Lionel 165 Magnet Crane: connecting the wires to the magnet

Here's a close up photo showing the wisps of thread where I think the wires need to be connected to the top of the magnet on the right side:

https://ogrforum.com/...76#81678117648094476

I'm going to be very frank with you on this. Good luck on that repair. You are probably looking at a replacement rather than an original repair. It's just extremely fragile, the coil wire may have broken off where you can no longer reach it to solder it. Fixing one of these factory period correct cloth covered wire is a challenge.

You might just end up putting a more modern magnet on it and living with new wires.

https://www.lionelsupport.com/...W-LEADS-GANTRY-CRANE

Anrold

Maybe you can try to disassemble per the video from Vernon above.  It shows the hook screw should unscrew and the magnet will come apart giving access to the wires.

Charlie

Thank you Vernon & Charlie. I unscrewed the hook screw and have access to the wires.

This appears to be a very delicate soldering job.

Does it matter which of the 2 wires from the harness is attached to which of the 2 stubs of wires on top of the magnet?

Below is a close up photo of what I'm talking about:

Arnold

Arnold it should not make any difference. I would consider using the thinnest heat shrink sleeve you have to insulate the two wires after your repair. Slip them over the longer wires prior to solder than over the joint. Good luck. 👍

Thanks, Rich, for your good advice.

I'll be doing brain surgery later when doing this delicate soldering.

LOL, Arnold

Follow up: mission accomplished, brain surgery successful

The harness was replaced with flex wire, and careful soldering and shrink wrap did the trick.

As usual, the good advice given by those of you who generously gave your input helped tremendously. Thanks again, Arnold

Congratulations Dr Arnold!!!! You even went beyond the needed repair and replaced the harness wiring. Your confidence in your soldering skills are improving. On a side note was this within your current batting average?