Skip to main content

I like the Amtrak license logo on the box.

BCF8EC8B-70C4-468E-8F6C-B80F8D84712B

Viewliner II Diner detail

83C8B758-EF82-4B84-9AE7-513DFF150B39

Viewliner II Sleeper:

630FDFA3-D275-4057-8A67-DCC5482BEFBA

80DBD075-AB5F-4E58-92B6-D02F76EDD65B

95CC822C-FCB8-4CDC-B8A3-768FCB051448

8983F9B1-F6E8-4371-BB0D-D86DD01FB329

Car length coupler to coupler:

57E60A87-814A-4449-BB1F-0FF4FD66BA1A

Car body length:

0BA9F9D6-DC12-44C9-80EB-9D5B35CEF08A

These doo dads were included in each box.  I'm not sure if they are extras or items that need to be installed.  They are metal.

967744CA-0857-440D-9DA3-287E38036B40

Unfortunately, upon closer inspection it looks like the coach car has the cafe interior and the cafe car has the coach interior.  Not sure if it's just a simple switching of the car bodies or not.

I hope everyone who bought these cars enjoys them as much as I will!  There are six Amtrak F40PH's, four P42's, a P40, a half dozen AEM-7 Toasters, an HHP-8, and three Dash-8's all jostling for position to pull these beauties!  And a 44 Tonner to line them up at the station!!

The consist I assembled in this set are as follows:
4 Amfleet Phase VI Coaches
1 Amfleet Phase VI Cafe car
2 Viewliner II Phase VI Baggage Cars
2 Viewliner II  Phase VI Sleeper Cars
1 Viewliner Phase VI Diner

Now I have to get some power to the tracks!!  Videos will come after that.

Attachments

Images (9)
  • BCF8EC8B-70C4-468E-8F6C-B80F8D84712B
  • 83C8B758-EF82-4B84-9AE7-513DFF150B39
  • 630FDFA3-D275-4057-8A67-DCC5482BEFBA
  • 80DBD075-AB5F-4E58-92B6-D02F76EDD65B
  • 95CC822C-FCB8-4CDC-B8A3-768FCB051448
  • 8983F9B1-F6E8-4371-BB0D-D86DD01FB329
  • 967744CA-0857-440D-9DA3-287E38036B40
  • 57E60A87-814A-4449-BB1F-0FF4FD66BA1A
  • 0BA9F9D6-DC12-44C9-80EB-9D5B35CEF08A
Last edited by Traindiesel
@Traindiesel posted:




Car body length:

0BA9F9D6-DC12-44C9-80EB-9D5B35CEF08A

These doo dads were included in each box.  I'm not sure if they are extras or items that need to be installed.  They are metal.

967744CA-0857-440D-9DA3-287E38036B40



Only in the OHHH gauges do you get.. " hey look it's 21" long, it must be scale... "

My N and HO scale buddies are always poking fun at my community, creative compression everywhere. These cars are scaled down from 1:1 to 1:48 granted the 1:29 couplers you guys use in 3RS might add another scale 3 feet.

NICE CARS SCOTT!

The Miracle Worker.

Last edited by Erik C Lindgren
@GG1 4877 posted:

There are 12 sleeper car names.  Yes.  Someone ordered 12 sleepers and we needed unique names for each.  This buyer is anonymous and and I wouldn't share it if I knew it.  Good thing Amtrak has lots of great names to use on their River series sleepers!   

Are the 12 sleepers all in a single paint scheme or split across several?

Looking forward to Friday's delivery. =)

There are 24 unique names and numbers spread across Phase 3 and 6 for the sleepers. Other cars we did less unique names/numbers based on the highest quantity from any single customer.

The little people are the same as always with 10 in each car. Supposed to be anyway. 

Glad people are enjoying these. Hats off to Jonathan. He really single handedly delivered and checked the painting and lettering all the way through the process. Even Amtrak (Matt) was involved in the corrections process and sending information as design and production progressed. Looks like we will need to do a rerun of these along with Amfleet IIs and Viewliner Is.

@sdmann posted:

There are 24 unique names and numbers spread across Phase 3 and 6 for the sleepers. Other cars we did less unique names/numbers based on the highest quantity from any single customer.

The little people are the same as always with 10 in each car. Supposed to be anyway.

Glad people are enjoying these. Hats off to Jonathan. He really single handedly delivered and checked the painting and lettering all the way through the process. Even Amtrak (Matt) was involved in the corrections process and sending information as design and production progressed. Looks like we will need to do a rerun of these along with Amfleet IIs and Viewliner Is.

Much appreciation to Scott and Jonathan on the project! Hats off to all of the team I have not had the chance to speak with. Looking forward to a future rerun and a chance to complete the run. Might take a few reruns given the scope of this set.

