Lionel Three Rivers Fast Freight User manual
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 REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.
TRANSFORMER RATINGS—INPUT: 120 VAC; 60 HZ ONLY.
AC OUTPUT: 18 V; 80 VA
71-1170-250
7/10
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 REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.
TRANSFORMER RATINGS—INPUT: 120 VAC; 60 HZ ONLY.
AC OUTPUT: 18 V; 80 VA
Three Rivers Fast Freight
Ready-to-Run Train Set
Owner’s Manual
Featuring
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Congratulations!
2
Congratulations on your purchase of the ready-to-run Three Rivers Fast Freight Train Set with
the TrainSounds sound system! This set features everything you need to get started—a mighty
CW-80 Transformer, a huge loop of FasTrack track, a string of detailed cars, and a powerful Lionel
locomotive. Plus, you get the authentic locomotive sounds of the TrainSounds sound system.
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 addition-
al 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!
Three Rivers Fast Freight Train Set Inventory
• 2-8-4 steam locomotive and tender with TrainSounds
• Single dome tankcar
• Flatcar with generator load
• Four bay hopper
• Caboose
• CW-80 Transformer with accessory wire
• Three straight FasTrack track sections
• One 90° crossover track section
• Four 5” straight FasTrack track section
• Twelve curved FasTrack track sections
• One straight FasTrack terminal track section
• Replacement traction tire
• Owner’s Manual
Three Rivers Fast Freight Train Set Features
• Puffing smoke
• Bright headlight
• Forward-Neutral-Reverse
operation
• TrainSounds sound system
• Operating couplers
• Lighted caboose interior
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Table of contents
Creating your layout
Operating your CW-80 Transformer safely 4
Building your Lionel layout 5
Joining the FasTrack track sections 6
Wiring your CW-80 Transformer 7-8
Running your train
Running your train set 9
Experiencing the features of the CW-80 Transformer 10-11
Adding smoke fluid to your locomotive’s smoke generator 12
Coupling 13
Reverse unit procedure 14
TrainSounds sound system operations
Operating the TrainSounds sound system 15
CW-80 Transformer operations
Powering your layout with the CW-80 Transformer 16
Setting the accessory output 17
Maintaining and servicing your locomotive
Lubricating your locomotive 18
Adding fluid to your locomotive’s smoke stack 19
Replacing your locomotive’s lamp 19
Replacing your locomotive’s traction tires 20
Replacing your Porthole Caboose lamp 21
Troubleshooting 22
Advanced connections: powering two isolated blocks with two transformers 23
Limited Warranty/Lionel Service 24
The following Lionel marks are used throughout this catalog and are protected under law. All
rights reserved.
Lionel®, LEGACY™, 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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4
Operating your CW-80 Transformer safely
Your Lionel CW-80 Transformer is listed by Underwriter’s Laboratory Inc. and has been
carefully designed to ensure peak performance. When using electrical products, basic
safety precautions should be maintained.
Be sure to observe the following guidelines:
• Read the manual thoroughly before using this device.
• This device is not recommended for children under eight years of age.
• Parents should periodically inspect this product for potential hazards and, if necessary,
have them repaired by an authorized Lionel Service Center. In the event that such a condi-
tion 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. A
list of authorized Service Centers is packed with this unit.
• Do not operate the CW-80 Transformer on your layout unattended. Obstructed accessories
or stalled trains may overheat, resulting in damage to your layout.
• Always unplug the CW-80 Transformer from the power source when not in use.
• Never insert objects into the ventilation slots on this product. Damage to sensitive
electronic components can result.
Creating your layout
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5
Creating your layout
Building your Lionel layout
Your set comes with eight curved, two straight, and one terminal section of track. The set
also includes an Uncoupling Track and a 5” straight track section. Figure 1 provides some
examples of layouts that you can build with these track sections.
By adding more FasTrack track sections, you can create an endless number of exciting
track arrangements for more fun, action, and variety. The railroad empire of your dreams can
quickly become a reality!
Figure 1. Track layout ideas
FasTrack Add-on Track Packs 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 sections
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
Outer Passing Loop Add-on Track Pack
6-12031
Siding Track Add-on Track Pack
6-12044
Track Packs available separately.
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Creating your layout
6
Joining the FasTrack track sections
FasTrack track sections join together easily. With interlocking roadbed sections and large
rail tabs, the track fits together securely so you always get good electrical contact. Take a
look at Figure 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
Rail tab
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7
Creating your layout
Wiring 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 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. Tighten the thumbscrew to secure the
connection.
Be sure that the “blades” of the spade connector are in contact with the
thumbscrew post. You may choose to insert one of the blades into the hole in the
post to improve the electrical contact.
3. Loosen the black TRACK thumbscrew terminal, then slide the black
spade-shaped connector into position. 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.
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!
Note!
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8
Creating your layout
Wiring your CW-80 Transformer (continued)
U
120/60z
0~18VAC
AB
U
0~18VAC
TRACK ACCESSORY
Figure 4. Controller connections
FasTrack terminal section
Notch
Spade-shaped
connector
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9
Running your train
Running your train set
With track power off, place your train set on the track.
Refer to page 13 for information on coupling the cars.
3
2
4
Power up your locomotive with your transformer.
Your locomotive is designed to operate on 7-15 volts alternating cur-
rent. 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. Each press of the DIRECTION
button or interruption in track power causes the locomotive to advance 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
locomotive’s stack to prevent damage to the smoke unit. Refer to
page 12 for additional information.
Caution!
Note!
Figure 5. Drawbar connection
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10
Refer to Figure 6 on page 11 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 approxi-
mate the percentage of full power. For more realism, push the throttle slowly to gradually
increase or decrease the speed of the locomotive. Slowing or stopping the locomotive with the
throttle instead of the DIRECTION button will allow you to continue in the same direction
when you increase the throttle again. To achieve this effect, reduce the throttle to the point
that the locomotive stops moving, but don’t completely turn off the throttle. That way, your
train won’t sequence into neutral.
POWER-ON INDICATOR
The green light will remain on during normal operation. The green light will begin to
flash if you exceed the power limit of the Transformer. The unit will allow you to momentarily
exceed the power limit, but power will be gradually reduced until the problem is corrected.
The benefit is that the Transformer will not instantly turn off.
DIRECTION
The DIRECTION control button interrupts track power to activate the reverse unit in your
locomotive. Your locomotive will not respond to this button when the reverse unit switch is in
the OFF position.
WHISTLE
The WHISTLE 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.
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 moments, or a continuous horn/whistle
or bell sound may occur. To correct this problem, simply turn off the CW-80
Transformer, then turn it back on.
Running your train
Experiencing the features of the CW-80 Transformer
Note!
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Table of contents
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