post war floodlight tower problems

Assuming you mean a 195 Floodlight tower, you need #12 lamps that run at 6.3 volts - you however are likely using #19 lamps that run at 12-14 volts (hence they burn dimmer). The floodlight towers place the #12 bulbs in series giving the 12-14 volt operating range.

You can get the #12 bulbs locally at Napa:

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/LMA12

Or online:

https://www.amazon.com/12-Mini...b-Pack/dp/B00BQGKFFM

If you are using a 395, the same issue (different bulb form factor). You need to use #51 bulbs rated at 6 volts in this accessory as they too are wired in series for a 12-14 volt operating range.

Thanks for the tip!!! I just ordered them from NAPA, and now we shall see how they work, when the bulbs come in at the store.

One other thing to try: remove and reinsert the bulbs. Sometimes the electrical connections get a bit flakey.

Not certain about imports, but all the US made #12 and #19 bulbs I've seen are marked. It can be very hard to read, but the bulb number is embossed on the flat glass part of the bulb, one number on each side of the pins. GE bulbs are marked "G" and "E" on the opposite side. Tung Sol bulbs are marked "T" and "S".  Also one letter on each side of the pins.  

These bulbs are all very fragile, the bases chip easily, sometimes just a bit, other times a pin will come loose.
I don't think it took very long for GE to obsolete the 2-pin base. Lionel continued to use them long after they were obsoleted.

OK thanks. I tried the bulbs in different parts of the bank of lights. The bulbs burned differently at times, so maybe it isn't the bulbs, but something is now amiss in the wiring of the bank. In any case, I orderd 8 to see if they make a difference. If not, then it probably is a faulty bank in itself. From NAPA I will probably find out the bulbs are imports. Thanks.

From NAPA I will probably find out the bulbs are imports.

That is almost a certainty. I am fairly positive that no miniature lamps (bulbs) are manufactured in the USA any longer.
General Electric purchased  a bulb manufacturing company in Europe (1989-90) and consolidated their operations there some time ago .

A November 2017 article stated that GE is looking to get out of the light bulb business altogether.

I just purchased a box of #12 6V 2 pin miniature bulbs on amazon.com that are used on the P/W #195 floodlight tower.   The #19 2 pin 12V bulbs are used on the Lionel P/W block signals but you will need to paint them red or green as Lionel once did. All 2 pin bulbs are now Chinese imports

Thanks. I found out our NAPA store has to try and locate the bulbs I ordered from them. They never saw these nor stock. Coming from Illinois. Had to buy full package of 10, and pay shipping. So much for NAPA. Good thing I called them, as they hadn't called me to tell me of the problem, and if I still wanted to order them, but maybe they would have called later in the day.

Here is my floodlight at ~12VAC with the proper #12 bulbs:

Here is the same tower when I mix in some #19 bulbs with the #12:

You get the uneven brightness you described.

Here I have circled where I placed the #19 bulbs (note that this affected the brightness of even the appropriate #12 bulbs due to the series wiring):

Thanks! I do get that type of dimness so hopefully when I get the #12 bulbs things will work out! Thanks for taking the time to show this and photograph it for my information!! 

Jeff