Lionel VISION 4-6-6-4 Challenger User manual

71-1210-250
12/10
Featuring
Lionel VISION Line
4-6-6-4 Challenger
Locomotive and Tender
Owner’s Manual
Lionel VISION Line
4-6-6-4 Challenger
Locomotive and Tender
Owner’s Manual

Congratulations!
As a VISION Line™ locomotive, this 4-6-6-4 Challenger is the most technically advanced and realistic O gauge locomotive ever made. On the outside, this gold standard engine
features more realistic detail, decoration, and moving parts than ever before. Inside the
body, you'll find the highest caliber electronics and sounds ever to give you unprecedented
operational realism. In addition to all the great features found on Lionel Standard O
locomotives, your Challenger is equipped with an array of other realistic and dramatic
effects including dynamo steam, Dual Sound, and whistle steam effects synchronized
to the Legacy RailSounds sound system. More than ever before, you are in control of the
realistic effects and operation of your locomotive. The VISION Line 4-6-6-4 Challenger
steam locomotive is ready for duty on your layout.
Unpacking Your VISION Line locomotive
Because of all the fine details and special features on your VISION Line Challenger, we thought it best to pack it tightly, even better than our usual sturdy packing.
Inside the box, you will find two foam containers. Separate the containers and remove
your locomotive. Your VISION locomotive is now ready to be placed on the track. PLEASE
see the smoke fluid section on page 35 before you run your locomotive.
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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™

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VISION Line features of this locomotive
New Steam and Smoke Features! Lionel introduces TruRail Steam, a new CAB-controlled,
variable-intensity steam and smoke effect. See all the features operators can simulate:
• Dynamo steam effects
• New and accurate whistle steam effects
• Two fan-driven smoke units with adjustable smoke output deliver varying intensities of
smoke to the main stack and to the dynamo, injector, and whistle
• All steam effects are synchronized to the RailSounds sound system
Upgraded Sound Features! The LEGACY RailSounds sound system synchronizes realistic
sounds to nearly all aspects of locomotive operation. Just look at how many ways you can
enhance the sound experience:
• Dual Sounds system – The most realistic sound experience ever
• TruRail Steam – Control realistic sounds synchronized to features including dynamo,
injector, and whistle steam effects
• The independently adjustable volume control allows you to use the Remote Controller to
lower the level of background effects (such as chufng) while keeping operator
controlled effects (such as the whistle) at full volume
• TruRail Dialog – Activate our upgraded dialog features which boast the most
authentic railroad terminology possible. Also, dialog scenarios can change with engine
operation and user control
• TruRail Signals – Activate the “quilling” whistle and user-playable bell featuring
continuous or single strike sounds with variable intensity. There’s a dedicated CAB-2
slide lever control for both whistle and bell functions
• TruRail Laboring – Control the variable laboring sounds with 32 levels of simulated
dynamic load of the locomotive
• TruRail Chuff – Experience prototypical four-chuffs per revolution chufng sound
synchronized with linkage and drive wheel position.
The most detail on any steam locomotive we've ever made!
• Sliding cab windows
• Decorated cab interior with enhanced panel details
• Upgraded rebox lighting and new opening rebox door
• Improved realistic detail behind smokebox door
• Prototypical spacing between locomotive and tender
• Interchangeable scale pilot wheels (included with locomotive)
• Rule 17 lighting features – when the locomotive stops the headlight dims

