When Amtrak repaints their cars in the newer schemes, (what modelers refer to as phases) do the car numbers stay the same or are they changed with the new painting? I’m assuming that the repaint is done as part of a refurb or major repair.
Also, is there a reference as to what cars Amtrak owns, type, and numbers?
No…according to my source who works for Amtrak.
Those car numbers are very important references that stay with a line’s classification system. In fact all RR’s maintain very a strict system of numbering & only change designations when a merger or acquisition would throw the new owner’s numbering system outawack. It also allow us prototypers to keep track of a car’s history (& chuckle when you see several cars, same road number but different paint scheme on the same layout…kind a like a time-warp).
Since Amtrak is a real railroad (still),there are considerable numbers of sites that deal with Amtrak and discussion ranging all over the place including car numbers & classifications. I’d check out Trains.com, Trains Magazine, or the Yahoo system of sites. Those site would contain some interesting prospects.
I don’t know of any books on car inventory (just yet) but I’m sure other posters may know.
Happy Railroading…
Mark