I see that Amtrak heavily uses their new coaches, what is the name? And are there any plans by an N scale company to manufacture them?
Amfleet I coaches and food service cars are available from Bachmann... they were the first generation of new coaches based on the tubular looking Metroliner cars that were first introduced circa 1967 on the Pennsylvania RR's North East Corridor. Amfleet II coaches and food service cars are similar to Amfleet I cars but have wider seating space within the car and fewer windows as well. Amfleet II cars also have only one vestibule vs. the two found on Amfleet I cars... these are available from Kato. Kato also offers Viewliner sleepers, which are the sleepers most commonly seen on single level trains. They feature angular sides and an extra row of smaller windows above the larger side windows, but soon there will be some new types coming out (on the prototype) as the first new order for Viewliner type cars begin to enter service, which will include baggage - dorm and dining cars. To help illustrate the car types I recommend visiting the Passenger Car Photo Index. Amtrak cars of all types are able to be found there, under the Amtrak listings.
The Superliner cars (the real tall ones) are made by Kato and Con-Cor, with the most recent version by Kato. Just about anything modern for Amtrak can be found from those two, with Bachman here and there.
I just picked up a Kato Amfleet II at a swap meet this past weekend to run with my Bachmanns. Man oh man I wish Kato made Amfleet Is. The detail and printing is so much better, plus none of those stupid Rapidos to deal with.
It seems I'm after horizons, I'm trying to model the Wolverine but they've transitioned from amfleets almost entirely.
That's too bad, maybe one of these days. If anyone does them, I would expect Kato. They've been doing passenger stuff recently, plus it looks great so that's wishful thinking on my part.
There was a company that was offering resin shells of the Horizon cars for about $30 a car. I'm not sure of the name or if they are around anymore. I know they also made subway car shells if that helps.
I am working on some Horizon fleet cars. The company that made the resin shells is converting over to all Shapeways products. I think I picked up their last 4 shells but they might have more laying around. The one they offered was the "Comet II" which the Horizon car looks nearly identical to. I've been cutting up other cars to try to get the trucks to look right but haven't gotten very far since I started on the layout. The company is Island Modelworks. The actual model you're looking for the the Comet II trailer. The resin shell is a bit cheaper than the Shapeways version, since it has the chassis with it. You'll need to figure out how to body-mount couplers since the stairs get in the way of truck-mounted couplers. For trucks that look perfect, pull the trucks off of a Kato Viewliner sleeper, cut the couplers off and mount the truck backwards. (Maybe you could order the trucks from Kato's parts department for a cheaper alternative) That's as far as I have gotten. Microscale also makes a decal set that will work, except the white "Amtrak" text is not written inside the thick blue stripe. Micro Scale #60-971
Kato might as well! If they make the Horizons, the California/Surfliner cars and Cascades Talgo, then they got all the modern Amtrak equipment covered! Oh wait, no one's done Superliner IIs yet
One of our group here in the UK has a Shapeways shops and has done Horizon cars (see here http://www.shapeways.com/shops/boxcarmodels) along with several others. David Milburn (North Yorkshire, UK) www.yorkshirengauge.org.uk
Unfortunately the coaches do not come painted! You have to clean up the shells, prime, undercoat/paint and then decal yourself plus add Kato hi-speed trucks (all of which adds to the cost!) I've managed to get a coach and a diner completed in time for our big local show this weekend, and they'll have to run with a couple of Kato Amfleets - but I know for sure no-one else will have any!! A couple of photos of the 'as delivered' state below:
"I've managed to get a coach and a diner completed in time for our big local show this weekend,..." Do, please, share some shots of your cars. Would like to see how they look painted and decaled.
Sorry stock all packed ready for show setup tomorrow - the photo on the Shapeways site is of my diner: I don't know whether I would dare take any real close-ups - it would show up all my painting/decal errors!!
I have literally never decaled before, so I really can't insult you. I think I'll try a cafe and if it works out maybe a coach too.