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Standard features for this locomotive
• LEGACY Control System – You can run the engine in LEGACY Control mode, in TrainMaster
Command Control mode, or in Conventional mode with a standard transformer
• Odyssey II Speed Control with ON/OFF switch
• High-torque motor with momentum ywheel
• Wireless Tether connection between locomotive and tender with wire connection for sound
• Swing-out scale front couple with interchangeable O-gauge coupler for double-heading
• ElectroCoupler on rear of tender
• Die-cast metal locomotive body, frame, and trucks
• Die-cast metal tender body and trucks
• Traction tires
• Accurate, separately-applied builder’s plates
• Engineer and reman gures
• Opening roof hatch on cab
• Cab window glass
• Enhanced realistic lighting in cab interior
• Directional lighting including operating headlight and tender back-up light
• Illuminated front classication lights on locomotive
• Illuminated rear marker lights on tender
• Illuminated number boards
• Movable scale apron, or deck plate, between locomotive and tender
• Variable ashpan glow
• Removable smoke deectors
• Four illuminated work lights under the boiler
• Flickering rebox in cab

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Table of contents
Quick Start
LEGACY Control operations 7
TrainMaster Command Control operations 7
Transformer operations 7
Locomotive switch function overview
Locomotive switch locations 8
Tender volume control location 9
LEGACY RailSounds sound system operations
Installing the battery 10-11
LEGACY Control System operations
Get ready to run 12
Start ‘Er Up 12
The LEGACY CAB-2 Remote Controller 13
The Velocity Throttle 14
The Multi-Controller 14-15
The Train Brake Slider 15
The Warning Sound Controller 16
The Speed Bar 17
Dynamo steam effects 18
LEGACY RailSounds 19
Activating the CrewTalk dialog and TowerCom announcements 20
Assigning your locomotive a new ID# 21
Reprogramming your locomotive to restore features 21
TrainMaster Command Control operations
TrainMaster Command Control operations 22
Operating your locomotive in the Command Control environment 22
Using LEGACY RailSounds in the TMCC environment 23
CAB-1 Remote Controller commands 24
CAB-1 Remote Controller numeric keypad commands 25
Activating CrewTalk and TowerCom announcements 26
Assigning your locomotive a new ID# 27
Reprogramming your locomotive to restore features 27
Conventional transformer operations
Operating your locomotive in the conventional environment 28-29
Using the LEGACY RailSounds sound system in the conventional environment 30
Activating CrewTalk and TowerCom announcements 31
Locking your locomotive into a single direction 31
Uncoupling in the conventional environment 32
Odyssey II Speed Control system operations
Odyssey II Speed Control operations 33
Odyssey II Speed Control system LEGACY Control operation 33
Odyssey II Speed Control system TrainMaster Command Control operation 33
Odyssey II Speed Control system conventional transformer operation 33

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Contents of your locomotive box
1 Locomotive
1 Tender
1 Smoke fluid bottle
1 Wrench
4 Replacement traction tires
1 Owner's manual
1 Engine memory module
1 Smoke fluid funnel
1 VISION Line Locomotive Warranty Card
VISION Line Enhancements
VISION Line features will be described in each section where it is relevant to the
operation of your locomotive and the system you use. Some LEGACY and VISION Line
features may not be available in the conventional or TMCC environment.
LEGACY RailSounds Sound System operations
Installing a Lionel Sound Activation Button for conventional operation 34
Maintaining and servicing your locomotive
Adding fluid to your locomotive’s smoke generators 35
Lubricating your locomotive 36
Maintaining your locomotive’s handrail antenna 37
Servicing your locomotive’s lamps 37
Tire-Traction 38
Removing the smoke deflectors 38
Installing the O gauge front coupler 39
Installing the scale pilot truck 39
Lionel VISION Line Locomotive Warranty 40

