Custom MLRR Projects

 Prototype Picture

 Latest/Completed Picture of Model

 Description

 Amtrak Viewliner 8400 is one of three Viewliner prototypes built in the late 1980s to replace Amtrak's aging fleet of heritage diners and sleepers.  This prototype formed the bases of today's Viewliner II diners which currently operate on today's eastern long distance services.

While Con-cor made the model available through mass production in N scale, the likelihood that it will ever be produced in HO is pretty minimal.  Modelers are more likely to see a mass production of Viewliner II Diners which are far more common.

This kitbash project goes all out, with a stainless steel like finish, painted window gaskets, full dining interior, and lighting.  The project took nearly six months to get the car to Ready-to-Roll status.

The long-awaited, re-tooled and more accurate Walthers Amfleet I Coach and Cafe cars have been made available for over a year now and in addition to all the added detail, modelers were also given interiors with optional lighting.  

For those looking to model trains with full dinette or club car arrangements however, this can be a disadvantage.  Luckily, with some additional work and the use of after-market parts from Palace Car Co., one can re-configure the stock Food Service car into an arrangement of their choice.

This page will show the steps and process for both the full dinette and club cars.

Resin Kits from Island Model Works which include, a one-piece body shell, trucks, and windows.  Decals are also offered by IMW but sold separately.

The models were assembled and painted by the MLRR.  The cars are finished with Alclad II high shine chrome which is a lacquer.  

Added detail includes the windshield wipers from "A-Line" and the K5LA horn from "Details West".

Working lights were also installed by the MLRR.

This project primarily focuses on repairing the stirrups found under the door at the rear of the car. Once repaired, the modeler has the option of updating the livery or leaving the model as-is. Since I personally wanted another Phase IVb 1700 Series Baggage Car and wasn't willing to pay MSRP plus Shipping/Handling and tax, for the upcoming Amtrak 40th release, I decided to overhaul one of my older cars.

Bachmann is the manufacturer of the HO HHP-8 which is used by not only Amtrak; but Maryland Area Rail Commuter (MARC) between Perryville and Washington D.C. Bachmann has not produced an HHP-8 in MARC's color scheme and so the MLRR took on the task of painting one itself.

There is currently no HO model of the P32DM on the market except brass models and so the MLRR has taken on the task of kitbasing its own model. In addition to that it will attempt to paint the locomotive in the phase V paint scheme.        

Repaint of a Walthers Amfleet I passenger car using custom decals and "Highball Graphics" decals.

This car sports the Acela Regional Paint Schem (Phase V) found on the Northeast Corridor between 1999 and 2004

Although a model of the AEM7 is available, no model of the AEM7AC is available and the MLRR has taken on the task of creating one using an Atlas Undecorated AEM7.

A general description of how to modify stock models of the E60 into its latest appearance prior to its retirement. Project demonstrated on a Bachmann Shell. (American GK model Shown)

An old Bachmann Metroliner Cab is being converted to the current Ex-Metroliner Cab found on the Springfield Shuttle and Keystone Service.

Photo Courtesy of "Jersey Mike"

Photo Courtesy of Scotch Canadian

Photo Courtesy of Geroge W. Hamlin

Photo Courtesy of Geno Dailey

Photo Courtesy of Geno Dailey

Photo Courtesy of Geno Dailey

Photo Courtesy of Mark Obrzut via RR Picture Archives

Photo Courtesy of Marty Bernard

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Photo Courtesy of Geno Dailey