GGD Run 2 Slumbercoaches Arrive

@GG1 4877 posted:

The sad part is I have close to 10 FP45s from MTH and they are so woefully inadequate on the pilot, fuel tank, and detail on the side-frames.  I would gladly sell them if we could get enough interest in proper ones.  My Southwest Limited looks silly being pulled by E8s.

As I said, we shall see.  I think with some minimal modeling on the pilots the MTH shells including swapping some elements from the SD40-2 pilots and finding some better stirrups and  some Precision Scale exhaust fans it can be OK over the 3rd rail chassis.  The distance between the trucks will still be off by a couple of (scale) inches.  The SDP40F takes kitbashing 4 MTH shells and the 3rd rail chassis so that is more challenging.  And if you want a phase II SDP40F that requires flattening the nose and some other detail changes also.

@GG1 4877 posted:

Amtrak GG1s pulled Amtrak trains from inception until 1981 when Amtrak retired them... 

Amtrak GG1s had the following paint schemes...

As for consists, any train that ran on the NEC from 1971-1981 would have had a GG1 pulling it.  This includes..

While the true "Heritage Fleet" of rebuilt HEP long distance cars started in 1977 and introduced the phase III paint scheme, those trains were mainly pulled by E60CHs and later E60MAs as they came equipped with HEP gensets.   

Jonathan, thank you so much for your comprehensive, detailed narrative that appears earlier in the thread. A tour de force. I am lucky to have you put a somewhat tumultuous time in perspective. Now when I do research on the web, I have a map to put it into context.

I am under the impression that a consist with an Amfleet I Phase I livery would represent a longer period of service for the GG1 than a Phase II livery would. To what extent is that correct?

I also get the impression that an Amfleet I Phase I livery would be prototypical for being pulled by GG1s with a wider variety of liveries. To what extent is that true?

My understanding is that GGD has Amtrak coach and cafe cars in Amfleet I Phase I livery available for reservation right now. If I wanted a good selection of cars to represent a variety of Amfleet I Phase I consists for the GG1, what would be your advice for how many coaches and cafes I should get?

My shaky understanding is that Amfleet I Phase I cars required an HEP car. Is that correct? It seems that as you have explained above, it will be necessary for me to come up with my own HEP car if I want an authentic Amfleet consist.

Thanks again for all your expertise,

Norman

@GG1 4877 posted:

Norman,

That is a great question.  Amtrak GG1s pulled Amtrak trains from inception until 1981 when Amtrak retired them.  The last run of steam heated cars though was in 1982 and a pair of NJT GG1s, 4877 and 4879, did the honors on that train.  There are almost limitless consists of that era through.

Amtrak GG1s had the following paint schemes:

• Amtrak Platinum mist with a variation on the bloody nose scheme.  All were numbered in the 900 series, but do not necessarily represent the 4 being dropped from the PRR / PC number.  All had the modified intakes.
• Amtrak Helvetica stenciled on the side of an all-black GG1.  Most of them in the 900 series again, but also some still retaining a 4-digit number with a 4 in the front.  Some odd renumbering still happened as one was 4939 and the highest numbered PRR GG1 was 4938.  Photos help.  Modifications on these units varied.
• Amtrak Helvetica stenciled on a DGLE with a single buff stripe PRR scheme.  These were units that still retained PRR paint.
• Penn Central - both leased PC units and purchased ones that did not get repainted.  These were more common early on.
• PRR 4935 in 5 stripe DGLE - done in 1977 and operated in service until the end of Amtrak GG1 operations.  Went to the PRR Railroad Museum operable upon retirement and technically remained operable until transformers were finally removed in 2005.
• Amtrak ended up with all the highest numbered GG1s as they were the newest of the fleet.  NJT's stopped at 4884 and Amtrak eventually ended up with most of the numbers above that.

As for consists, any train that ran on the NEC from 1971-1981 would have had a GG1 pulling it.  This includes:

• Amfleet cars in Phase I and Phase II paint with a generator car that was typically a baggage car or a coach converted to have an HEP genset.  Lionel has tooling for an appropriate one that they offered with the Rio Grande Ski Train.  However, these cars came from lots of donors and no two were the same.  Some of these trains were used in Metroliner service while the original Budd cars were being rebuilt.
• The through trains that terminated in Penn Station all got GG1s in DC or Harrisburg. This includes the Silver Meteor, Silver Star, the Crescent, The Broadway Limited, the National Limited, and several I'm certainly forgetting.  These would be fairly long trains, be a bit coach heavy, but would still have a crew dorm somewhere either at the head end or as part of a multi-unit diner, a lounge or two, and various combinations of sleepers.  PC added Sleepercoaches to the Broadway at its inception.  Slumbercoaches were added to several trains that never had them previously also.  Observation cars ran up until the mid 70's on various trains.
• GG1s ran north to New Haven as well so any of the Boston bound trains would be appropriate.
• Off course, the Clockers had GG1s and were mainly former Congressional cars.
• In general, any cars in Phase I or II Amtrak would be appropriate, but Hi Levels and dome cars did not run under wire.

While the true "Heritage Fleet" of rebuilt HEP long distance cars started in 1977 and introduced the phase III paint scheme, those trains were mainly pulled by E60CHs and later E60MAs as they came equipped with HEP gensets.   

Still disappointed on the cancelation of the E60, however there just wasn't enough interest so I get it.

Sorry for the long response!

Maybe we will still get the Amtrak SDP40f !  Such a great looking piece of Amtrak history.  And as far as heritage fleet, I saw Amtrak use the term "Heritage Fleet" in their brochures through the 1990's to describe all of the rebuilt equipment from pre 1970 roads.  i.e. Coaches, Diner, Baggage, Slumbercoach.    I recall all of these being on the Crescent in 1990.  One of the sleepers had the fabric curtains that provided privacy to the those in the sleepers.  Might have been the slumbercoach.

I still think with the right marketing push an E60CP would fill a need on any Amtrak Layout.  And a Budd Metroliner.