1st off, great review once again.
I too bought some of the Lionel Amtrak pass cars. I only got a 2 car set and the sound car though. I mainly run 2 rail and I am considering converting them in the future. I was just dabbling to check out the quality and the attempt. I bought the MTH 2 rail version (of the engine) and the paint scheme I chose got delivered with the wrong blue used (phase IV). It does match one of the heritage colors though?
As far as this engine, IMO the engine is best run as a set with the cabbage. I feel although the cabbage is fairly expensive for a non-powered unit, it does complete the train and takes advantage of some great engineering once again from Lionel. I know these had some bad reviews, but once again the concept was spot on. I looked closely at getting a pair (set) and also always the Acela sets.
So to close, although you spend a ton on trains Eric, do yourself some justice and get the matching cabbage unit.
