Lionel Ready-to-Run Riding the Rails Hobo Train User manual

73-1953-250
4/03
Lionel
Ready-to-Run
Riding the Rails Hobo Train
Owner’s Manual
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

Congratulations!
2
Congratulations on your purchase of the ready-to-run Riding the Rails Hobo
Train! 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, 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 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!
Riding the Rails Hobo Train Features
Bright
headlight
Puffing
smoke
Operating
couplers
Opening
boxcar
doors
Interior
lighting in
caboose
Animated
Chase
Gondola
Powered
Handcar
Operating Hobo
Campfire
Air whistle
Forward-Neutral-Reverse
operation
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™
The name FasTrack®is used with permission from Pitsco, Inc.

Riding the Rails Hobo Train Inventory
•4-6-4 Hudson locomotive
•Tender with air whistle
•Boxcar with hobo figure
•Animated chase gondola
•Square window caboose
•Powered handcar
•CW-80 Transformer
•Three straight FasTrack track
sections
•Eight curved FasTrack track
sections
•One straight FasTrack terminal
track section
•Hobo Campfire accessory
•Smoke fluid
•Owner’s Manual
•Service Center list
•Instruction video
3
Table of contents
Track layout
Building your Lionel layout 4
Joining the FasTrack track sections 4
Controller operations
Operating your CW-80 Transformer safely 5
Installing your CW-80 Transformer 5
Wiring your CW-80 Transformer 6
Advanced connections: powering two isolated blocks with two transformers 7
Operating your trains with the CW-80 Transformer 7
Experiencing the features of the CW-80 Transformer 8-9
Setting the accessory output 10
Powering your layout with the CW-80 Transformer 11
Troubleshooting 12
Hobo Campfire operations
Connecting the Hobo Campfire accessory 13
Installing the Hobo Campfire accessory 14
Operating the Hobo Campfire accessory 15
Train operations
Running your locomotive with a Lionel transformer 16
Reverse unit procedure 17
Tire-Traction 18
Coupling 18
Operating your handcar 19
Maintaining and servicing your set
Lubricating your steam locomotive 20
Lubricating your handcar 21
Adding smoke fluid to your locomotive’s smoke generator 21
Replacing your locomotive’s headlamp 22
Replacing your square window caboose’s lamp 23
Limited Warranty/Lionel Service 24

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.
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
Building your Lionel layout
Your set comes with eight curved, three straight, and one power 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!
Track layout
Figure 1. Track layout ideas
4
Rail tabs

Operating your CW-80 Transformer safely
5
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
condition 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
serviceable 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 through each of the four mounting holes located at the corners of the base.
Controller operations

Wiring your CW-80 Transformer
6
Caution!
U
120/60z
0~18VAC
AB
U
0~18VAC 
TRACK ACCESSORY
Figure 3. Controller connections
Controller operations
FasTrack terminal section
Notch
Spade-shaped
connector
Accessory
terminals
For best performance on large layouts, it is recommended that you use 16-gauge wire to connect your CW-80 Transformer to the track. Connect the spade connectors on the wires from
the FasTrack terminal section. 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. As your layout expands, you may also make power
connections with the stripped ends of the wires, placing no more than two wires on each terminal.
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.
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.
1. Feed the wires through the notch in the FasTrack terminal section. Refer to
Figure 3.
2. Loosen the red TRACK thumbscrew terminal, then slide the spade-shaped
connector at the end of the RED wire into position. The thumbscrew post
should be positioned between the “blades” of the spade connector. Tighten the thumbscrew
to secure the connection.
3. Loosen the black TRACK thumbscrew terminal, then slide the spade-
shaped connector at the end of the BLACK wire into position. Tighten the
thumbscrew to secure the connection.
4. If you need to power an accessory, connect the accessory to the
ACCESSORY thumbscrew terminals.
5. Plug the CW-80 Transformer into your wall outlet (120 volts).

