Boilermaker1 posted:In those early years of AEM7s, Phase 1, 2 and 3 were all mixed together. Theres lots of photos of toasters with phase 1 cars mixed into the trains. Just remember that through the 80s, AEM7s did NOT have ditch lights... that means finding either the Proto 1 version, or an Atlas one and probably doing some kind of electronics upgrade.
One can also do a shell swap with a PS1 and PS3 model, then paint the erroneous blue over with Amtrak blue from Proto-Paint or Badger. I think that is easier and less frustrating than upgrading the Atlas AEM7s, unless you are into conventional operation or use Lionel CC systems. I also shined the wheels and detailed the roof according to shots from the 80s/90s. With a little effort, a very nice and accurate model can be had. Now, we just need a string of GGD Amfleets behind them.
In the shot above, you can see the difference between Badger's Amtrak Blue, (look at the long mid-section) as compared to the purple-ish MTH 'blue' under the cab, (I haven't finished painting these yet). Some of the older AEM7s sported a darker blue instead of the newer (and lighter) Heritage blue they used in later years.