Lionel U30C User manual

Lionel U30C
Diesel Locomotive
Owner’s Manual
71-8274-250
6/01
LIONEL
®
featuring
and
SYSTEM

2
Table of contents
Transformer operations
Running your U30C with a Lionel transformer 3
Locking your U30C into a single operational state 4
Using your U30C’s ElectroCouplers in the non-command environment 4
Installing the Lionel no. 610-5906-001 sound activation button 5
Maintaining and servicing your U30C
Lubricating your U30C 6
Adding fluid to your locomotive’s smoke generator 7
Replacing your U30C L.E.D 7
Odyssey™ System operations
Odyssey™ System operations 8
TrainMaster®Command operations
Your U30C’s RailSounds™ system—the basics 9
Experiencing the range of your U30C’s RailSounds™ system 10
Notes on RailSounds™ 10
The Command control environment 11
Running your U30C in the TrainMaster®Command environment 12
CAB-1 commands for your U30C 12
CAB-1 numeric keypad commands for your U30C 13
Tuning your U30C’s performance 14
Assigning your U30C a new ID# 15
Reprogramming Command reverse unit circuit boards to restore features 15
Lionel Service 16
• OdysseyTM System Speed Control
• Two powerful flywheel-equipped
can motors
• Digital TrainMaster Command™
control system
• RailSounds™ digital sound system
• Tire-Traction
• Die-cast ElectroCouplers
• Illuminated headlights/interior light
• CrewTalk™ (in Command)
• TowerCom™ (in Command)
• Diesel smoke generator
• Directional lighting
You purchased a tough, durable loco- motive—the U30C diesel locomotive
built by Lionel. From the crisp detail and
expert decoration on the outside, to the
brute power under the hood, the Lionel
U30C is ready for duty on your model rail-
road. Experience the superiority of today’s
Lionel.
Congratulations!

3
3
3Move ‘em out!
Place your U30C locomotive on Lionel or
Lionel-compatible O gauge track.
2
2Power up your U30C with your transformer.
• Your U30C is designed to operate on 8-18 volts alternating cur-
rent. Virtually all Lionel and Lionel-compatible alternating-current transform-
ers are suitable.
• Do not power your U30C with direct current (DC). Damage to sensitive
electronic components may occur.
• When you first power up your track, your U30C’s headlights will illumi-
nate. At this point, the locomotive is in neutral. This occurs when placing the
U30C on your railroad for the first time. When your train is first powered up, the
default state will be neutral and the default direction is forward. This means
whenever you power up your engine for the first time, the engine will remain in
neutral, and when the power is removed and again applied, 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 longer than 10 seconds.
Note!
1
1
Running your Lionel U30C with a Lionel transformer
Transformer operations
• Get your U30C moving. Press the DIR button on your CAB-1 remote or Lionel
transformer. This sequences the Lionel reverse unit to the next operating state.
• Adjust track voltage until your U30C moves at your desired speed. To increase
speed, increase track voltage. To decrease speed, reduce voltage. To stop the loco-
motive, turn-off track power.
• See page 4 for information on locking your U30C in a single oper-
ating state

To select a single operational state for your Lionel U30C (example: forward
only), you can deactivate the reverse unit’s
sequencing function with the reverse unit
control switch.
Get your locomotive moving in the
desired direction, then slow it down with-
out stopping. Set the reverse unit con-
trol switch to PROGRAM. The U30C
is now “locked” into your chosen direction.
When you no longer want single-direc-
tion operation, just slide the reverse unit
control switch back to RUN.
Your locomotive’s reverse unit will
“reset” to forward after any five second or
longer power interruption regardless of
original locked-out direction.
SND
NO SND
RUN
SMK
PRGM
NO SMK
4
Transformer operations
Using your U30C’s ElectroCouplers in the non-Command environment
To use your U30C’s ElectroCouplers in the non-Command environment, you must
first couple a piece of rolling stock equipped
with Lionel magnetic couplers directly to
your U30C’s ElectroCouplers. The magnetic
coupler on the rolling stock will then react
to the magnetic field generated by a Lionel
remote-control track section (available sep-
arately). Place your rolling stock’s coupler
“trigger disc” over the central coil of a
remote-control track section and press
UNCOUPLE on the controller. The magnetic
field pulls the disc downward, and the cou-
pler opens.
Your U30C’s ElectroCouplers will
NOT open manually or by using
a remote-control track section.
Magnetic coupler on the rolling stock coupled
to your U30C
Note!
Remote-control
track section
Locking your U30C into a single operational state
Smoke Unit
(see page 7 for
details)
FRONT