Operating your trains with the CW-80 Transformer
7
You’re clear for departure! Move the throttle control handle forward to increase power to the track. The farther forward you push the handle, the faster your train will go.
You will notice that the power increases and decreases at a set rate. For example,
quickly throwing the throttle all the way forward will not result in an instant
increase to full power.
When operating in the conventional (non-Command) environment, remember that the
greater the load on the engine (adding more cars for the engine to pull, for example), the
farther forward the handle must be pushed before it will operate the locomotive.
Note!
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 you 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
sensitive electronic components.
To be certain that your transformers are in phase, use
a small 18-volt lamp to perform a quick test. Refer to
Figure 4.
1. Attach one lamp wire to the center rail in one block.
2Attach 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.
4See 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
transformers are in phase and should cause not problems.
To bring your transformers into phase, simply swap the positions of 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, 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.
Swapping the wires at the A and U terminals will also reverse the operation of the
BELL and WHISTLE buttons on the transformer.
Figure 4. Testing for proper phasing
Note!

Refer to Figure 5 on page 9 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
approximate 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.
This safety feature replaces the circuit breaker. 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/HORN
The WHISTLE/HORN button will activate your locomotive’s whistle. The sound will
continue until the button is released. No external sound activation buttons are needed. This
button will also activate the horn and whistle sounds on locomotives equipped with the digital
RailSounds sound system.
BELL
When you purchase an advanced locomotive equipped with the RailSounds sound system,
the BELL button will activate the bell sound. 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.
One thing to keep in mind when you purchase a RailSounds-equipped locomotive:
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.
The CW-80 Transformer may cause random whistles in the Lionel Mighty Sounds of
SteamTM tenders with a three-pin connector. We recommend that you a purchase a
RailSounds-equipped tender to solve this problem.
Note!
Note!
Controller operations
8
Experiencing the features of the CW-80 Transformer

Experiencing the features of the CW-80 Transformer
(continued)
9
Whistle/Horn
Activates the whistle or horn sound
effect in your Lionel locomotives.
Press WHISTLE/HORN to begin the
sound; release the button to end it.
Bell
Starts or stops the tolling bell in any
Railsounds-equipped locomotive.
Press the BELL button to begin the
sound, again to stop it.
Direction
Press the DIRECTION button to go forward
or reverse, or to place the locomotive in
“neutral” (no movement, headlight is on).
Throttle
Controls your locomotive’s speed. Throw the throttle
forward to increase locomotive speed, backward to slow
it down.
Power-on indicator
The green light
illuminates when the
CW-80 is on.
Figure 5. Transformer features
Controller operations

Take control of your Lionel empire with your CW-80 Transformer! You choose how much power your accessories need. Your CW-80 Transformer features a 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. Follow these steps to set the voltage.
The accessory voltage was set to 12 volts at the factory.
1. Connect your accessory to the CW-80 Transformer as discussed on page 9.
2. Bring the throttle all the way back to turn off the power.
3. Press and hold down the DIRECTION, WHISTLE/HORN, and BELL buttons
on the Controller. Refer to Figure 5 on page 9 for the location of these
buttons.
The green light on the Transformer will flash, and track power will turn off.
4. With all three buttons held down, raise the throttle slowly until you reach
your desired accessory voltage.
5. Release the buttons once you have reached your desired voltage.
The accessory turns off, and the solid green light indicates that you have set the accessory
voltage.
6. Bring the throttle all the way back to turn off the power.
The voltage will momentarily increase, briefly causing the lights to shine brighter or the
motors to operate faster, before returning to the set level. At this point, increasing the
throttle again will control track power.
Setting the accessory output
10
Note!
Controller operations

Controller operations
11
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
available for track power. This built-in flexibility will provide power for virtually any small- to
medium-sized railroad. Also, available voltage depends on how much load is on the two
outputs. Generally, track voltage and accessory voltage are 0-16 volts (AC) each.
This Transformer is capable of operating trains up to and including dual-motored AC
engines. To operate at this level of track power, it may be necessary to disconnect any
accessories. You may also want to attempt to lower the accessory voltage settings. Refer to the
previous section.
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
automatically reducing, or folding back, power. This gradual reduction in power provides
interruption-free power while bringing the amperage back down to a safe level.

