Why are Amtrak Modelers Far and Few Between in this Hobby?

[ksax73]

I was just looking at a poll on the forum asking what Railroad people here model and Amtrak wasn't even on the list.

That sparked a thought in my head that's been sitting there for a while. Why is it that there is such a small number of Amtrak modelers out there in this hobby. I know a number of modelers in my age bracket are modeling Amtrak and I can understand that since Amtrak was in existence when we were born so to us we don't know American life with out it.

Anyway I was wondering if anyone can provide some insight to this observation.

[vsmith]

Personally I find Amtracks trains prior to the use of Genesis units and the strealine F59 units to be just boring to tears! The Genesis units and the F59's have brought back at the least a little of the coolness older PA, F or E units had. These LOOK like passenger engines, not repainted frieght engines. Just MHO.

[vsmith]

Just a second thought but if your modeling the early 70's you could model Amtrack by literally running ANY passenger cars you have together with ANY locomotives you have, such was the state of Disarray that was Amtrack in the first couple of years of operation. Oh yeah, make sure the cars are old and worn out for true authenticism.

[RoyalOaker]

QUOTE:
Anyway I was wondering if anyone can provide some insight to this observation.

If it's any consolation I have an Amtrak A/B F series units on my outside loop. An Amrak runs three times a day just blocks from my house and my kids and I love to see the train run on the layout. (We overlook the fact that we use the older engines)

I think some of the romance has died with the loss of more local or individually styled passenger trains of the past. It's kind of the same thing with the loss of small stores in communities due to the big box outlets popping up everywhere. The Amtrak just does not seem to be as special. (To some people)

I say give it a number of years and Amtrak may eventually obtain the same sentimentality that others hold for it's predecessors.

[twhite]

I think VSmith sums it up pretty well for me, too. Amtrak equipment just doesn't seem to have any 'personality' to it. Of course, I model the 1940-50 era, so Amtrak wouldn't be in my scheme of things to begin with, but I think a lot of hobbyists that are modeling passenger trains (and there seem to be quite a few out there, including myself) tend to go with more varied equipment from the pre-Amtrak era. For myself, given the choice between the Amtrak "California Zephyr" and the real WP/D&RGW/CB&Q item from the 1950-60 period, I'd definitely go with the latter. Modeling passenger trains from a certain historical era can be a lot more entertaining, since there were such varied consists to choose from--everything from a colorful "Daylight" to the little local that stopped at every flag-stop between stations. I notice lately that more and more model railroaders are beginning to incorporate passenger operations (myself included) but I also think that more and more of us are tending toward the era when passenger trains were an integral part of railroading, not the present private company that often has to fight freight railroads for right of way. Hopefully, more of the model railroaders that are re-creating the present era will come around to modeling Amtrak, but I think that for now, the passenger trains that are attracting a lot of model railroaders are the great limiteds and little locals of the past. I could be wrong (and that would be fine with me), but Amtrak silver just doesn't have the personality or romance of the great trains of the 1940-60 era.
Just my [2c]
Tom[:I]

[AntonioFP45]

Vsmith and Twhite slammed the hammer on the head.

Superliners and Amfleet cars just don't do anything for me. I liked the Heritage Fleet cars. These, IMHO, had the best riding qualities of the fleet. Those trucks really made the difference!

I had the priviliedge of riding Amtrak in the early years. I even took photos inside the cabs of SDP40f and F40 locomotives. Very friendly crews.

But to me, Amtrak only reminded me of what once was. As elegant as the SDP's were to me, the image of the Champion being pulled by SCL E7 and E8 units at 100 mph is much more exciting. American passenger trains offered more services and greater frequency than Amtrak.

BTW: The F59 is basically a "hopped up" GP50 with a streamlined carbody. Sorry but it looks more like an RV to me than a locomotive.

It took a while for the GE "Genesis" series locomotives with their aircraft styling to grow on me. They don't "look powerful" or rugged but I must admit they do look nice pulling the Silver Star at 80 m.p.h!

[gvdobler]

I think passenger trains "people" are in the minority. I went into my LHS (trains only) and when I ask about passenger cars, the guy behind the counter and the two customers looked at me like they were going to call security.

Then secondly, most people model an era prior to Amtrak.

If you model a modern era and like passenger trains, Amtrak has an appeal because the trains are short in length (better for most layout).

I agree with vsmith that you the F59s are neater looking. A modern coast run like southern California would be great.

Jon - Las Vegas

[vsmith]

Just a side thought but with all the talk about Amtrack dissappearing has any modeler ever done up a contemporary passenger consist, say an F59 and a string of Superliners, but painted in a current frieght service colors, like UP or BNSF?

I've always wondered how a string of superliners would look in Armor Yellow!

