How might one approximate the Amtrak Cascades Talgo ?

[nickelplate759]

I recently was given an Athearn F59 in the Amtrak Cascades scheme (green, white and brown) - because we've ridden that train many times.   I'd kind of like a train to pull behind it, but the Cascades Talgo is pretty unusual and there are not commercial models of it.  I'm specifically thinking of the the first version, (series 6 Talgo )with the twin big fins on the roof of the cars at each end.       I'm going to have to approximate it.  Decals are available, so I can paint whatever I find that's close to give me a close-enough train.  I can make fins out of plastic as needed, and I can kitbash an old Life-Like F40 into a cab car.

I'm having trouble figuring out what to use as cars though.  Years ago ER models imported an Electrotren set painted for Amtrak (white with red and blue stripes) that was used for trial runs in 1997 or so, and the cars are close if not exact, but they are hard to come by.   Arnold has some newer Talgo sets, but they are overnight service in Europe and have sleeper cars, and only one utility car; the Cascades had a utility car at one end and a baggage car at the other.

Any suggestions?  I don't need the full 12-14 car train - 8 cars or so (including the two end cars) would be enough.  I could have sworn that I once saw 3D printable models on Shapeways, but if so they are no longer listed.   I'm not going to learn CAD and draw my own 3D model, but I'm happy to repaint, kitbash and decal.

[Skeebo]

A two minute google search took me here...........    https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/scale-3d-printed-amtrak-cascades-1900482427

[Ed Kapuscinski]

*****. I remember having a set of Talgo cars in the shop back when I worked at Klein's 20 years ago.

I wish I remember who made those.

[nickelplate759]

A two minute google search took me here...........    https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/scale-3d-printed-amtrak-cascades-1900482427

Me too, but it's not for sale.

[Lenny53]

*****. I remember having a set of Talgo cars in the shop back when I worked at Klein's 20 years ago.

I wish I remember who made those.

Ibertren

[pmpexpress]

*****. I remember having a set of Talgo cars in the shop back when I worked at Klein's 20 years ago.

I wish I remember who made those.

Electrotren.

Although Barcelona, Spain based Ibertren did market red and silver colored Talgo car sets and a similarly colored E2327S diesel locomotive that were decorated in Renfe (the acronym for Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Españoles - National Network of Spanish Railways) livery, it was E-R Model Importers who imported the Electrotren (which is now owned by Hornby, which has re-released several N Scale car sets in contemporary Renfe paint schemes under its Arnold brand label) N-Scale Talgo Pendular 200 models in Amtrak livery.

Presently, neither the Amtrak passenger cars nor the Renfe E2327S diesel locomotive have been reissued by Hornby/Arnold in N Scale.

As was the case with a number of the now defunct firm's imported HO Scale structure kits and vehicles, it is probable that the Amtrak Talgo models were special run products that were produced exclusively for E-R Model Importers by Electrotren.

Formally stocked by Walthers, the stock numbers for the Electrotren N Scale models were as follows:

7251 K Complete Six Car Set (which includes the Type TG single axle and Type TGZ dual axle service cars)

7253 First Class Coach Type TA6

7254 Second Class Coach Type TB6

7255 Bar Coach Type TC6

7256 Lounge Car Type TR6

While the Walthers pricing for the individually boxed cars was $24.95 each, according to a Hobbylinc.com web site page the list price for the 7251 K set was $116.95.





Some interesting information on the prototype cars was compiled in an Amtrak Talgo Cars Trains forum thread that was begun in April 2006.

https://cs.trains.com/trn/f/111/t/62248.aspx

[screeh]

Great project, I hope you set up a build thread once you've set your plan in motion!

I was lucky enough to pick up a couple of the Electrotren sets secondhand and even tracked down one of the bistro cars, I considered adding fins and the full repaint & decal but decided they're too nice and will keep them in the mid-90s demonstrator colours. They run very well and got satisfying double-takes when I ran them on my former club's layout, they look (prototypically) under-scale when pulled by a P42 for F40PH. Well worth getting if you can track down a set.

You're remembering it right, there used to be some 3D print Series 6 shells available but those seem to have disappeared. I noticed a Shapeways store called ChibiZombies offers them in Z , they might consider scaling up if you asked?

I have some line drawings (not plans but close) that Alex Stroshane drew up a while back, PM me if you're interested and I'll send them on.

Nice to hear someone has one of those Cascades F59PHIs, I completely missed their appearance (and quick disappearance) on the market.

It's not the Talgo but you could also model the Cascades replacement service by pick up a few of Rapido Horizon cars and Kato Amtubes (I think there was also a Superliner consist)? Pop the F59PHI on one end, build a Cascades NPCU for the other, and you've got a stand-in while you tackle the big project.

I notice Switch Line Decals has the Seahawks wrap for Cascades NPCU 90250, which would make for an eye-catching scheme to show off the F40 kitbash.

Cheers,

Stu

 

[cjm413]

Patch it as a Metra F59PHI

https://www.katousa.com/N/Bi-Level/index.html

[nickelplate759]

I think that the Electrotren set is probably my best bet.  If anyone sees a set for sale send me a PM!

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I think that the Electrotren set is probably my best bet.  If anyone sees a set for sale send me a PM!

THAT'S THE ONE!!!

[delamaize]

A two minute google search took me here...........    https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/scale-3d-printed-amtrak-cascades-1900482427

....God I hate worthpoint....

[Tom Todd]

A couple years ago the "wings" were available on Shapeways.

Tom

[nickelplate759]

A couple years ago the "wings" were available on Shapeways.

Tom

Again, not any more.

[nickelplate759]

Well, so far the closest I can find is an Arnold "Alvia Picasso" train.  May be close enough once painted
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[up__1995]

Funny enough, I'm actually working on one in CAD right now (VI). Can't share much yet, but I have made substantial progress. Haven't yet decided on the scale... More details at a later date.

Edit: Does anyone have detailed shots from the prototype, a notable video, and/or the N model(s)? I've used up my RRPA resources.

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