Introduction

The Lionel 7-11808 Flyer Remote Control Ready-To-Run Set is a fantastic product for train enthusiasts of all ages. This set includes a powerful locomotive with an integrated motor, an easy-to-use remote control, and a variety of track pieces to get you started right away. With a reasonable estimated price range of $200 to $300 and a launching date set for late 2023, this set is perfect for those looking to jump into the world of model trains or expand their existing collection.

Detailed Specifications

Key features of the LioLionel 7-11808 Flyer Remote Control Ready-To-Run Setnel Flyer Remote Control Ready-To-Run Set include: a high-quality locomotive with a powerful motor, a remote control with simple and intuitive controls, and a variety of track pieces to create your own layout. The locomotive is equipped with realistic sound effects, and the set is designed to be easily expandable with additional track and accessories. The suggested age range for this product is 14 and up, making it a great choice for both kids and adults.

This set features everything you need to get started—a wall-pack power supply, a huge, easy-to-assemble FasTrack oval, a string of detailed cars, a powerful Lionel locomotive that is equipped with RailSounds RC sound system, and a LionChief remote that controls all the action.

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 additional FasTrack track sections, enhance your layout with accessories, lengthen your consist with extra cars, or operate a new LionChief locomotive at the head end of your train!

Use this Owner’s Manual to learn how to set up, operate, and maintain your train set for years of reliable operation.

Set Includes

• 0-8-0 Locomotive and tender
• Three-dome tank car
• Boxcar
• Caboose
• Eight O-36 curved FasTrack sections, three 10” straight FasTrack sections, one 10” FasTrack wall-pack terminal section
• Wall-pack power supply
• LionChief remote for locomotive
• Smoke fluid
• Traction tires
• Owner’s manual

Description

The Lionel 7-11808 Flyer Remote Control Ready-To-Run Set is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to get started with model trains or expand their existing collection. The set includes a high-quality locomotive with an integrated motor, making it easy to get up and running right out of the box. The included remote control features simple and intuitive controls, allowing you to operate the locomotive with ease. The set also includes a variety of track pieces, giving you the flexibility to create your own layout and expand your collection over time.

LionChief system basics

Model railroading with the LionChief system

• Your ready-to-run LionChief train set comes with a DC wall-pack power supply, a LionChief remote control, a LionChief-equipped locomotive, rolling stock, and a FasTrack oval, complete with a wall-pack terminal section for “plug-and-play” set up.
• Your locomotive runs on fixed voltage, which is optimal for the sound system, smoke system, and lamps. The locomotive responds to commands from its LionChief remote, set at a specific frequency to increase or decrease speed, change directions, or trigger sounds. That’s why the locomotive and remote must be operated as a matched pair.
• The DC wall-pack power supply is capable of running the locomotive and cars that come with this set, plus a few add-on cars and accessories, depending on the power they require. Keep in mind that your locomotive can run on any AC power, but you cannot operate this train on Lionel O or Lionel-compatible AC transformers (available separately at your authorized Lionel retailer) when you expand your layout.
• Important! Run only your layout with only the DC wall-pack power supply OR an AC transformer. Do not run both! Also, keep in mind that most other Lionel locomotives require an AC power supply. Check the instructions included with the other locomotives.
• If you do choose to run your Lionel Chief locomotive with a transformer, set the train voltage to full (18 volts) in order to run the train and trigger the sounds. The locomotive is not designed to respond to the transformer’s throttle, direction buttons, horn, or bell buttons. The locomotive responds only to commands from its LionChief remote.
• Keep in mind that the remote communicates with the train as it is paired with the locomotive. This keeps the train moving forward and reversing, and your LionChief remote will not communicate with other locomotives. However, locomotives of the same type, for example, a 2-8-4 Berkshire, may share frequencies. Where the frequency is shared, and you have more of the same type on the track would respond together, at the same time, to commands from a remote. To avoid this scenario, you may choose not to run multiples of the same locomotive at the same time.
• Otherwise, you may have more than one LionChief-equipped locomotive on the track at the same time. You may also choose to run your LionChief locomotive on a LEGACY Control System-equipped layout; however, you must use your LionChief remote control to control the LionChief locomotive (LionChief locomotives do not receive commands from the LEGACY remote).

