ON THE TEST TRACK: The new Williams by Bachmann Amtrak F59PHI

The design of the F59PHI is about as far from an E8 in design as a Corvette is from an Edsel. The lines are sleek, and the car body looks light – a virtue regarding fuel efficiency.

These days it is really unusual to receive two new locomotives within a day or so of each other. Last week it was the Atlas O Trainman line Dash 8-40C. This week it is the Amtrak F59PHI passenger locomotive from Williams by Bachmann (WBB).

Our quick lubricate and run showed a good performer. A conventional locomotive, it operated well above 6 volts and was smooth running.The steady engines sounds were nice and the horn was superb.

The F59PHI has become something of a design icon for both Amtrak and assorted commuter agencies. The car body has a sleek, futuristic design as different from the classic E8 passenger engine as possible, an Illuminated cab, TruBlast locomotive sounds horn/bell, two can-style motors, operating couplers, and O-31 operation. Road names available are Amtrak California, Amtrak Cascades, Amtrak Surfliner for $529 a copy. See your Williams retailer or go to www.Bachmantrains.com for more information.

With two original Williams Superliner cars (or as I like to say, Williams by Williams) in tow, the F59 does a great job negotiating the curve at high-speed.

Painting and decoration are great. Especially notable are the curved lines on the curved nose!

The rear of the unit features a light, grab irons, drawbridge chain, and a doorway for the crew.

Top view of working the way through switches.

The radiator fans look terrific.

Screen detailing is nice.

The F59 blasts past the depot.

Decoration on the sides is classic Northwest with the forest green motif!

Coming around the corner.

Rolling along.

The locomotive blows by.

The last car rumbles along.

Slowing down for the depot!