I recently picked up a Lionel 182 magnet crane at a flea market. It was rewired by a previous owner who seems to have done a decent job. It generally works OK (I did have to clean the motor and lubricate the gears), but every once in a while all the functions just cease to operate (as though no current is getting to them). I think I have traced the problem (or at least one problem) to the magnet itself, for when I take it out of the system everything works OK. I also notice that when energized, the magnet gets very hot, even after only a minute or so. And, when it picks up even a single nail, it emits a low but audible clicking sound. Are these symptoms normal with a unit of its age? I also have a 282 crane and the magnet there does not behave this way. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
John Gottcent