GGD Viewliners ad in OGR !!!!

I got the Viewliners on on our web site. I have to let you all know that we are not able to do the Amfleet cars in Plastic.  We expected many more car orders than we got. The total quantity of orders so far is only 400 Amfleet cars. To make this quantity we need to go to Aluminum construction. Not a problem, we know very well how to make Aluminum cars. But the per car price is higher than that of plastic. Viewliners will be the same construction, Aluminum. I hope that doesn't keep too many customers away. We will make a very nice car out of Aluminum. I will be emailing all those that reserved the Amfleet cars today.

Nothing is etched in stone as of what we produce, so make your suggestions to me by email.

Here's the web page:

http://www.goldengatedepot.com...rvation.html#AMFLEET

Thank You,

Scott Mann

My new order is in.  I clicked on revise previous order.  

Awesome Scott!  Are you able to produce cars in the latest scheme discuss a while back?  I think it's the Phase VI with the new Amtrak logo?  If so, I will reserve some Amfleets and viewliners. 

Just put my order in for a baggage, diner, and sleeper. Hoping this works out!

Mike DeBerg posted:

Awesome Scott!  Are you able to produce cars in the latest scheme discuss a while back?  I think it's the Phase VI with the new Amtrak logo?  If so, I will reserve some Amfleets and viewliners. 

What he said. 
also, there’s a distinction between Phase III and the new version of “Phase III” with the service mark and “Amtrak America” logo.  
the VLIIs should only be in this new paint job, but when it’s listed as Phase III that reads to me as the Helvetica “Amtrak” logo and noodle script “Viewliner” that the VLI sleepers were delivered in.  
Need a little clarification here to order correctly.

I’m sure Jonathan @GG1 4877 will chime in.... 

I would also be in for 2 of these Viewliners if done in Amtrak's Phase VI livery-- those are very popular cars on many trains throughout the US.

sdmann posted:

I got the Viewliners on on our web site. I have to let you all know that we are not able to do the Amfleet cars in Plastic.  We expected many more car orders than we got. The total quantity of orders so far is only 400 Amfleet cars. To make this quantity we need to go to Aluminum construction. Not a problem, we know very well how to make Aluminum cars. But the per car price is higher than that of plastic. Viewliners will be the same construction, Aluminum. I hope that doesn't keep too many customers away. We will make a very nice car out of Aluminum. I will be emailing all those that reserved the Amfleet cars today.

Nothing is etched in stone as of what we produce, so make your suggestions to me by email.

Here's the web page:

http://www.goldengatedepot.com...rvation.html#AMFLEET

Thank You,

Scott Mann

 

So since they will now be made in aluminum, will we get the Ball Bearing Trucks like the Full Dome?

I am doing an order as we speak.  I have no issue with aluminum.

I sent an E-mail to Scott to see if he would also make a limited run of the Amtrak Business car 10001 and the "American View" Viewliner car.

Both are Business cars/"observation cars" with "10001" having an Open platform and "American View" Amtraks Theatre car.

BTW, What are the chances that Lionel would be advertising this car in the upcoming catalog next week!

Scott, are you going to offer the Viewliners in an 18-inch long version?  I would love a Viewliner Baggage car to go along with my MTH 18” Superliners. 

Pantenary posted:

I am doing an order as we speak.  I have no issue with aluminum.

I prefer aluminum.   So do some others that were not ordering because of plastic.   

VistaDomeScott posted:

Pantenary posted:

I am doing an order as we speak.  I have no issue with aluminum.

I prefer aluminum.   So do some others that were not ordering because of plastic.   

As do I.  Obviously I cannot be too much of a purist since none of my motors are in aluminum (minus the plating on the newer AEM7s), but I think aluminum cars look and feel much more realistic.

Scott Mann, any possibility the Combine Viewliner car could be done?  This is a new car Amtrak is using, part crew dorm, part baggage.   It would only wear phase III striping with the color mark logo.

Here is a video shows the combo baggage Crew dorm car on the end of the train, at the end of the video.  Also seen here, Full Viewliner baggage on the front of the train, Viewliner Diner as well.  All three seen in phase III striping with current color mark logo:

 https://youtu.be/8SyCj3QDty0

And here are 2 dorm baggage cars, as well as a variety of Viewliners on the end:

https://youtu.be/lbCmli8Z2G4

I am out of it. I have over 35 extruded aluminum passenger cars, and wish I had the space to add more.

Plastic does a better job of detail, but I have an irrational desire to not own any plastic models ever.  Guess that means I have to sell my Train Masters.

I do have one plastic GGD heavyweight Pullman.  It is a work of art!  But I run my Walthers heavyweights, and am happy with them.

GGD has been a hugely positive influence on the hobby, as has Sunset.  Mort would be pleased with what Scott has done - Mort was the train nut, and Scott was the business end.  Glad you guys are getting the products you want.

All I have to offer at this point is that the Viewliners will be done correctly in the various correct paint schemes.  However, beyond that, I am knee deep in wrapping up GP7/9 work to get the factory started on their design in earnest as that is the need project to get in the works before the Chinese New Year. 

I need to review my order and see where I was.  With Viewliners in the mix, I may have to change some things up to go with my Phase III heritage P42.

More to come!

This is a very exciting offering! Finally after decades of waiting a Viewliner announcement. May I suggest the amfleet II (long distance single vestibule coaches & cafe’s) cars be offered as well.

The offering will undoubtedly expand with all your suggestions. Aluminum extrusion and our CNC method of cutting windows, means we can make small quantities of unique cars. Thanks for all your suggestions, and the orders built up about 20% in 1 day. WOW!!!

Scott

sdmann posted:

The offering will undoubtedly expand with all your suggestions. Aluminum extrusion and our CNC method of cutting windows, means we can make small quantities of unique cars. Thanks for all your suggestions, and the orders built up about 20% in 1 day. WOW!!!

Scott

Scott, I'm unclear if you're going to offer the Phase VI scheme in the amfleet and viewliner cars?  I don't see them on your reservation form?   Once I see them I will place my reservation. 

VistaDomeScott posted:

Scott Mann, any possibility the Combine Viewliner car could be done?  This is a new car Amtrak is using, part crew dorm, part baggage.   It would only wear phase III striping with the color mark logo.

Here is a video shows the combo baggage Crew dorm car on the end of the train, at the end of the video.  Also seen here, Full Viewliner baggage on the front of the train, Viewliner Diner as well.  All three seen in phase III striping with current color mark logo:

 https://youtu.be/8SyCj3QDty0

And here are 2 dorm baggage cars, as well as a variety of Viewliners on the end:

https://youtu.be/lbCmli8Z2G4

Nice videos! Great consists, I totally agree the baggage/ dorm should be done. 

sdmann posted:

The offering will undoubtedly expand with all your suggestions. Aluminum extrusion and our CNC method of cutting windows, means we can make small quantities of unique cars. Thanks for all your suggestions, and the orders built up about 20% in 1 day. WOW!!!

Scott

Hi Scott:

Out of my own curiosity, is that 20% up from the 400 you mentioned, or 20% of what is required to produce?  I am perhaps over-eager, but I am curious what number we have to reach before they are set for production.  While I more than share VistaDomeScott's excitement, part of me remains a bit cynical that these will become a reality.  In any case, thanks for putting forth the effort; I really hope they get made.

Wow with all these amfleets and viewliners you can build a great long distance train - so now we need an E60 to haul those distance trains!   Note the viewliners sleepers behind the baaggae car  

sdmann posted:

The offering will undoubtedly expand with all your suggestions. Aluminum extrusion and our CNC method of cutting windows, means we can make small quantities of unique cars. Thanks for all your suggestions, and the orders built up about 20% in 1 day. WOW!!!

