I picked up a used set today and as I was ready to leave the guy told me to hang on as he thought he had more stuff. I did, and he brought out a Station Platform, Auto Crossing Gate and a 14090 Banjo Signal. Platform is wired in, one bulb out. Crossing gate is wired in and working.
Banjo Signal. Applied power, red light flashes and nothing else. Looked a couple YT videos and it appears a part is missing.
Take a look at the picture below.
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There is a cup that goes over the coil. It has a small tip that sticks out that goes in the slot of the swinging arm. The cup rotates and makes the arm swing back and forth.
The part number is 6104090425, but the Lionel site says it’s unavailable. I would try a postwar parts dealer. The product description is rotating cup assembly.
Here’s a pic of the cup Vic described. And of the running from track power. There are only two wires, one connected to center rail and the other to the outside rail. I run mine using an insulated rail trigger.
@TedW posted:Here’s a pic of the cup Vic described. And of the running from track power. There are only two wires, one connected to center rail and the other to the outside rail. I run mine using an insulated rail trigger.
OK, mine powered up the light comes on. In your video I can clearly see the "cup" I don't have turning. What drives the cup? I see nothing on mine moving when power applied.
Lionel 140-28: https://store.justtrains.com/1...o-Signal_p_1770.html
I’ve never had it apart. Always thought it was a motor. ??
After see others replies above, check to make sure this will work, as the 6-12709 Banjo appears to be an updated version than yours.
Hope this helps. Looks like sandwparts.com might be able to help.
From Lionel site:
lionelsupport.com/ReplacementParts/?doAcindex.cfmtion=productPartFilter&number=6-12709&productID=667EC6B5-2EB2-4DF1-B87FF9909D24AC32
see Lionel "Replacement Parts"
sandwparts.com/Parts%20List/10%20Digit.pdf
TedW: Lionel called this a "Vibrotor." It was also used in 342 and 345 Culvert Loader and Unloader, 334 Dispatching Billboard, 192 Railroad Control Tower, 464 Sawmill / Lumber Mill, and 264 Forklift. It was cheaper and easier to assemble than a separate motor. Today a small DC can motor fills the bill.
Lionel Owner Manual, if you didn't get one.
lionelsupport.com/media/servicedocuments/71-4090-250.pdf
The Vibrotor relies on the AC 60 hertz cycle to vibrate the rubber fingers on the washer against the missing part, which then rotates the cup. Same principle as your old NFL Electric Football game. On this accessory it works exceptionally well.
Jon 
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