ModelRailroadForums.com is a free
Model Railroad Discussion Forum and
photo gallery. We cover all scales and sizes of model railroads. Online since 2002, it's one of the oldest and largest model railroad forums on the web. Whether you're a master model railroader or just getting started, you'll find something of interest here.
I am beginning the laying of track tonight on my 5 x 8 HO layout. With regard to the locomotive, I am interested in a Kato EMD F40PH , but the Athern AMD 103 looks like a great loco at half the price. With regard to the passenger cars, I was looking at the Walther's Phase IV Sleeper, Diner, Superliner Sleeper, Superliner Lounge and the Budd Tavern Observation car. The layout will be powered via DCC(NCE Powerhouse Pro).
I called a LHS to check on availability of the Walther's passenger cars; the owner told me that she could barely give them away-junk.
My questions: What's wrong with Walther's passenger cars? What else is everyone using? What about my choice of Locos? Is one loco better than the other for DCC and on-board sound? I welcome all suggestions and advice.
Thank you for your time.
Dan
I work at a hobby store, all I can say about the Walther passenger cars is the price is low, the detail is okay, but I guess you could spend double the price and buy some Broadway Limiteds, not sure if they make an Amtrak version, but we have had quite a few guys buy the Walthers cars and not complain. If she can't give them away, ask her to give them to you
I have heard good things about the Kato's, if they run like their N scale you should be fine, I think Kato also makes the Amtrak cars that go with the F40PH.
Again, call her back and have her give you the "junk" or maybe she will cut a deal as she can't move them.
BLI doesn't make any Amtrak stuff.
The Walthers stuff is OK, but I think the real reason is that not many folks model Amtrak. If they do passenger at all, it's the older RR-specific 'name' trains. I don't know too many folks doing today's Amtrak; I have a pile of Superliner II cars for my Empire Builder, but I've seen a lot of Superliner I cars mostly on eBay.
Amtrak is one of those weird roads that doesn't really fit a layout. The cars are long, and the paint schemes are mismatched to the locos. And, I hear Walthers is sold out of their P42 Shamu scheme locos already.
Kennedy
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a commision from some of the links and ads shown on this website
(Learn More Here)