timberley
Member
Posts: 189
Primary Railroads: VIA Rail Canada, AMT (Montreal)
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Post by timberley on Oct 7, 2014 23:15:24 GMT -5
Hey guys,
I have three of the new Walthers Amfleets (one AF1 coach, one AF1 Cafe, and one AF2 coach all in PhIVb), and I've been doing some work on improving them. First step was adding the various decals, and then the next has been painting interiors (look so much better now!). The two coaches are done, but I still have to figure out how to modify the Cafe interior. Walthers did it set up with coach seating at both ends, and I'd like to turn that into cafe booths instead. But that's another project...
I've also decided that since these cars will make up my single dedicated Amtrak train (a short version of the Adirondack), I'm only going to focus on doing some extra end detailing on the back of the Amfleet 2. Plan on doing things like the curved door grab, hoses, etc.
One of the big things I'd like to do is add working marker lights. I have replaced the existing clear lenses with red ones, and now I'm just trying to plot out how to add LEDs.
I bought the lighted versions of the cars, so I was thinking that I'd try to hook up the LEDs to take power directly off the lighting circuit. I don't need these to turn on and off, as they will always be on the end of the train anyway. Having them always on with the interior lights makes sense.
So I'm now just trying to figure out the best way to do that. I figured I'd ask, has anyone on here installed working markers in these yet? If so, how did you go about doing it?
Thanks!
P.S. It still amazes me that Walthers didn't make any provision for working markers, even in the lighted cars. I paid more for these cars than my Rapido LRC coaches (compare $89.98 MSRP to $79.95), and those came with painted (and better detailed) interiors, complete end detail, interior lights, and working markers that are controlled by a magnetic wand....
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Post by Amtrak207 on Oct 11, 2014 10:04:43 GMT -5
Agreed. Plus it's not like they aren't aware of it. Many people complain about that.
Please PLEASE keep requesting the markers!!!
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Post by Amtrak207 on Oct 16, 2014 18:49:05 GMT -5
"but I still have to figure out how to modify the Cafe interior. Walthers did it set up with coach seating at both ends, and I'd like to turn that into cafe booths instead. But that's another project..."
Ugh I just saw this, I have two cafe cars on the way, u have GOT to be kidding me. Looks like the Food Service car project will take longer than expected now. See this is what I meant when I say "I wish Walthers would have more of an open relationship with their customers." If they were more like Rapido, or even Athearn, modelers would have been VERY quick to point that out in previews and have it addressed. Walthers once they post a preview, it is usually the final product with a few things added.
Might have to play with an old Superliner Dining Car interior now for the booths. Timberly can you post a picture of the interior? If not I can just wait until tomorrow when my two cars come.
Tom
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Post by backshophoss on Oct 17, 2014 1:38:55 GMT -5
It would be nice if Walters were to offer the interiors as kits,since there have been various changes to the food service cars over the years,Walters used what info Amtrak passed out on the interiors when the project was 1st started,most cars were part coach/lounge or biz class/dinette,the same configurations were also used in Horizen Fleet cars. The 1 item that was the same across all configurations was where the "kitchen/serving" area in the middle of the car.
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Post by Amtrak207 on Oct 17, 2014 22:28:22 GMT -5
So I see what you meant with the coach seating in the food service cars. I have a trick up my sleeve, we shall see what happens, stay tuned!
Tom
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timberley
Member
Posts: 189
Primary Railroads: VIA Rail Canada, AMT (Montreal)
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Post by timberley on Oct 21, 2014 18:11:14 GMT -5
The interior thing was really annoying. I get that there have been a multitude of different arrangements so Walthers just decided to do one, but I have to feel like the cafe/booth setup would have been a better idea than the original coach configuration.
Ah well, at least I only have one car to worry about. I've now done the interior mods and just need to paint, so I'll post some info/photos once I'm finished with that.
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Post by mttrains on Oct 21, 2014 21:56:16 GMT -5
I am looking forward to seeing your work on the amfleet cafe. The universal interior is kind of annoying but I am glad they decided to retool the cars. But going back to the marker lights I have used the ESU red markers on a Walthers pullman standard Amtrak 12-1 sleeper with success. I have not tried them on an amfleet yet. Have you completed this part of the modifications as well or is it just the interior?
