Lionel Banjo #2140

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

At the Greenberg show this past weekend in Maryland, I bought a #2140 Banjo Signal because I had always wanted one and this one was the only one I saw at the show (I got a good price on it, too, which always helps). Anyway, I was surprised to find the signal made of metal, not plastic, and to have the No. 140 stamped on the base. I did a little research, but I am confused. Apparently, this is postwar inventory that Lionel was trying to get rid of and sold it as the #2140. So…my question is the following: is this signal a leftover from the postwar that was put into a new box or is it simply made from the mold of the original postwar? Essentially, is my #2140 an old #140 from the 50s and 60s or is it a 70s knock-off?

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!

2

There were a number of items that were made from leftover parts when General Mills took over production in 1970. It sounds like you found one of those made in 70 or 71. On most of the accessories made in the 70’s the number 2 was added to the old 3 digit Lionel number. In this case the old 140 became 2140. Later versions were made more cheaply using plastic, if I’m not mistaken.