Scott

Scott:

Has there been any consideration of Metroliners?  I am guessing not as they would require some extra tooling, but I think that would be a popular model as well.  I for one would not require them to be powered.

Viewliners on display at Toledo, Ohio May 2016, National Train Day.  

Oh it's there Mike. 

OMG!

I somehow missed this thread about the good news. I just happened to go by the Golden Gate Depot website (which I had never visited before)  and saw the announcement.  So I immediately ran here to OGR to see there was a post on it, and lo and behold there was a 2-day old thread.

I've never pre-ordered anything before and $300 per car is steep, but after complaining for years of why it could easily be done in HO and N, I am very pleased about what has finally transpired.  Couldn't find the details in the GGD flyer or in this thread.  I'm presuming that these cars will be 21 inches in length?

I'm going to put in an order for at least 3 myself (2 Sleepers, 1 Diner) 

Thank you for stepping up to the plate GGD! 

Amfleet25124 posted:

OMG!

I somehow missed this thread about the good news. I just happened to go by the Golden Gate Depot website (which I had never visited before)  and saw the announcement.  So I immediately ran here to OGR to see there was a post on it, and lo and behold there was a 2-day old thread.

I've never pre-ordered anything before and $300 per car is steep, but after complaining for years of why it could easily be done in HO and N, I am very pleased about what has finally transpired.

I'm going to put in an order for at least 3 myself (2 Sleepers, 1 Diner) 

Thank you for stepping up to the plate GGD! 

 

In my opinion, this is THE ONE opportunity to get these cars.  Sell those old trains, work the overtime, get em ordered!   Get the word out about these!  

A smart dealer such as Public Delivery Track might want to order these for their stock, as there will be stragglers finding out about these later and wanting to buy them.   

Don't forget to order the Amfleet cars also. 

Kevin, you can't beat the quality of  these products.  They're well worth the money.   Wait till you see them.  And Scott lets you order in good faith, no deposit or full payment like many others do... As much as you love Amtrak, you will love these cars!........... You'll need a minim of 054 curves'...

Quarter Gauger 48 posted:

Kevin, you can't beat the quality of  these products.  They're well worth the money.   Wait till you see them.  And Scott lets you order in good faith, no deposit or full payment like many others do... As much as you love Amtrak, you will love these cars!........... You'll need a minim of 054 curves'...

Funny that you mention that Ted.

Last night I was finally getting around to e-mailing the company (OK Streamliners) you told me about 4-5 months ago that makes custom passenger cars and I just decided to take a look see at GGD to look at their offerings in general, not looking for Amtrak Viewliners.  The rest, as they say,  is history. 

Question on the Amfleet I cars, does anyone know if the number boards at the vestibule ends will be lit up with or without the car number? 

Pantenary posted:

sdmann posted:

The offering will undoubtedly expand with all your suggestions. Aluminum extrusion and our CNC method of cutting windows, means we can make small quantities of unique cars. Thanks for all your suggestions, and the orders built up about 20% in 1 day. WOW!!!

Scott

Scott:

Has there been any consideration of Metroliners?  I am guessing not as they would require some extra tooling, but I think that would be a popular model as well.  I for one would not require them to be powered.

If Scott Mann does Metroliner cars, he better include Cab-Control cars as well! I would think more people would buy the multi-schemed Cab Control cars than the metroliners.

Amfleet25124 posted:

Quarter Gauger 48 posted:

Kevin, you can't beat the quality of  these products.  They're well worth the money.   Wait till you see them.  And Scott lets you order in good faith, no deposit or full payment like many others do... As much as you love Amtrak, you will love these cars!........... You'll need a minim of 054 curves'...

Funny that you mention that Ted.

Last night I was finally getting around to e-mailing the company (OK Streamliners) you told me about 4-5 months ago that makes custom passenger cars and I just decided to take a look see at GGD to look at their offerings in general, not looking for Amtrak Viewliners.  The rest, as they say,  is history. 

Kevin, by the time you get done spending all the money required  to detail the OK cars, Interiors, trucks, couplers, lights, etc.  You come out ahead with the GG cars.  The last OK  car I did cost well over $400.00 to detail....... Not including the cost of the car kit, and shipping.... 

Aside from the Acela I dont have any Amtrak Cars or engines. I looked over the GG list and between the various phases I have no idea which to purchase, if I do.

Could someone be kind enough to make a suggestion as to the Phase variation they like and why?

Also I assume I need to purchase a set as well as the extra view-liner cars the cost of which will be close to $2500. So if I were to give you $2500 which car phase design would you purchase?

I will need an engine as well which one?;  so add in another $$.

I am leaning toward the Phase IV designs.

Alanrail, If you go with phase IV the locomotives would be Genesis locomotives in the current "blue wave" scheme or any of the Amtrak 2011 anniversary Genesis locomotives.   The selection just released this week by MTH would all be candidates.  There is a phase IV painted Heritage unit that has the same stripes, as MTH likes to call it, "5 stripe."  Trains with this consist would include, Lakeshore Limited, Silver Meteor, Silver Star, Cardinal, Crescent, and the discontinued Three Rivers.  

As far as GG1, they would never have pulled any phase IV painted cars as they were retired before that.  I'm not even sure they would have seen the phase III Viewliner equipment but maybe,  I would have to verify GG1 retirement date vs Viewliner rollout dates.  The phase III Amfleet would likely have had GG1 power, but if GG1 is your power goal, go Amfleet phase 1 & 2, that's the common matchup.  Viewliners were not even an idea yet during phase 1 era Amfleet.

The AEM7 would have pulled phase III, phase IV.    There could have been a few Amleet phase 1 cars in the mix when the AEM7 first rolled out.

VistaDomeScott posted:

Alanrail, If you go with phase IV the locomotives would be Genesis locomotives in the current "blue wave" scheme or any of the Amtrak 2011 anniversary Genesis locomotives.   The selection just released this week by MTH would all be candidates.  There is a phase IV painted Heritage unit that has the same stripes, as MTH likes to call it, "5 stripe."  Trains with this consist would include, Lakeshore Limited, Silver Meteor, Silver Star, Cardinal, Crescent, and the discontinued Three Rivers.  

As far as GG1, they would never have pulled any phase IV painted cars as they were retired before that.  I'm not even sure they would have seen the phase III Viewliner equipment but maybe,  I would have to verify GG1 retirement date vs Viewliner rollout dates.  The phase III Amfleet would likely have had GG1 power, but if GG1 is your power goal, go Amfleet phase 1 & 2, that's the common matchup.  Viewliners were not even an idea yet during phase 1 era Amfleet.

The AEM7 would have pulled phase III, phase IV.    There could have been a few Amleet phase 1 cars in the mix when the AEM7 first rolled out.

GG1s were gone loooooooooong before VLs appeared. The GG1s were gone around 80-81 and the first viewliners were delivered in the early 90s. For GG1s and amfleets you need the HEP car, which is a scratch build job. 

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. 

I'm still waiting for clarification of the paint job offerings. Phase VI is being shown as Phase III for the viewliners but actual Phase III for the Amfleets on the site. 

Are phase IVb and phase VI going to be added for orders?

prrhorseshoecurve posted:

Pantenary posted:

sdmann posted:

The offering will undoubtedly expand with all your suggestions. Aluminum extrusion and our CNC method of cutting windows, means we can make small quantities of unique cars. Thanks for all your suggestions, and the orders built up about 20% in 1 day. WOW!!!

Scott

Scott:

Has there been any consideration of Metroliners?  I am guessing not as they would require some extra tooling, but I think that would be a popular model as well.  I for one would not require them to be powered.

