Lionel New York Central Flyer User manual

73-1969-250
10/03
CAUTION—ELECTRIC TOY
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER EIGHT YEARS OF AGE. AS WITH
ALL ELECTRIC PRODUCTS, PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE OBSERVED DURING
HANDLING AND USE TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.
TRANSFORMER RATINGS—INPUT: 120 VAC; 60 HZ ONLY.
AC OUTPUT: 18 V; 80 VA
New York Central Flyer
Ready-to-Run Train Set
Owner’s Manual
featuring

Congratulations!
2
Congratulations on your purchase of the ready-to-run New York Central Flyer Train Set with the RailSounds sound system! This set features everything you need to get started—a mighty CW-
80 Transformer, a huge loop of FasTrack track, a string of detailed cars, and a powerful Lionel loco-
motive. Plus, you get the authentic locomotive sounds of the RailSounds sound system.
Have fun growing with this complete train set! Start with the set components, then follow
your imagination into your own miniature world. Expand your railroad empire with addition-
al FasTrack track sections, enhance your layout with accessories, lengthen your consist 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!
New York Central Flyer Train Set Inventory
•4-4-2 steam locomotive and tender
with RailSounds
•Boxcar
•Flatcar with bulkheads and
12 stakes
•Caboose
•Tractor
•Trailer
•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
•Service Center list
•Instruction video
•Lionel RailRoader Club flyer
•Catalog
New York Central Flyer Train Set Features
Bright
headlight
Operating
couplers
Opening
boxcar doors
Puffing
smoke
RailSounds
sound system Lighted caboose
interior
Forward-Neutral-Reverse
operation

3
Table of contents
Track layout
Building your Lionel layout 4
Joining the FasTrack track sections 5
Controller operations
Operating your CW-80 Transformer safely 6
Installing your CW-80 Transformer 6
Wiring your CW-80 Transformer 7-8
Advanced connections: powering two isolated blocks with two transformers 9
Experiencing the features of the CW-80 Transformer 10-11
Setting the accessory output 12
Powering your layout with the CW-80 Transformer 13
Locomotive operation
Running your train set 14
Reverse unit procedure 15
RailSounds operations
Your Locomotive’s RailSounds sound system—the basics 16
Experiencing the range of your locomotive’s RailSounds sound system 17
Notes the on RailSounds sound system 17
TowerCom announcements 18
CrewTalk communication 18
Train brakes 18
Wheel flange squeal 18
Maintaining and servicing your locomotive
Coupling 19
Assembling your flatcar with bulkheads and stakes 20
Lubricating your 4-4-2 locomotive 21
Adding smoke fluid to your 4-4-2 locomotive’s smoke generator 22
Replacing your 4-4-2 locomotive’s headlamp 23
Replacing your locomotive’s traction tire 24
Replacing your Square Window Caboose lamp 25
Troubleshooting 26
Notes 27
Limited Warranty/Lionel Service 28
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®
The name FasTrack®is used with permission from Pitsco, Inc.

4
Track 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!
Figure 1. Track layout ideas

Track layout
5
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 2 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 2. Joining the track sections
Rail tab

6
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 eight 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 an authorized Lionel Service Center. A
list of authorized Service Centers is packed with this unit.
•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.
Installing your CW-80 Transformer
To mount your CW-80 Transformer to your layout or control panel, drive a screw (not included) through each of the four mounting holes located at the corners of the base.
Controller operations

7
Controller operations
Wiring your CW-80 Transformer
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 3 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. Tighten the thumbscrew to secure the
connection.
Be sure that the “blades” of the spade connector are in contact with the
thumbscrew post. You may choose to insert one of the blades into the hole in the
post to improve the electrical contact.
3. Loosen the black TRACK thumbscrew terminal, then slide the black
spade-shaped connector into position. 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!
Note!

8
Controller operations
Wiring your CW-80 Transformer (continued)
U
120/60z
0~18VAC
AB
U
0~18VAC 
TRACK ACCESSORY
Figure 3. Controller connections
FasTrack terminal section
Notch
Spade-shaped
connector

