159 Semaphore - Lionel

®
LIONEL
71-2727-250
Rev. 11/96
Congratulations on your purchase of the Lionel 159 semaphore. Passing
trains automatically activate the semaphore when you use a 153C contactor
(included) or an insulated track section (available separately). Your
159 SEMAPHORE
semaphore operates between 7-10 volts alternating current.
If the light bulb expires, it is recommended that you take the semaphore
to your authorized Lionel Service Center for lamp replacement.
Using your semaphore with the 153C contactor
The 153C contactor is a single-pole, double-throw electrical switch that
is activated by the weight of a passing train. Place the contactor under
the track, as shown in the illustration below. With no weight on the track
above the contactor, terminal clip no. 3 makes electrical contact with terminal
clip no. 1. When a passing train depresses the track, clip no. 3
breaks contact with no. 1 and makes contact with clip no. 2 instead.
Slide the contactor beneath the track so that one of the track ties rests
firmly upon the top pressure plate. If your layout is fastened to a board,
loosen several sections on either side of the contactor. The track must be
sufficiently flexible to bend under the weight of the train.
No weight on track
Track tie
3
1
3
Adjustment nut
2
Weight of train
Adjustment nut
1 2
1
3
153C contactor pressure plate
2
Adjustment nut

Wiring your semaphore to a power source
Have an adult strip 1 ⁄4" of insulation from both ends of the four wires
included, if they have not already been stripped.
Connect a wire to each of the three spring clips on the accessory’s base.
Connect the other ends of these wires to the contactor and transformer as
shown below. Connect the fourth wire from the contactor’s spring clip no. 3 to
the transformer.
To connect the wire to the contactor’s spring clips, press down the springy
upper half of the metal loop until the lower part projects through the slot,
insert the bare wire end into the loop, and release the upper part of the clip.
Spring tension will hold the wire tight.
3
2
1
Direction of train
Underside of semaphore
Top view of 153C contactor
TO 7-10 VAC POSTS OR
ACCESSORY TERMINALS
ON TRANSFORMER
Connecting the wire to the spring clip.
Adjusting the contactor
After all the connections are made and the transformer is turned on,
adjust the contactor so that the semaphore operates properly.
Stop the train several sections away from the contactor so that it does
not press on the contactor plate. Turn the adjustment nut either up or
down until the green light illuminates and the signal arm raises. Then
Using your semaphore with an insulated track section
back up the adjustment nut just enough to cause the green light to go
out, the signal arm to lower, and the red light to illuminate.
When properly adjusted, the contactor will respond to light finger pressure
on the track. The green light will stay on and the signal arm will remain
up as long as any part of the train is passing over the contactor plate.
Replace a regular track section with an insulated track section (available
separately), which is a standard length of straight track with the
center and outside rails insulated from the ties. You will have to remove
one of the metal pins from the mating track.
Attach a lockon to the side of the insulated track with the fiber pins in the
outer rail. Connect a wire from lockon terminal no. 2 to the common terminal
on your accessory. Run a second wire from the power terminal on your
accessory to the accessory power terminal on your transformer. Finally, run
a wire from the accessory’s ground terminal to the ground terminal on your
transformer. The semaphore arm will activate and the color of the light will
change whenever an engine or piece of rolling stock enters the insulated
track section, and the metal axle/wheel completes the electric circuit.
Direction of train
Underside of semaphore
TO TRANSFORMER
GROUND
POWER
Insulated rail
Insulating pin
Lockon
Insulating pin
Lionel Service
This product is built with pride by Lionel and carries a warranty to
support continued reliable operation. If service is required, bring it
and its warranty card to your local authorized Lionel Service Center. To
find the nearest dealer or service center, simply call 1-800-4-LIONEL.
If you prefer a Lionel factory repair, call 810-949-4100, fax
810-949-5429, or write Lionel Service, P.O. Box 748, New Baltimore, MI
48047-0748. State the problem and the product’s purchase date. We’ll
send a return authorization letter to assure proper handling while at
Lionel. You may choose to have your product repaired by Lionel Service
after its warranty has expired. A reasonable service fee will be charged.
CAUTION: Make sure your product is properly packed to prevent shipping
damage. The shipment must be prepaid and we recommend it be
insured. Please follow these instructions carefully. This warranty gives you
specific legal rights. You may have other rights that vary from state to state.
© 1996 LIONEL LLC, CHESTERFIELD, MI 48051-2493
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA