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

[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

[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!

[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]

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.