In 2012 I purchased a BN Crane Car (L29885) and a Lionel Legacy Control System V1.4.  I played with the Crane using the Legacy System that I used in conjunction with an old ZW transformer for several months, but I started doing other projects and hobbies and had not used the system (or tried to use it) until several days ago.  What I discovered was that the batteries in the controller will not charge.  I even replaced the batteries with new rechargeable batteries, but still no charge.  I have let the charger attempt to charge the batteries for 24 hours at at time; no luck.  I replaced the batteries with alkaline batteries, but the hand-held controller had difficulty finding its base but ultimately did so.  I turned on the power to the track and the rear light of the crane lit, but I could not get it to do anything else.  Basically I have two questions: Why will the rechargeable batteries not charge? and Why will the crane not work other than the rear light?
Any help would be basically appreciated.  Thanks.