Walthers has announced its first all-new WalthersProto release in HO scale will be Budd’s Metroliner Electric Multiple Unit (EMU). Based on the unique trains as they operated from 1968 to 1995, the car features all-new tooling that captures the unique profile of the coach, snack bar coach and parlor. All cars feature a finish to simulate stainless steel and have the markings of the Amtrak Phase I scheme. The cars will be offered with a dual mode Tsunami sound and DCC decoder or as standard DC models.
A deluxe edition will be available with production limited to just 350 four-car sets. These models will be finished in the Pennsylvania Rail Road paint and lettering, like the cars delivered for testing just before the Penn Central merger was approved. The cars actually entered service in Penn Central livery. The deluxe edition features factory-installed LED lighting and a set of Preiser EST team engineer figures inside. The cars will not be sold separately.
Cars for the normal sets are priced at $169.98 for DC; $259.98 with Tsunami and DCC. The deluxe edition set is $1,199.92. Delivery is scheduled for February–April 2013.