If Scott Mann does Metroliner cars, he better include Cab-Control cars as well! I would think more people would buy the multi-schemed Cab Control cars than the metroliners.

Agreed.  I would certainly compromise with Phase III cab-cars in lieu of a Metroliner set.

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.

OOPs I meant GGD not GG1  sorry!!

Alan, it's your layout.  GG1s could have survived! :-) 

Photoshopped by me, however when I get a second Silver G, I'll do this fake scheme for the fun of it.

All kidding aside, all the comments on this thread are really helpful to help get the order page straightened out.  I suspect we will be adding an option to do an 8 car set for a more or less complete Lake Shore Limited, Silver Meteor, Silver Star, Palmetto, or Crescent consist.

3rd Rail won't likely be doing a P32 / P40 / P42 as they are nearing the end of their life and MTH as well as WBB have produced these.  However, once the replacement for these locomotives has been identified (i.e. Siemens Charger maybe?)  who knows what the possibility would be?  An ACS64 in O would be way cool, but no discussions there yet.

My photo of the AC64 when new in Harrisburg:

GG1 4877 posted:

All kidding aside, all the comments on this thread are really helpful to help get the order page straightened out.  I suspect we will be adding an option to do an 8 car set for a more or less complete Lake Shore Limited, Silver Meteor, Silver Star, Palmetto, or Crescent consist.

Hi Jonathan:

We there is a variation we are interested in (such as a cab-car or one of the numerous other suggestions above), should we stick that in the 'Special Instructions' field on the order page or simply send Scott/you/sales an email?

Thanks again; this is exciting.

Hi Nate!

All I can say with any accuracy at this point is that Metroliners are on the table and as a result cab cars most likely will be too.  While I do a lot of work for 3rd Rail / GGD, I am merely a consultant.  With the complexities of putting together a mixed Viewliner / Amfleet project, that needs to sell first to prove to Scott that Amtrak is viable.  Past Amtrak offerings have not done well even if I have all of them except the Great Dome. 

Like you I am hopeful to see Metroliners and cab cars go forward.  I'd be in for both as evidenced by my other scale items.  Not my best paint job, but I custom painted the N scale Bachmann car myself.  My other N scale repaints are far superior to this one.

And of course a few prototype photos of the current version of the cars:

HI Jonathan:

OK, thanks for the response.  I will reach out to Scott / Sales tomorrow, as I will need to adjust my reservation accordingly.  I do have to balance the 'only one chance to get them' aspect against fiscal constraints.  But, I will do my part for sure.  Thanks again.

And Johnathan is right regarding past GGD/ Amtrak offerings. Out of two runs of the ElCap sets there were only 16? Or less sets sold in Amtrak livery? 

I remember the Slumbercoach for that Atlas O California Zepher taking two years to clear out. Atlas O"s Amtrak California Zepher cars took that long to sell as well! 

prrhorseshoecurve posted:

And Johnathan is right regarding past GGD/ Amtrak offerings. Out of two runs of the ElCap sets there were only 16? Or less sets sold in Amtrak livery?

I remember the Slumbercoach for that Atlas O California Zepher taking two years to clear out. Atlas O"s Amtrak California Zepher cars took that long to sell as well!

Well, I think GGD is more known now than in years past.  Had I seen an ad for any of those GGD Amtrak offerings I would have been ordering, as would at least 2 others I know.  Also, many of us who grew up with Amtrak are now more able to afford these than in years past. 

Atlas CZ does not have a Slumbercoach.  However,  GGD made Slumbercoaches and offered Amtrak phase 1, I learned of these as the last 2 were remaining at GGD.  we would have bought more, and in other phases.   Those didn't sit around!

Also, Atlas had a lot of quality issues, I went through many sets and dealers trying to put together a CZ and an Amtrak consist.  Upside down words, missing parts, shorting cars.  I'm not knocking Atlas,  I love the good cars I managed to locate and collect.  But it was not easy.  They had issues.

Some of my GGD Amtrak equipment:

I'm not seeing the latest Amtrak scheme for the amfleet cars.  Thus I will not be reserving any at this time. Hopefully Scott will decide to offer these in the initial run or perhaps in a later run?  As an official Amtrak licensee I would think these would be more desirable for those that model present day... 

Mike,

It will get straightened out.  The design matrix for GP7s and 9s needs to get done to go to the factory within a week and then Scott and I will be talking about the cars / sets along with others who are involved in the project.  They will all be done now.  There won't be a second run of these if I were a betting person (I'm not).

Just a little more patience.  I know it's been a long wait!

Jonathan,  That's great to hear!    Just want to ensure the right cars at least are offered as present day modelers need Phase VI, and I do also like the viewliner baggage cars in the heritage phase 3 scheme.  See those all the time on the long  distance superliner trains in the midwest! 

Is there (or is there under consideration) and 18" option for the Viewliners?

Either way I'm formulating plans to set up a slush fund for and reserve at least a pair of sleepers, a diner and a baggage.

---PCJ

RailRide posted:

Is there (or is there under consideration) and 18" option for the Viewliners?

Either way I'm formulating plans to set up a slush fund for and reserve at least a pair of sleepers, a diner and a baggage.

---PCJ

I can't speak at all to this one, but that is a a great idea.  I know many people can only run 18" cars.  The question is would anyone be willing to pay $300 a car for them?  Again I can't speak to that.  I am for scale cars, but that's really all I run anymore.

RailRide posted:

Is there (or is there under consideration) and 18" option for the Viewliners?

Probably not, as Sunset/3rd Rail/Golden Gate Depot offers only scale length equipment for both 2-Rail SCALE and 3-Rail SCALE modelers. If your 3-Rail layout as big curves (072 or larger),then you should be OK with the "scale length" passenger cars.

Either way I'm formulating plans to set up a slush fund for and reserve at least a pair of sleepers, a diner and a baggage.

---PCJ

GG1 4877 posted:

RailRide posted:

Is there (or is there under consideration) and 18" option for the Viewliners?

Either way I'm formulating plans to set up a slush fund for and reserve at least a pair of sleepers, a diner and a baggage.

---PCJ

I can't speak at all to this one, but that is a a great idea.  I know many people can only run 18" cars.  The question is would anyone be willing to pay $300 a car for them?  Again I can't speak to that.  I am for scale cars, but that's really all I run anymore.

My 'test track' has handled an Acela, and was built to safely accommodate the body swing of a DDA40X (a scale Big Boy has also been tested). So scale-length coaches are not an issue. I just have "piles" of MTH Amfleets I'd like to mix these with, and would match lengths if at all possible. Otherwise I'd still get the 85' cars.

---PCJ

I would say 18 inch versions of the Viewliner cars is a possible option based on this thread started but Scott Mann.  

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...-in-alumiinum?page=1

To John and Scott, 

I've already put in my order for a set of Viewliners, but will I be able to change it once the updated paint schemes come out?

Hot Water posted:

RailRide posted:

Is there (or is there under consideration) and 18" option for the Viewliners?

Probably not, as Sunset/3rd Rail/Golden Gate Depot offers only scale length equipment for both 2-Rail SCALE and 3-Rail SCALE modelers. If your 3-Rail layout as big curves (072 or larger),then you should be OK with the "scale length" passenger cars.

Either way I'm formulating plans to set up a slush fund for and reserve at least a pair of sleepers, a diner and a baggage.

---PCJ

 

Jack,

Just so you know, GGD is currently offering the SP Daylight, PRR Broadway and NYC 1948 Century Limited set in both 21” and 18” lengths. The 18” cars will have a minimum of curve requirement of O42 curves. It’s something new Scott is trying. 

Michael 

Silly question but I have to ask.

