Is there a spotting feature to tell a Superliner Sleeper I from a II?
A Superliner is a Superliner. Are you asking about paint schemes? A Superliner I paint scheme had broader stripes, whereas the Superliner II paint scheme has narrow stripes. Most of the sleepers were built in he 1970s. A small number were built in the early 1990s. The main difference between the two from what I have seen is the newer sleepers use more plastic (fiberglass) instead of aluminum for the bulkheads (walls). However, just about every car today has the Superliner II paint scheme.
Do you mean external spotting feature? Well, there are many. The older Superliner I’s have the older european air-ride trucks and the II’s have the newer GSC trucks that can be seen on horizon, viewliner, and the 1500 series MHC fleet. The II’s also have names. The standard superliner II sleeper has a name of a state. On the Auto Train, however, there are a group of Sleepers that have all bedrooms (sofa, enclosed toilet,etc.). There are 5 of these cars, I believe, named after beaches and a former amtrak president. The Superliner I sleepers were supposed to receive names of national parks and the like, but only two I’s have names, the George M. Pullman, and Edward L. Ullman. Hope this helps.
Joe, Atlanta
Superliner 2 have slightly wider doorways for wheelchairs to conform with A.D.A. Looking for the handicap sign is the only way I know to tell.