Lionel Electric Trains Identification Guide Sub-Title Bottom of Page

This Identification Guide for Lionel Electric Trains covers the "Post-war Era" only from 1945 until 1969.

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No. 80 Controller LIONEL TRAINS CONTROLLER No. 80

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No. 90 ControllerThe Lionel Controller No. 80 is similar to the No. 92 in that it was a single pole push button switch that was in the "normally on" position and when pushed would deactivate the directional unit on the locomotive. However, unlike the No. 92 there was no internal circuit breaker. This controller seems to have been used exclusively on uncatalogued sets that were headed up by the No. 246 Locomotive in 1960.
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These sets included a No. 1015 Variation A transformer which did not have a push button switch installed on it to control the direction of the train. The uncatalogued sets that included this switch were:
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X-502NA
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X-510NA
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X-516NA
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X-517NA
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X-521NA
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X-523NA
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X-526NA
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X-530NA
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X-539NA
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Control Switch No. 80

All of these sets were issued in 1960.
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In these uncatalogued sets Lionel housed this switch in an envelope labeled "ASSEMBLY No. 1103-14" that also contained two No. 81-32 Connecting Wires and a No. 2085 Instruction Sheet.
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The following instructions on how to hook up this switch were shown on this sheet:
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"Your Lionel Train Outfit contains a No. 80 Reversing Controller which makes possible rapid changes of direction.
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The No. 246 Locomotive has a built-in electrical reversing mechanism. This mechanism operates and changes the direction of travel whenever the current is interrupted.

Envelope No. 1103-15
Courtesy of D. Still Collectionspacer

Therefore, if you wish to make a fast stop simply press the button and hold it down. If you wish to reverse the train - press the button and release it.
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Install the No. 80 Controller as illustrated. Remember that each time this button is pressed the current to the track is stopped and upon releasing the button the current is allowed to resume. Your locomotive will change direction every time the button is pressed and released. It will proceed from Forward to Reverse and again to Forward etc.
"
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This envelope and the instructions are difficult to find and add a considerable premium to the value when they are included in the above listed sets. If you, or anyone you know, can scan a copy of the No. 2085 Instruction Sheet please use the "contact" link below.
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