Amtrak ex-CZ Diner, Phase I paint

[nickelplate759]

I want to convert a Kato N-scale CZ diner to Phase I Amtrak.   Every photo I can find of these cars in Phase I paint  shows them with full skirts.
Every photo I can find in Phase III or later (now converted to HEP) shows no skirts.    I'm trying to figure out when the skirts were removed.  Did they keep their skirts until they were converted to HEP?

[nkalanaga]

I don't know, but if every Phase I photo shows skirts, and you want a Phase I, I would think the skirts could stay?

[nickelplate759]

Good question - because those photos all show the same three cars  - 8052, 8054, 8055 - in 1974.  I want to go later 1970s, with an SDP40F in Phase II paint.   Since most other cars lost their skirts by then, I don't trust just these photos.  Also, I think the car is more interesting sans skirts, and I'd like to know if they ran that way in Phase I paint.

George

[peteski]

I'm going to agree with nkalanga: you have photo evidence of a car you want to model in Phase I with skirts, and you prefer that look anyway - so why not model it that was (even if only 3 cars had that configuration)? 

[nickelplate759]

I'm going to agree with nkalanga: you have photo evidence of a car you want to model in Phase I with skirts, and you prefer that look anyway - so why not model it that was (even if only 3 cars had that configuration)? 

Um... 'cause that's too easy a solution and I like to complicate things unnecessarily? 

[peteski]

How about you cut the skirts only on one side? That way you can have it both ways, and you'll have a unique car to boot.     

Personally, I would prefer mini-skirts on a car with really shapely trucks. 

[Point353]

Good question - because those photos all show the same three cars  - 8052, 8054, 8055 - in 1974.  I want to go later 1970s, with an SDP40F in Phase II paint.   Since most other cars lost their skirts by then, I don't trust just these photos.

Photos of Amtrak 8052 supposedly taken in 1979:

http://www.hebners.net/Amtrak/amtDINER/amt8052a.jpg
http://www.hebners.net/Amtrak/amtDINER/amt8052b.jpg
http://www.hebners.net/Amtrak/amtDINER/amt8052c.jpg

http://www.hebners.net/Amtrak/amtDINER8000.html

[nickelplate759]

Alright, full skirts it is.  On further contemplation, it will make a nice contrast with the rest of the (skirtless) train.

[bbussey]

George,

Is this what you're referring to?



While the Amtrak ex-CZ four-car set is sold out at Kato, they still are reasonably easy to find if you don't want to re-purpose an existing model.  Item #106-3522.

[nickelplate759]

I didn't realize they came already painted in Phase I!
Mine is lettered CZ, I was planning to repaint it.

Thanks for the pointer Bryan.

[Mark5]

Yeah factory paint would be easier. For decals you need 3 sets of Microscale decals, and then there's the car name.