KATO USA
Precision Railroad Models
Prototype Information:
The Superliner I fleet was built in 1979 by Pullman Standard and were based on the famous Budd built Hi-Levels operated by the Santa Fe railroad for their “El Capitan” all-coach train. 102 Superliner I coaches were built, and 48 Superliner I coach-baggage combination cars with a secure baggage hold instead of lower-level seating. For transportation of bulk items, trains would run with cars known as “Material Handling Cars” cargo carrying freight cars which would run either on the nose or tail of a consist.
The Superliner II fleet was introduced in 1990 as Amtrak’s next generation of its now ubiquitous Superliners. Visually very similar to their older cousins, the Superliner II’s have a host of mechanical and electrical improvements to their design as well as construction. One of the new styles of car introduced with this new generation of cars was the “Transition Sleeper”, or “Transition Dormitory” car. Intended to replace the aging High-Level Step Down cars, the Transition Sleeper fulfills a similar role by having high and low level diaphragms on either end of the car as well as having on-board crew accommodations.
Budd Hi-Level Cars: The Budd-built Hi-Level cars had a great influence on Amtrak’s passenger service, revolutionizing economy coach travel with their double-decker design. Even after the advent of the Superliner car, many of these Budd cars remained in service, in particular the “Step-Down” coach originally used to transition between single level and hi-level cars on the “El Capitan”. These cars, along with de-skirted (for easier maintenance) Santa Fe Baggage cars, were a staple on all Superliner trains up to the introduction of the Superliner II car in 1990.
Car Types:
Today, the Phase VI (also known as Phase IVb) is the most common paint variation seen of Amtrak's equipment, and it can be seen on Amtrak Equipment of all types.
Superliner I Coach
Superliner I Coach-Baggage
Superliner I Diner
Superliner I Lounge
Superliner I Sleeper
Superliner II Transition Sleeper/Dormitory
Current Models
Stock #
Description
Road #
Msrp
Stock #
Description
N Amtrak ALC-42 & Superliner Phase VI 4-Unit "Starter Series" Set
10-1788-DCC: N Amtrak ALC-42 & Superliner Phase VI 4-Unit "Starter Series" Set w/Pre-Installed DCC
10-1788-1: N Amtrak ALC-42 & Superliner Phase VI 4-Unit "Starter Series" Set w/Pre-Installed Lighting
10-1788-S: N Amtrak ALC-42 & Superliner Phase VI 4-Unit "Starter Series" Set w/Pre-Installed DCC + Sound
This Set Includes:
- ALC-42 Amtrak Phase VI #302
- Amtrak Superliner I Sleeper Phase VI #32052
- Amtrak Superliner Coach-Baggage Phase VI #31021
- Amtrak Superliner Coach Phase VI #34055
Road #
Msrp
$220 for Analog/DC. $320 for Digital DCC. $265 for Pre-lit Cars. $420 for DCC+Sound.
Stock #
Description
N Amtrak Superliner Phase VI 6-Unit Bookcase Set
10-1789-1 N Amtrak Superliner Phase VI 6-Unit Bookcase Set w/ Preinstalled Interior Lighting
This Set Includes:
- Viewliner II Baggage #61017
- Superliner II Transition Sleeper #39029
- Superliner I Sleeper #32026
- Superliner I Diner #38016
- Superliner I Lounge #33023
- Superliner I Coach #34058
Road #
N/A
Msrp
$205 for Analog/DC. $295 for Pre-lit Cars.
Stock #
Description
N Amtrak F40PH & Superliner Phase III 4-Unit Set
106-3530-DCC: N Amtrak F40PH & Superliner Phase III 4-Unit Set w/Pre-Installed DCC
106-3530-S: N Amtrak F40PH & Superliner Phase III 4-Unit Set w/Pre-Installed Sound
106-3530-1: N Amtrak F40PH & Superliner Phase III 4-Unit Set w/Pre-Installed Light
106-3530-S-1: N Amtrak F40PH & Superliner Phase III 4-Unit Set w/Pre-Installed Light + Sound
This Set Includes:
- F40PH Phase III #370
- Superliner I Sleeper #32064
- Superliner I Coach-Baggage #31005
- Superliner I Coach #34071
Road #
N/A
Msrp
$180 for Analog/DC. $280 for Digital DCC. $225 for Pre-lit Cars. $380 for DCC+Sound. $425 for Sound+Light
Stock #
Description
N Amtrak Superliner Phase III 6-Car Set
106-3531-1 N Amtrak Superliner Phase II 6-Car Set w/ Preinstalled Interior Lighting
This Set Includes:
- Baggage #1234
- Budd Hi-Level Stepdown Coach #39930
- Superliner I Sleeper #32002
- Superliner I Diner #38010
- Superliner I Lounge #33024
- Superliner I Coach #34100
Road #
N/A
Msrp
$190 for Analog/DC. $280 for Pre-lit Cars.
Officially licensed by Amtrak.
Amtrak and Superliner are registered service marks of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.