Glad people are enjoying these. Hats off to Jonathan. He really single handedly delivered and checked the painting and lettering all the way through the process. Even Amtrak (Matt) was involved in the corrections process and sending information as design and production progressed. Looks like we will need to do a rerun of these along with Amfleet IIs and Viewliner Is.

I'll be the first to put in an order for 5 Amfleet II's and a couple Viewliner I's in Phase VI!

@sdmann posted:

There are 24 unique names and numbers spread across Phase 3 and 6 for the sleepers. Other cars we did less unique names/numbers based on the highest quantity from any single customer.

The little people are the same as always with 10 in each car. Supposed to be anyway.

Glad people are enjoying these. Hats off to Jonathan. He really single handedly delivered and checked the painting and lettering all the way through the process. Even Amtrak (Matt) was involved in the corrections process and sending information as design and production progressed. Looks like we will need to do a rerun of these along with Amfleet IIs and Viewliner Is.

Yea! Im in for phase VI Viewliner sleepers and Phase VI AmfleetII's!

BTW, the F.B. Amtrak group's smaller scale guys and gals are Jealous of us O scalers right now...until Rapido does them.

I know that they're a lot of Amtrak detractors out there and on this forum that think that only passenger trains pre-1971 are worth running on their layouts, but I'm glad to see the unbridled enthusiasm over these GGD Amtrak units these past few months. If the PRR, NYC, Milwaukee Road and others had this much love towards them in the 1960s as they do now, they would have never went belly up.

It's been like a Christmas morning to many.

Is it another 1,237th version of a Warbonnet? Nope.  Doesn't have to be.  There is a dedicated market out there for Amtrak. Glad Scott and his group took this step.

Last edited by Amfleet25124

I started out with heritage trains, then a mixture of heritage cars like early Amtrak, then heritage cars painted for Amtrak now the Amfleets and Viewliners.  Tom Marsh, founder Overland Models, 40 years ago told me people model what they remember so the progression to modern Amtrak was inevitable.  I watched the Powhatan Arrow in red then blue then stainless steel and blue...........now the red, white and blue of Amtrak.  Thank you Scott Mann!!!

@Traindiesel posted:

I like the Amtrak license logo on the box.

BCF8EC8B-70C4-468E-8F6C-B80F8D84712B

Viewliner II Diner detail

83C8B758-EF82-4B84-9AE7-513DFF150B39

Viewliner II Sleeper:

630FDFA3-D275-4057-8A67-DCC5482BEFBA

80DBD075-AB5F-4E58-92B6-D02F76EDD65B

95CC822C-FCB8-4CDC-B8A3-768FCB051448

8983F9B1-F6E8-4371-BB0D-D86DD01FB329

Car length coupler to coupler:

57E60A87-814A-4449-BB1F-0FF4FD66BA1A

Car body length:

0BA9F9D6-DC12-44C9-80EB-9D5B35CEF08A

These doo dads were included in each box.  I'm not sure if they are extras or items that need to be installed.  They are metal.

967744CA-0857-440D-9DA3-287E38036B40

Those doo dads are the end stirrups that you might want to install for terminal switching. The air line hoses is optional for 3 railers.

20210808_10164520210808_10323220210808_103655

Attachments

Images (3)
  • 20210808_101645
  • 20210808_103232
  • 20210808_103655
@sdmann posted:

There are 24 unique names and numbers spread across Phase 3 and 6 for the sleepers. Other cars we did less unique names/numbers based on the highest quantity from any single customer.

The little people are the same as always with 10 in each car. Supposed to be anyway.

Glad people are enjoying these. Hats off to Jonathan. He really single handedly delivered and checked the painting and lettering all the way through the process. Even Amtrak (Matt) was involved in the corrections process and sending information as design and production progressed. Looks like we will need to do a rerun of these along with Amfleet IIs and Viewliner Is.

As someone who commutes on the NE Corridor at least a few times a month, these are AWESOME.  I'll be getting in on a potential Run #2.

I currently have no Amtrak engines on my layout, but looking out the window leaving Washington Union Station yesterday, I saw several not counting the plethora of old EMD switchers there.  Can anyone shed light on which road locos might map to which Amfleet / Viewliner Phases, in real life and what's been done and / or currently available in 3 rail?

As an aside, and I know it would be likely limited interest -- MARC / Bombardier's bi-level cars would be really cool, and I'd sign up for a train of those as they've never been done in O (scale or gauge) to my knowledge.

@GG1 4877 posted:

Did anyone on the forum get Phase I, II or IV cars?  I'd love to see some photos of those.

I originally had thought about a Phase II set to go with E60s.  Then Viewliners got announced and E60s got canceled.  Lol.

I ordered one of the Phase I sets, but I still did not get an e-mail to confirm the shipping label yet. I was probably one of the people who payed a little bit later after the first announcement of when they will arrive in America, so I understand.

