notice
a slight delay between adjusting your transformer throttle and the change in the
speed of your locomotive. If you desire instantaneous response to throttle changes,
turn off the Odyssey System.
Odyssey System conventional (transformer) operation
Caution!
Note!

Odyssey System operations
Odyssey System Command Control operation
When the Odyssey System is activated, changes in the speed of the locomotive will
correspond to each signal from the Command Base. For example, when you address the
locomotive and slowly turn the throttle knob, the first flash of the red light on the Command
Base corresponds to the first speed step, which is the slowest speed of the locomotive. The
locomotive will maintain that speed until you increase or decrease the throttle.
In the TrainMaster Command Control environment, you can use your CAB-1 Remote
Controller to turn the Odyssey System on or off. The position of the Odyssey System switch (see
Figure 2 on page 8) is the Odyssey System default setting when you power up the locomotive.
You can override the default setting with the following commands. The override settings will be
cleared and the default setting will be restored when you power down the locomotive.
Do not wait longer than two or three seconds between pushing the buttons in each sequence.
If the command is not accepted, repeat the sequence.
The locomotive must not be in motion when you enable or disable the Odyssey
System.
Turn off the Odyssey System.
When you press 7, you will trigger a TowerCom announcement. This has no impact
on the Odyssey System function.
Turn on the Odyssey System.
When you press 9, you will activate the Air release sound and turn on the smoke unit
(if it was off). This has no impact on the Odyssey System.
17
Note!
Note!
Note!

TrainMaster Command Control operations
TrainMaster Command Control operations
TrainMaster Command Control is the advanced model railroad control system from Lionel. To
operate your locomotive in the Command Control environment, you need a Command Base
(available separately, 6-12911) and a CAB-1 Remote Controller (available separately, 6-12868).
Both products are offered together in the TrainMaster Command Set (6-12969).
Your commands are sent by the CAB-1 Remote Controller to the Command Base, which then
translates the command into digital code. That code is sent through the outside rails to your
locomotive, which will not respond until it recognizes its unique ID#. TrainMaster Command
Control gives you the power to operate multiple Command-equipped locomotives on the same
track at the same time.
Keep in mind that track power is like gasoline in the tank of a car—it gives you the power
to go places, but it doesn’t tell you where to go or how fast to get there.
Operating your locomotive in the Command Control environment
1. Turn off track power and plug-in the Command Base. Be sure that the
Command Base is connected to the outside rail or to the Common/Ground/U terminal on
your track power supply.
2. Place your locomotive on Lionel or Lionel-compatible O-31 or larger
track.
3. Increase track voltage to full power (no more than 19 volts AC). On
PowerMasters, slide the CMD/CONV switch to CMD. Program Track Power Controllers to
Command Control operation.
4. Press ENG and enter the ID# to address your locomotive with your CAB-1
Remote Controller. All Lionel locomotives come factory-programmed as ID# 1. To
change the ID#, see page 23.
5. Throttle up and move ‘em out! Your locomotive will respond to every command from
your CAB-1 Remote Controller.
18

TrainMaster Command Control operations
CAB-1 Remote Controller commands
The CAB-1 Remote Controller commands are detailed below. The corresponding
RailSounds sound system effects are in bold italic type.
Coupler release sound.
Releases the rear coupler.
Coupler release sound.
Activates the numeric keypad.
Short let-off sound.
Toggles the headlight on and off.
Accelerates the locomotive with a clockwise
rotation. Decelerates the locomotive with a counter-
clockwise rotation. Speed-dependent chuffing
sounds. DynaChuff dynamic chuffing effect.
Activates the locomotive’s whistle. Release the
button to discontinue the sound. Multiwhistle
steam whistle sound.
Toggles the bell sound on and off. Bell sound.
Changes the locomotive’s direction. The locomotive
decelerates to a stop and continues in the opposite
direction when you increase the throttle. Air release
sound.
Increases the locomotive’s speed while the button is
pressed. Release the button to return to the initial speed.
Labored chuff.
Decreases the locomotive’s speed while the button is pressed. Squealing brake
sounds.
Shuts down all PowerMasters on your railroad. Stops all TrainMaster Command Control-
equipped locomotives in operation. Use HALT only in emergency situations.
19
SET L M H
See page 21 for the
momentum settings

TrainMaster Command Control operations
CAB-1 Remote Controller numeric keypad commands
When you press the AUX1 button on your CAB-1 Remote Controller,
you turn the numeric keypad into ten command buttons. These
commands are specific to your locomotive, and an overlay is included to
help you learn these functions. After you press the AUX1 button, you will
be able to press any numbered button until you address a different
Command Control equipped product. The corresponding
RailSounds sound system effects are in bold italic type.
Stops and resets the locomotive. Resets the locomotive’s direction to forward. Headlight
flickers. Short whistle blast.
Raises the volume of the RailSounds sound system. Sound volume increases.
CrewTalk communication is the sound of unintelligible walkie-talkie communication.
CrewTalk communications.
Start-up sequence commences. Steam blow-off sound.
Lowers the volume of the RailSounds sound system. Sound volume decreases.
Activates the steam locomotive shutdown sequence. The locomotive must be idle for the
shutdown to occur. Steam shutdown sequences. Note that the whistle and bell will
not sound until you restart the RailSounds sound system. CrewTalk communications.
Steam release sound.
Activates a TowerCom announcement, which includes a call-out specific to your
locomotive. Pressing AUX1,7triggers a “hold for clearance” message. Press 7again, and
a “clear for departure message” plays. There is a four-second delay in this function.
TowerCom announcement.
Turns off the smoke unit if smoke unit. Steam release sound.
Turns on the smoke unit if the smoke unit switch is in the ON position. Be sure to add
smoke fluid before turning on the smoke unit to prevent damage to your locomotive.
Steam release sound.
AUX1,8 and 9function only if the locomotive’s smoke unit switch is in the ON
position.
20
Note!
AUX1