Quick Start
Power your locomotive with an alternating-current (50-60Hz AC) transformer only.
Powering your locomotive with a direct-current (DC) transformer, or in excess of
19 volts AC, may result in damage to sensitive electronic components.
LEGACY Control operations
For the finest operating experience, your locomotive is fully compatible with the new LEGACY Control System.
To operate in LEGACY mode, you need a LEGACY
Command Base and LEGACY CAB-2 Remote Controller.
Both products are offered together in the LEGACY
Command Set, 6-14295.
1. Turn off track power and plug in the LEGACY Base.
2. Place your locomotive on Lionel or Lionel-compatible
O-72 or larger track and connect the drawbar between
the locomotive and tender as illustrated in Figure 1.
3. Increase track power voltage to full power (no more than 19 volts AC).
4. Press ENG and 1 to address your locomotive with your LEGACY CAB-2 Remote Controller.
5. Throttle up and move ‘em out.
TrainMaster Command Control operations
To operate your locomotive in the Command Control environment, you need a Command Base (6-12911) and a CAB-1 Remote Controller (6-12868).
1. Turn off track power and plug-in the Command Base.
2. Place your locomotive on Lionel or Lionel-compatible O-72 or larger track and connect
the drawbar between the locomotive and tender as illustrated in Figure 1.
3. Increase track voltage to full power (no more than 19 volts AC).
4. Press ENG and 1 to address your locomotive with your CAB-1 Remote Controller.
5. Throttle up and move ‘em out.
Transformer operations
1. Turn off track power.
2. Place your locomotive on Lionel or Lionel-compatible O-72 or larger track and connect
the drawbar between the locomotive and tender as illustrated in Figure 1.
3. Power your locomotive at 12-18 volts with your alternating current (AC)
transformer.
4. Wait three to eight seconds until the locomotive’s headlight illuminates and the
LEGACY RailSounds sound system starts up.
5. Move ‘em out! Press the DIRECTION button on your controller, then throttle up.
For conventional operation, a Command Base must not be powered up anywhere
in the area. The locomotive receives its signals through the airwaves. If a base is
detected, your locomotive will default to command mode.
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Note!
Figure 1. Drawbar connection
Note!

PGM
ON
RUN
ODY
OFF
ON OFF
ON OFF
ON OFF
MAIN SMK
WHISTLE
DYNAMO/INJECTOR
ON OFF
ON OFF
ON
RUN PGM
ODY
OFF
ON OFF
MAIN SMK
WHISTLE
DYNAMO/INJECTOR
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The switches that control the features and programing of your locomotive are located under the sand dome hatch in front of the cab. When you lift up the hatch these switches are
visible with labels.
Looking down at the locomotive with the front facing to the right the switches are as follows:
Smoke Unit Switch (MAIN SMK)
Used to turn the main smoke stack unit function on and off. This switch is "read" by your engine at
start-up only. Switching it after start-up will have no effect.
Whistle Steam Switch (WHISTLE)
Used to turn the whistle steam effect on and off. This switch is "read" by your engine at start-up
only. Switching it after start-up will have no effect. NOTE: This switch does NOT control Sound!
Dynamo/Injector Steam Switch (DYNAMO/INJECTOR)
Used to turn the dynamo and injector steam effects on and off. This switch is "read" by your
engine at start-up only. Switching it after start-up will have no effect. NOTE: This switch does NOT
control Sound!
Program-Run Switch
Used to assign an ID# and reprogram the locomotive in LEGACY and Command operation when the
switch is in the PGM position. Also used to “lock” your locomotive in a single direction, or neutral, in
conventional operation when the switch is placed in the PGM position. See pages 21, 27, and 31.
Odyssey II Speed Control System Switch (ODY)
Used to turn the Odyssey II Speed Control System on and off.
Figure 2. Locomotive switch locations
Rear of Locomotive
Front of Locomotive
Rear sand dome hatch
Locomotive switch function overview
Locomotive switch locations

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The RailSounds volume control is concealed on the tender deck as illustrated in Figure 3 below. Lift away the cover and then rotate the volume control to adjust the volume or to
silence the sounds.
Figure 3. Volume control location
Locomotive switch function overview
Tender volume control location
Volume control

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LEGACY RailSounds sound system operations
Installing the battery
Although the LEGACY RailSounds sound system is powered through the track, we recommend that you install a nine-volt alkaline battery in the tender to prevent the
sound system from shutting down during track power interruptions (for example, at a
switch or over a dirty section of track). Follow these steps and refer to Figure 4 page
11 as you install the battery.
If the RailSounds sound system turns off during interruptions in track power,
you may need to replace the battery. Use only alkaline batteries.
1. Remove the four body screw from the underside of the tender. Refer to Figure 4
page 11.
2. Lift the body off the frame.
3. Snap the battery harness onto the nine-volt alkaline battery’s terminals.
4. Slide the battery into the battery holder.
5. Replace the body and secure it with the four body screws. Be careful to avoid
pinching wires.
Note!

