Walthers HO scale Superliner II passenger cars

Amtrak Superliner II passenger cars are now available as HO scale plastic models from Walthers with a plated finish that simulates the prototype’s stainless-steel body like nothing else I’ve seen.

The model’s wire grab irons, crisp printing, built-in electrical pickup for optional interior lighting, and faithfulness to the prototype also contribute to making Walthers’ new coach, diner, sleeper, and lounge cars standouts.

Take two. When the passenger cars Amtrak inherited from its predecessors started to wear out, the railroad placed an order with Pullman-Standard for 235 replacements. These cars, based on the El Capitan Hi-Level cars run by the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, were dubbed the Superliners.

When a second batch was needed, Amtrak placed an order with Bombardier, which bought the patents and designs for the original Superliner cars from Pullman. The new cars, delivered in 1993-1994, were therefore nearly identical to the first batch, but modifications were made to the doors and interiors to better accommodate disabled passengers. These 140 cars were designated as Superliner II. They remain in service today on Amtrak’s long-haul corridors, including the Empire Builder, Capitol Limited, and Auto Train.

New and improved. The most visible improvement over Walthers’ original release of these cars is the finish. The plated-metal finish of these cars does justice to the prototype’s stainless-steel exterior. It’s not reflective like chrome, but has the sheen of brushed steel.

Another improvement over the previous versions is that the wire grab irons are factory-applied. The red, white, and blue stripes of the models’ phase IVb paint scheme are sharp and straight. The new models match the dimensions given in the 1997 Simmons-Boardman Car & Locomotive Cyclopedia.

The attention to detail extends to the inside. For example, every table in the dining car is molded with full place settings. Furthermore, there’s a complete galley on the lower level – even though there are no windows on that level, so the only way to see it is to remove the body! If you decide to add Walthers’ optional interior lighting kit (part no. 933-6004, $12.98), the time it would take to paint the dishes on the tables would be worth it.

The only flaw that I noticed on these cars is a row of tiny bumps and divots down the center of each car’s roof, likely remnants of the molding process.

A visible improvement. Overall, Walthers hits a solid homer with its revised Superliner II cars. Thanks to their attention to detail and realistic metallic finish, these Amtrak cars really shine.

HO Superliner II cars
Price: $59.98 each
Manufacturer:
Wm. K. Walthers Inc.
P.O. Box 3039
Milwaukee, WI 53201
www.walther.com
Description: ready-to-run
injection-molded plastic passenger cars
Body styles: coach, diner, lounge, and sleeper

Superliner II features
All-wheel electrical pickup for interior lighting kit (sold seperately)
Blackened metal wheels (with National Model Railroad Association RP-25 contour, in gauge)
Chrome-like plated metal finish
Molded plastic interior
ProtoMax metal magnetic knuckle couplers (at correct height)
Sprung diaphrams
Tinted window glazing
Weight: 7.5 ounces (0.75 ounces too heavy based on NMRA RP-20.1)
Wire grab irons