Not an Amtrak modeler, but seeing the article on "short Amtrak consists" reminded me of a "best-ever" in that department. Opposite page 158 of Dave Warner's magisterial fleet history, "Amtrak By the Numbers," there is a picture of a 1973 Illinois Zephyr, E unit leading, followed by two coaches, a dome, and a round-end dome coach. That's some visual interest!
http://mprailway.blogspot.com
"The first transition era - wood to steel!"