Modeling Amtrak (HO train sets)

[PBoland]

Morning all, I have travelled quite a bit in the US with Amtrak, no rush there then last trip was from San Antonio to Chicago (36 hrs) on the Texas Eagle so for nostalgic reasons I want an Amtrak train set (fairly modern) and if anyone has seen my posts my layout is pure fiction, anything goes!!

1. Any recommendations on where to buy UK or USA, I have relatives in the States so can buy over there.
2. Will they run ok on OO Gauge Peco 100 Streamline (SL-100)?
3. Would a train set be best which includes a power controller and just build a new separate loop?
4. I like the Silverton - Durango set, any good? Travelled on it years back.

My layout has 5 separate setups one being just a simple continuous loop with separate controller, could switch to US controller when needed.

Anyway, if you could give the above some thought and any suggestions really appreciated. Hav'nt put it by the boss yet but....
Cheers, Pat

[IanS]

Any power controller will have the 'wrong' plug for the mains. It also used to be the case (not sure if it still is) that mains in the US was around 110v not the 220-240v we have in the UK. HO and 00 track, are the same gauge - I'm not sure on the height (100). I understand US locos should work on Peco SL100.

[PBoland]

Any power controller will have the 'wrong' plug for the mains. It also used to be the case (not sure if it still is) that mains in the US was around 110v not the 220-240v we have in the UK. HO and 00 track, are the same gauge - I'm not sure on the height (100). I understand US locos should work on Peco SL100.

Cheers, no problems with the power supply I have plenty of adapters, my American family sort that for me

[yelrow]

Hi i run MTH, Bachmann, Lionel, all HO, on peco track, no probs, Also run MTH, controllers. I have the Durango, loco, in 00, and whole set in N gauge. john

[darkscot]

Hello Pat
You need to take a look here:
https://www.modeltrainstuff.com
They are US based but ship internationally and give prices in local currency. Their prices for N gauge were excellent, but I am not sure how they compare for HO but they seem OK. For example they have an Athearn Amtrack ES44AC for £147, compared with £249 in Rails of Sheffield.
When you add shipping costs and 20% VAT plus 2.5% duty (if the value is over £135) the saving is not so much. But they have a huge stock and if you are starting from scratch the savings could be significant.

[Stese]

Hi...

If the set you buy is labelled as DCC fitted or included... the loco(s) will likely work on any DCC controller.

If its 'DCC Ready' it will most likely work on any standard (hornby trainset, gaugemaster etc) controller... but best check the box... and ask here.. links or pictures will always help!

[PBoland]

Great stuff, many thanks for the replies. I only have analogue so maybe a small branch out to begin with DCC Just double checked my wishlist

Hi...

If the set you buy is labelled as DCC fitted or included... the loco(s) will likely work on any DCC controller.

If its 'DCC Ready' it will most likely work on any standard (hornby trainset, gaugemaster etc) controller... but best check the box... and ask here.. links or pictures will always help!

Hello Pat
You need to take a look here:
https://www.modeltrainstuff.com
They are US based but ship internationally and give prices in local currency. Their prices for N gauge were excellent, but I am not sure how they compare for HO but they seem OK. For example they have an Athearn Amtrack ES44AC for £147, compared with £249 in Rails of Sheffield.
When you add shipping costs and 20% VAT plus 2.5% duty (if the value is over £135) the saving is not so much. But they have a huge stock and if you are starting from scratch the savings could be significant.

[PBoland]

Cool, that's my afternoon set for research.

Hi i run MTH, Bachmann, Lionel, all HO, on peco track, no probs, Also run MTH, controllers. I have the Durango, loco, in 00, and whole set in N gauge. john

[cadman]

Have a look at www.ukmodelshops.co.uk where you will find some retailers of U.S. H0 models..........HB

[PBoland]

Well first loco on its way https://www.walthers.com/ge-p42-amtrak-late-19
As I have travelled extensively on Amtrak I had to have one just to keep the memories alive, coaches to follow. This is us waiting to board the Crescent at Birmingham, Alabama on route to New Orleans back in 2019 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZO6kp3 ... dZ&index=2
Fingers crossed we can all get travelling again soon.