@BlueFeather posted:


I currently have no Amtrak engines on my layout, but looking out the window leaving Washington Union Station yesterday, I saw several not counting the plethora of old EMD switchers there.  Can anyone shed light on which road locos might map to which Amfleet / Viewliner Phases, in real life and what's been done and / or currently available in 3 rail?



Amfleet Phase I would match E and F units, Phase 1 SDP40Fs, and Phase II F40PHs(MTH/Lionel).  On the corridor, it would go well with Amtrak GG1s (black and Phase I -MTH and Lionel) and Phase II E60s ( no one) They wouldn't match any of the Viewliner Equipment.

Phase II Amfleets would go well with Phase II, III F40PHs (MTH and Lionel), Phase III AEM-7s (MTH), Phase II E60 (no one) , Phase II and III P30CHs (no one), Phase II and III FL9s, and phase I and II SDP40Fs. They still won't match the Viewliners.

Phase III and IV Amfleets and Phase IV Viewliners would look good with Phase III and IV F40PHs, Genesis engines (MTH), AEM-7s (MTH), Dash 8s (MTH and Atlas), HHP-8 (Lionel), E60s (MTH)

Phase VI Amfleets and Viewliners and Phase III (reprised) Viewliner IIs will match  Phase V Genesis (MTH), AEM-7 (MTH), HHP-8 (Lionel), ACS-64 (no one...yet), Phase IV and V Dash 8s (MTH and Atlas) and the chargers (no one)

That's all I can think of at this point.

@P42Amtrak83 posted:

Amfleet Phase I would match E and F units, Phase 1 SDP40Fs, and Phase II F40PHs(MTH/Lionel).  On the corridor, it would go well with Amtrak GG1s (black and Phase I -MTH and Lionel) and Phase II E60s ( no one) They wouldn't match any of the Viewliner Equipment.

Phase II Amfleets would go well with Phase II, III F40PHs (MTH and Lionel), Phase III AEM-7s (MTH), Phase II E60 (no one) , Phase II and III P30CHs (no one), Phase II and III FL9s, and phase I and II SDP40Fs. They still won't match the Viewliners.

Phase III and IV Amfleets and Phase IV Viewliners would look good with Phase III and IV F40PHs, Genesis engines (MTH), AEM-7s (MTH), Dash 8s (MTH and Atlas), HHP-8 (Lionel), E60s (MTH)

Phase VI Amfleets and Viewliners and Phase III (reprised) Viewliner IIs will match  Phase V Genesis (MTH), AEM-7 (MTH), HHP-8 (Lionel), ACS-64 (no one...yet), Phase IV and V Dash 8s (MTH and Atlas) and the chargers (no one)

That's all I can think of at this point.

Holy smokes!  This is fantastic info, thanks so much!  I will need something to pull these after all.  ;-)

UPS just dropped off my diner and baggage cars. Overall super pleased with them. The interior on the dining car will get some upgrades including painting, removing the partitions between tables, and adding a wall between the kitchen and walkway. All in all, phenomenal cars! Really hoping to pick up a bag/ dorm car and then ready for the Amfleet II and Viewliner I to finish my Crescent circa 2019.20210908_17454720210908_17460220210908_17463520210908_17470320210908_17471120210908_17521820210908_17585320210908_175944

Screenshot_20210908-180240_Gallery

Attachments

Images (9)
  • 20210908_174547: The dining car looks beautiful with the lights on.
  • 20210908_174602
  • 20210908_174635: Need to cover the back side of the photo etched vents.
  • 20210908_174703: The baggage car has different diaphragms than the diner for some reason. Anyone else?
  • 20210908_174711: Simple and elegant like the real thing
  • 20210908_175218: Kitchen area of the diner. I think the food health inspector will want a wall between the public.
  • 20210908_175853: K-Line Superliner with the GGD cars.
  • 20210908_175944: Slightly warmer shade of silver on these cars than the K-Line Superliners.
  • Screenshot_20210908-180240_Gallery: Interior of one of the real dining cars.
@VGN64 posted:

If you are doing a Crescent as I am shouldn’t we be using Amfleet II cars as they only have one door on each side while Amfleet I cars have two doors on a side.  Amtrak ordered the Amfleet II cars for long distance trains.  Here is a video of a recent Crescent in Lynchburg, VA.

You are correct that Amfleet II cars serve on the long distance trains.  The major differences are larger windows and the single vestibule.  Amfleet I cars currently mainly serve the NE Corridor and in Keystone service.  However they also were used in San Joaquin Valley service, contract commuter services out of Boston, and some Chicago Corridor routes.  Many of those Amfleet I's were replaced with Horizon cars in the Midwest and Amtrak California bi-level cars in California.

