Lionel Santa's Flyer Ready-to-Run Train Set User manual

73-0235-250
5/13
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 PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK.
TRANSFORMER RATINGS—INPUT: 120 VAC; 60 HZ ONLY.
AC OUTPUT: 18 V; 40 VA
Santa's Flyer
Ready-to-Run Train Set
Owner’s Manual
Santa's Flyer
Ready-to-Run Train Set
Owner’s Manual

Santa's Flyer Train Set Inventory
Congratulations!
2
Congratulations on your purchase of the Lionel Santa's Flyer Ready-To-Run Train Set! This set features everything you need to get started—a PowerMax 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!
• 0-8-0 Locomotive
• Tender
• Christmas music boxcar
• Flatcar with two 1:64 cars
• Animated gondola
• Traditional caboose
• PowerMax transformer
• Three straight FasTrack track sections
• Eight curved FasTrack track sections
• One FasTrack terminal track section
• Smoke fluid
• Replacement traction tire
• Owner’s Manual
• Getting Started with Lionel DVD

3
Table of contents
Creating your layout
Operating your PowerMax Transformer safely 4
Building your Lionel layout 5
Joining the FasTrack track sections 6
Connecting your PowerMax Transformer 7-8
Running your train
Running your train set 9
Operating your train with the PowerMax Transformer 10
Adding smoke fluid to your locomotive’s smoke generator 10
Coupling 11
Securing the cars 11
Operating your Christmas music boxcar 12
Experiencing the features of the PowerMax Transformer 13-14
Reverse unit procedure 15
PowerMax Transformer operation
Powering your layout with the PowerMax Transformer 16
Maintaining and servicing your set
Lubricating your locomotive 17
Replacing your locomotive’s traction tire 18
Replacing your locomotive’s headlamp 19
Lubricating the Gear on your Animated Gondola 19
Replacing your caboose's lamp 20
Troubleshooting 21
FCC Statement 22
Notes 23
Lionel Limited Warranty Policy & Service 24
The following Lionel marks are used throughout this Owner’s Manual 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™

Operating your PowerMax Transformer safely
4
Your Lionel PowerMax 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 PowerMax Transformer is intended to be used indoors. Do not use this device if water is pres-
ent. Serious or fatal injuries may result.
• Use the PowerMax Transformer only for its intended purpose.
• The PowerMax 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 PowerMax 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 PowerMax Transformer on your layout unattended. Obstructed accessories or
stalled trains may overheat, resulting in damage to your layout.
• Always unplug the PowerMax 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

7
Creating your layout
Connecting your PowerMax Transformer
Connect your FasTrack terminal section to the PowerMax 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. Plug the PowerMax 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 PowerMax 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
A
0~18VAC
TRACK
Connecting your PowerMax Transformer (continued)
Creating your layout
Figure 4. Controller connections
FasTrack terminal section
Notch
Spade-shaped
connector
8

9
Running your train
Running your train set
With track power off, place your train set on the track.
Refer to page 11 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 10 for additional information.
Caution!
Note!
Figure 5. Drawbar connection

Running your train
10
Operating your train with the PowerMax 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 during
operation if the smoke unit switch is in the ON position. Refer to Figure 10 on page 15 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!

11
Running your train
Coupling
Securing the cars
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.
Secure the cars to the flatcar as shown in Figure 7.
Keep in mind that it’s easier to couple cars on a straight stretch of track.
Lock release
Tie downs
Figure 6. Coupler operation
Figure 7. Securing the cars
Note!