5
Transformer operations
Installing the Lionel Sound Activation Button
12
For AC transformers with a horn/whistle button
For AC transformers lacking a horn/whistle button
Attach to ground terminal
Attach to power terminal
Existing wire
Black wire
Red wire
Lionel no. 610-5906-001
SoundActivation Button for
activating the bell
To your transformer
Lionel no.
610-5906-001
SoundActivation
Button for
whistle Lionel no. 610-5906-001
SoundActivation Button for bell
Black wire
Red wire
Red wire
Attach to ground
terminal
Attach to power
terminal
To your transformer
The no. 610-5906-001 button works with any Lionel AC transformer except
no. 6-4690 Type MW. Transformers made by other manufacturers may not be
compatible with RailSounds.
Note!
To operate the bell and horn sounds when operating your locomotive with conven-
tional transformers, you’ll need to install the
Lionel no. 610-5906-001 Sound Activation
Button (available separately). Connect the
button(s) as shown below.
Note! All track power must
feed through the Sound
Activation Button. Do
not bypass button.
Existing wire

Help your Lionel U30C lead a long and productive life on your railroad by
maintaining it properly.
We recommend you purchase a Lionel
Lubrication and Maintenance Kit
(no. 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 U30C’s wheels or your
track. You’ll know your U30C requires
lubrication when visual inspection reveals
dryness on the parts indicated in the illus-
tration. Remove accumulated dirt and dust
before lubricating, and always lubricate
any locomotive emerging from pro-
longed storage.
6
Lubricating your U30C
Maintaining and servicing your U30C
Oil
(sparingly)
Body Screws
Body Screws
(Remove the four
screws that mount the
fuel tank to access
these body screws.)
Grease
(sparingly)
Grease
(sparingly)
Oil
(sparingly)
Body Screws
FuelTank
Screws
FRONT
REAR

7
Adding fluid to your locomotive’s smoke generator
Your locomotive is equipped with a smoke generator that produces safe,
clean, white smoke during operation.
The smoke generator requires the peri-
odic addition of Lionel smoke fluid in order
to function. Pierce the tube end with a pin,
then add 10-15 drops of fluid into the loco-
motive’s stack. Smoke production will com-
mence momentarily, faster if
you run your locomotive at
speed. When smoke produc-
tion wanes, add more fluid
(four to eight drops).
If you prefer to have a
smoke-free locomotive, there
is a switch located on the
bottom of the engine under
the cab marked SMK/NO
SMK (see page 4 for loca-
tion). Move the switch to NO
SMK and your locomotive will stop smoking.
When the smoke unit is on, always keep
a small amount of smoke fluid in the loco-
motive’s smoke generator; the generator’s
element can become damaged if operated
without fluid. Smoke production is greater
at higher voltages and when the locomotive
is pulling a heavy load or long consist.
Maintaining and servicing your U30C
Add fluid here
WARNING: Never operate the smoke unit when dry. This will cause the smoke unit to over-
heat and may damage your engine.
Replacing your U30C’s L.E.D.’s
Your U30C is illuminated by two L.E.D. Circuit Boards. During the course of nor-
mal operation, they may require replacement.
We recommend that you have the L.E.D.
replacement done at a Lionel Service
Station. See the Lionel Service section on
page 16 for more information.