9
Controller operations
Advanced connections: powering two isolated blocks with two
transformers
As you expand your layout, you may decide to create two isolated blocks of track. Trains in each block
are controlled by separate transformers.
Before you operate your trains on this type of layout,
be sure that your transformers are in phase. Operating
your trains on a layout with two transformers that are
out of phase may cause damage to the locomotive’s sen-
sitive electronic components.
To be certain that your transformers are in phase, use
a small 18-volt lamp with leads (available at your local
electronics supply store) to perform a quick test. Refer to
Figure 4.
1. Attach one lamp wire to the center rail in one block.
2. Attach the second lamp wire to the center rail in the other block.
3. Power up both blocks of track. Both transformers should be set to full power.
4. See if the lamp illuminates.
If the lamp illuminates brightly, your transformers are not in phase. Do not operate your
trains on the layout until you change the wiring. If the lamp does not illuminate, your trans-
formers are in phase and should not cause problems.
To bring your transformers into phase, simply swap the track wires at the A and U terminals
on one of the transformers. If you are using an older transformer that lacks a polarized plug,
you may reverse the plug at the outlet so that the prongs are inserted into the opposite
openings. Repeat the procedure described above, and you should find that the lamp does not
illuminate.
This will also reverse the operation of the BELL and WHISTLE buttons on the
transformer with the switched wires.
Figure 4. Testing for proper phasing
Note!

10
Refer to Figure 5 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.
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.
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.
Controller operations
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 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 locomotive.
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 for-
ward to increase locomotive speed, backward to slow it
down.
Power-on indicator
The green light
illuminates when the
CW-80 is on.
Figure 5. Transformer features
Controller operations

12
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 page 7.
2. Bring the throttle all the way back to turn off the power.
3. Press and hold down the DIRECTION, WHISTLE, and BELL buttons on the
Transformer. Refer to Figure 5 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 acces-
sory 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 throt-
tle again will control track power only.
Setting the accessory output
Note!
Controller operations

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 accessories
require two amps of the total five-amp capacity of the Transformer, you have three amps avail-
able 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 12.
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 accessories.
When you reach five amps, the green light on the Controller will begin to flash. This indicates
that the Transformer is in “fold-back mode.” In fold-back mode, the Transformer is automati-
cally 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.
13
Controller operations

14
Locomotive operation
Running your train set
With track power off, place your train set on the track.
Refer to page 19 for information on coupling the cars.
33
3
3
2
2
4
4
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
1
Connect the drawbar between the locomotive and tender.
See Figure 6.
If the smoke unit switch is in the ON position, add smoke fluid to your
locomotive’s stack to prevent damage to the smoke unit. Refer to
page 22 for additional information.
Caution!
Note!
Figure 6. Drawbar connection

Locomotive operation
Reverse unit procedure
The electronic reverse unit inside your Lionel locomotive acts like the transmis-
sion in a car. When you apply power to the
track, the locomotive moves in the direction
specified by the reverse unit—or it sits in
neutral, awaiting another power interrup-
tion. Power interruptions are the signal that
tells the reverse unit to sequence to the next
operational state.
To interrupt power and sequence the loco-
motive’s reverse unit, press the direction
control button or briefly bring the throttle
lever all the way back to the OFF position.
Refer to Figure 8 for the location of these
controls. The reverse unit alternates between three states: forward, neutral, and reverse.
Also, the locomotive can be “locked” into a certain mode of operation by throwing the
reverse unit switch located on the underside of the frame (see Figure 7 above). When the
switch is thrown to the OFF position (towards the rear of the locomotive), the locomotive will
be locked in the next mode of operation in the sequence. To lock your locomotive into a spe-
cific operational state, sequence the locomotive into the desired state and reduce track power
without completely powering down the locomotive, then throw the switch to the OFF position.
The DIRECTION button will then have no affect on the direction of the locomotive. Slide the
switch to the ON position to resume forward-neutral-reverse operation.
Additionally, this reverse unit has a “power-up reset” feature. If the locomotive sits without
power for a short period of time, the reverse unit will automatically reset and start in the forward
direction when the transformer is turned on or “powered up,” regardless of the reverse unit
switch position. If the switch is in the OFF position, the locomotive will start in the forward direc-
tion and be “locked” there.
Reverse unit
ON/OFF switch
Smoke unit
ON/OFF switch
(See page 22.)
Figure 7. Switch location
Figure 8. Direction control button location
Direction control button
Whistle control button
Bell control button
Throttle
OFF ON
OFF ON
15