Troubleshooting
12
No lights or operation
Be sure CW-80 Transformer is plugged in.
Train runs, but WHISTLE/HORN, BELL, and DIRECTION buttons do not work
Check track connections. The track must be connected to the “A” and “U” terminals on the
Transformer.
No change when DIRECTION button is pressed
Be sure that your locomotive reverse unit switch is ON.
Accessory operation is intermittent or absent
Check for loose, shorted, or improper connections. The accessory voltage may have been set
too low for the accessory. Refer to page 10 and reset the voltage to a higher level.
Locomotive runs slowly or lights dim at the far end of the track
On larger layouts, additional track resistance may cause a voltage drop. Install additional
FasTrack terminal sections around your layout and connect them to your Transformer to
distribute power.
Green light begins to flash
The power limit of the Transformer has been exceeded. The unit will gradually reduce power
until the problem is corrected.
Bell button blows whistle
Switch the wire connections at the Transformer terminals. The U terminal should be
connected to the outside (common) rail.
Controller operations

Hobo Campfire operations
Connecting the Hobo Campfire accessory
Connect the Hobo Campfire accessory to your CW-80 Transformer’s accessory terminals. Use the two wires included with the campfire accessory to make these connections. To make
the proper contact, an adult should strip back the insulation 1/8” to 1/4” if the wires are not
already stripped.
Only an adult should perform this task! Always use care when stripping wires.
To wire this accessory, simply attach a wire to each of the spring clip terminals on the
underside of the accessory and connect them to the accessory terminals on the back of the
transformer as illustrated in Figure 6.
To make the spring clip connections, press down on the top of the terminal clip so
that a metal loop is exposed. Slide the bare end of the wire into the exposed loop
and then release pressure on the terminal clip, allowing the crimped metal to pinch
the end of the wire in the metal loop. Gently tug on the wire to be sure that the wire
is secured in place.
13
U
120/60z
0~18VAC
AB
U
0~18VAC 
TRACK ACCESSORY
Figure 6. Accessory connections
Bottom of the accessory
Mounting tab
Accessory
terminals
Spring clip
terminals
Caution!
Note!

Hobo Campfire operations
14
Installing the Hobo Campfire accessory
You may choose to install the Hobo Campfire on your layout in three ways. First, you may choose to set the accessory on your layout without securing it in place. If you are not
using the mounting tabs of the side of the base, you may carefully snap them off. Alternately,
you may have an adult secure the accessory to the surface by driving screws into the holes in
the tabs. Finally, you may have an adult cut a circle with a diameter of about 5.5” into the
surface of your layout and screw the tabs to your layout from below.
Only an adult should install the screws and cut the hole.
Install the figures in the locations shown in Figure 7. Simply press the posts on the
underside of the figures into the holes in the base.
Caution!
Figure 7. Figure placement

Hobo Campfire operations
15
Operating the Hobo Campfire accessory
After your accessory is wired, be sure that your accessory voltage is set high enough. Refer to page 10 to set the voltage. The trashcan serves as an ON/OFF switch for the accessory.
As illustrated in Figure 8, rotate the can clockwise to illuminate the campfire. Rotate the can
counter-clockwise to turn off the accessory.
Your campfire is illuminated by two LEDs. The LEDs are expected to last for the life
of this accessory. Should service ever become necessary, refer to the Limited
Warranty/Lionel Service section at the end of this manual.
Figure 8. ON/OFF switch
Note!
OFF ON