[Anonymous]

I think that there is alot of us in our 40's to 60 ages today in the hobby. We still love the fallen flags. Most of Amtrak trains look alike. the trains of yesteryears were not alike. They had there own looks

[siberianmo]

I model Amtrak and VIA Rail (1990's to present day); I'm a passenger railroad fan - big time. I'll let the responses before me address your question, for I have no clue what turns one person on and the other off when it comes to this hobby. If you like it - you model it - that works for me.

Check out my Union Station, you'll find plenty of Amtrak (click on the image to enlarge it):

[trainboyH16-44]

It's probably because most Amtrak trains are P42s and superliners, with limited service, and they hardly go anywhere anymore. At least VIA rail has The Canadian running with Budd cars still.
Trainboy

[gvdobler]

AntonioFP45

I agree with you, I am a passenger fan. At the risk of rath, I have alot of UP Rivarossi cars. I plan to get some new Amtrak stuf and run modern diesels with UPs steam excursions.

Great picture siberainmo.

Jon - Las Vegas

[simon1966]

There are an awful lot of us 40 somethings on the forum, and many of us seem to have picked the transisiton era to model. Nothing against Amtrak per se, just a preference for some steam on the layout.

[IRONROOSTER]

For me, the 1920's thru 1940's were the Golden Age of passenger trains. It was the era of the big stations, name trains, matched consists, priority schedules and competition for passengers. With RPO, express cars, etc. it is a very interesting period to model passenger trains. The railroads tried to keep this going after WWII, but by the mid 1950's most were cutting back as the airlines and the interstate highways developed and became the preferred ways to travel. The mail contracts had kept many shortline/branch line passenger trains going. But as they lost these contracts to trucks and planes, the passenger operations were dropped.

One reason I set my railroad in 1953, was that the Ma&Pa still had the mail contract and passenger service (both ended in 1954).

While you could certainly have some fun with Amtrak in the early years, I think it really has just come into it's own in the last 10 years or so (and may not last long the way the current administration is not funding it). I expect to see interest in it increase if it survives.

Enjoy
Paul

[Anonymous]

Awesome picture siberainmo.

I run ONE Amtrak train on my layout just to break things up.

[Anonymous]

I model the northeast corridor in Connecticut, and Amtrak is a must! I know most people don't like Amtrak due to 'railroad politics', but it's a railroad I grew up with and love.

By the way - I've visited the MLRR for years now, nice work, on your custom models especially.

[Anonymous]

I like Amtrak, and don't get me wrong, an SDP40F or an F40 on the point of an Amtrak consist looks awesome, but it just can't match up to a big 4-8-4 or a set of E units pulling a string of Streamlined passenger cars.

EDIT: Uhhh, well, this was a year ago before I switched to modern era[:I][;)]. I still love looks of 4-8-4s and Es with streamliners, but how bout 3 F40PHs rocketing by with the Capitol Limited!? Awesome! I'll have close to 5 Amtrak trains on my layout, big passenger train guy here.

[Anonymous]

Hey everyone, I'm a long time model railroad lover, and finally decided I should get started with some type of layout (having the better halfs permission helps) and have been reading the forums here for a couple months, and thought I'd chime in this topic as my first post. :)

I plan on having Amtrak run quite a bit on my as of yet un-started layout (move first, build later), as it is a central reason for the layout for me. That and Metra. I grew up riding Metra trains (and of course the CTA, but that layout is for the future ;)) and more recently Amtrak, to visit my girlfriend when she was in school. When I didn't feel like driving, I took Amtrak (short trip, Chicago to Champaign). I have always loved trains, so it was a better choice than the bus IMO.

So, having this experience and a desire to model something familiar, I plan on a layout that at least incorporates Chicago's Union Station, which is the downtown hub of several of Metra's lines and my Amtrak starting point. (By the way, that is a great inspirational pic siberianmo. Thanks for sharing!)

Ok, back to my lurking. Still so much to read and learn! :)

\Dan

[cnw4001]

As was stated in an earlier message, I tend to model what I like. Thus I have some CNW commuter, CNW 400 Passenger, an L & N Hummingbird, two GO Trransit sets, a VIA rake, an N & W Powhattan Arrow pulled by a J and lots of Amtrak including Amtrak Roadrailers.

You get the idea, some folks want to center on a very narrow era and others have broader interests and both are correct. This is a hobby and you do what makes it interesting for you.

Oh yes, did I mention that occasionally an SNCF diesel powered Le Poste train heads down the line, or that a two unit Scot rail DMU pays a visit?

Dale

[red p]

QUOTE: Originally posted by vsmith

Just a second thought but if your modeling the early 70's you could model Amtrack by literally running ANY passenger cars you have together with ANY locomotives you have, such was the state of Disarray that was Amtrack in the first couple of years of operation. Oh yeah, make sure the cars are old and worn out for true authenticism.

