Light bulbs for Lionel/MTH cabooses

Try Caboose Hobbies in Denver.  303-777-6766.  Ask for "Repairs".

ChipR

The earlier Lionel postwar cabooses used a 431 lamp and the later used a 57 lamp. They would look the same with a bayonet base. The 57 is rated at 12 to 16 volts and 0.20 amps.  The 431 is rated at 14 volts and 0.25 amps.  I did not check the smoking caboose, which may be different.  It is important to use the correct lamp in the smoking caboose.  The 57 should be a good substitute for the 431 and should still be available. I believe it was an automotive lamp, as opposed to the 431, which I think was a Toy Train lamp. The 57, or at least a china copy of it, should be available from any of the toy train parts dealers.  You may also find it at a good auto parts store like a Napa store.  Be careful about using substitutes.  If the substitute runs at a higher wattage, it could get too hot and melt the plastic shell of the caboose.  There are probably LED replacements also available.

I just checked and Jeff, the Train Tender at ttender.com, 585-229-2050, has both 431 and 57 at $0.50 each. But you will need to buy several of each to keep the shipping cost reasonable. 

All the info on bulbs, including LED replacements, can be found here.

Larry