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LEGACY RailSounds sound system operations
Installing the battery (continued)
Figure 4. Installing the battery in the tender
Body screws
Nine-volt alkaline battery
Battery harness
Battery holder
Inside the tender
Underside of the tender

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LEGACY Control System operations
This section is a brief overview of the LEGACY Control System. For a more in-depth
explanation of the LEGACY Control System features, please see your LEGACY Control
System Operations Manual.
Get Ready to Run
Get your engine running now by following the instructions in this guide. We'll power up the track, "address the engine" so it can be controlled by your CAB-2 remote, and learn
to use the Velocity Throttle, Whistle, Bell, Brake and Direction commands.
Power Up The Track
If using a PowerMaster, TPC, or ZW refer to the proper manual for the correct method
to power up. With your locomotive on the track and ready to roll, power up your track to a
constant 18 volts. If a circuit breaker trips when you turn on the Lionel power supply, check
the wheels of your locomotive to make sure they are all securely on the track. Check to
make sure the track is free of all metals that may cause a short circuit.
Address Your Engine
First, you must address the engine. This "tells" your CAB-2 which locomotive you want
to control. This is important when you have more than one engine on your layout.
To address an engine:
1. Press ENG
2. Press 1
See reference numbers 1, 2, and 3
Start 'Er Up
Now it is time to start up your engine's sound system.
3. Press Start Up
Your engine sound system will start up and the Touch-screen Control Panel will appear.
Note!

LEGACY Control System operations
The LEGACY CAB-2 Remote Controller
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Main Display
Displays real-time information about your railroad system.
Displays real-time feedback of operation.
Scroll Button
Navigates through the entire list of
Engines, Trains, Switches, etc.
Select Button
Performs addressing by 3-4
digit road number.
Touch Screen Key Pad
A group of touch sensitive keys with
icons for each function. These keys
serve many purposes and their icons
change accordingly.
Train Brake Slider
This slider is used to increase or
decrease the amount of Train Brake
affecting the engine or train.
Train Link Button
Quick select of Train-Link devices
(LEGACY Control System Version 1.3)
AUX-2/Out Button
Controls switch direction.
Turns Headlight ON/OFF
Emergency Halt Button
Stops everything on layout;
also stops recording
playback.
Record Button
Used to record and play back
events.
Velocity Throttle
Throttle control over
engines, also used to
navigate thru info/options.
Set Button
Used to set Engine address and for
programming.
Info Button
Used to enter/view the info/options of selected
components.
CTC Button
Press and hold to turn your remote on
and off. Tap this button to
enter the remote and base options. Tap
it again to return to the main screen.
Soft Keys
These keys directly correlate to the 5
selection boxes located at the bottom
of the main display. These are also
used in the info/option menus to select
options.
Warning Sound Controller
Warning Bell and Variable Whistle/Horn
control. Pull down to sound Whistle/
Horn. Push up and release to trigger
Warning Bell.
Official R.R. Speed Control Bar
Toggles the touchscreen display of R.R.
preset speeds and control panel.
Multi Controller
Boost, Brake, and Direction control.
Rock forward for Boost, rock backward
for engine brake, and press down for
direction change. Click-hold-and rock
for absolute direction selection.
Front & Rear Coupler Buttons
Fire couplers.
Low, Medium, High Momentum Buttons
Used to select the desired momentum of your
addressed engine/train/accessory.
AUX-1/Thru Button
Press to view the Control Panel
while operating. Controls switch
direction.
Feedback Button
Toggle ON/OFF the vibration feedback
feature in the CAB-2 Remote.