12
Your Musical Boxcar requires one nine-volt alkaline battery. To install the battery (not included), simply pull away the sides of the body and lift it off the frame. Attach the battery
harness to the battery, then slide the battery into the holder. Replace the body onto the frame
To play the Christmas music, throw the switch on the bottom of the car to the ON position.
Operating your Christmas music boxcar
1. Gently pull the sides away from the
body so that the slots on the side of
the boxcar release the frame
2. Attach the connector
located inside the doors
and place the battery in
the holder
To play, slide the switch on
the bottom of the car to the
ON position
Figure 8. Battery installation and switch location
Battery
holder Battery
harness
Running your train

Refer to Figure 9 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 locomo-
tive. Your locomotive will not respond to this button when the reverse unit switch is in the OFF posi-
tion.
WHISTLE/HORN
The WHISTLE/HORN 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.
Your locomotive is equipped with an operating air whistle.
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.
This 0-8-0 locomotive is not equipped with bell sounds.
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 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.
13
Running your train
Experiencing the features of the PowerMax Transformer
Note!
Note!
Note!

14
Experiencing the features of the PowerMax 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
PowerMax is on.
Figure 9. 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 9 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 underside of the frame (see Figure 10). 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. 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 position.
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 10. Switch location
15
ONOFF
ON OFF
Reverse unit ON/
OFF switch
Smoke unit ON/OFF
switch (see page 9 )

16
PowerMax Transformer operation
Powering your layout with the PowerMax Transformer
Your PowerMax Plus Transformer provides a total output of 2.4 amps. Also, available voltage depends on how much load is on the output. Generally, track voltage is 0-16 volts (AC).
You may momentarily approach or exceed the 2.4 amp limit of the PowerMax Plus Transformer
when pulling illuminated cars, or fighting over grades with heavy loads. When you reach 2.4 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 power while bringing the amper-
age back down to a safe level. If this condition lasts for more than 30 seconds, the Transformer will
shut off the power to the track and the green light will continue to flash. Move the throttle to the off
position to reset the Transformer and return to normal operation.

17
Maintaining and servicing your set
Figure 11. 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 11. Remove accumulated dirt and dust before lubricating, and always lubri-
cate any locomotive emerging from prolonged storage.
Lubricate axle ends
with Lionel oil
sparingly Lubricate axle ends
with Lionel oil sparingly

Maintaining and servicing your set
18
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 12. 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’re ready to pull that long freight back to the yard.
Lionel part no. 6308661206
Spacer
Drive rod screw
Figure 12. Traction tire replacement

19
Maintaining and servicing your set
Replacing your locomotive’s headlamp
Your locomotive is equipped with an LED style headlight for longer life. Please contact your near- est Lionel Service Center or Lionel Service if this needs replacing.
Occasionally the worm gear may need lubrication. You can
determine this by simply inspecting
it periodically. If you see little or
no lubrication on the worm gear
it’s time to add some lubricant, but
apply it sparingly!
Lubricating the Gear on your Animated Gondola
The worm gear should be lubricated
periodically. The Lionel multi-
purpose lubricant no. 606-2927-000 is
recommended. It is available from your
nearest Lionel Authorized Service Center.
Lubricate the worm
gear sparingly
Figure 13. Lubricating the gondola

20
Maintaining and servicing your set
Replacing your caboose's lamp
During the course of normal operation, the lamp inside your caboose may require replacement. Follow these steps and refer to Figure 14.
1. Lift off the roof from the window shell and body.
2. Pull out the end frame tab from the slot formed by the caboose body and roof. The end frames
are hinged at the platform to swing outward, away from the body.
3. Remove the window shell. To remove the window shell, carefully bend the sides of the caboose
outward while pulling up on the window shell until the tabs are released from the windows.
4. Pull the lamp straight up and out of the socket. Replace it with Lionel lamp no. 6308352311,
available at your authorized Lionel Service Center or Lionel Service.
5. Lower the window shell back into the body, making sure that the tabs snap into the windows.
6. Reposition the roof above the window shell and body, fit the tabs on the end frames into the cor-
responding slots in the body, and press down the roof to secure the end frame tabs.
Window
tab
Window shell
End frame tab
End frame
tab
Hinge
Lamp no. 6308352311
Figure 14. Caboose lamp replacement