The LionChief remote control overview

Installing AAA batteries into the Remote Control

For safety purposes, you must use a Phillips screwdriver to access the battery compartment. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw that secures the battery compartment hatch and lift the hatch to access the battery compartment (as shown in Figure 1). Insert three AAA batteries orientating the +/– as shown in the bottom of the battery compartment. Replace the battery door and snap closed.

Important! Use only Alkaline AAA batteries. Use only new batteries. Never mix new and used batteries or use different types together.

Important! REMOVE ALL BATTERIES WHEN THE TRAIN WILL NOT BE USED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME.

Important! When you are not operating the train, slide the On/Off switch to the Off position to conserve the batteries.

Operating your train with your LionChief remote

LionChief locomotive Overview

Your LionChief locomotive is designed to operate with commands from its corresponding LionChief remote. You may choose to power it with the wall-pack power supply included with this ready-to-run train set, or you may choose to expand and upgrade to essentially any Lionel or Lionel-compatible AC transformer. Even DC transformers will work for this particular locomotive!

Smoke 

Your locomotive features an operating smoke unit that produces safe, clean, white smoke. Always keep a small amount of smoke fluid in the smoke unit when you are running your locomotive with the smoke unit in the On position. Slide the smoke unit to the Off position if you do not want to operate the locomotive with smoke or you choose not to add smoke fluid. For more information, see page 11. Additional Lionel Premium Smoke Fluid (6-37841) is available separately when you deplete the sample.

LionChief RC sound system 

Your locomotive features a wide range of sounds to make operation even more realistic and impressive! The steam chuffing sounds are coordinated with the blasts of smoke from the smokestack, and they vary with the speed of the locomotive. You may choose to activate more sounds and fun effects by sliding the sound switch to the off position. See page 13. Use the whistle, bell, and announcement buttons on the LionChief remote control to trigger these sounds. See page 7 for more information. Keep in mind that the speaker is housed in the tender. Ensure that the drawbar is connected properly for good electrical contact.

Care and maintenance 

A few simple precautions will help to ensure a long life for the locomotive:

• Lubricate the wheels, axles, and linkage regularly to avoid squeaks and wear. See page 16 for complete details.
• Avoid squeezing and bending the side rods and linkage when handling and packing the locomotive to prevent binding.

Getting ready to run your trains

Building your Lionel layout

Your set comes with eight curved sections, three 10” straight sections, and one wall-pack terminal section of track. Figure 2 shows the oval layout that you can build with these track sections. You may choose to add more FasTrack track sections to create an endless number of exciting track arrangements for more fun, action, and variety.

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 have 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.

   

Connecting your wall-pack power supply

Your trains are powered by a DC wall-pack power supply. To power the track, simply plug the wall-pack into an outlet and plug the jack into the terminal section as shown in Figure 4..

Operating your train set

Adding smoke fluid to your locomotive's smoke generator

Your locomotive is equipped with a smoke generator that produces safe, clean white smoke during operation if the smoke unit switch is in the ON position. Refer to Figure 7 on page 15 for the location of the switch.

The smoke generator requires the periodic addition of Lionel smoke fluid in order to function. A small bottle of smoke fluid is included with this set. Press down and unscrew the cap. Pierce the end of the nozzle with a pin, then add about four drops of fluid directly into the locomotive’s stack. Smoke production commences momentarily. It will start faster if you run your locomotive at higher speeds. When smoke production decreases, add more fluid (about four drops). An idle locomotive will not smoke.

Note! If you prefer to operate the locomotive without smoke or you do not want to add smoke fluid, slide the smoke unit switch to the OFF position.

Caution! When the smoke unit switch is in the ON position, always keep a small amount of smoke fluid in the locomotive's smoke generator. The generator's element can become damaged if operated without smoke fluid. This is particularly true if your locomotive sits in neutral for an extended period of time without smoke fluid in the generator.

Running your train set

1. With track power unplugged, place your train set on the track. Refer to the following section for information on coupling the cars.

2. Couple the locomotive to the tender. Fit the tab on the locomotive drawbar into the slot on the tender’s drawbar as illustrated in Figure 5. Note that the drawbar connection connects the locomotive and tender electrically. Make the connection securely to ensure good electrical contact.