8
Conventional Operation
• Setting Speed Control
1. Run the engine at the desired speed for approximately five seconds.
2. Press and hold the horn button.
3. While holding the horn button, increase the track voltage by at least three volts (at
least 1/4 turn).
4. Speed control is set. (NOTE: Engine speed will increase slightly, then will return to the
set speed.)
• Turning Off Speed Control:
1. While the engine is in neutral, turn your controller up to the maximum power (no
more than 20 volts), wait one second, then press and hold the horn button.
2. While holding the horn button, slowly reduce track voltage to 1/4 the full power.
3. Release the horn button.
4. Cycle the engine to forward/reverse. The engine is now out of speed control mode.
CAUTION: In conventional operation, the smoke unit and lights are connected
directly to track power. Do not exceed 14-16 volts for extended periods. Doing so will
cause damage to the locomotive.
Command Operation
While in the command control environment, the speed control feature of the Odyssey
System is always on. When turning the throttle, the speed of the engine will respond to each
signal from the Command Base. Example: Address the engine and slowly turn the throttle. The
first light flash corresponds to the first speed step. This is the slowest speed of the locomotive.
Odyssey™ System operations
Odyssey System operations
Odyssey System operations
Odyssey System is a “cruise control” for your engine. Once the speed is set (see
below), your engine will maintain a con-
stant speed, no matter what loads or grades
you have on your layout. This digitally-con-
trolled system also allows for extremely slow
movement that will amaze any “scale”
enthusiasts.

Note!
Note!
Note!
Note!
Your U30C RailSounds system—the basics
Lionel RailSounds is the most realistic model railroad sound system in the
world. Your U30C features digital samples
from real-life diesel locomotives for the ulti-
mate in realism.
You may choose to install a 9-volt alka-
line battery in your U30C. This ensures
interruption-free operation of RailSounds.
The battery clip is located under the rear of
the engine beneath the radiator vents.
Gently lift up and unsnap the radiator vent
as shown below to access the battery clip
and the volume control.
When you first apply track power, the
U30C’s RailSounds system produces sounds
of the locomotive at idle. As the U30C
moves, R.P.M.’s begin increasing with the
locomotive’s speed.
To silence the diesel roar (horn and bell
remain unaffected), slide the RailSounds
switch on the underside of the locomotive to
NO SND (see page 4) before powering up
the locomotive.
Installing a 9-volt alkaline
battery in your U30C.
Please remove the protective cover from the battery clip.
Although RailSounds is powered by track voltage, the battery is required for
uninterrupted operation and shutdown sequences. Use only alkaline batteries.
Discontinue locomotive power for 10 seconds before changing the RailSounds
ON/OFF switch position.
If RailSounds “drops out” during track power interruptions (direction change),
replace the battery.
TrainMaster Command operations
Volume
Control
9
Lift up and unsnap
radiator vent cover

10
With RailSounds, you experience the sounds of real railroading like never
before. Simply put, it’s the most sophisticat-
ed, authentic model railroad sound system
in the world.
• Four diesel-roar levels. Your
U30C’s speed determines the level of
diesel RPM roar—automatically, if
you prefer: idle, half throttle, three
quarters or full-speed output.
• MultiHorn™. A different horn sound
at different speeds—a RailSounds
exclusive.
•Mechanical bell. Press BELL on your
CAB-1 or transformer to begin the effect,
again to discontinue.
• Reverse unit reset sound. Power
down your track, wait for 3-5 seconds,
and listen for the air-release sound—
that’s the U30C telling you the Lionel
Command reverse unit has just reset to
forward operation.
• Shutdown sequence. No other model
railroad sound system shuts down like
RailSounds. Turn off track power, and
after the air-release reset sound, you
have two seconds to restart your U30C. If
you’re done with operations, RailSounds
will commence with a realistic diesel
shutdown sequence about two seconds
after the air-release reset occurs.
9-volt alkaline battery installa-
tion is required for RailSounds
shutdown operation.
Experiencing the range of your U30C’s RailSounds system
Notes on RailSounds
• Turn the volume control set screw
(location shown on page 9) clockwise or
counter clockwise to adjust sound
output.
• Listen for incidental locomotive sounds
during RailSounds operation. They’re
automatic and, of course, authentic.
• The 9-volt alkaline battery you installed
ensures continuous U30C diesel roar.
• Longer track-power interruptions
(including locomotive derailments)
cause RailSounds to shut down after
about seven seconds.
• For even more authentic RailSounds
effects, operate in the TrainMaster
Command environment.
TrainMaster Command operations
Note!

