The Animated News Stand No. 128 was produced between 1957 and 1960 and relied on levers and gears to rotate the news boy, move the news attendant to the front counter, and move the dog around the fire hydrant. The operating voltage was critical to proper operation of this accessory. The Lionel Service Manual states that 11 to 13 volts should be used. If too much voltage is applied the drive line will slip its pulley and the news stand will make a chattering sound.

Activation of this accessory was accomplished with the use of the No. 364C (pictured to the right). A No. 145C Contact could also be used to activate the animation. Only one instruction sheet (No. 120-80) is known that has BLUE ink printed on WHITE paper and is dated 10-57.

All of the examples that have been found have a painted GREEN news stand house assembly part No. 128-84. This part was molded in various colors and it is almost impossible to tell the color of the molded plastic without removing the shell from the base. The base was molded in a TAN color. Various shades are known to exist. The dog appears to be hand painted as no two examples are identical.

It is difficult to find this accessory with an original newspaper that is held in place only by friction to the boy’s hand. Many parts have been reproduced for the news stand. There are three variations:

Variation A: Has a bright KELLY GREEN painted news stand house (No. 128-84). Most likely this was the first production in 1957.

Variation B: Has a DARK GREEN news stand house.

Variation C: Has two holes drilled in the roof probably for the mounting of flags. This was most likely done to supplement Lionel’s slot car products.

Dimensions: 8-1/2 inches long, 6-1/4 inches deep, and 4-1/4 inches high