Amtrak Superliner Question/Advice

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I’m planning to model one of Amtrak’s Coast Starlights. I will have two Phase 3 F40PH’s pulling the train. I want the Superliner phases to be mixed, between Phase 3 and Phase 4, but I want the train to be mostly phase 4. How many Phase 3 cars should I have? I will have 7 Superliners total.

Thanks

Sean

2

The train I saw in MR had 1 superliner in 5 painted in PH3 livery - the others were PH4. “Scaling up”, I’d suggest 2 PH3 cars in your consist. It’s really up to you though. You could also mix Superliner 1 and Superliner 2 cars for even more variety - Walthers make both types (I think).

Just had another thought - you could try looking on www.railpictures.net for photos of the train you want to model, and model a real consist.

3

Railroading_Brit,

What MR Magazine was that? What year, month?

Thanks

Sean

4

It was May 2003, Page 53. Actually, when I come to look at the photo again there’s two PH3 and two PH4 - sorry about the incorrect info earlier!

Hope this helps

5

if you need a pacific parlour car for your starlight, Overland is going to be releasing one in brass. they are extremely expensive, but thats the only way to get one.

6

NightCrawler,

I would love to get the Pacific Parlour Car, but as you said it is very expensive. In its place i’m just going to use a Sightseer Lounge. Hopefully, someone will make one in plastic.(Walthers)

Sean

7

Can you guys tell me how you would arrange the cars.I have plenty of ideas but I would like to hear yours too. Remember, just Phase 3 and Phase 4. Here is how the cars will be set up: Transition Sleeper, Sleeper, Sightseer Lounge, Diner, Sightseer Lounge, Coach/Baggage, Coach

Thanks,

Sean

8

On most Amtrak trains, the first cars tend to be MHC mailcars & a baggage. Then you may need some sort of dorm sleeper. Coaches tend to be in front of the midtrain diner/lounge, followed by sleepers. This puts the sleepers on the tail end, away from the noisy diesels. The coach/baggage may be set up to pick up overnite passengers & locals.

Most 4 car sets would be pulled by one F40 with 2 coaches, 1 diner & 1 sleeper. An example of this running today would be the Portland section of the Empire Builder, also the old Pioneer split off from the DZ in Salt Lake.