11
TrainMaster Command operations
The Command control environment
Lionel TrainMaster Command is the advanced model railroad control system
from Lionel. Your U30C is equipped with a
Command reverse unit.
TrainMaster Command gives you the
power to operate multiple Command-
equipped locomotives on the same track, at
the same time.
To operate in Command, you
need a Command Base and a CAB-1
remote. Find them both at your authorized
Lionel retailer.
Place your U30C on Lionel or
Lionel-compatible O gauge track.
•Make sure track power is OFF before placing on the track.
•Make sure your Lionel Command Base is plugged-in and the
communications wire is connected to the COMMON post on your Lionel
transformer or the U terminal on any of your installed PowerMasters.
• Once positioned on the track, increase track voltage to FULL (no
more than 20 volts) on PowerMasters, slide the CMD/CONV switch to
CMD.
2
2Address your U30C using CAB-1.
• Press ENG and 1 on the numeric keypad of your CAB-1 remote. This
command is sent by CAB-1 to the Command Base, which then translates
your command into digital code. That code is sent around your railroad’s
outside rails in the form of a digital “halo.” All Command-equipped
Lionel engines listen to this digital communication, but they do not
respond until they hear their individual ID number—in this case, “1.”
• The digital language of TrainMaster Command—and not track
power—controls the actions of Command-equipped Lionel
engines. Track power is simply like gasoline in the tank of your car—it
gives you the power to go places, but it doesn’t tell you where to go or how
fast to get there.
• All Command locomotives come factory-programmed with an
ID# of “1.” To change the ID# of your U30C, see page 15.
3
3Move ‘em out!
• Throttle up or press any command button on CAB-1. Your U30C will
respond to your every command. Read on.
1
1

12
Running your U30C in the TrainMaster Command environment
Press AUX2 to turn
your U30C’s head-
lights on and off.
Activates keypad.
Press HALT to shut down
all PowerMaster electri-
cal output on your rail-
road. Stops all
Command-equipped
Lionels in operation.
Turn the THROTTLE
to the right to
accelerate, left to
decelerate.
Your Command-equipped
U30C comes factory-pro-
grammed with an ID# of “1.”
To get your U30C in action, set
PowerMasters to CMD or set all
power supplies on full (no more
than 20 volts). Press ENG and
“1” on CAB-1. Turn the throttle
or press any command button;
your U30C is ready for
Command operations.
Address Locomotive #1
PowerMasters set to CMD or traditional
power supplies ON FULL (no more than 20 volts)
Press ENG
Press 1 (the ID#)
Throttle up/press any command button
Example
CAB-1 commands for your U30C
Press WSTL/HRN to activate
the U30C horn, release it to
discontinue. MultiHorn
diesel horn sound.
Press DIR—the locomotive
decelerates to a complete
stop; turn the throttle up,
and the locomotive will
accelerate in the new, oppo-
site direction. There is no
neutral state. Diesel air-
release sound.
Press BELL once to activate
the bell, again to discontin-
ue. Diesel mechanical
bell sound.
Press and hold BOOST for
extra power. Release BOOST
and return to the U30C’s
previous speed.
Press and hold BRAKE to
slow down or stop. Release
BRAKE and return to the
previous speed. Squealing
brake sounds.
Front coupler releases.
Coupler release
sounds.
Rear coupler releases.
Coupler release
sounds.
TrainMaster Command operations
AUX 2
AUX 1
Use “Halt” only
in “emergency”
situations.
Note!
SET L M H
Beneath this panel

