Lionel Norfolk Southern Ready-to-Run Freight Set User manual

73-0158-250
3/11
Norfolk Southern
Diesel Freight
Ready-to-Run Train Set
Owner’s Manual
Norfolk Southern
Diesel Freight
Ready-to-Run Train Set
Owner’s Manual
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

Train Set Inventory
• GP-38 diesel locomotive
• Hi-cube boxcar
• Quad hopper
• Depressed-center flatcar with generator load
• Porthole caboose
• CW-80 Transformer
• Three straight FasTrack track sections
• Eight curved FasTrack track sections
• One straight FasTrack terminal track section
• Replacement traction tire
• Owner’s Manual
Congratulations!
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Congratulations on your purchase of the Norfolk Southern 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™, TrainMaster®, Odyssey®, RailSounds®, CrewTalk™, TowerCom™, DynaChuff™,
StationSounds™, Pullmor®, ElectroCoupler™, Magne-Traction®, CAB-1® Remote Controller,
American Flyer®, Lionel ZW®, ZW®, MagniVision®, TMCC®, Lionelville®, Wireless Tether™,
Powerhouse™, LionMaster®, Conventional Classics™, Postwar Celebration Series™, TruRail™, PH-1
Powerhouse®, Powermaster®, Powerstation-Powerhouse®, Accessory Motor Controller™, AMC™,
Accessory Switch Controller™, ASC™, Action Recorder Controller™, ARC™, Track Power Controller
300™, TPC 300™, Track Power Controller 400™, TPC 400™, Block Power Controller™, BPC™,
Operating Track Controller™, OTC™, FatBoy™, Lionel Lines®, Joshua Lionel Cowen Series™,
Lockon®, TrainSounds™, MultiHorn™, MultiWhistle™, Choo-Choo™

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Table of contents
Creating your layout
Operating your CW-80 Transformer safely 4
Building your Lionel layout 5
Joining the FasTrack track sections 6
Wiring your CW-80 Transformer 7-8
Running your train
Running your train set 9
Coupling 10
Experiencing the features of the CW-80 Transformer 11-12
Reverse unit procedure 13
Operating the TrainSound sound system 14
Adjusting the volume 15
Silencing the diesel roar 15
CW-80 Transformer operation
Powering your layout with the CW-80 Transformer 16
Setting the accessory output 17
Maintaining and servicing your set
Lubricating your locomotive 18
Replacing your locomotive’s traction tire 19
Replacing your locomotive’s lamps 20
Replacing your square window caboose lamp 21
Troubleshooting 22
FCC Statement 23
Limited Warranty/Lionel Service 24

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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 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.
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.
Creating your layout
Figure 1. Track layout ideas
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FasTrack Add-on Track Packs (available separately) 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
Additional track sections available separately in Track Packs (represented in darker shading).

Creating your layout
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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

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Wiring 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!

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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

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.
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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, for one to four seconds. When
track power is interrupted, the locomotive advances to the next operational state.
Adjust track voltage until your locomotive moves at your desired speed.
1
Note!

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Running your train
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!