5
Running your train
Reverse unit procedure
T
he 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, briefly bring the throttle lever all
the way back to the OFF position. The reverse unit alternates between three states: forward, neutral,
and reverse.
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 1). To lock your locomotive into a
specific operational state, sequence the locomotive into the desired state and reduce track power
without completely powering down the locomotive, then throw the switch to the OFF position. A
power interruption 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,” regardless of the reverse unit switch
position. If the switch is in the OFF position, the
locomotive will start in the forward direction and be
“locked” there.
Figure 1. Switch location
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
Position your reverse unit switch to the
OFF position to deactivate it.
