Lionel Diesel Fueling Station Questions

[northernpike]

Happy New Year!

I acquired a postwar diesel fueling station.  No experince with this accessory.  Planning on restoring it For the layout.  Need help...

some questions:

The black string is broken in the base.  Any tricks to putting on the string?  Is it the same type of string that is used on the crane cars for the hooks?

The man seems to slightly bind on the base where the post travels along the base slot.  Any way to rectify this?  Thinking some white lithium grease?  

Any other bits of advice with this accessory?  What voltage is best?

thanks in advance

Tom