User's Manual
32
Ground
The “common” or return electrical device. Ground is the electrical pathway that must be connected to SC-1 for
proper operation.
Hot
The direct pathway of electricity that first passes through an electrical device. The side of a transformer that is not
connected to track ground.
ID#
The one- or two-digit number that helps identify a locomotive, switch, accessory, etc. to the Command Base or
when issuing command with CAB-1L.
Lash-up
A multiple locomotive set; consist.
Momentum
A locomotive behavior that simulates the performance of a real-life engine laboring under load.
Neutral
The nonmoving operational state in a three-position reverse unit. When operating in the Command
environment, Command-equipped locomotives do not have a “neutral” state like they do in conventional
realms.
Numeric keypad
The 10-digit (0-9) section of the CAB-1L layout that allows you to issue ID#s as well as special locomotive
commands when preceded by a press of AUX1.
Phasing
The act of “matching” power applied to a model railroad. When a railroad features multiple power supplies,
each supply’s output must be “phased” at block boundaries to prevent excess third-rail sparking and digital
communication problems during operation.
Route
A multi-switch pathway around your railroad. Switches thrown in select directions cause a train to proceed
around a layout in a specific way—a route.
Stall
A voltage level that is not enough to energize a locomotive’s motor into movement but is enough to keep
that locomotive’s reverse unit from sequencing to the next operational state. Stall can be used to tune engine
performance and to match lash-up start thresholds among differing locomotive types. Not all Lionel command-
equipped locomotives need or support the stall feature.
Switch
A section of railroad track that allows one tract to diverge into two—or combine two tracks into one. Also called
a “turnout.”
Throttle
The Circle-L knob on the CAB-1 that controls locomotive speed and PowerMaster voltage output settings.
Transitional command control
A way of operating TrainMaster Command that retains the digital signaling required for individual locomotive
control but foregoes continuous track voltage in favor of variable track power, as a conventional operations.
Variable power allows for the operation of non-Command-equipped engines.
The language of command control (continued)
Glossary