Pullman-Standard rolled out the first group of Superliners in 1979. These stainless-steel bi-level cars soon became the staple of Amtrak’s long-haul fleet. Then in 1993, Canadian builder Bombardier Corp. began making revised versions of the car. The exterior design of the Superliner II is identical to the original, but a snappy paint scheme and new trucks help set it apart.
This more recent design appears to be what Lionel used to shape its O gauge model (also available in Alaska RR, Amtrak Superliner I, and New York Central paint schemes). While other manufacturers have made Amtrak Superliners, Lionel’s version is the first to feature onboard crew announcements and other sound effects that can be operated by a conventional transformer or using a Lionel TMCC controller.
Opening the box
The Lionel Superliner diner measures 19 inches long or approximately 76 feet (coupler-to-coupler) in O scale. At 41/8 inches high or approximately 16½ feet (rail-to-roof) in O scale, it’s one of the tallest toy train passenger cars.
The car isn’t especially heavy, but the aluminum construction and extra height give the diner an appropriate sense of girth. Additionally, the metal body on this Superliner car provides a reflective surface that accents the crisp Amtrak Phase IV lettering and striping.
True to the prototype, Lionel’s Superliner diner has tinted windows only along the upper level. Unfortunately, a few of the plastic windows popped out during shipment, but I was able to re-attach them with plastic cement.
While the windows were out, a close look inside revealed a few unexpected details. If the randomly seated figures don’t wow you, a flower vase positioned at every table should do the trick.
On the exterior, each end of the car features a flexible diaphragm made from fabric and metal. I didn’t expect the pneumatic doors at the ends to operate, but I was disappointed to find the side doors and hatches were simply molded into the aluminum carbody.
On the test track
Appropriate for the Superliner II design, the Lionel diner rides on die-cast metal trucks that resemble an assembly made by Buckeye Steel Castings. Each truck features metal wheels with rotating bearing caps and has a single power pickup.
In addition to interior illumination on the upper level, the diner features two red marker lights at each end. An on/off switch for the interior lighting and another to select the directional marker lights are located on the underside of the car. Needless to say, it’s impossible to set these and the run/program switch without removing the car from the track. Here’s where an opening hatch or two on the side would’ve been handy.
Similar to locomotives equipped with Lionel CrewTalk and TowerCom effects, the StationSounds diner generates banter in synch with the car’s movement.
In command-control mode, a CAB-1 controller triggers the action. Push a button and you’ll hear a conductor shout, “All Aboard!” Push it again when the train starts moving, and he’ll ask for “Tickets, please.” In total, 10 different announcements make up a complete arrival/departure sequence.
Listen carefully, and you’ll also hear subtle RailSounds effects coming from the diner. This car helps make passenger train operation an engaging activity on any layout … and leaves me wanting more Lionel Amtrak Superliners (nos. 15394 and 29165).
Price: $279.99 (no. 29168)
Features: O-42 operation; aluminum body with plastic frame; sprung trucks; detailed interior; announcements and sounds
Pros: Fine interior detail; plenty of play value
Cons: Manually triggered announcements only; doors don’t open; hard-to-reach switches and coupler tabs; high-priced rolling stock
Made in the People’s Republic of China for Lionel
awsome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1