Tip for getting the beacon to rotate - Put a little dry graphite lubricant (the small squeeze tube sold at hardware stores to lubricate locks) in the dimple of the bulb. That and some vibration from the train spins the beacon great!
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Finicky, is about the nicest word you can use to describe the 394. It is critical that each of the little vents in the beacon are exactly the same and not more than about 3/32” open. After that, it is a matter how hot you can get the bulb. Also, no fans or open windows and breath gently
The 14v 461 dimple bulb is available from a few sources. I would have a few on hand since their life is pretty short. I have a 394 but only turn it on when I have visitors. Good luck!
I've got the silver #394 and once I adjusted the vents I've never had any trouble. Now, I don't know if this makes a difference, but the beacon top I have isn't a Lionel original. I think it looks more like a repro of a Marx. It's VERY lightweight. I operate it at 14V.
Agree on all of the above (I have silver 394). Vent adjustment is key. And I also keep a supply of the dimples on hand. I burn them out at a clip much more than any other lights on the layout.
It is funny about vibration caused by moving trains with these things. I get best results when both my levels of track are in use.
I finally gave up on my 394, removed the bulb, put in a rolled up piece of note paper and made it into a stationery beacon. 
I have an aquarium pump hose running up the center of the tower providing an extra breeze from below so I can turn the bulb brightness down to a bearable level. There is a valve in the air line to adjust the speed, & I get several years out of each bulb.
I gave up on the ones I had, and sold them. I went for an MTH one with a vibrating motor. It too can be a little finicky. However if it doesn't want to go I just bang the layout with my side-fist to "reboot" it. I call that "remote" control. Generally, it does work fine. One with a geared down can motor would be ideal.
I did install a can motor on my frustrating postwar radar tower, and it works like a charm.
Alan
@ADCX Rob posted:I have an aquarium pump hose running up the center of the tower providing an extra breeze from below so I can turn the bulb brightness down to a bearable level. There is a valve in the air line to adjust the speed, & I get several years out of each bulb.
Can you post a few pictures? I recently picked up a Lionel 394 beacon and can't get it to spin. The aquarium pump solution sounds interesting.
@JeffPo posted:Can you post a few pictures?
I will, but probably won't get to it until Sunday or Monday as I am at the lake while the weather holds out.
ADCX Rob
That idea of an aquarium pumps sounds like good one. Thanks for posting it. I will have to dig out the old aquarium pump from the hot attic.
Charlie
Seems like a lot of "kit-bashing" for an otherwise unremarkable accessory. Never had one, never wanted one.
