need source for part 6557-12, heating element, or substitute (K-Line, MTH?). original is 6volt unit in series with lamp, seems like a 12v unit in parallel would work as well, unless lionel had a better idea in 1956.
It would work, but not as well. The lamp reduces the change in the heater current caused by the varying track voltage, giving a more consistent smoke output at different train speeds.
Hello Ron-Aida! Try Dr.Tinkers Toy Trains Website. He should be able to help you.Just type it in on your address bar. Good Luck.