Lionel Rio Grande General User manual

73-0168-250
7/11
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
Ready-to-Run
Rio Grande General
Train Set
Owner’s Manual
Ready-to-Run
Rio Grande General
Train Set
Owner’s Manual
Featuring

Train Set Inventory
Congratulations!
2
Congratulations on your purchase of the Lionel Ready-To-Run Rio Grande General Train Set! This set features everything you need to get started—a 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!
• General-style locomotive
• Tender
• Two passenger coaches
• Operating horse car
• Gondola with vat load
• CW-80 Transformer with accessory wire
• Three straight FasTrack track sections
• Eight curved FasTrack track sections
• One FasTrack terminal track section
• Smoke fluid
• Replacement traction tire
• Owner’s Manual
The following Lionel marks are used throughout this catalog and are protected under law. All
rights reserved.
Lionel®, LEGACY™, FasTrack™, 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™
The following Lionel marks are used throughout this catalog and are protected under law. All
rights reserved.
Lionel®, LEGACY™, FasTrack™, 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™

3
Table of contents
Creating your layout
Operating your CW-80 Transformer safely 4
Building your Lionel layout 5
Joining the FasTrack track sections 6
Connecting your CW-80 Transformer 6-7
Running your train
Running your train set 8
Operating your train with the CW-80 Transformer 9
Adding smoke fluid to your locomotive’s smoke generator 9
Coupling 10
Operating the TrainSounds sound system 11
Adjusting the volume 12
Experiencing the features of the CW-80 Transformer 13-14
Reverse unit procedure 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 lamp 20
Replacing your passenger car lamps 21
Troubleshooting 22
FCC Statement 23
Lionel Limited Warranty Policy & Service 24

Operating your CW-80 Transformer safely
4
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 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 service-
able parts inside. If damaged, take this product to an authorized Lionel Service Center. Visit
www.lionel.com for a list of authorized Service Centers.
• 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

5
Building your Lionel layout
Your set comes with eight curved sections, three 10" straight sections, and one terminal section of track. Figure 1 provides some examples of layouts that you can build with these track sections.
You may choose to add more FasTrack track sections to create an endless number of exciting track
arrangements for more fun, action, and variety.
Creating your layout
Figure 1. Track layout ideas
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 sec-
tions 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
Track Packs are shown in darker shading (available separately).

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 have 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
Creating your layout
6
Rail tab
Connecting 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 4 on page 7.
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.

Connecting your CW-80 Transformer (continued)
Creating your layout
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!
U
120/60z
0~18VAC
AB
U
0~18VAC
TRACK ACCESSORY
Figure 4. Controller connections
FasTrack terminal section
Notch
Spade-shaped
connector
7

8
Running your train
Running your train set
With track power off, place your train set on the track.
Refer to page 10 for information on coupling the cars.
3
3
2
4
Power up your locomotive with your transformer.
Your locomotive is designed to operate on 7-15 volts alternating current.
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 inter-
rupted, the locomotive advances to the next operational state.
Adjust track voltage until your locomotive moves at your desired speed.
1
Connect the drawbar between the locomotive and tender.
See Figure 5.
If the smoke unit switch is in the ON position, add smoke fluid to your loco-
motive’s stack to prevent damage to the smoke unit. Refer to
page 9 for additional information.
Caution!
Note!
Figure 5. Drawbar connection

Running your train
9
Operating your train with the CW-80 Transformer
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.
Note! Quickly shutting off or throwing the throttle all the way forward will not result in an
instant change in track voltage.
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.
Adding smoke fluid to your locomotive’s smoke generator
Y
our locomotive is equipped with a smoke generator that produces safe, clean white smoke dur-
ing operation if the smoke unit switch is in the ON position. Refer to Figure 8 on page 14 for the
location of the switch.
The smoke generator requires the periodic addition of Lionel smoke fluid in order to function.
A small bottle of smoke fluid is included with this set. Press down and unscrew the cap. Pierce the
tip on the nozzle. Add about four drops of fluid directly into the locomotive’s stack. Smoke pro-
duction commences momentarily. It will start faster if you run your locomotive at higher speeds.
When smoke production decreases, add more fluid (about four drops). An idle locomotive will
not smoke.
Smoke production is greater at higher voltages and when the locomotive is pulling a heavy load or
a long consist.
Caution! When the smoke unit switch is in the ON position, always keep a small amount of
smoke fluid in the locomotive’s smoke generator; the generator’s element can become
damaged if operated without smoke fluid. This is particularly true if your locomotive
sits in neutral for an extended period of time without smoke fluid in the generator.
If you prefer to operate the locomotive without smoke or you do not want to add smoke
fluid, slide the smoke unit switch to the OFF position.
Note!

10
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 6. 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 6. Coupler operation
Note!

