Bulbs for 2156

I could not find the parts list for the 2156, but I did find one for the 2129 and the 2323 freight stations (http://www.lionel.com/media/su...ent10/10Complete.pdf).

The bulbs that are used in these two are the 363-300 bulbs.

You could call the folks at Brasseur's and they would probably know for sure. http://www.traindoctor.com/service/bulbs.asp

Rick

The bulbs will be quite dim if you use 1445/363/53/57 replacements.  Use GE 51 bulbs(7.5v) and they will be quite bright at 12 volts.   They are connected in series on the 2156, so you are looking for a 6-12 volt bulb.  This being the case, when one blows out, they both go out.

EDIT:  These are bayonet base bulbs, the 2156 needs screw base bulbs.  The bulbs for the 156 should work, # GE 50.

I'd rather a dim bulb, as the roof seems to be very translucent.

I lined my roof with aluminum foil to stop the translucence. Also improved light to platform. I suspect white card stock could be used as well.

they are screw base also

good idea!

You could possibly use one of these also http://www.trainaidsa.com/shop-leds.shtml#e5

The Lionel service manual calls for a 1442-303 lamp.  That is 18volts, probably white painted.  Will glow dimmer at lower voltage.

that's an idea!

I the the original 156 used # 50 bulb correct?

those may be too bulky. Should be good for my 6441 passenger cars though

would the 6441 cars take a 303 lamp?

     My copy of "Greenberg's Lionel Modern Era Diagrams and Parts Lists" shows a complete breakdown of the 2156 and for the bulbs they indicate using 1442-303. Elsewhere, a 1442-303 is described as an 18 volt white (not clear) screw type bulb.

Hope this helps.

John Knapp

Erie, not Eerie

would these work - http://www.ebay.com/itm/1442W-Replacement-18V-Tear-Drop-White-Bulbs-for-Lionel-Lamp-Posts-3-Pieces-/111010914309?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item19d8c42005

Those will work.  Very dimly, anyway, which may OK due to the translucence of the roof.

awesome - Thanks!!

When I bought one new in '72, they came with the bulbs like Rob showed. They were left over bulbs from the postwar #58 streetlamp from the late '40's. The factory must have had quite a few left over when MPC bought the Lionel stock.

In a couple of Greenberg guides, Roland LaVoie says the bulbs in at least some 2156s were even older than that -- prewar GEs marked with the "Mazda" trademark GE stopped using at the time of WWII.

Martin