Are the GGD trains produced with standard O Gauge couplers or are they Kadee couplers?  Not a deal breaker I just need to know.  

My plan is to have a 11-car Amtrak Silver Service consist with adding four GGD Viewliners to the 7 MTH Premier stock. I would just replace one end of the Club Cafe car with a Kadee coupler so that it could hook up to the diner.  

Consist would be run at the club in this order:

• MTH Genesis
• MTH Premier Amfleet Coaches (5)
• MTH Premier Club Cafe
• GGD Viewliner Diner
• GGD Viewliner Sleepers (2)
• GGD Viewliner Baggage Car

Can't justify spending $3K+ for an all-GGD consist.  I won't mind that the Amfleets will all be 19 inches and the Viewliners will be 21 inches.  From the Amtraks I've seen plying the tracks over the years, the Heritage Diners and Baggage Cars came in all different lengths and didn't match the 85-foot Amfleets.

Maxrailroad posted:

To John and Scott, 

I've already put in my order for a set of Viewliners, but will I be able to change it once the updated paint schemes come out?

You can always change an order with Scott and GGD up until the order deadline.  That's when real numbers get transmitted to the factory.  That won't happen for a little while yet, but from all signs it appears that this will be a 2020 early 2021 delivery.  Scott would have to confirm that.

Amfleet25124 posted:

Silly question but I have to ask.

Are the GGD trains produced with standard O Gauge couplers or are they Kadee couplers?  Not a deal breaker I just need to know.  

No silly questions.  Considering the scale nature of the cars that is truly a legitimate one.  3 rail cars some with 3 rail couplers.  2 rail cars have not traditionally come with couplers as some people have different preferences for what kind of coupler they prefer.  2 rail locomotives typically come with Kadee 805 couplers while the 3 rail ones come with traditional electro-couplers.  However, I can say that one of my two 3 rail ATSF PAs arrived with Kadee couplers.    Scott isn't sure how that happened but it didn't matter as the 3 rail couplers are in the box. 

^^^

Thanks Jonathan.  Good to know.

I concur. Nothing is in stone until the factory starts to order extrusions and parts for construction. After that, it's hard to add or change things. Not until June will this happen. I hope to have these out October 2020.

Scott

This is an awesome thing to see going to production, Scott! Can't wait-- hoping these Viewliners will be available in Phase VI for sure- what a cool looking car too- 

Boilermaker1 posted:

 I'm still waiting for clarification of the paint job offerings. Phase VI is being shown as Phase III for the viewliners but actual Phase III for the Amfleets on the site. 

Are phase IVb and phase VI going to be added for orders?

 

The Phases can get confusing, so here’s some clarification. The Phase III that we see on Viewliners today is not Phase VI. It is considered by Amtrak to be a variation of Phase III, just with updated branding. Amtrak’s reasoning for this is to be consistent. They wanted a throwback to arguably one of their best paint schemes ever, but still wanted the equipment to look like it had a place with the other paint schemes. The colors are the same, but there is the addition of the sill stripe found on Phase VI equipment,(what some call Phase IVb) and the addition of the travelmark. 

The reason why Phase VI, which looks like it should be called Phase IVb, is its own paint scheme is because the colors are different. The colors are very similar, but if one looks at 2 cars side by side, it isn’t all that difficult to see the difference.

Now you might ask, “Ok, what is Phase V on passenger equipment?” The answer is the Acela, Turboliners as they appear in storage today, and the Capstone Amfleets. 

If anybody wants more info, please refer to the paint scheme and branding guide I posted on the forum a while back. That will answer all your questions. Search and you will find it. Let me be clear-I am not an official source, but the guide I posted is.

As for the main topic, I can’t wait for these cars. I’ve got 3 Amfleet coaches and a baggage on order. Like others have mentioned, if Scott decides to do a super tiny run of the Beech Grove and American View cars, I will order one each of those as well. That said, Scott may be better off offering those in a set of executive cars. The tooling pretty much already exists for a set to be produced. Presumably all it would take is minor modifications to the GN Great Dome, SP 10-6 sleeper, and an Amfleet coach/Viewliner sleeper to represent #10031 Ocean View, #10020 Pacific Cape, and #10001 Beech Grove/10004 American View. But that’s assuming Scott considers making them at all though. I have hope.

Call it whatever you want. I still want clarity on whether these $300 things are going to have the new "America" logo or the Viewliner noodle logo when they show up in "Phase III".

The order form still only goes to Phase IV... is there an ETA for an updated order form that includes amfleets with 5 stripes and the wave logo?

As well as what these phase/paintjob Viewliners are going to be? If they're VLIIs, there should only be 1 paint job available...

Boilermaker1 posted:

Call it whatever you want. I still want clarity on whether these $300 things are going to have the new "America" logo or the Viewliner noodle logo when they show up in "Phase III".

The order form still only goes to Phase IV... is there an ETA for an updated order form that includes amfleets with 5 stripes and the wave logo?

As well as what these phase/paintjob Viewliners are going to be? If they're VLIIs, there should only be 1 paint job available...

 

My thought was maybe there is a minimum number of paint schemes required to produce, which is why there is more than one paint job available.

The Viewliner Is were only configured as sleepers, and are basically identical to the new cars, with the exception of the Budd prototypes. So it’s not incorrect to offer the sleepers in Phase IV. You are absolutely right about other cars though, unless the prototype cars (which if I’m not mistaken now serve as diners) wore Phase IV and VI.

I’m fairly certain that the cars will not be the original variant of Phase III that the Budd prototypes wore, because the prototype photo on the website is the new Phase III variant.

Some great information in the Amtrak Livery and Logo guide 

Thanks for posting this thread!! I would have missed it. 

Placed my order for a couple of P3 baggage cars!! I’m pumped up about this one!

bigtruckpete posted:

Thanks for posting this thread!! I would have missed it. 

Placed my order for a couple of P3 baggage cars!! I’m pumped up about this one!

Sure thing!  Life gets busy and it's too easy to miss out on a rare thing like this. I know,I missed out on a few GGD trains a few years back.   Thanks to Scott Mann for running an ad in OGR magazine for these cars prominently on the back cover page!  

Hoping that we can get both the original "Viewliner" script style logo on the phase III, as well as the new phase III "Amtrak America" logo on the reborn phase III.

Thanks for the photos, Scott.  For readers like me who are not Amtrak connoisseurs, the "phase" discussion became unreadable.

This is the version I’m hoping they make. Good idea to post the photos to clarify. 

Suggestion:  Someone post photos, INDIVIDUALLY with a label, each of the styles you are talking about.

Also, if you want GGD to do a specific style, post a photo of it along with your request--promotes clarity and avoids needless confusion.

I want the paint scheme in the 2nd video that Scott posted on this thread on 1-15-19 at 11:31. whatever that is.

clem k posted:

I want the paint scheme in the 2nd video that Scott posted on this thread on 1-15-19 at 11:31. whatever that is.

A screenshot perhaps, Clem???

Pantenary posted:

GG1 4877 posted:

All kidding aside, all the comments on this thread are really helpful to help get the order page straightened out.  I suspect we will be adding an option to do an 8 car set for a more or less complete Lake Shore Limited, Silver Meteor, Silver Star, Palmetto, or Crescent consist.

Hi Jonathan:

We there is a variation we are interested in (such as a cab-car or one of the numerous other suggestions above), should we stick that in the 'Special Instructions' field on the order page or simply send Scott/you/sales an email?

Thanks again; this is exciting.

I did just that when submitting my order lform. I asked for cab car and car "10001" since GGD is making AMFLEETs

GenesisFan99 posted:

Boilermaker1 posted:

Call it whatever you want. I still want clarity on whether these $300 things are going to have the new "America" logo or the Viewliner noodle logo when they show up in "Phase III".