13
When you press AUX1 on CAB-1, you turn the
numeric keypad into 10 com-
mand buttons. The keypad lets
you control extra command fea-
tures (until you press any top-
row button like SW, ACC, RTE,
TR, or ENG). RailSounds
sounds in bold italic.
CAB-1 numeric keypad commands for your U30C
TrainMaster Command operations
0Stops and resets the U30C. Resets the U30C’s direction to FORWARD. Resets
RailSounds to automatic RPM opera-
tion. Horn blows, and the head-
light will flicker. RPMs return
to automatic.
1Raises the volume of RailSounds. Sound volume increases.
2CrewTalk™ is the sound of inaudi- ble walkie-talkie communication.
3Raises the RailSounds RPM level. Starts-up RailSounds. RPMs
increase. Start-up sequence
commences.
4Lowers the volume of RailSounds. Sound volume decreases.
5Activates the RailSounds shutdown sequence. Just like the real thing, your
U30C’s RPMs must be at idle for
shutdown to occur. Press 6 repeatedly
to lower RPMs until they won’t descend
further. Your locomotive is now at idle.
Press 5 to initiate the shutdown
sequence, following the CrewTalk
sound. CrewTalk sounds, Diesel
shutdown commences.
Remember, the horn, bell, and RPMs
will not sound until you restart
RailSounds.
6Lowers RailSounds RPM level. RPMs decrease.
7TowerCom™ is an audible an- nouncement that includes that
engine’s road number and/or name.
There is a four second delay in this
function.
8Turns smoke off. Air release sounds.
9Turns on the smoke generator. Press and hold 9 (10 seconds maximum) to
initiate Smoke Boost™ — this super-
heats the smoke generator and
enhances smoke output when you start
running your diesel engine. See notes
on filling or turning off the smoke
generator on page 7.
Air release sounds.
DIESEL ENGINE
RESET
VOLUME
SMOKE
RPM
S
SHUT
CREW
TALK
TOWER
COM
DOWN
OFF ON
➠
➠
➠
➠
START-UP
AUX1
AUX1-9 only works if the smoke unit switch is in the ON position.
Note!

14
Tuning your U30C’s performance
MOMENTUM
TrainMaster Command’s momentum
feature simulates the labored performance
of a locomotive pulling a heavy load. Press
L, M, or H (located under CAB-1’s removable
panel) for light, medium, or heavy momen-
tum. The U30C’s Command reverse unit
remembers this setting until you change it.
For quick locomotive response, choose L.
BRAKING AND BOOSTING
There’s more to starting and stopping
than just turning the CAB-1 throttle. Use the
BOOST and BRAKE command buttons—
they give you incremental control of speed
and are the superior way to handle grades,
gradual stops-and-starts, and more. Plus,
using BRAKE in the Command environment
gives you a bonus RailSounds effect—the
ultra-realistic sound of squealing brakes.
SOUND QUALITY
To achieve your preferred RailSounds
master volume level, we recommend you
adjust your U30C volume control set screw
(see page 9 for location). Turn the set screw
left or right to reach the desired volume
level.
For quick remote-control of volume
below the master setting—for example,
muting—use the CAB-1 numeric keypad’s
volume control. Press AUX1 and then 4 on
the numeric keypad to lower overall
RailSounds output.
HIGH VOLTAGE SETTING
Press SET, and the headlight will flash.
Get your locomotive moving to the maxi-
mum speed you want it to run, then press
BOOST. Use this to keep your locomotive
from derailing at excess speed. Turn off the
high voltage setting by pressing SET, then
BOOST, holding each for one second.
STALL
Make your U30C feel more responsive by
setting a “stall” voltage. Get your locomo-
tive moving, then press SET; the U30C will
stop. Turn the throttle clockwise to get the
locomotive moving, then decrease speed
until the locomotive just stops. Press SET
again; the Command reverse unit remem-
bers the stall setting until you change it. To
clear the stall setting, press SET twice, hold-
ing it for one second each time.
These settings will be lost when you assign a new engine ID number.
Note!
TrainMaster Command operations

