Thanks to the incredible paint work of Christine Braden, the O Scale "auto - train" makes its first runs. Missing from the consist in the video is the buffet/movie car which has a coupler problem at the moment. An additional number of auto carriers from MTH are on order. I used Atlas U23B locomotives with Blomberg trucks as an approximation for auto-train's U36B power with Blombergs. Cars are a combination of Lionel, Atlas, Weaver, one unknown maker, and the MTH car carriers. The letter boards on the full domes and the Budd ex Zephyr dome had to be replaced with larger boards to accommodate the larger "auto - train" logo. Christine spent a lot of effort getting the graphics the right size on each car. There are several different font sizes in use.
Since 2006 when MTH made the auto carriers, I have been awaiting MTH's completion of a passenger train. Not wanting to wait 48 years for that to happen, I decided to acquire 21" cars that as closely as possible creates an accurate looking consist and commission Christine to custom paint the train. Thanks to MTH for making the auto carriers which inspired this project. I still think MTH should finish what they started and offer sets of cars. I am looking for an MTH VO-1000 in auto train which was produced in 2006.
Some scoff at the bright colors of this train, but it is pure 70's. The creator of this service envisioned a new concept with bright colors and a break from sirly train crews in favor of a friendly cruise ship type service on rails. Auto train offered a unique service with fine foods, entertainment, and a dome filled voyage.
