Banjo #140 Signal,HELP

There are a few editions of the #140... do you happen to know which one you have?

Assuming an original:

BMORAN4, I thank you for the diagram for the Banjo Signal.I greatly appreciate it. I am not sure which model I have but I will check it out and get back to you. Thanks again!

ed

Hello Members! I’m new to the OGR and look forward to sharing some O gauge experiences. I do have one quick question right away re: this thread on the Lionel 140 banjo signal - specifically, should the adhesive washer be affixed to a spot in the drum or is free floating? I’m having an issue with the light going on but the banjo not swinging. Thank you.

@Scout3744 posted:

Hello Members! I’m new to the OGR and look forward to sharing some O gauge experiences. I do have one quick question right away re: this thread on the Lionel 140 banjo signal - specifically, should the adhesive washer be affixed to a spot in the drum or is free floating? I’m having an issue with the light going on but the banjo not swinging. Thank you.

Here is an old thread that may help you - personally I think that the adhesive washer must be fixed to something on the coil mechanism rather than the drum itself: https://ogrforum.com/...nel-140-banjo-repair

However, mine works and I have not had to take it apart.

Thank you Hancock52. That was helpful info.

I have three 140 signals I wanted to restore. The rotating cup part, part 28, is very hard to find.

Does anyone have a source for them?

Tom

Hello Tom,

I know the standard response is eBay and actually, with respect to inquiry, that would be where I would look. I have frequently seen Lionel accessory parts. I would do a search of “Lionel 140” and see if anything comes up. It changes every week (if not daily) so check regularly.

Thanks Scout!

I have been checking regularly but I went on eBay after reading your post and there was one cup for sale. I bought it!

I hope to possibly fabricate duplicates once I have a real one in my possession…

Tom

@Krieglok posted:

...

I hope to possibly fabricate duplicates once I have a real one in my possession…

...

I'd like to follow along with how to duplicate the drum.

I have the MTH version of the banjo.  I can't say with certainty, but I believe MTH licensed this from Lionel with the only difference being the "MTH" stamped in the base.  So maybe that's another source of "used" or eBay drums!

Assuming the MTH version is identical, the adhesive washer is definitely attached to the coil.  The 3-nipple black rubber washer is free-floating.  I could not find an exploded part diagram for the MTH 30-1093 accessory but perhaps someone has an MTH part-number list for the Banjo that might be another source...again assuming MTH simply licensed the design using identical components.

Again, I'd be very interested in how easy/hard it is to duplicate the drum.  Please keep us apprised of your progress!

Thank you Stan!

I didn’t know MTH made the same type signal. The part looks spot on. I have tried searching the MTH site for parts, but so far no luck.

Thanks again!

Tom

Stan, that’s very interesting, others have insisted that the drive washer (the three tabbed washer) is, indeed, stationary.  I.e. it is affixed (cemented) to the brass washer which, in turn, is affixed (cemented) to the coil. Apparently the only moving part is the drum (and of course the arm over the light controlled by the drum). I have just purchased another Lionel 140 which is supposed to be in running condition (I haven’t received it yet) so I can dismantle it and solve this mystery once and for all!

a quick follow up… I will, of course, attempt to operate the “new” banjo signal first to ensure it works BEFORE dismantling it!

Again, this is the MTH version of the banjo.  The so-called adhesive washer is NOT brass.  As shown in photo above, it is 1/32" thick and appears to be printed-circuit-board  (not metal) material and is fastened to the coil - hard to see but appears to be some kind of clear glue.  The rubber 3-nipple drive washer is definitely NOT glued to this adhesive washer.  It "sticks" to the adhesive washer just from friction...and of course is further pressed against the adhesive washer when the drum is attached over the drive washer.

I understand. I believe it was suggested that the two were basically identical with the exception of the rebranding. In any event, it will be interesting to confirm the assembly once the new signal arrives. Thank you.

The search continues…

I contacted MTH parts department and they responded quickly. Unfortunately, the only part of the 140 banjo signal they stock, is the light bulb.

I should have an original Lionel rotating cup in my possession soon. With that, I will explore reproducing them somehow..

Tom

That's almost comical.  Of course the only replacement part they have - a light bulb - is the one that is most likely a generic or easy-to-find part!

Again, in looking at that drum, I'm most curious how one would go about reproducing it - specifically a durable reproduction of the center shaft on the inside of the cup that holds the coil...and the little nib on the outside of the cup that swings the arm.