The order form still only goes to Phase IV... is there an ETA for an updated order form that includes amfleets with 5 stripes and the wave logo?

As well as what these phase/paintjob Viewliners are going to be? If they're VLIIs, there should only be 1 paint job available...

 

My thought was maybe there is a minimum number of paint schemes required to produce, which is why there is more than one paint job available.

The Viewliner Is were only configured as sleepers, and are basically identical to the new cars, with the exception of the Budd prototypes. So it’s not incorrect to offer the sleepers in Phase IV. You are absolutely right about other cars though, unless the prototype cars (which if I’m not mistaken now serve as diners) wore Phase IV and VI.

I’m fairly certain that the cars will not be the original variant of Phase III that the Budd prototypes wore, because the prototype photo on the website is the new Phase III variant.

Yes originally. Now one of the originals is an Amtrak Theatre car "American View" Ironically plans are found for this car in MR! (As originally configured sleeper)

There was at least 1 dining car in the first Viewliners, I had dinner on it several times in the phase III era.

Check out this Amfleet and Viewliner video.

Note the 2 combo car baggage/dorm Viewliners on the rear.

https://youtu.be/daleJdyfw_c

Neat video's  dining car the last car in consist ?  Does that mean the passengers walk through baggage car ?

clem k posted:

Neat video's  dining car the last car in consist ?  Does that mean the passengers walk through baggage car ?

Clem, the last two cars are the new combine baggage - crew bedrooms cars.  The diner is the first Viewliner after the Amfleet cars mid train 

Sorry wrong video: This video looked like a diner on tail ? Maybe its just the paint job or the seats ? My mistake.

https://youtu.be/DCZwnxB2wls

Clem

 Yes those are 2 diners, I'm guessing new ones being positioned or delivered.  The 2 combine Viewliners in the video I linked in recent post are probably new deliveries also.

Scott

Speaking of combine Viewliners,  I wonder if those will be added to the GGD order list?

Hey Scott GGD   What Vistadome Scott said !

I'd potentially be interested in the Viewliner cars if Scott would do Amfleet IIs. People have been asking for those since this project got announced and I can't figure out why they haven't been offered!

Here's some photos of the new baggage dorm cars and diners in the three stripe Amtrak America phase 3 scheme. 

GG1 4877 posted:

Mike,

It will get straightened out.  The design matrix for GP7s and 9s needs to get done to go to the factory within a week and then Scott and I will be talking about the cars / sets along with others who are involved in the project.  They will all be done now.  There won't be a second run of these if I were a betting person (I'm not).

Just a little more patience.  I know it's been a long wait!

Checking back to see if there is a better estimate on updating the reservation listings on the website?     

Yes a detailed spreadsheet of exactly which cars are being produced in which paint schemes (with pictures to avoid confusion on phases) would be really helpful! 

Video of new Amtrak baggage car with one coach

https://youtu.be/jTIwb7NHN3w

Thanks.

I THINK these will all be Viewliner II cars, including the sleepers and the diner and does include all the new variations of Viewliner IIs. The issue with the Viewliner Is is all the underframe detail.  And don't suggest simplifying the underframe for the Is unless you are willing to put money in the game to get them done, I'm not.  The underframe detail is all hidden on the IIs which has made this project more feasible.

The decoration will be appropriate for Viewliner II cars regardless of what name it is given.

Chargers or Sprinters are on the maybe list.  Many people are concerned about getting cars without an appropriate locomotive OR getting an locomotive for which there are no appropriate cars, they want complete trains ala the Rockets.  Other Amtrak locomotives are NOT on the maybe list.

Metroliners are also on the maybe list, both Amtrak and Pennsylvania BUT as a separate project.  You may think they could be done together but the builder disagrees.

For all of these options, if they are not on the order form e-mail Scott specifically what you want to reserve.  That does help with ferreting out details.  Do it this way if you want to only order a set contingent upon a Charger or Sprinter being available for a complete set. Or if you would want to reserve a Charger or Sprinter separately.  We're kinda shooting in the dark with this part.

Scott is pretty liberal with payment options until abused and then hardball only for those people who do abuse the option.

Have the Viewliners been posted about in the main 3 rail forum? I feel like there are a good number of scale guys in there who aren't into the Kadees and don't check this side

Will Ebbert posted:

Have the Viewliners been posted about in the main 3 rail forum? I feel like there are a good number of scale guys in there who aren't into the Kadees and don't check this side

Yes, I did post there.  There were no replies.

rdunniii posted:

I THINK these will all be Viewliner II cars, including the sleepers and the diner and does include all the new variations of Viewliner IIs. The issue with the Viewliner Is is all the underframe detail.  And don't suggest simplifying the underframe for the Is unless you are willing to put money in the game to get them done, I'm not.  The underframe detail is all hidden on the IIs which has made this project more feasible.

The decoration will be appropriate for Viewliner II cars regardless of what name it is given.

Chargers or Sprinters are on the maybe list.  Many people are concerned about getting cars without an appropriate locomotive OR getting an locomotive for which there are no appropriate cars, they want complete trains ala the Rockets.  Other Amtrak locomotives are NOT on the maybe list.

Metroliners are also on the maybe list, both Amtrak and Pennsylvania BUT as a separate project.  You may think they could be done together but the builder disagrees.

For all of these options, if they are not on the order form e-mail Scott specifically what you want to reserve.  That does help with ferreting out details.  Do it this way if you want to only order a set contingent upon a Charger or Sprinter being available for a complete set. Or if you would want to reserve a Charger or Sprinter separately.  We're kinda shooting in the dark with this part.

Scott is pretty liberal with payment options until abused and then hardball only for those people who do abuse the option.

Done, my reservations are sent directly to Scott, including some SC44 locomotives for Amtrak Midwest. 

Request / Suggestion for GGD :  could these cars have the same finish as the GGD Empire State Express set?   Those cars really look like stainless steel without being too shiney like some plated cars by other manufacturers tend to look.

I just found a sweet deal on a set of ESE cars by GGD and they are awesome looking cars. I like the finish on these better than the Silver Meteor finish.   

I second Scott’s suggestion. MTH is a good example of cars being too shiny. The real cars are old and beat to crap. Still sort of shiny, but only when light really hits them. 

VistaDomeScott posted:

Request / Suggestion for GGD :  could these cars have the same finish as the GGD Empire State Express set?   Those cars really look like stainless steel without being too shiney like some plated cars by other manufacturers tend to look.

I just found a sweet deal on a set of ESE cars by GGD and they are awesome looking cars. I like the finish on these better than the Silver Meteor finish.   

 

Are you willing to pay twice the price?  I agree they looked great but the extrusions had a 70% reject rate from the plating.  So that got trashed.  Rejected meaning the extrusions were only good for melting down and reextruding not just replating.

Scott and I had a chat this weekend regarding Amtrak decoration phases.  I think we agreed upon the Viewliner II being labeled on the reservation page as "Phase III Amtrak America". 

He is considering Viewliner I sleepers and the Viewliner I diner (if there are sufficient reservations) which would come in the Phase V or the Phase VI, which appear to be the same except the former has the Amtrak logo and phase VI which has the Service Mark.  The stripe widths may be slightly different but we're talking about the wide blue stripe. Apparently Amtrak does not discriminate for variations of a phase.  Very confusing to me.

I really hoped for Viewliner 1 Sleepers and diners in their delivery phase 3 scheme with the original Viewliner logo.  Being the launch Viewliners I would suggest these offered.  If the effort is made to produce both series 1 and 2 of the car types, why not offer the launch paint scheme and logo?

