In search of a Superliner Transition Sleeper - I read on an old post here that a Japanese ebay seller (Lookmodel) made/sold a few custom ones in the past. So I contacted that seller and he replied that he had one left and posted it on ebay for me to see/consider. Unfortunately, at $130 it's just too much $$ for me - but it does look GOOD! I figured I'd let my fellow Trainboard members know in case they have more cash in hand and are interested: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300351898161&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT One question though - this car is made of brass. Would that pose problems trying to run it with the regular KATO Superliner cars? If a Trainboard member does buy it I'd love to know how they like it once it arrives. The previous posts I read indicated that Lookmodel makes good stuff - but I can't vouch for them...
Thanks for the lead - - but a quick search indicates that set is ~$170 + the cost hiring someone to paint it - since I don't dare try it myself. Too much when I'm just trying to add a single car. So, I'll just be content with the KAtO Superliner set and maybe someday they'll wise up and see the sales potential of offering an add-on Transition Sleeper.
There is a thread somewhere on here where someone took a Con-Cor car and basically flipped one of the ends to make it a transistion car. Other details were added, but it made a descent stand in. Last time I looked, the pictures from it were gone, which is a shame, as it was a wonderful thread, and I'm in the same predicament. I'm hoping Kato releases that transition car seperately.
================================================================ I too would love to see that Concor conversion if anyone comes across the old post or pics.
That is a seperate car. Up until 1993, Amtrak used the old El Capitan cars as the transition car between single and double story cars. In 1993, Amtrak started receiving their order of Superliner IIs and the Transition Sleeper was among those received. Chris
I did one with a Kato model and there is some else who did one too (I never saw the Con-Cor model). I will post pictures tonight when I get home. Chris
All, Here is my kitbashed Transition Sleeper. I just filled in the appropriate windows and switched the door at the correct end. I also used Kato Material Handling Car trucks to simulate the wheels that SL IIs have.
I have a kato redo, I am looking closely at buying this car...if I do buy it, I might be persuaded to sell the one I have, I won't need two trains..if I do sell it, I will not accept any amount higher than 50 bucks, even though I paid 60 for it...time will tell...
Oh, good Lord in the mornin'...who are these guys??? They say they are doing California cars...and here are the pics to prove...just when you think it is safe to go back outside with your wallett...here we go again....here is the page... http://www.lookweb.jp/~valval/blog/b-cdtx.html And this is the whole page....take a look, gotta be something in there y awant..anyone heard of these guys?? are they any good?? http://www.lookmodel.jp/catalog2.html
I see some items I'd like! Holy Cow! They make some great looking stuff!! I'd love to get the Amtrak Cabbage and several of their BSNF/Metra Bi-Levels. Alas I have to assume that - like their Amtrak Transition Car - these other items are also outside of my current budget. As for quality, the post where I learned about them (I believe on this board) had a poster indicating that he'd bought their stuff and it was very good. I'll see if I can backtrack and find that link.
yea they are expensive ... but they are custom made brass models, most with working marker lights and reverse lights (where appropriate). They make an excellent Pacific Parlour (ex ATSF parlour) for modeling the Coast Starlight.
He does good work, I've got the Santa Fe Progress car and I'm watching to be first in line when he puts one of these up. http://www.lookweb.jp/~valval/blog/b-beep.html
I ended up buy one of his Pacific Surfliner sets and it is awesome! I also purchased his F59 with the Daylight looking paint job encouraging surfers to stay off the tracks. The detail and painting is outstanding. I definitely recommend LookModel products.
Ed, You can contact me off list if you would like and we might be able to figure something out (cfquinlan@msn.com). Chris
That link was probably me. I have about a dozen of his cars. Most of mine are UP Heritage or BNSF business cars. They are expensive but well done. He has some unique stuff. Steve E.