Running your train
If you activate multiple “stand by” dialogues during the first 35 seconds, the length
of time before the “clear for departure” dialogue becomes 35 seconds, plus the
length of the dialogue.
Press the WHISTLE/HORN button Dialogue
From power-up to about 35 seconds “Stand by” dialogue
After 35 seconds “Clear for departure” dialogue
After 60 seconds Random, automatic crew dialogue
Operating the TrainSounds sound system
When you power up the locomotive on the track, you will hear the sounds of the idling steam locomotive. The chuffing sounds will increase proportionally with the locomotive's speed.
WHISTLE/HORN SOUNDS
Press the WHISTLE/HORN button on your transformer to sound the whistle/horn. The sound
will play for as long as you hold the button.
BELL SOUNDS
Press the BELL button on your transformer to activate the bell sound. Press BELL again to dis-
continue the sound.
BRAKE SQUEAL SOUNDS
To activate the sound of squealing brakes, operate your locomotive at the highest sound intensity level
for at least ten seconds, and then slow to a lower level. The brake sounds will discontinue automati-
cally after a few moments.
If you are unable to activate the brake sounds, your locomotive’s speed may be too
low. Increase the speed of your locomotive, operate for at least ten seconds, and then
reduce the throttle by half.
CREW DIALOGUE
When the locomotive is not in motion, you may activate random crew dialogue using the WHISTLE/
HORN button on your controller.
The locomotive must be powered up on the track and not in motion for the dialogue
to play. Do not turn off track power.
Note!
Note!
Note!
11

12
Running your train
Adjusting the volume
U
se the volume control knob on the underside of the TrainSounds Tender to adjust the volume.
Refer to Figure 7.
Figure 7. Volume control knob and switch location
Volume control knob

13
Refer to Figure 8 on page 14 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.
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 or horn. The sound will
continue 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 seconds, 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.
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.
Running your train
Experiencing the features of the CW-80 Transformer
Note!

14
Experiencing the features of the CW-80 Transformer (continued)
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 or TrainSounds-equipped
locomotive. Press BELL to begin the
sound, again to stop it.
Direction
Press the DIRECTION button to cycle
through forward, neutral, reverse, neutral,
and so on (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 8. Transformer features
Running your train

Running your train
Reverse unit procedure
The electronic reverse unit inside your Lionel locomotive acts like the transmission 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 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 through the forward-neutral-
reverse-neutral-forward sequence, press the direction control button, or briefly bring the throttle
lever all the way back to the Off position, for one to four seconds. Refer to Figure 8 on page 14 for
the location of these controls.
Also, the locomotive can be “locked” into a certain mode of operation by throwing the reverse
unit switch located on the back of the locomotive's cab (see Figure 9). When the switch is thrown to
the LOCK position, the locomotive will be locked in the next mode of operation in the sequence. The
DIRECTION button will then have no affect on the direction of the locomotive. If you would like to
resume forward-neutral-reverse operation, simply throw the reverse unit switch back to the ON posi-
tion.
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,” if the reverse unit switch position is in the ON position.
Figure 9. Switch locations
15
RUN
LOCK
SMK
NO SMK
Reverse
unit
switch
Smoke
unit
switch

16
CW-80 Transformer operation
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 volt-
age 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 16.
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 Transformer 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 operation while
you bring the amperage back down to a safe level.

17
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 pages 6-7.
2. Bring the throttle all the way back to the OFF position.
3. Press and hold down the DIRECTION, WHISTLE, and BELL buttons on the
Transformer. Refer to Figure 7 on page 13 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 only.
Setting the accessory output
Note!
CW-80 Transformer operation

18
Maintaining and servicing your set
Figure 10. Lubrication points
Lubricating your locomotive
H
elp your 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 locomotive’s wheels, contact roll-
ers, or your track.
You’ll know your locomotive requires lubrication when visual inspection reveals dryness on the
parts indicated in Figure 10. Remove accumulated dirt and dust before lubricating, and always lubri-
cate any locomotive emerging from prolonged storage.
Lubricate with
Lionel oil sparingly
on both sides
Lubricate with
Lionel grease
sparingly
Lubricate with
Lionel oil sparingly

Maintaining and servicing your set
19
Replacing your locomotive’s traction tire
One of the locomotive’s drive wheels is fitted with a rubber traction tire to enhance tractive effort, allowing your locomotive to pull many cars at once.
To replace the traction tire, simply unscrew the drive rod screw from the wheel using a 3/16” nut
driver. Refer to Figure 11. Remove the old traction tire from under the drive rod and slip on the
replacement, Lionel part no. 6308661206. Replace the spacer, retighten the drive rod screw, and
you’r e ready to pull that long freight back to the yard.
Figure 11. Traction tire replacement
Lionel part no. 6308661206
Spacer
Drive rod screw

20
Maintaining and servicing your set
Replacing your locomotive’s lamp
Your locomotive is illuminated by one lamp, Lionel part no 6000191300. During the course of normal operations, the lamp in your locomotive may require replacement. Replacement lamps
are available at your authorized Lionel Service Center or from Lionel Service.
1. As illustrated in Figure 12, remove the screws on the base of the latern housing. Lift away the lan-
tern housing.
2. Slide the lamp back towards the locomotive’s stack, then lift the lamp straight up from the brack-
et.
3. Install the replacement lamp, sliding it towards the front of the locomotive.
4. Place the lantern housing down over the lamp and replace the screws.
Lantern
housing
Flat spring
Bracket
Lionel part
no. 6000191300
Screws
Figure 12. Lamp replacement