What happened to the possibility of the baggage dorm (combine) cars?

RDUNNIII, I had not previously heard of the problems with the Empire State Express finishes. I am glad to have a set of these moreso now knowing this.    

I'm pretty sure the baggage dorm will be added to the list.

Presumably you fellas are sending photos to Scott with the various paint schemes/lettering/logos you want.  How about posting them here with the terminology you use here when discussing the various models you wish him to make.

Richard and I spent several hours last Saturday discussing the schemes and offering and nomenclature.

1. Amfleet I Cars, Phase 1-4 is straight forward and well documented. Eventually, we will offer Amfleet II cars, but lets walk before we run.  I won't advertise them until the Amfleet I project is done.

2. Viewliner IIs will be Baggage/Dorm, Diner, Sleeper. These will come in Phase IV and VI (Also known as IVb, with Amtrak America Logo). Viewliner IIs can easily be identified with their underbody detail covered.

I am not an Amtrak expert. I rely on you, my voracious customers, wanting accurate and scale cars to go behind your locomotives. Yes, we may consider Locos in the future, but doing a single road project means low quantities and higher unit prices. So lets see what customers need are to make both the car and loco offerings more exciting.

Other special cars will be offered as time goes on. I am listing.

Do send me your pictures and links, and if you took pictures yourself, you can post them here, but not other's artwork unless you have their written permission. It's a different world now.

As far as our stainless steel finish, we switched from a nickel plated process for the early 2000s Empire State Express, to a painted process on the first Santa Fe Super Chief just 2 years later. When the factory sent me samples to choose from,  I couldn't tell the difference between a painted sample and plated, so I was sold (by the factory). It's much easier to match dissimilar details parts such as brass castings, etchings, plastic injection and aluminum extrusion used on our models with a single paint process. It's a metallic paint with a satin clear coat. Been doing it that way for 20 years.

I am open to your suggestions...

 I am so confused about the different cars and paint schemes.    I would like to see any of the correct paint schemes and cars, running between Albany and Chicago in the past five years. 

Two coffee cups on my shelf from 1996, Viewliner memorabilia.  Got the Crescent cup on the train as a complimentary gift for riding in the sleepers.  The other cup is from the "Twighlight Shoreliner" service a former overnight sleeper on the northeast corridor.  

Correction:

Viewliner II: Baggage, Baggage/Dorm, Diner, Sleeper (Phase IV and VI (IVb) "Amtrak America"

Scott 

OK. Here's an overview of the different phases of Viewliner paint schemes and body styles. I am not an Amtrak expert, but nobody else has put forth a nice comparison so I will attempt to. If I get anything wrong, let me know and I will change it, but this is what I know to be correct.

Body Styles:

Viewliner I- built in 1995-1996, these primarily consist of 50 sleepers. There were a couple oddballs including a diner (Indianapolis) and some observation cars, but this production was basically just sleepers. Some of the sleepers have names in the River series (ie Croton River, Mississippi River, etc) while most are currently unnamed. These cars are distinguished by the exposed underbody equipment.

Viewliner II- built 2012-present, the first of this order seen were baggage cars to replace the heritage equipment. These baggage cars arrived in 2014 and 2015. The next to arrive were the diners which are all named after cities (ie Boston, Augusta, etc). The diners were delivered 2016-2019. In 2019, new baggage/crew dormitory combo cars were delivered for select trains including the Crescent. These cars alot roughly 60% of the space for crew quarters, freeing up a lot of room for paying passengers in the sleepers, but at the expense of much needed luggage space. New sleepers should be coming soon as production continues, but the entire order of Viewliner II's was supposed to be delivered by 2015. Viewliner II's are distinguished by the skirting that covers the underbody equipment.

Paint Schemes:

Phase III- Introduced in 1976, what the Viewliner I's were originally delivered in. Large, equidistant red, white, and blue stripes. The Viewliner I's also had large Viewliner script lettering and small block Amtrak lettering. The new Viewliner II equipment has all been delivered in a modified version of this scheme with the addition of a red reflective stripe at the bottom of the car per FRA requirements and use of the "Amtrak America" Travel Mark logo.

Phase IV- Introduced in 1993, featuring a massive blue stripe with small red and white stripes on top. Has bold Amtrak lettering in block text.

Phase VI- Introduced in 2002 and currently worn by all Amfleets, Superliners and Viewliner I cars. Most railfans call this IVb because the only major difference is the use of the Travel Mark logo rather than bold Amtrak text.

Below are photos with captions noting the body style and paint scheme. I don't have photos of all paint schemes so you'll just have to use Google for info on those. I hope this is helpful and clears up the confusion!

Left: Viewliner II Baggage in Phase III paint, Right: Viewliner I sleeper in Phase VI paint

Viewliner II Diner in Phase III paint

Viewliner I Sleeper in Phase VI paint

Viewliner II Baggage in Phase III paint

Viewliner I Sleeper (Croton River) in Phase VI paint

Left two: Viewliner I Sleepers in Phase VI paint, Right: Viewliner II Diner in Phase III paint

Left: Viewliner II Diner in Phase III paint, Right Three: Viewliner I Sleepers in Phase VI paint

Left: Viewliner I Sleeper in Phase VI paint, Right: Viewliner II Baggage in Phase III paint

Viewliner II Bag Dorm in Phase III paint

Viewliner II Bag Dorm in Phase III paint

So the new baggage and baggage dorm only has one (1) paint scheme correct ?

clem k posted:

So the new baggage and baggage dorm only has one (1) paint scheme correct ?

Correct

Whoo Hooo! I just got the email newsletter from Scott  Mann regarding this project! There are enough orders now to push forward with it. In his newsletter he has clarified the paint schemes on the view liners and added the baggage and the baggage dorm.

Cars WILL be me out of aluminum and will be viewfinder II. He stated The future for VIEWLINER I production looks good as well.

Looking at The end of year/ early next year production and delivery of these cars. If anyone is on the fence and DC DC oednt order, they will be Sorry they missed out!

Could you please post that email in here? No matter how many times I sign up to get the emails I never do. Thanks! 

Here is Scott's Email:

Dear Valued GGD Customer:

After announcing these cars are to be made by Aluminum instead of
plastic, and adding the Viewliner IIs to the mix, we have received
enough reservations to schedule design, tooling and production.

The design is currently underway for these cars and we are
solidifying the paint schemes we will produce.  There was some
confusion in the first announcement of the Viewliner IIs, so let me
clear it up. (I was mostly to blame for the confusion.)

Amfleet I:  We are making Cafe, Dinette, Club and Coach: Each will be
made in Phase I - 4 Livery. That has not changed.

Viewliner II: We will make the Baggage, Baggage / Dorm, Diner and
Sleeper. Here is where things have changed a little. The picture I
showed previously on our web site was the Viewliner I in Phase 6,
also known as 4b, with the wide blue stripe and small white and red
stripes above. We will not be making the Viewliner I in this run, but
we may in coming years.  The only major difference between Viewliner
I and II is that the underbody detail is covered by a metal sheet.

We will be offering the 4 types of Viewliner IIs in Phase 3 (3 equal
strips of Red, White and Blue) and 6 (also known as 4b, Large Blue
Stripe with Narrow White and Red Stripes Above).

We have moved all reservations for the Phase 4 Viewliner IIs to Phase
6 Viewliner IIs to keep our nomenclature on these straight. I hope
this clears up some of the confusion as to how we will decorate these
cars. We will release more details of the painting and lettering as
to how the Amtrak logos are displayed and any options there of that
will come to light.

