Lionchief Troubleshooting - Lionel 0-6-0 Docksider Owner's Manual

LionChief Troubleshooting

Problem: The power indicator LED on the terminal track is not illuminated.
Resolution:
If any of the wheels of the train are not properly positioned on the rails, a short circuit will
occur and the circuit breaker inside the transformer will prevent power from being applied to
the track until that short circuit is removed.
Remove the locomotive and all cars from the track. With no trains on the track check to see if
the LED is illuminated. If it is not illuminated, disconnect the track one piece at a time until
the LED comes on. If the problem is a section of track, the LED will illuminate when that sec-
tion of track is removed from the layout.
Now disconnect the barrel jack from the terminal section and place only one car on the track
once the car is on the track reconnect the barrel jack into the terminal section. The LED
should be illuminated, if it does illuminate, disconnect it again and place another car on the
track. Repeat this process until the entire train, including the locomotive, is on the track.
Problem: One or more of the illuminated cars will not light.
Resolution:
The lamps in your trains are designed for easy replacement in the event they burn out over
time. It is possible that a lamp can become disconnected in transit; as such we suggest you
first check the lamp in its socket to ensure it is seated properly.
The lamps inside the cars and locomotive get their power from the rails. There are two wires
connected to the trucks on each illuminated car. One wire connects to the center rail collector
(roller), and one wire attaches to a contact for the axles that ride on the outside rails. Because
the trucks are able to pivot back and forth, it is possible that one or both of these wires may
become disconnected from these contacts and short out when they touch one another. The
wires can be reconnected by having an adult solder them to their contacts. You may want to
take the item to a local Factory Trained Authorized Lionel Service Station for this repair.
Problem: The train cars will not stay coupled to one another.
Resolution:
The couplers on each car come equipped with an uncoupling plunger, which allows you to
uncouple the cars using an Uncoupling Section. These plungers have a pin which holds the
knuckle closed, sometimes the plunger will need to be bent upwards slightly to ensure the pin
holds the knuckle shut. Use a pair of needle-nosed pliers to bend the plunger upwards slightly.
This operation is shown in the illustration below.
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