Product Review: Phase IVb Amtrak Amfleet II Cafe (Walthers HO Scale)

[marylindsayrr]

Keep in mind everyone, this is a limited time deal. Amtrak made these models possible not the manufacturers. Apparently they're catering to the "more popular" stuff so I don't know for sure when Walthers will re-visit modern Amtrak equipment.

I would encourage modelers to encourage Walthers to re-tool the Amfleets (I and II) and release the newly tooled models in phase IVb like they did with the Superliners as Walthers retired all of their modern Amtrak equipment products.

[CSXKid5016]

@marylindsayrr Thats correct. Amtrak wanted to introduce the full line of current paint scheme cars at an attempt to pull younger modelers in to the wonderful world of model railroading while also showing the beauty of Amtrak. All of the models were reported to be at substantially lower prices to purposely make them more affordable for the younger modelers, reinforcing that point. I also doubt Walthers will revisit Amtrak equip, but its worth encouraging then.

[acela2168]

Man, these cars look great!! My baggage car came and I love it!!!! I am going to get the amfleet I's to make the Northeast Regional!!!!!!

[CSXKid5016]

@acela2168 Cool! I just git the Viewliners, coaches, and baggage in yesterday so ill be posting those reviews soon!

[CSXKid5016]

@tazamack12 Thanks!

[DelayInBlock]

Nice review Sharon!

[CSXKid5016]

@DelayInBlock Thanks Sharon!

[train1516]

Ya i just got the whole silver star, the sleeper is still backorder but other than that i have it. The only thing i see is that on the bottom of the cars theres a metal piece that holds in the wheels and that slows the car down.The rest of the cars that you say your going to get are very nice i would suggest getting them!

[CSXKid5016]

@train1516 Sweet!

[metronorthrr4life]

ya i may just upgrade to walthers

[CSXKid5016]

@metronorthrr4life I would highly recommend them to anyone.

[Acela150Kid]

These will be produced by walthers for a long time to come. It's not just a one and done thing.

[CSXKid5016]

@Acela150Kid The phase IVb models are actually a one and done deal. They will be produced for a short period of time and then their production will be cut off. I have spoken with head staff in Amtraks marketing department and they are the ones that confirmed this. The phase IVb models along with heritage units are going to be short produced. Not sure where you heard they were being mass produced but where ever it was, it's incorrect. If you want them, get them while they last.

[CSXKid5016]

@Acela150Kid And just to reiterate, I was contacted by someone from the Amtrak 40th anniversary team several days ago. They informed me that the second batch of Amfleet II's had just run out and that one more shipment would be brought in and sold, and then the Amfleet II Coaches in Phase IVb production will close its doors. So maybe 150 more will be produced. Expect this for all other models as well. Thought you would want to know.

[metronorthrr4life]

does it roll nice unlike the crap bachmann cars?

[CSXKid5016]

@metronorthrr4life It rolls great! I meant to roll it a few times but i forgot when I was doing it. It rolls very smooth with no squeaks and no noise. Even though its the same tooling as the older cars, being new makes a big difference. So overall, 100% better than Bachmann's. I bought some Bachmann's a couple of years ago and couldn't stand them. Got rid of them as fast as I could. Walthers is where its at. I'll admit that I did get the Acela from Bachmann and its great! But Walthers is better!