So for now, your reservations are intact on the basic cars you have
reserved and we will be planning production based on your
reservations. We will send you an invoice in the coming months to
confirm your order, so don't worry right now, we can make changes at
that point, probably this summer. Just know that we are now going
forward with this project and hope to be delivering these late this
year, to early next.

Keep an eye on our web site for updates to this project. I want to
thank those of you that straightened me out on a lot of these
details. The project will be better for it.

http://www.goldengatedepot.com...rvation.html#AMFLEET

Keep Safe,

Best Regards,

Scott Mann
sdmann@3rdrail.com
Your best choice for model trains.
http://www.3rdrail.com

For anyone following the Amfleet I project as well, first draft factory drawings came out Friday and were reviewed yesterday.  Corrections as always on the first round, but over the are generally in good shape.

Thanks Jonathan! 

So based on this email, there's no Phase VI (IVb) amfleets (phase 4 stripes w/ the wave logo) to be made? That was discussed as being added at one point in the past... I know a number of us have been sitting and waiting for that option to be put on the order form, but I guess its not going to happen now.

Those cars are needed to build a complete train set with the modern (2016+) viewliner II's. Without it, you're basically making 2 independent projects that cannot be paired together. Doesn't make much sense.

The email refers to Viewliners only.  Phase IVb or Phase VI depending on who you talk too will be available in Amfleet cars.  There will be a website update overall from what I understand to correct that.

For me personally, I think I will go full fantasy and run phase III Amfleet with the Viewliner IIs I have yet to order and pull it with F40PHs.  Not normally how I would do it, but it's my railroad . 

GG1 4877 posted:

The email refers to Viewliners only.  Phase IVb or Phase VI depending on who you talk too will be available in Amfleet cars.  There will be a website update overall from what I understand to correct that.

For me personally, I think I will go full fantasy and run phase III Amfleet with the Viewliner IIs I have yet to order and pull it with F40PHs.  Not normally how I would do it, but it's my railroad . 

The email specifically refers to the amfleets:

Amfleet I:  We are making Cafe, Dinette, Club and Coach: Each will be
made in Phase I - 4 Livery. That has not changed.

Viewliners without the coaches is half a train (I realize they should be amfleet II's but I'm overlooking that on purpose).

Its a lot of money to spend on half a train without knowing if the other half is coming....

I guess I need to read the email that came out again.  Reading is FUNdamental.  Lol.  Phase IVb Amfleets are being done.  How do I know?  I spent an hour on the phone with Scott Saturday discussing this. 

We will chat again.  Still time as first draft design drawings only came out Saturday.

OOOPPPS!!!

OK, I think I got this...

I added Amfleet I, Coaches and Cafe Cars in the Phase VI (also known as Phase 4b) to our on-line order form.

Phase VI (6) scheme is the same as 4 with the Amtrak 3 wave logo added. (I don't know what you guys call it)  Website is updated, you can request to have your Amfleet 4s changed to 6s to match the Viewliner II 6s. Hit the reload button to see the updated page.

I will send the same email out again, with this correction.

http://www.goldengatedepot.com/reservation.htm#AMFLEET

Time for a beer. It's after 12 somewhere in the US, isn't it?

Scott

I seem to recall saying this would be interesting as Amtrak doesn't even have a definitive description of which is which.

Here is the official Amtrak Livery guide:

https://cc.bingj.com/cache.asp...2VV1bMhQ7eL-FxH1_9Op

sdmann posted:

Here is the official Amtrak Livery guide:

 

https://cc.bingj.com/cache.asp...2VV1bMhQ7eL-FxH1_9Op

So then it is agreed that the Viewliner II scheme is called just Phase III?  There is no Phase IIIb?  Sounds good to me.

Great news Scott, both here and in the e-mail updates.

I'm also guessing from the lack of interest hereabouts that a Sprinter or a Charger is not on the list.

Scott,  Is it correct that in this run there will not be a Phase VI Amfleet I 5 car set?  I don't see it listed in your reservation page.  Only extra cars for coach and cafe?   If that is the case, confirming you're doing 4 numbers each for the extra cars before I place my order. 

While I cannot speak to the website, I can say with confidence that there will be plenty of numbers.  At least 4 per car.  Typically once Scott closes the orders he looks at who has ordered and how many cars they have ordered and we provide the number of car numbers accordingly. 

On a separate note Richard - I'd likely be in for both a Charger and a Sprinter, but then I'd need to add some Phase VI Amfleet cars and find some Atlas Phase VI Horizon cars.  Where does it end?

Bachmann released their Charger models in HO and they are outstanding.  I like the look better than the Genesis series as far as locomotive aesthetics go, but that is just my opinion.

@GG1 4877 posted:

On a separate note Richard - I'd likely be in for both a Charger and a Sprinter, but then I'd need to add some Phase VI Amfleet cars and find some Atlas Phase VI Horizon cars.  Where does it end? 

Fuhgeddabout those ugly Siemens engines - I hear the license from Siemens is a real bear too - we need an E60 so we can build up our clocker and LD consists!!!!

@GG1 4877 posted:

 

On a separate note Richard - I'd likely be in for both a Charger and a Sprinter, but then I'd need to add some Phase VI Amfleet cars and find some Atlas Phase VI Horizon cars.  Where does it end?

Bachmann released their Charger models in HO and they are outstanding.  I like the look better than the Genesis series as far as locomotive aesthetics go, but that is just my opinion.

I'm definitely in for a couple charger units in the midwest scheme!   TCS WOWSound

@M J Breen posted:

Fuhgeddabout those ugly Siemens engines - I hear the license from Siemens is a real bear too - we need an E60 so we can build up our clocker and LD consists!!!!

I'll take mine in Phase III please in the E60MA configuration.

You might want to wait on the Chargers if they ever do come in O Scale. Rumor has it the finished versions that will be used on the Amtrak will have a removable nose piece like the ones on the P42s in case of collisions. Engines owned by state partners, like the current Amtrak Midwest and Cascades Chargers, will supposedly remain as they are. 

I am not really interested in modern passenger equipment but if I did decide on a Superliner, it would have to be specifically #32009, the George M. Pullman. Here is why. Having just found this thread a couple of days ago caused me to remember an eastbound trip on the Builder some years ago. I flew to Portland, OR and rode the train back to Chicago; Amtrak back then had fly/ride deal with United Airlines. I had a coach seat for the return and when I got to the station I had realized that three days and two nights in a coach just would not do. I was able to upgrade to a sleeper; imagine my surprise when I walked to my assigned car and saw George M. Pullman (#32009) on the side of the car. One of only two named Superliner sleepers, the other was Edward L. Ullman (#32003)!

I'm comparing the website and reservation forms, and while I'm pretty sure these will be straightened out before the reservation deadline closes, I noticed that:

--the photo of the Phase 6 Viewliner appears to show Phase 4, with the large Helvetica Amtrak 'wordmark' (as described in the paint scheme + logo guide).

--the reservation page mentions Phase 3 without saying whether this is the older Phase 3 or the newer Phase 3+"Amtrak America" variant. For the record, I'm assuming this means the latter as the VL-2's are all in the latter scheme.

--the reservation page refers to Phase 6 as the "Amtrak America" scheme. As far as I know, and according the the logo guide, "Amtrak America" appears as a variant of Phase 3. Phase 6 is essentially Phase 4 with the current-day 'Travelmark' logo replacing the large wordmark.

Personally, I'm looking forward to reserving a baggage and crew-dorm in Phase 3, two Phase 6 sleepers and one diner. Going to be my most costly passenger car purchase since the Acela

---PCJ

I'm so confused right now. I will have to review my order to see what I picked. All I know is the price for the Amfleet and viewliners is around the 3k mark. I better start dumping my mth cars.