   

3. Plug in your wall-pack power supply, connect it to the track, and switch on the remote.

   

4. Move ‘em out! Use your remote to run your train. You can adjust the speed in forward or reverse, blow the whistle, sound the bell, or trigger an announcement. Refer to page 14 for complete details.
5. Unplug the wall-pack power supply when you are done running your trains. Switch off your remote control to conserve the batteries.

Triggering announcements with your LionChief remote control

Your locomotive plays a variety of announcements that are designed to match the way you play with the locomotive. You can trigger an announcement that corresponds to each part of the journey.

When the locomotive is... The announcement states...

• Sitting less than 30 seconds Dispatcher here, please hold the track order, over; Roger, let me know when I can roll out
• Sitting less than 30 seconds Dispatcher here, you are cleared outbound
• Sitting more than 30 seconds Thank you watch, clear outbound, out
• Moving less than 30 seconds Train is moving, over; Roger that, dispatcher out
• Moving less than 30 seconds Dispatcher here, all clear ahead
• Moving more than 30 seconds Dispatcher here, you’re all clear ahead, over; Roger that, making good time, out

Coupling

When coupling your cars, at least one of the mating couplers must be open as shown at the left in Figure 6. Press down on the lock release to open the coupler, then push the cars toward each other until they lock together.

Note! Keep in mind that it’s easier to couple cars on a straight section of track.

Silencing the steam chuffing sounds

To silence the background steam sounds, slide the SOUND switch to the OFF position inside the cab. See Figure 7. Turn off track power for about two seconds, and then the background sound will be silenced when the track power is restored. The whistle, announcement, and bell sounds can still be triggered at any time using the remote. To restore the background sounds, simply slide the SOUNDS switch to the ON position and then turn off track power for two or more seconds.

Note! Always turn off track power for about two seconds after you slide the switch. The background sounds will be reset according to the new switch position when the track power is switched on again.

Setup Guide

Setting up the Lionel 7-11808 Flyer Remote Control Ready-To-Run Set is a breeze. Simply open the box, lay out the track pieces, and place the locomotive on the track. Insert the included batteries into the remote control, and you're ready to start operating your new train. The set is designed to be easily expandable, so you can add additional track and accessories as desired.

Maintaining and servicing your set

Lubricating your locomotive

Help your steam locomotive lead a long and productive life on your railroad by maintaining it properly. We recommend that you purchase a Lionel Lubrication and Maintenance Kit (6-62927), available from your Lionel dealer. Two basic rules to keep in mind: never over-lubricate (a small amount will do) and avoid getting grease or oil on the locomotive’s wheels, contact rollers, or your track.

You’ll know your locomotive requires lubrication when visual inspection reveals dryness on the parts indicated in Figure 8 and also on the tender’s axles. Remove accumulated dirt and dust before lubricating, and always lubricate any locomotive emerging from prolonged storage.

Replacing your locomotive’s traction tire

One of the locomotive’s drive wheels is fitted with a rubber traction tire to enhance tractive effort, allowing your locomotive to pull many cars at once.

To replace the traction tire, simply unscrew the drive rod nut from the wheel using a 3/16" nut driver. Refer to Figure 9. Remove the old traction tire from under the drive rod and slip on the replacement, Lionel part no. 6000222108. Replace the spacer, retighten the drive rod nut, and you’re ready to pull that long freight back to the yard.

Replacing your locomotive’s headlamp

Your locomotive is equipped with an LED style headlight for longer life. Please contact your nearest Lionel Service Center or Lionel Service if this needs replacing.

Safety Information

Operating your wall-pack power supply safely

Your Lionel wall-pack power supply 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 a Factory Trained Authorized Lionel Service Station. In the event that such a condition exists, the transformer should not be used until it has been properly repaired.
• The wall-pack power supply is intended to be used indoors. Do not use this device if water is present. Serious or fatal injuries may result.
• Use the wall-pack power supply only for its intended purpose.
• The wall-pack power supply was designed to operate on 120-240 volt AC, 50/60-Hertz power. Do not connect this product to any other power supply.
• Do not operate the wall-pack power supply with a damaged cord, plug, or case.
• To avoid the risk of electrical shock, do not disassemble the unit. There are no user serviceable parts inside. If damaged, take this product to a Factory Trained Authorized Lionel Service Station. Visit www.lionel.com for a list of authorized Service Centers.
• Do not operate the wall-pack power supply on your layout unattended. Obstructed accessories or stalled trains may overheat, resulting in damage to your layout.
• Always unplug the wall-pack power supply 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..