Thats what was known as " rainbow colors ".Personally I find early amtrak very interesting.It also adds a bit of variety.As well as adding more challenges to operations.[:D]

[siberianmo]

csxmu

QUOTE: Awesome picture siberainmo.

Thanx! Was beginning to wonder if anyone saw it![tup]

My Can-Am layout is a representation of what I travel on today (1990's to present date). Amtrak runs in my state (Missouri) and we ride it! Therefore, it has a "place" on my layout.

See ya![:)]

[Amtrk14]

First of all, siberianmo great picture. Can you post some more pictures of your layout?

I also model Amtrak. Right now I'm modeling the Coast Starlight and I hope to some day model the Amtrak CA Surfliner service. Hopefully someone comes out with the Surfliner cars soon; They are way overdue!

Sean

[dinwitty]

Amtrak is a unification of the rail passenger services, but its out of my era I will model, I have some Amtrak models, but I will be selling them to focus on my era, 1950'ish so I can get STEAM!!!!

okok, so I can claim steam never died and still exists, blah blah...

8-D

[Anonymous]

Amtrak-what can i say...it's pretty cool. I love running Amtrak on my layout (UP-BNSF). It adds interest in operation. I always have to pull over on a siding when Amtrak comes rolling through with a couple "Genesis'" and a dying F40PH. Siberino--GREAT PIC--MORE PLEASE!!! Amtrk14-I TOTTALY AGREE, Athearn or Walthers needs to make the California cars and Surfliners. I have been thinking also of a cool Surfliner Route from LA to San Diego. Sean-do u have any pics of your layout.? Id love to see them. cya, BEN

[ksax73]

siberianmo

Great picture! I love it! Will you post more here?

QUOTE: By the way - I've visited the MLRR for years now, nice work, on your custom models especially.

Thanks for your interest and support Adrianiu!

I guess interest in passenger trains is starting to grow somewhat. I remember when I first started out, the only Amtrak models available were in phase I or II and this was back in 1994/97. By that time Amtrak was moving towards phase III liveries.

Now manufacturers have caught up. Instead of waiting 8 years before introducing the latest Amtrak livery, manufacturers introduce it within 3 or 4 years. Equipment availability has come a long ways since I first started in this hobby.

I like the responses I'm seeing here though. It’s very encouraging!

[whitman500]

Not to knock on Amtrak, but I think the low-interest in modeling this railroad is a reflection of what Amtrack represents. It's a lot easier to get excited about modeling the Golden Age of railroading in the 1920s-1950s when trains were an integral part of American life and railroads were successful businesses. In contrast, Amtrak originated because of the rail industry's decline and has become synonimous with giant financial losses, mediocre service and general inefficiency. Much of this is the fault of the politicians rather than Amtrak management but regardless you can't claim it is a well-run organization.

[RMax1]

I started out in HO modeling Athearn AMTRAK cars before I even thought about layouts and engines. I bought them because they were different and I had been modeling German Armor for quite awhile. They were a good change of pace. Now years later I have found an interest in railroads of the 70's that were in my area. AMTRAK blends into this well. The last of the E Unit trains and the variety is interesting and fun.

RMax1

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by adrianiu

I model the northeast corridor in Connecticut, and Amtrak is a must!

Well, the Northeast Corridor is about the only place where you'd actually be modeling Amtrack. In my part of the country to model Amtrack you'd have to model Amtrack on the BNSF or Amtrack on the UP, etc. since Amtrack does not own trackage outside of "the Corridor!", but is merely a tennent on the host railroads rails elsewhere. If I model the one or two Amtrack trains per day here, then I need to model the 30 or 40 freight trains on the same tracks. Nothing against Amtrack. I railfan it occassionally, but it's not fodder for my modeling at this time.

[ksax73]

Well I feel what makes modeling Amtrak partly interesting are the disadvantages it does have being a tenant to host railroads outside of the NEC. When modeling a train outside the corridor and making it take the siding for an oncoming freight train or another passenger train on a 1 track mainline section of a route allows for some pretty interesting operations.

I also like the way passenger trains look passing freight. It brings out variety and something else about it has an appeal to me that I just can't put my finger on. I guess you can say I like how Utility meets elegance and vise versa. Now I know a bunch here may say "Amtrak's far but elegant compared to its successors" but riding in a passenger car is far more elegant than riding in a box car, lol.

I like running my trains based on operations and I incorporate delays and late arrivals into them. I like modeling this because I've dealt with it personally and I bring that to model railroading which is the general idea.

I would say that if anyone was to model a modern day railroad in a region where Amtrak can be seen, that person's layout is not complete without an Amtrak consist (at least 1).

[Ibflattop]

"Amtrak- We need no stinking Amtrak!!!" its only varnish for me in NKP and Wabash!!! Well that Picture of the station does look cool. We need to see more pictures of the models here!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kevin