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LEGACY Control System operations
The Velocity Throttle
The Velocity Throttle (that big red rotary knob on the bottom of your Lionel remote) is used to start your engine moving, slow it down or speed it up. Use it simply by
turning it clockwise (speed up) or counter-clockwise (slow down).
4. Turn the Velocity Throttle clockwise a small amount. Your engine will begin to move.
5. Experiment with the engine’s response to the Velocity Throttle. Turn the Velocity
Throttle clock-wise and counter-clock-wise.
6. Slow and stop your engine by turning the Velocity Throttle counter-clockwise.
See reference numbers 4, 5, and 6
See reference numbers 7, and 8
The Multi-Controller
Direction
The direction of your engine toggles between forward and reverse at the touch of
the Multi-Controller.
7. Press the Multi-Controller once. Your engine's lights will change directions and the
engine will stop.
8. Turn the Velocity Throttle clockwise a small amount. Your Engine will reverse
directions and travel in the opposite direction.

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LEGACY Control System operations
The Multi-Controller (continued)
Boost & Brake
Boost and brake give you another way to
control the speed of your train. Boost gives
your loco a temporary increase in tractive
power, and returns to the previous speed
when you release the control, while the brake
command slows you down more quickly than
the Velocity Throttle alone.
9. Experiment with Boost and Brake. Notice
how your engine responds to the Multi-
Controller. See reference number 9
The Train Brake Slider
A Train Brake is used to slow down and limit the top speed of your train by adding
a load. The more the Train Brake is applied by pulling the Train Brake Slider down, the
more laboring is heard from the engine. Eventually Train Brake application will slow
down the train and it is even possible to stop a train by pulling the Train Brake Slider
all the way down. A tremendous amount of laboring can be heard whenever you apply
the Train Brake in a large amount.
10. Experiment with the Train Brake. Try a small amount of the Train Brake when your
engine is moving down the rails at a medium speed. Notice the effect the Train
Brake has on sound and speed. Try adding more Train brake and notice that the
Train Brake can limit the top speed available to your engine.
Try adding even more Train Brake and notice that the Engine sounds like it is
working harder and harder as the Train Brake is applied more.
See reference number 10

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LEGACY Control System operations
The Warning Sound Controller
Warning sounds are an important part of Lionel Railroading. Your Lionel Legacy
Control System equipped engines have a real-time variable "quilling" whistle while
Lionel TMCC engines do not have this feature.
11. Blow the Whistle by pulling down on the Warning Sound Controller.
12. Try pulling down the Warning Sound Controller various amounts and listen. Notice
the difference in intensity of the whistle sound and steam output from the whistle.
13. Push the Warning Sound Controller up once and quickly release. Notice that the
bell rings once.
14. Push the Warning Sound Controller up and hold it for 1.5 seconds. Notice that the
bell is sounding continuously.
15. Push the Warning Sound Controller up once. Notice that the continuous Bell stops.
16. Experiment with ringing the bell in your own rhythm or continuously, depending on
how you push the Warning Sound Controller
See reference numbers 11, and 12 See reference numbers 13, 14, 15, and 16