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 section 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 dies 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 have become disconnected from these contacts and short out when they touch one another. The wires can be reconnected by having an adult solder them onto contacts. You may want to take them 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 this pin needs to be bent upwards slightly by applying pressure with the pin inside the knuckle shut. You may need a needle-nosed pliers to bend the plunger upwards slightly. This operation is shown in the illustration below.

Problem: I do not hear any sounds from the locomotive.

Resolution: The drawbar, which connects your locomotive to its tender, serves two purposes. It connects the locomotive and tender together and it serves as a four-conductor tether responsible for transferring the speaker leads from the electronics inside the locomotive to the speaker inside the tender. Ensure the male side of the drawbar (locomotive side) is fully and properly inserted into the female side of the drawbar (tender side) and that the tops of each side of the drawbar are even with one another.

Make sure the sound on/off switch is positioned to the “on” setting and power is being applied to the track. If the switch is set to the “off” position, only the horn/whistle and bell will be heard when the commands are sent to the locomotive from the remote.

Problem: The locomotive does not smoke.

Resolution: Ensure the smoke on/off switch is in the “on” position. The locomotive must be moving for smoke to be seen ejecting from the stack. The locomotive will not smoke when sitting at idle. Ensure you have added 4-5 drops of Lionel Liquid Smoke Fluid. It should only take 10-15 seconds for smoke to vaporize and begin being ejected from the stack once the train begins to move. If you do not plan to use the smoke feature on this locomotive be sure the smoke on/off switch is placed in the “off” position, so no damage occurs to the smoke generators.

Problem: The LionChief Remote will not control the locomotive.

Resolution: First, ensure the remote you are using to control the locomotive is the proper one, mated to that locomotive. Reference the road name and road number printed on the remote with the road name and road number of the locomotive you are trying to control. Second, ensure you have installed three new Alkaline AAA batteries into the remote and the on/off switch is set to the “on” position.

The red LED at the top of the remote should be on steady when the speed dial is in the top dead center position.

The LED will begin to blink when the throttle knob is turned in either direction, slowly to quickly, mimicking the speed you set for the locomotive. The sounds in the locomotive should be on when you are attempting to make the train go. If your locomotive will not move, you will need to take both the wireless LionChief remote and the locomotive and tender to a local Factory Trained Authorized Lionel Service Station or contact Lionel Customer Service for further assistance.

Expanding your layout

Expanding your Lionel railroad empire

• You’re off to a great start with this LionChief ready-to-run train set! Let your imagination guide you as you expand and build the layout of your dreams!
• Embark on an adventure! You can add another LionChief locomotive and run them on the track at the same time. You can add additional cars and build new consists. Add accessories like stations, figures, buildings, and more for even more fun.
• Because you are starting with a FasTrack oval, expanding your track layout is easy to do!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-quality locomotive with powerful motor
• Easy-to-use remote control
• Variety of track pieces included
• Realistic sound effects
• Easily expandable with additional track and accessories

Cons

• May be too simple for advanced train enthusiasts
• Limited track layout options

Customer Reviews

Customers have praised the Lionel 7-11808 Flyer Remote Control Ready-To-Run Set for its ease of use, high-quality locomotive, and realistic sound effects. Many have also appreciated the variety of track pieces included, allowing for a wide range of layout options. Some have noted that the set may be too simple for advanced train enthusiasts, but overall the product has received positive reviews from users of all skill levels.

Most Common Complaints about Lionel 7-11808 Flyer Remote Control Ready-To-Run Set 

The most common complaints about the Lionel 7-11808 Flyer Remote Control Ready-To-Run Set include limited track layout options and issues with the remote control connection. Some users have also reported issues with the locomotive not moving or sound effects not functioning properly. These issues can typically be resolved by following the troubleshooting tips provided above.