I just bought a Lionel 3470 Aerial Target Launching Car. There were no instructions included. Would someone please tell me how to operate the car. I don't even know how to turn it on. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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It may be similar to this car.: http://www.lionel.com/media/se...966716755250D001.pdf
I have the 3470 (6-19824) US Army version. The switch is the red object on top of the car, turn it either way to turn the car on. I also use a ping pong ball instead of a balloon. It doesn't go quite as high but they rotate and it give you pretty much the same effect. Basically the same as what Don shows in previous post. All the same but different. Hope this helps?.
Here is the link to the owners manual http://www.lionel.com/media/se...5992719824250006.pdf
Ken.
As I recall, the original postwar 3470 target car was battery operated.
Otherwise, I think the modern era instructions, including the location of the switch seem about right.
I think it used two batteries, and the switch worked by holding them apart in the "off" position.
Its been a very long time since I've looked inside one of them. So I am not certain on the above.
Update: The link below confirms what I've written:
The original PW version uses 2 'D' cell batteries. The top white superstructure releases from the bottom, with tabs, to insert the batteries. The switch function is the same.
Wow, I am so impressed. You guys are such a wealth of knowledge. Thank each of you for your terrific inputs.
You are right about the batteries. I inserted two D cell batteries into the turbine
housing and volia! it runs perfectly. Thank you much.
Is the Daffy Duck car the only one that uses track power instead of batteries? I would like to have a USAF one that uses track power. It seems to me thats a better deal to use the power in the tracks that is already there instead of buying new batteries all the time. Also if I read the instructions on the Daffy Duck car correctly, it appears it can be operated by TMCC which would also be really cool. Any idea's?
I have the first reproduction/reissue of the car. It is track powered, so I assume that all the ones that came after are also track powered.
Just the 1960's postwar version used 2 D battries. the 1990's and late versions used track power. I think there have been 3, a remake of the original, A looney tunes Daffy Duck, and a Alien space version.
Once again thank all of you for the great responses. I am going to try and find the track powered version and sell my battery powered one.
The first one was overproduced, and available on clearance for a long time. It should be easy to find.
If you run in conventional mode, the battery operated model may be superior. The fan will run even with the track power off.
I converted one of the originals to TMCC control, just for fun. 
They're cheap, so I didn't think I was losing anything by hacking it up.
I have the postwar version. The motor is very cheezy and burned out quickly. I would replace the motor if I could find a suitable substitute.
Earl
Funny thing you should say that, mine died and I had to find a replacement. I happened to have a suitable one in my junkbox, and it's a much more robust motor now. When I added the TMCC, I also powered it off the track, which solved the battery issue. The new motor has a lot more power than the previous one, I have to tone it back to keep it in check.
Do you have a manufacturer and model number for the motor you used?
Thanks...
Earl
Sad to say Earl, I do not. I have a box of old DC motors, this one happened to be the right size and fit into the brackets with a little tweaking. It also had the right sized shaft to connect to the impeller. There are no markings on the motor, I just looked.
One amusing thing about the inside of this car. The tin of the blower is made from old tin cans! Inside, the printing from the can is still on the tin!