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Post by Amtrak207 on Oct 22, 2014 0:01:05 GMT -5
I was looking at the ESU ones myself, how did they work out for the 12-1 Sleeper?
I have to agree here with the universal interior. I can see for coaches and sleepers, okay, I can manage (if a seat position was removed in 20 years or something.) But you figure a food service car would have tables, at least in half the car!
Timberley, give me about a week to complete my food service car project. As I said I have something up my sleeve, we shall see how it comes out. Once done, all steps and parts will be listed.
Not to hijack your thread, but you brought up a great point about the interiors. Look at the Amfleet II's, while most trains now have the vestibule trailing (as Walthers intended it to be), some trains still run the cars the other way (while consists can vary at any time, I am just playing the odds.)
For the Pennsylvanian, it now runs as:
Engine A-II Coach - vestibule leading A-II Coach - vestibule leading A-II Coach - vestibule leading A-I Coach A-I Cafe A-I Business Class
Now the layout I am planning with a new house purchase next year, will feature Pittsburgh. I tend to keep operations to match the prototype, but the one freelance I planned to do is in my imaginary world... PennDot coughed up enough $$ to fund a second NY-PITT train called "The Duquesne", #45/46 which runs on an overnight schedule that features sleeper service. Consist would be:
Engine A-II Coach A-II Coach A-II Coach A-I Cafe Viewliner I Sleeper
I would LOVE to be able to switch the interiors around in the A-II Coach cars, instead of "everyone riding backwards." Perhaps that will be a further project.
Okay back on your topic. Please keep this thread going about how to illuminate the markers!
Tom
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Post by backshophoss on Oct 22, 2014 1:23:05 GMT -5
Amtk 207,If Walters does the View II Bag/Dorm,add that to your consist,or consider IP's Pullman charter service 10-6 tacked on.
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Post by Amtrak207 on Oct 22, 2014 6:23:17 GMT -5
Agreed! I was thinking the same. Walthers will be doing them. Just I have no idea. I have no inside info on them, which leads me to believe that
A) It's been in the works and they're waiting for Amtrak to give the okay for the prototype cars
B) Not even started yet, which I think is more plausible.
As for the private cars, I would love to do a few, especially the two cars that usually stay in Pitt.
Okay, back to detailing. The markers are something I am going to have to do sooner or later, can't wait to see how Timberley's pans out.
Tom
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Post by mttrains on Oct 22, 2014 8:21:22 GMT -5
Amtrak207 to answer your question...The ESU markers worked well as the size is very close to the existing non working marker already on the car. Now the key words are "very close". I had to open the hole ever so slightly for a neat, snug fit. I probably could have filed down the leds a little but I wasn't that ambitious at the time. This was a couple of years ago. I ran the two wires to the interior light feeds and put the vestibule back together. Once that was done I added some black Testors paint to eliminate light leaks on the inside and was good to go. No drop in resistor was needed and the brightness can be adjusted. I posted the link showing a video of some run-bys. www.youtube.com/watch?v=XouywijCB78
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Post by Amtrak207 on Oct 23, 2014 3:34:02 GMT -5
Mttrains, great video. I LOVE the superelevated curves and the curvature/angle of bank at 00:36 reminds me of Metropark. Your Amfleets roll like Rapidos, what exactly did you do to the trucks my friend?? I may have to look at the ESU route. I wanted to install one and put it on a battery inside the car, there are a few options I am still looking at.
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Post by mttrains on Oct 23, 2014 11:41:24 GMT -5
Thank you. I used the Atlas conducta-lube-cleaner on all of my passenger trucks. I have to reapply it every now and then but I do not mind since I check my wheels and track frequently to make sure it stays as clean as possible. I bought the ESU's from Modeltrainstuff.com
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timberley
Member
Posts: 189
Primary Railroads: VIA Rail Canada, AMT (Montreal)
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Post by timberley on Oct 26, 2014 14:03:44 GMT -5
I haven't made any progress yet on marker light lighting (I do appreciate the ESU suggestion, that's something else to check out for sure), but I have completed the interior overhaul on my Amcafe. I'll post info/photos about that in a separate thread once I get some photos taken and uploaded, so as not to misdirect this thread.
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Post by Amtrak207 on Oct 26, 2014 15:35:34 GMT -5
You and I had the same idea Timberley. I just posted my café pics under my "Amfleet Project" thread. I can't wait to see yours!
Tom
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