16
RailSounds operation
Note!
Note!
Your Locomotive’s RailSounds sound system—the basics
The Lionel RailSounds sound system is the most realistic model railroad sound system in the world. Your locomotive’s RailSounds sound system features digital samples for the
ultimate in realism.
Begin by installing a nine-volt alkaline battery (not included) in the tender. This ensures
interruption-free operation of the RailSounds sound system. To install the battery, simply
remove the screw from the end of the tender and lift away the body. Refer to Figure 9. Connect
the nine-volt alkaline battery to the battery harness (first remove the protective cover from the
battery harness), and slide the battery in the holder inside the tender.
When you first apply track power, the locomotive’s RailSounds sound system delivers an
authentic start-up sequence, followed by the sounds of the locomotive at idle. As the locomo-
tive’s speed increases, the chuff rate will increase, too.
Although the RailSounds sound system is powered by track voltage, a battery is
required for uninterrupted operation and shutdown sequences. Use only
alkaline batteries.
If the RailSounds sound system “drops out” during track power interruptions
(for example, during a direction change), replace the battery.
Remove the tender body.
Remove the protective cover from
the battery harness and connect the
nine-volt alkaline battery.
2
Slide the
battery into
the holder
inside the
tender.
3
1
Figure 9. Battery installation

17
RailSounds operation
With the RailSounds sound system, 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. Your locomotive’s speed determines the steam chuff rate.
• MultiWhistle/Bell. These features can be activated by pressing the WHISTLE and BELL
buttons on your Transformer (see page 11). Note that the bell sound will begin when you
push the button and discontinue when you push it again.
• Shutdown sequence. No other model trains shut down like the RailSounds sound sys-
tem. 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, the RailSounds sound system will
commence with an authentic shutdown sequence about two seconds after the air-release
reset occurs.
• Braking Sounds. To activate the screeching sound of your locomotive’s brakes, simply
turn the controller down as the engine is moving. Notice the sound becomes more intense
the faster your engine is moving and the greater its deceleration. This can also be accom-
plished by pressing the direction button while the train is in motion.
A battery must be installed for the shutdown sequence.
Experiencing the range of your locomotive’s RailSounds sound system
Notes on the RailSounds sound system
• Use the volume control knob located on the underside of the tender frame. Turn the vol-
ume set screw clockwise or counter clockwise to adjust the volume.
• Listen for incidental locomotive sounds during RailSounds operation. They’re automatic
and, of course, authentic.
• The nine-volt alkaline battery you installed ensures continuous sounds, even during short
track-power interruptions.
• Longer track-power interruptions (including locomotive derailments) cause the
RailSounds sound system to shut down after about seven seconds.
Note!

18
RailSounds operations
TowerCom announcements
TowerCom announcements feature a “Stand- by” or “Clear for departure” announcement
from the dispatcher and an acknowledgement
from the engineer. There are several messages
and each time TowerCom announcements are
triggered, a random call/response will be played.
A TowerCom announcement, selected ran-
domly for play-back, is triggered by a short horn blast only when the train is stopped. A long horn
blast will not trigger the effect, and it is disabled when the engine is in motion.
If the trigger (i.e., a short horn blast) occurs within 15 seconds of the train stopping, a
“Stand by” message is played. If the trigger occurs more than 15 seconds after the train has
stopped, a “Clear for departure” message is played. The 15-second interval is marked by the first
instance of CrewTalk after the locomotive stops.
Example
•User brings the engine to a stop and sounds
a short horn blast.
•TowerCom message says, “Please stand by.”
•User waits until first CrewTalk plays, user
sounds another short horn blast.
•TowerCom message says “You are clear for
departure.”
CrewTalk communication
CrewTalk communication consists of random call and response messages. The CrewTalk communication is triggered at random intervals, from 30 seconds to 3 minutes, only
when the train is stopped.
Train brakes
For the ultimate in realism, the sound of squealing train brakes can be played during heavy stops. The locomotive must be moving at a medium speed and then slowed quickly to trig-
ger the sounds. With practice, you will be able to control the sound at any time.
Wheel flange squeal
The brake sounds may also simulate the sound of wheel flange squeal when traveling through tight curves. Depending on your track layout, this sound may occasionally play
when entering a curve. You may also trigger this sound by quickly moving the throttle towards
the OFF position, and then quickly moving it back to its original setting. Do not move it com-
pletely to OFF, or the locomotive will shift to neutral.

19
Maintaining and servicing your set
Coupling
When coupling your cars, at least one of the mating couplers must be open as shown at the left in Figure 10. Simply 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 10. Coupler operation
Note!

Maintaining and servicing your set
20
Assembling your flatcar with bulkheads and stakes
Your flatcar with stakes will require some assembly before it’s ready to roll. Remove the twelve stakes supplied with this car and carefully press them into the corresponding slots
as shown in Figure 11 below.
Now, insert the two bulkheads onto either end of the flatcar in the slots provided. You will
find one open slot at each end of the car after you have installed the stakes and bulkheads.
Bulkhead
Twelve stakes
Bulkhead
Figure 11. Stake and bulkhead placement