Magnetic Crane Magnet Question

[EIS2]

Here is a video that dsmith posted showing his magnetic crane:

http://cs.trains.com/ctt/f/95/t/258629.aspx

Notice how his load is lifted straight up and the crane magnet is straight (not cocked). 

I asked him how he achieved that and he suggested I use round-headed upholstry tacks.  I tried that and the load remains pretty straight, but the magnet is severely cocked.

Has anyone got any other suggestions how I can achieve a load lift like dsmith shows in his video with the magnet remaining straight?

Earl Staley

[ADCX Rob]

dSmith video:

[Tootle]

Earl:

When I look at Dave's crane it appears to me that his magnet is non-standard, i.e., it looks larger (and heavier?) than a stock magnet.  Also, the lead to the magnet seems finer (smaller wire) than a stock lead.  If indeed he has light gauge wire, maybe super flex wire to boot, and a heavier magnet, then the magnet could very well hang straight without being cocked.  You'll also notice that when he picks up the load he gets it dead center on the magnet and he lifts it at its precise center of gravity.

I have several cranes with stock magnets and original or replacement leads, and I don't think any of the magnets hang dead straight.  Considering the light weight of a stock magnet and the influence of a stiff and heavy standard lead it's practically impossible to get the magnet to hang straight.

For my grankids and me, if it picks up the load (straight or not) we're good to go.

Good luck.  

[EIS2]

Tootle,

Thank you for the reply.  I did notice that his magnet looked thicker then the magnet on my crane.  I assumed that Lionel just used different magnets. 

The magnet gets cocked because the magnetic field is stronger near the edge of the magnet than at the center, so the natural tendency is for the magnet to slide to one side when near a metallic load.  So I was surprised that dsmith's magnet stayed so straight.

Earl