Starting in the late 80's Amfleet II coaches and Cafes started replacing Heritage Coaches and Lounges on the Broadway Limited when I was riding it fairly frequently.  In all honestly, I always preferred the ride of the Heritage cars.  When I was able to get a Slumbercoach berth, that was even better! 

Looking forward to the Phase III Slumbercoach as I plan on building the Broadway Limited I am familiar with.  Getting close with the cars.

Last edited by GG1 4877
@P42Amtrak83 posted:

Amfleet Phase I would match E and F units, Phase 1 SDP40Fs, and Phase II F40PHs(MTH/Lionel).  On the corridor, it would go well with Amtrak GG1s (black and Phase I -MTH and Lionel) and Phase II E60s ( no one) They wouldn't match any of the Viewliner Equipment.

Phase II Amfleets would go well with Phase II, III F40PHs (MTH and Lionel), Phase III AEM-7s (MTH), Phase II E60 (no one) , Phase II and III P30CHs (no one), Phase II and III FL9s, and phase I and II SDP40Fs. They still won't match the Viewliners.

Phase III and IV Amfleets and Phase IV Viewliners would look good with Phase III and IV F40PHs, Genesis engines (MTH), AEM-7s (MTH), Dash 8s (MTH and Atlas), HHP-8 (Lionel), E60s (MTH)

Phase VI Amfleets and Viewliners and Phase III (reprised) Viewliner IIs will match  Phase V Genesis (MTH), AEM-7 (MTH), HHP-8 (Lionel), ACS-64 (no one...yet), Phase IV and V Dash 8s (MTH and Atlas) and the chargers (no one)

That's all I can think of at this point.

A few corrections if I may be permitted.

  • Amtrak also leased PC GG1s prior to that roads demise and some Amtrak GG1s still retained their PRR DGLE Single Stripe with the Amtrak Helvetica white stencil centered under the stripe.  The GG1 replaced the original Metroliner cars in Metroliner service and is the only time they were scheduled for 100 mph operation.  All Amtrak GG1s were retired in 1981.  Amtrak with help, did repaint GG1 4935 into it's PRR DGLE 5 stripe paint scheme in 1977.  It ran with this paint until retirement.  Since Amfleet cars required Head End Power and GG1s only had steam generators, Amtrak had a small fleet of HEP cars that were either converted coaches or baggage cars.  They ran either at the end of the train or just behind the locomotive.   In addition to MTH and Lionel, Weaver offered their brass GG1 in Penn Central and Amtrak Phase I paint and Williams has produced the scale GG1 in PC and Amtrak Phase I.
  • In addition to Lionel and MTH, K-line made the F40PH in Phase III paint in three numbers.  It is very similar to the Lionel offering.  Possibly the same tooling although Lionel has stated otherwise.
  • SDP40Fs were all built with steam generators and while they may have pulled Amfleet cars, it would only be if they were leading an F40PH that provided the Head End Power to the Amfleet Cars.  SDP40Fs were built specifically for long distance trains that at the time consisted of predecessor road steam heated equipment.  While most got remanufactured into F40PHS, some SDP40Fs lasted long enough to get painted in Phase III paint.  MTH has offered the FP45 in Amtrak Phase I paint in the Railking Scale line, but the SDP40F is really a different locomotive on closer inspection.  Athearn has done an excellent SDP40F in HO and Kato one in N scale.
  • FL9s were remanufactured for Amtrak in 1978 with HEP generator sets so there are photos of the FL9 in an early Phase III paint scheme pulling Phase II painted Amfleet cars.  3rd Rail made the FL9 around 2013 in the later Phase III paint scheme so it is most appropriate for Phase III painted Amfleet cars.  The few other F units that Amtrak inherited were never converted to HEP and were mainly former Southern Pacific FP7s.
  • A total of 5 E units were converted to HEP.  Most of the E units retained their steam generators for use on long distance steam heated trains.
  • Atlas also produced the AEM7 in 1999 in the Phase III paint scheme and it is a wonderful model even though it does not have command. 
  • Williams has also produced the Genesis locomotives in all the various paint schemes. 
@GG1 4877 posted:

Did anyone on the forum get Phase I, II or IV cars?  I'd love to see some photos of those.

I originally had thought about a Phase II set to go with E60s.  Then Viewliners got announced and E60s got canceled.  Lol.

I did get a pair of Phase Is and IIs. I also have IVs coming. Tracking shows delivery Friday. Have a car show this weekend and hopefully can open them up Sunday.

@sdmann posted:

Glad people are enjoying these. Hats off to Jonathan. He really single handedly delivered and checked the painting and lettering all the way through the process. Even Amtrak (Matt) was involved in the corrections process and sending information as design and production progressed. Looks like we will need to do a rerun of these along with Amfleet IIs and Viewliner Is.

As someone who was not able to preorder because I was a broke college kid when they were originally announced, I am really hoping that this second run is also done in the modern Amtrak Phase VI paint scheme.

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×