Nominations for Passenger Train of the Year

Os3r, if you go to this link  and scroll down you can see the prototype.  Maybe not as obvious as the line drawing, but the photo of the rear of the observation car certainly seems to show the roof higher at the rear of the dome than at the front.

Does the fact that the EL Capitan was announced in 2014 count? Cause the City Of Portland TOT rocks!..and I have a feeling were all gonna be blown away by the Cap. I know at Christmas and resolution time I promised Santa to never ever sit on the fence again, but that was well after the reservation closed.  I know I'm going to regret not ordering the Amtrak version just cause so few folks did.  LIVE AND LEARN!!!!!

I think that the "Amtrak version" of the El Capitan was dropped. Apparently so many folks realized that there really isn't any CORRECT diesel units offered in 3-Rail, to haul the train, so reservations didn't materialize.

"I think that the "Amtrak version" of the El Capitan was dropped. Apparently so many folks realized that there really isn't any CORRECT diesel units offered in 3-Rail, to haul the train"

what would have been correct?

i would have really been interested in the UP version of the ToT if i could run it...but i can't.  

Terry, I include the UP City of Portland with the GMToT in the context of this nomination.  Others may not pair them together, of course; but, identical engine and cars except for livery is enough for me.  Also, the City of Portland is just the continuation of the GMToT's lifespan as a prototype.

"Also, the City of Portland is just the continuation of the GMToT's lifespan as a prototype."

was it really called the CoP? i had a feeling it was called the City of Seattle, but have no real deep knowledge on the subject, other than the CoP was the Portland/Chicago train and considerably longer than this ToT configuration.

I hope Scott Mann has had a chance to read all of the posts made to this thread, He should feel very proud that he created such a beautiful GMToT passenger train that most of you feel is worthy of the title Passenger Train of the Year for 2014.

The other two selections that were mentioned, the MTH Monon and the 10th Anniversary Gold Editon passenger trains, are certainly beautiful as well.

Now let's see what 2015 will bring us. We know that Scott Mann is coming out with another blockbuster set with the Sante Fe El Capitan Hi-Level, Then there is the sneak preview remark by Charlie Nassau that in the new 2015 Lionel Signature catalog there will be passenger cars with new tooling, it should prove to be an interesting year.

I don't have a "deep knowledge on the subject" either; both City of's are used on 3rd Rail's website with photographs of each.  What little I've read is that the cars from the GMToT were placed in pool service by UP for Seattle/Portland trains.

Actually, Carl, the 81 and 82 is correct - they didn't go to 81A and 81B until later... we spent a lot of time with a lot of people getting this right.... I still have the original Monon drawings here at the shop.

Your port hole point is valid.... we didn't have the ability to change the tooling - but we did get the second headlight..... and get out your magnifying glass - the builders' plate is also correct....

Thanks all!

Thanks for clarifying the numbering and tooling information.  I took the numbering information from the Monon Historical Society's diesel roster; never saw any line drawings.  I regret any inconvenience my earlier post on the numbering of the F units might have caused.  My earlier post has been edited to reflect the new information.

There was only one passenger train in 2014-The GM ToT.

Nothing, nothing, even came close.  Blue or UP Yellow, it didn't matter.  3rd Rail nailed it and the others are playing catch up with all the same old production retreads.

One of the best passenger trains of the modern era.

Another nomination would be the Atlas California Zephyr. Jerry in our club has these cars and they are absolutely beautiful.

Gilly 

"Another nomination would be the Atlas California Zephyr. Jerry in our club has these cars and they are absolutely beautiful"

Nice set, but the first cars were issued years ago. This set was not a 2014 introduction.

TOT--no question.  I wonder how many people got together with Scott to make it happen?

Norm

TOT--no question.  I wonder how many people got together with Scott to make it happen?

The driving force behind the move to get 3rd Rail to do it had to be our own Forum member Keith Rufkin who lobbied ALL manufacturers to do the GMToT for many years. Only Scott was willing to step to the forefront and get it done. For this, those of us who purchased this beautiful passenger train say a big thank you.

"Nice set, but the first cars were issued years ago. This set was not a 2014 introduction."

and not yet complete, either, right?

Did anyone here order the UP revenue passenger train version?

My choice for 2014 is the 3rd Rail/GGD Super Chief which interestingly enough has never been pictured on the Forum as a train (only individual cars).

This is one of the only pictures I've posted with the observation in the background.

BTW - I think the criteria should be delivered in 2014.  Nobody has a GGD El Capitan, Atlas hasn't finished the CZ, etc.

"and not yet complete, either, right?"

Absolutely correct, Forrest!

No problem at all.... that's why it took so many guys to sign off on all the details... you wouldn't imagine the effort that went into getting the paint colors right!

MARKER,

HOW ABOUT SHARING PIX OF YOUR 3RD RAIL GGD SUPER CHIEF TRAIN?

THANKS.

BILL

The ToT is a gorgeous train, no question.  A fun project to work on.  Of course so was the Canadian.  It's a toss up for me.  I love my VIA rail version.  Sadly, I can't track down the engines for it.  Never realized how hard it was to find VIA F40PHs.

While the El Capitan is not in the running this year, it will be an awesome set when it arrives.  It is running in Amtrak as well as Santa Fe.  I believe a total of 6 Amtrak sets are being made.  Sunset's Yellowbonnet F7s are prototypical for the train in the Phase I scheme it is being run in. 

MARKER,

HOW ABOUT SHARING PIX OF YOUR 3RD RAIL GGD SUPER CHIEF TRAIN?

THANKS.

Bill - I'd love to but I'm not set up for it right now.  I'll post in the weekend photo section when I can.

Yes, I did.  It arrives this Friday, 1/30!

Thanks for the post Jonathan. I am going to take the liberty of your toss up, and put your pick in the GMToT camp. 

I am sure looking forward to the Yellow Warbonnets, as well as the GN & NP F7's.

as a southern boy - I nominate the "Southern Crescent" - one of the finest passenger trains to rule the rails during the golden days of steam (IMHO)

I have recently purchased the MTH Southern Crescent 263 Loco & Tender

4-car 2600 series / Southern & the Pullman car

rdeal

I'd agree with that, except that it isn't new this year. I have the same set of cars with the 241A and it's absolutely stunning - but it's not eligible for a 2014 award. I'm with the majority here; the Train of Tomorrow is a tour de force. I'd have gotten one myself if I had unlimited funds and a bigger layout. 

I would like to hear more and see more of the Super Chief set? By the same manufacturer just not a lot of buzz. I for one try to never let hype influence me.

     passenger train collector  any chance of some pics of the North coast and the UP k-lines?

"passenger train collector  any chance of some pics of the North coast and the UP k-lines"

Sure, I will be happy to post some photos of the North Coast Limited set. The diesel power for up front is waiting for 3rd Rail to ship their new F7's in April, so I have not put the passenger cars on the big layout yet. I do not have a K-Line UP set.

Hey Erik,

We're drooling here!

Put away the Santa Fe "eye candy"!!

Best

Bill

From what I have seen the Train of Tomorrow has the excellent features to go with excellent appearance!  I have not seen any in person.  The Monon and Santa Fe look great. They get an A. TOT gets an A+ from me.