15
Assign a new ID# to your
Command-equipped U30C
Set the U30C reverse unit control switch
to PROGRAM
Command Base plugged in
Place the U30C on track
PowerMasters set to CMD or traditional power
supplies ON FULL (no more than 20 volts)
Turn track power on (PowerMasters):
Press BOOST
Program the U30C with a new ID#:
Press ENG
Press a number you choose
(the ID#)
Press SET
Set the reverse unit control switch to
FORWARD/RUN
Your U30C remembers its ID# forever; change it any
time with these steps
Example
We recommend that you choose an easy to
remember ID# for your engine. Some possibilities
are part of the engine road number, your age,
any two digit number that is not used by another
engine. Write the number on a small piece of
tape and put this on the bottom of the fuel tank to
aid in remembering.
As your fleet of Command-equipped Lionels grows, you’ll want to give your
U30C a more individualized number. Choose
from any between 1 and 99. To make things
easy, use a portion of your U30C’s cab number.
Set the U30C’s reverse unit control switch
to PGM (see the illustration on page 4).
Plug-in the Command Base and place the
U30C on track. Then, power up. Using CAB-1,
press ENG, the locomotive ID# that you select,
then press the SET button located under
CAB-1’s removable panel. Hear the horn blow
(or see the headlight flash if RailSounds is
off); that’s the Command reverse unit con-
firming the new ID#. Set the reverse unit con-
trol switch to RUN. Your U30C is ready for
operations with its all-new ID#.
Assigning your U30C a new ID#
Reprogramming Command reverse unit circuit boards to restore features
STEP 1: Move the switch on your locomo-
tive from RUN to PROGRAM.
STEP 2: Plug in your Command Base.
STEP 3: Place the locomotive on track,
then turn on power to your track.
STEP 4: Press “ENG” then input the loco-
motive’s ID#. Press “SET”.
STEP 5: Press “ENG”, then the ID#,
“AUX1”, then press 8 for your locomotive.
STEP 6: Turn off power to your track and
wait ten seconds.
STEP 7: Remove the locomotive from your
track, move the switch from PROGRAM to
RUN.
STEP 8: Place the locomotive back on
track, then turn power on to track.
STEP 9: Press “ENG” and the ID#, then
operate as normal.
Due to the inevitable derailments and static, it is possible that your Command
reverse unit could someday lose its setup
program.
The symptoms of this condition would be
unresponsiveness in command mode. This
can be easily remedied by “reprogramming”
your Command reverse unit using the fol-
lowing steps.
TrainMaster Command operations

Limited Warranty/Lionel Service
This Lionel product, including all
mechanical and electrical components,
moving parts, motors and structural
components, except for light bulbs, is warranted to
the original consumer-purchaser, for one year
against original defects in materials or
workmanship when purchased through an
authorized Lionel dealer.
This warranty does NOT cover normal wear
and tear, light bulbs, defects appearing in the
course of commercial use, or damage resulting
from abuse or misuse of the product by the
purchaser. Transfer of this product by the original
consumer-purchaser to another person voids this
warranty. Modification of this product voids this
warranty.
Any warranted product which is defective in
original materials or workmanship and is delivered
by the original consumer-purchaser to Lionel
L.L.C. or an authorized Lionel L.L.C. Service
Station, together with proof of original purchase
will, at the option of Lionel L.L.C., be repaired or
replaced, without charge for parts or labor. In the
event the defective product cannot be repaired, and
a replacement is not available, a refund of the
original purchase price will be granted. Any
products on which warranty service is sought must
be sent freight or postage prepaid, as
transportation and shipping charges are not
covered by the warranty.
In no event shall Lionel L.L.C. be
liable for incidental or
consequential damages.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages,
so the above exclusion may not apply to you.
This limited warranty gives you specific legal
rights, and you may have other rights which vary
from state to state.
Instructions for Obtaining Service
If service for this Lionel L.L.C. product is
required, bring the item, along with your dated
sales receipt and completed warranty information
to the nearest Authorized Lionel Service Station.
Your nearest Lionel Service Station can be found
by calling 1-800-4-Lionel, or by accessing our
Website at www.lionel.com.
If you prefer to send your product back to
Lionel L.L.C. for factory repair, you must first call
810-949-4100 or FAX [phone], or write to
Customer Service, P.O. Box 748, New Baltimore,
MI 48047-0748, stating what the item is, when it
was purchased and what seems to be the problem.
You will be sent a return authorization letter and
label to ensure your merchandise will be properly
handled upon receipt.
Once you have received your return
authorization and label, make sure that the item
is packed to prevent damage during shipping and
handling. We suggest that you use the product’s
original packaging. This shipment must be
prepaid and we recommend that it be insured.
Please make sure you have followed all of the
above instructions carefully before returning any
merchandise for service.
Warranty Information
Please complete the information below and
keep it, along with your dated sales receipt. You
must present this and your dated sales receipt
when requesting warranty service.
Name ____________________________
Address____________________________
Place of Purchase ____________________
Date of Purchase ____________________
Product Number______________________
Product Description____________________
_________________________________
©2001 LIONEL LLC, CHESTERFIELD, MI 48051-1956
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
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