I know its easy to make up the headlights with LED's, but I found screw in base bulbs on the Bay. not sure if any work. if you guys have tried them successfully in the base for headights in the MTH steamers, let me know.
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Chris-
Town and Country Hobbies has a variety of LED bulbs designed to be drop-in replacements for miniature bayonet/screw in bulbs found in locomotives, including yours. I would recommend looking for a warm white bulb, as this color is the closest match to an incadescent bulb. Most LED bulbs advertised on eBay or through auto parts stores are 12V DC and would require the addition of a diode and resistor to work properly in your locomotive.
-John
Terry-
Thanks - that is the style of bulb I was referring to. 18volt LED bulbs would be better if the headlight is powered directly off of the track, but since most MTH units have constant voltage lighting, 12v should be fine.
-John
You might try TrainaidsA They are more expensive, but I think they are 18v. They have several different types. I use them in the Lionel track bumpers (big heavy diecast metal ones) at 18v track power. May be worth a look anyway?
Chris,
Totally off topic, but I wasn't going to resurrect a thread from last March. Did you ever finish your dummy engine that you were adding a smoke unit to?
Mike
actually, I did not. they have the electrification kit for diesels and I at least want to look into it, But, I might fabricate circuits (cheaper) and light up the entire engine and number boards with lots of LED's. Originally Posted by mjrodg3n88:
Chris,
Totally off topic, but I wasn't going to resurrect a thread from last March. Did you ever finish your dummy engine that you were adding a smoke unit to?
Mike
so these on ebay will fit the front headlight of the MTH engines? nice! this should look really good. john and terry, thanks for the leads. im going to look at T&C also. Originally Posted by arrsd90:
I think John , suggested these, over in 1 of the many LED,. threads
I ordered and THEY DO WORK !!
Terry
I see T&C has a screw in LED-1447ww. warm white. is this the one that will fit? you guys used this one?
I am going the route of custom LED units and bypassing these setups for screw in bases. better results with the light going into the housing of the headlight
Once I saw the difference between the LED right in the headlight and trying to use the lame bulb socket, this was always an easy choice for me. 