I pulled the trigger on the assortment I detailed above, after determining I'd have enough $$$ saved by the fall. I'll most likely add an E60MA too.

---PCJ

Agree with the above statements.  This one is going to hurt!  Still excited though!

Just in case anyone needs some more inspiration to order a few more Viewliner and Amfleet cars, here is my video of the Lakeshore Limited today at W65th Street in Cleveland.   Running 7 hours late giving Ohioans a daylight train today.  

https://youtu.be/L-VX6y__E5A

Small World!  I built the shoo-fly and the track back on the bridge there at 73rd street and father caruso drive In my former career. Was nice being by the lake there (my photo)

Folks,

Amfleet I and Viewliner II cars are going into production soon. We will be closing reservations in 10 days (Sept 10th).  Please make your reservations now for a late year production. Thank you.

http://www.goldengatedepot.com...rvation.html#AMFLEET

Scott Mann

Whew!!  Just got my order in.  I've been wanting scale Viewliners and Amfleets forever!  Thank you Scott.

I put in a reservation a few minutes ago, and I'd say it was at 11:54 PM, but the confirmation page says September 11. Not exactly sure how you close the reservations Scott, but I hope I made the cut. And if I didn't, I completely understand; I know it was just about last minute.

What's the time window for E60(MA) reservations? I thought I had made one, but I don't see a confirmation in my Inbox. I think I may have printed out the form as a reminder, but without actually submitting it, so maybe a direct inquiry is in order.

---PCJ

@RailRide posted:

What's the time window for E60(MA) reservations? I thought I had made one, but I don't see a confirmation in my Inbox. I think I may have printed out the form as a reminder, but without actually submitting it, so maybe a direct inquiry is in order.

---PCJ

E60s are still open as far as I know. They are listed as open on the website - Scott has not yet confirmed they are going into production- so I bet preorders Are still coming in.  Get your orders in guys - I’ve been waiting for a scale E60 for a long time!!

E60's reservations will be open for a while I suspect.  Need to get to the critical mass of pre-orders to move into any formal design.  I ordered my 3 - Phase II CH, MA, and NJT CH - all the ones I rode behind.  I can't speak to how many preorders are needed.

@RailRide posted:

What's the time window for E60(MA) reservations? I thought I had made one, but I don't see a confirmation in my Inbox. I think I may have printed out the form as a reminder, but without actually submitting it, so maybe a direct inquiry is in order.

---PCJ

You can always e-mail Sunset models to verify. But as you noted, once a person submits a reservation, a confirmation email is returned the next day or two to verify.

No confirmation, chances are good you didnt submit the reservation form.

I got my confirmation e-mail today, so I am all set. BTW Scott is very quick with replies, and that's good to know for the future.

So did I! I got my confirmation as well! Now the more important part of Coming up with da money...honey! I just made The GP7/9 bill... and the Amtrak bill is 2x that! OY VEY!

If you still want to put  reservations in for the Amfleet I and Viewliner II cars, we will accommodate. But as time goes on it gets more and more difficult to adjust production as parts are being ordered from several sources from Korea and China. 

And thank you all for your support on this project. It's going to be spectacular.

Scott

Oh I and others know it will. I see a lot of Clark Benson assembled kits on da bay as of late.

@sdmann if you have some time, could you please provide an update on this project? Production photos or even just a look at the cad drawings would be fascinating. Thanks!

@Will Ebbert posted:

@sdmann if you have some time, could you please provide an update on this project? Production photos or even just a look at the cad drawings would be fascinating. Thanks!

Will,

Final graphics are going to Amtrak for review tomorrow.  The last piece of information needed was how to how to properly show the graphics on the sleeper.  The VL II is slightly different than the VLI and has only been in service since about March.

I'll probably call Scott tomorrow and ask if he will allow posting of any graphics. While I have not done full project graphics personally since the 2017, I am doing these.  All the extrusions are done from what I understand and they are doing the CNC work on the windows.  Colors have been matched based on Amtrak documentation.  April is a real window for delivery assuming the shipping container doesn't get held up in customs.

I'm excited to finally see this project come together!  I have 8 Amfleet cars and 4 Viewliners coming.

Any updates or previews on the Viewliner & Amfleet project?

Sample models are being painted now and we are addressing minor corrections to discrepancies from the painting diagrams.  While I am not permitted to share photos, they look absolutely stunning and that is just the shell with stripes on it.  As I understand everything is fabricated and once the painting is approved and completed, they just need to be assembled.  It is getting closer!

Jonathan... thanks !

I'm counting on a July to August second invoice and an October delivery. This will be the biggest preorder bill i ever had! April 2021 shipping/delivery is now out of the question based on Jonathan's comment above.

@GG1 4877 Thanks for the update, and pretty cool to hear that you were able to see them in-person. The 5-car Amfleet set and one of the Viewliners will be my first pieces from GGD, and I can't wait!

Since ordering is now closed seems a tad arrogant and condescending not to share pictures of cars most if us will be paying over $4,000 for.

What's the harm? You think Lionel is going to run out and make them?

@AlanRail posted:

Since ordering is now closed seems a tad arrogant and condescending not to share pictures of cars most if us will be paying over $4,000 for.

What's the harm? You think Lionel is going to run out and make them?

Really?  I've never seen Lionel or MTH or Atlas or anyone else post pictures of stuff in production pre delivery.  Besides, every time it was done in the past someone would post a dumb comment about the color or something or the other and Scott would have to deal with cancellations because of the comment.  And then those people who cancelled them, after the models were delivered and saw them  would call back trying to reinstantiate their order only to find out they had been sold and they would get angry.  

I'm on Scott's side here.

@AlanRail posted:

Since ordering is now closed seems a tad arrogant and condescending not to share pictures of cars most if us will be paying over $4,000 for.

Well at least its good to know i have company re the final order tab... not aligned with AlanRail's thoughts and feelings though.

@prrhorseshoecurve posted:

Well at least its good to know i have company re the final order tab... not aligned with AlanRail's thoughts and feelings though.

I have skin in this one too.  13 cars in my order.

Believe me it is not arrogance not to show pre-production photos.  As Richard mentioned above,  there was a vocal group of people on this forum who would take every opportunity to trash the model based on pre-production pictures that either had obvious corrections we were aware of, or the color looked wrong based on monitor calibration and the lighting conditions the model was photographed under.  On top of that, many of the comments were from people who were not even buying the model or 3rd Rail customers.

It is unfortunate that a few ruined it for everyone.   

However, I am very excited to receive these cars.  I have scale Amfleets in HO and N.  To get scale cars in O was a dream that started in 2015 and with the addition of Viewliners is finally ready to cross the finish line soon.  I love passenger cars in general, but being part of the Amfleet generation, I have lots of personal experience riding them and can't wait to see them running on a layout.  My first ride on one was around 1977 and saw a real pre-modified Metroliner a few tracks over.

Trash it I've agreed to pay for it.

If you can't take the heat now, later will be better?

Or is it better to surprise us!

Just be patient and wait to get the finished product. As was previously mentioned, it's not like the other manufacturers send photos from the factory. It'll all be ok.

I'm really not trying to make this bigger an issue than it is, but look at this this way:  The final product is not the preproduction sample.  They have errors that are being corrected.  We all paid for finished models, not sample models.

Imagine if preproduction photos were shared of the Congressional.  This is a factory production sample in my collection.

I love it, but most might be a wee bit upset if it was the final product.

I like being helpful in providing info when I can that is relevant to the projects I'm involved with.  However, seeing that my comment that started all this did not further the thread positively, I will take myself out of this specific conversation. I will enjoy the cars immensely when they arrive and I hope everyone else will as well.