The Western Pacific colors are probably my favorite... even better the DRGW Aspen Gold or Prospector schemes... or even the SP Black Widow. Too bad Western Pacific really didn't have much of a fleet of 'covered wagons' in that orange/silver/black scheme... would have loved to model other passenger trains from them with those colors.
I have an original run set of the CZ and an ABB set of Kato F3s to pull it. I didn't think they'd reissue the train again, either, and I wanna kick myself for not getting another set. I guess to compensate, I started collecting the motive power for it, a Life-Like ABBA set of black Rio Grande PAs,a Kato AB set of Aspen Gold Rio Grande PAs and I just picked up a Q E unit. I'm still undecided if I will get another AB set of gold PAs, but I am definitely getting another Q E.
Actually, your OK. Kato is rereleasing the 3rd set, not the first ([FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]KAT-106-055B)[/SIZE][/FONT]. http://www.nscalesupply.com/KAT/KAT-PassengerCZSet.html
I've got a first run set, with Rio Grande Aspen leaf PA's. Also the same units, with sound. Have a second run set also. Have Rio Grande ABBA F3 and ALCo ABA in 4 stripe paint. Either set of PA's look best on point. I think.
Lucky for me, I have the F units from a custom painter. I would like the Black and Gold PA units though.
Well, I have good news for you. The re-run CZ is not the first release. It is the third release. More details in this thread: http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?146755-Kato-re-releasing-third-release-CZ
I am so glad that Kato doesn't put us through that anymore. I remember one of the biggest feeding frenzies that occured when Kato first released the GN F7's to match their earlier release of the Empire Building scheme passenger cars. Like you did, I ordered three complete ABA sets from two different vendors just to make sure I got some. They were sold out everywhere within days of the announcement. I'm not talking about being sold out after hitting the shelves; these went so fast that if you waited a week to reserve a set, you were too late. Even with the CZ, I bought two sets of the first release for the same reason, but was able to "trade in" my second unused set for a second release when those came out. I've become a bit more calm about things with the motive power. All Kato, WP F3 ABB, DRGW F3 ABBA, DRGW Aspen PA ABA, CBQ E9 AAA, CBQ F3 ABA and CBQ E5 AA. I really like the looks of those Black and Gold PA units and would likely buy a set if Kato ever releases them. I didn't really care for the DRGW silver scheme, so passed on that one.
I have the first , fourth, and fifth sets along with CB&Q F3 ABA, D&RGW PA ABA silver and gold, WP F3 ABB all Kato, and IM F7 ABA Bumblebee stripes. This reissue will get me the third set, so I will have to wait and hope for the second set to be reissued. I will echo the call for an NCL set as the two tone green is so different from all the other consists. Finally I would like to see Kato do the GN EB Great Domes to complete that train.
I think there are a lot of us who are hoping that Kato will eventually retool an entire prototypical EB, as the initial releases are generally not prototypical for that train. Also, as a point of clarification, GN refered to all of their dome cars as "Great Domes." The full length dome, first class lounge cars were further described as "Great Dome Lounge" cars.
What I would like is a couple of Twin Cities Zephyrs, and some NCLs. What I have is a slew of Kato & Concor
Although consist lists show the EB pulled by ABBA sets of F7s at that time, there are many photos of E7s in service after the full length domes came into service. Roster lists I have found online show that some E7s made it to the BN merger. I'm sure they were occasionally called into Empire Builder service.
They need to offer an updated set with E7's and then offer the full length dome in an add on set of two cars with an extra coach or sleeper or another short dome. I think it would sell quick.
James, I had a chance to put together a video of my visit to the East Valley Lines at Griffith Park, Los Angeles. You'll see my Kato Sud-Est TGV, Kato Blue/Yellow ATSF F7 Freights with a string of old-time refers behind them, and finally my Kato D&RGW PA/PBs pulling the California Zephyr. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLNiwG8K-Ds
