UCS-40 and RCS-20 Operating Track Section Controllers
All Lionel Earlier Operating Track Sections are Controlled with the Same Controller.
Postwar UCS Controller Repair
The most common repairs for postwar controllers are cleaning the contacts and adjusting the springs.
Mark Wires Before Removal
Use tape or 3M Wire Markers in rolls or books.
After marking wires, remove from track and power bus bar.
Log Controller
was inspected and serviced in place. |
Coal Dump
Controller Needed Bench Repair |
| Place the
Controller over a parts tray or clear surface before
removing base. Note broken and loose parts. The
# RCS-27 Spacer Button is a must have. Remove binding head screw from springs to clean electrical contacts with 240 grit wet or dry paper. See below for Controller operation. |
 |
Refer to Diagram for Reassembly
The track illustrated is Lionel's postwar 027 operating
track.
See pdf diagram here
for printing.
Before screwing assembly back into case, hold it together and
compare to Normal Position in above stack.
 |
After
attaching stack to case, check contact spacing with a strip of index
card. The ST-302 spring adjusting tool is available as a reproduction from toy train parts dealers. The tool is also used to adjust switch (turnouts) spring contacts. |
MPC Era Controller Improvement
MPC/General Mills era (1970-1986) Lionel Corporation
The MPC redesign resulted in the square shaft breaking off with
user's rough treatment. My experience gluing structural
plastic parts has had poor results. This fix results in a
better Controller.
Both Controllers below were improved. The Controller on the
right had the broken square shaft. The shaft parts were glued
together and glue set before improvement.
For Improved Operation
Remove Spring assembly. Repair square shaft in cover
if needed.
Drill 7/64" pilot hole in square shaft from inside of cover to locate outside
center.
Drill 1/8" hole for 4-40 screw from outside.
The spring stack diagram below shows the difference from the postwar
spacers.
UCS Controller Improvement Parts (bottom center below)
Black 3/4" 4-40 phillips round head machine screws
18-8 Stainless Steel Hex Nut Black-Oxide, 4-40 Thread
Size
Black Nylon Plastic Washer for Number 4 Screw Size, 0.115" ID, 0.25"
OD
Improved MPC Controllers with Phillips Head on Top and Black Washer and Nut Inside
Reference Documents
- Schematic Wiring Diagram of Remote Control Set Type UCS and RCS
- Pictorial Wiring Diagram o Remote Control Set No. 6019
- Tracks and Controller Illustrations from Lionel Service Manual
- Postwar Remote Control Instructions
- MPC "O" Gauge Remote Control Track Set Instructions
- 2003 O Gauge Remote-Control Track Instructions
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