16
Train operation
Move ‘em out!
Place your locomotive on Lionel or
Lionel-compatible O gauge track.
•With track power OFF, connect the drawbar between the locomotive and tender as
illustrated in Figure 9.
1
1
Running your locomotive with a Lionel transformer
Power up your steam locomotive with your transformer.
•Your locomotive is designed to operate on 8-16 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, your locomotive’s headlight
will illuminate. At this point, the locomotive is in neutral. When the power is
removed and again applied (by pressing the DIRECTION button on your
controller), the train will move forward. This condition holds true if the engine
is being powered up for the first time or if the engine has been powered down for
longer than five seconds.
• Get your locomotive moving. Press the DIRECTION button on your Lionel
transformer. This advances the Lionel reverse unit to the next operating state in
the repeating sequence: forward, neutral, reverse, and neutral.
• 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 17 for information on locking your locomotive into a
single operating state.
3
3
4
4
Add smoke fluid to the locomotive or switch the smoke
generator off.
•See page 21 for more information.
2
2
Figure 9. Drawbar connection
Caution!

Train operation
Reverse unit procedure
The electronic reverse unit inside your Lionel locomotive acts like the
transmission in your 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
interruption. Power
interruptions are the
signal that tells the
reverse unit to
sequence to the next
operational state.
To interrupt power
and sequence the
locomotive’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 11 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
switch located on the underside of the frame
(see Figure 10 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. For instance, if the locomotive is
moving forward, then is stopped and the
switch is thrown back, the locomotive will be
“locked” in neutral. If the switch is thrown
back while the
locomotive is
under power, the
locomotive will
remain in the
mode it was in
when the switch
was thrown. The
controller
direction control
will then have no
affect on the
direction of the
locomotive.
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 locking
switch position. If the locking switch is in the
OFF position, the locomotive will start in the
forward direction and be “locked” there.
Figure 11. Direction control button location
Direction control button
Whistle/horn control button
Bell control button
Throttle
17
Figure 10. Switch locations
OFF ON
Reverse unit switch
Smoke ON/OFF switch
OFF ON
Rear of locomotive

Train operation
18
Tire-Traction
Coupling
Your locomotive is equipped with Tire- Traction. This means that one of the
drive wheels is fitted with a rubber traction
tire to enhance tractive effort so your
locomotive can pull many cars at once.
Lionel locomotives with Tire-Traction grip
the track, enabling them to pull heavy loads
at higher speeds. Replacement traction tires
are available at your authorized Lionel Service
Center.
When coupling your cars, at least one of the mating couplers must be open as
shown below at the left. Simply press down on
the lock release to open the coupler, then push
the cars toward each other until they lock
together as illustrated in Figure 12.
Keep in mind that it’s easier to couple cars on a straight stretch of track.
Lock release
Figure 12. Coupler operation
Note!

19
Maintaining and servicing your set
Place your handcar (illustrated in Figure 13) on the track and power up.
You will find that the handcar goes in only
one direction.
When operating the handcar and your
locomotive at the same time, there are a few
things to keep in mind. Because the
locomotive and the handcar are geared
differently, one unit will eventually catch up
to the other. Avoid collisions to prevent
damage and always be ready to turn off
track power. Pressing the DIRECTION button
on the controller will cause the locomotive
to advance to the next operating state, but
the handcar will only slow down
momentarily.
Operating your handcar
Figure 13. Handcar

20
Maintaining and servicing your set
Help your Lionel steam 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 (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 steam locomotive’s wheels, contact
rollers, or your track.
You’ll know your steam locomotive
requires lubrication when visual inspection
reveals dryness on the parts indicated in the
Figure 14 below. Remove accumulated dirt
and dust before lubricating, and always
lubricate any locomotive emerging from
prolonged storage. Also, lightly lubricate the
steam locomotive’s side rods after every ten
hours of operation.
Lubricating your steam locomotive
Lubricate axle ends
with Lionel oil sparingly
Lubricate axle ends
with Lionel oil sparingly
Cab screws Lubricate with Lionel
oil sparingly
Lubricate rod ends, both sides
with Lionel oil sparingly
Cab screw
Lubricate with Lionel grease sparingly
Figure 14. Lubrication points