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LEGACY Control System operations
The Speed Bar
Selection of Preset Speeds
The Speed Bar is used to select a new touch-screen Icon Control set. This set of touch- screen keys is used to select preset speeds. Pressing AUX-1 returns you to the standard
control panel.
17. Press, hold and release the Preset Speed icons one by one. Experiment.
18. The speed of the engine
changes with each press
and release of a different
Preset Speed key.
19. You can also use the Velocity
Throttle and other action
controls in this mode and
continue to use Preset
speeds at the same time.
20. Repeat step 17.
21. Press AUX-1 to leave the
Preset speed mode and
return to the Standard
Control Panel.
22. Press the speed bar to
toggle between the Speed
Control Panel and the
Standard Control Panel.
At this point you know the
basics of how to operate your
LEGACY Control system. There
is a lot of fun waiting as you
experience the interaction of the
controls and the touch-screen.
Be sure to read the entire Lionel Legacy Control System Manual to get the most from your
Lionel products.
See reference numbers 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22
There are no TowerCom announcements when a Preset speed key is pressed.
Switcher engines do not have this feature.
Note!

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LEGACY Control System operations
Dynamo steam effects
Your VISION Line locomotive is equipped with TruRail Steam, a CAB-2 controlled realistic steam effect for the dynamo and whistle. The effect is triggered when the Dynamo button
is pushed (see below). To increase or decrease the amount of steam produced, use the
Smoke UP or Smoke DOWN buttons (see below).
Figure 5. Dynamo and Smoke Boost UP/DOWN icons
Dynamo
Activates the dynamo steam
effect.
Smoke UP
Increases smoke output for
the main stack, dynamo, and
steam whistle effects.
4 steps up (to max)
Smoke DOWN
Decreases smoke output for
the main stack, dynamo, and
steam whistle effects.
4 steps down (to off)

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LEGACY Control System operations
LEGACY RailSounds
Figure 6. Legacy RailSounds and RESET icons
Water Injector
Triggers the water pump
sounds.
Crew Talk
Engineer begins radio dialog, dispatcher
replies. See page 20.
Volume UP
Raises the volume of the LEGACY RailSounds
sound system background sounds, such as
chuff sounds and let-off sounds. The whistle,
bell and dialog are unaffected. The default
is full volume. The volume setting is retained
when track power is turned off.
Volume DOWN
Lowers the volume of the LEGACY RailSounds
sound system background sounds, such as
chuff sounds and let-off sounds. The horn,
bell, and dialog are unaffected. The volume
setting is retained when track power is turned
off. Sound volume decreases.
RailSounds Shutdown
Activates the LEGACY
RailSounds sound system
shutdown sequence when
stopped. See page 20.
Dynamo effect.
Activates the emergency
stop feature while in motion.
(Icon will change as the
state of the locomotive
changes). See page 20.
Stops and resets the locomotive
Resets the locomotives direction to
forward.
Tower Com
Dispatcher begins radio dialog,
engineer replies. See page 20.

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LEGACY Control System operations
Activating while the locomotive is in motion enables an arrival conversation
for 30 seconds. If the train stops within this time, pressing will play this special
conversation.
*
*
Activating the CrewTalk dialog and TowerCom announcements
With the LEGACY RailSounds sound system, CrewTalk dialog and TowerCom announcements feature a variety of brief radio conversations between the engineer and
dispatcher. All dialog is intelligible, and each comment is followed by at least one automatic
response.
CrewTalk dialog is an engineer-initiated radio conversation with the dispatcher. TowerCom
announcements are a dispatcher-initiated radio conversation with the engineer. Be sure to
listen for the different combinations of words and phrases that comprise these exchanges.
Refer to Table 1 below for the dialog commands. The dialog in the table provides examples
of the conversations you can trigger. The actual dialog will vary.
Locomotive Commands Example dialog
AUX1, Crew: Ask To Depart
Tower: Deny Departure
AUX1, Tower: Ask To Standby
Crew: Acknowledge
Stopped Crew: Ask To Depart
Tower: Approve Departure
Tower: Approve Departure
Crew: Acknowledge
Crew: Shutdown Announcement
Shutdown sequence
Tower: Approved For Arrival
Crew: Acknowledge
Moving Crew: Ask If clear
Tower: Confirm All Clear
Tower: Order Emergency Stop
Crew: Acknowledge
Table 1. LEGACY Remote Controller dialog commands