Entering service in 1979, Amtrak's bi-level Superliner I cars represented a major step forward for the company. The all-new design (built by Pullman-Standard) used a common car body which could be outfitted as a coach-baggage car for short-distance runs, a long-distance coach with larger seats, as well as a sleeper and a diner. Additionally, two other types of cars were built, Lounge Cafe cars, now known as Sightseer Lounge cars and Transition Sleeper used to step down from Superliner equipment to single level cars.

In all, 284 Superliner I cars eventually made up the first fleet, which was put to work on western long-distance runs. Clearance issues prevent the use of these cars on several eastern routes.

Superliner I Prototype Spotting Features include: A rivet strip running the length of the car body Two-Panel roof construction Earlier Style Trucks - As delivered, cars rode on trucks supported by air bags, which proved unsuitable and were retrofitted with springs. Walthers Superliner I has the later style (sprung) trucks.

The Superliner II has a slightly different body from the earlier Superliner I. These cars represent an improved prototype built to supplement the existing Superliner I cars and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. They were built by Bombardier between 1993 and 1994. 140 Superliner II cars were built. Unlike the Superliner I cars, Superliner II cars are used on some eastern routes.

Superliner II Prototype Spotting Features include: Three-Panel roof construction Wider entryways to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act Standard GSC Style Trucks with stabilizer bracing.

Most of these cars are still in service around the US and have worn four different Amtrak lettering schemes (called phases):

• Phase II = Wide red and blue stripes with small white pinstripes
• Phase III = Equal red, white and blue stripes with black logo on white background
• Phase IV = Large blue stripe with small red and white stripes
• Phase IVB = Large blue stripe with mid & lower body red stripes, blue lettering and Amtrak logo
• Amtrak California also operates a number of rebuilt Superliner cars that appear in either the Amtrak California scheme or the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner schemes. These cars differ from Amtrak California cars in a number of ways, most easily noted is the single passenger door per side, versus two on the Amtrak California cars. The repainted Superliner cars are generally seen as single cars in consists of Amtrak California cars.

Model Features:

• Real metal finish simulates stainless steel
• Detailed working diaphragms
• Factory installed metal grab irons
• Superliner I & II cars in five authentic schemes
• Paint color matched to Amtrak standards
• Decal numbers & names
• Correct prototype details
• Prototypical tinted “glass” windows
• Window gasket details
• Available with or without factory installed led lighting
• Full upper & lower interior
• Car number & letterboard decals
• Correct rebuilt airbag trucks w/spring
• LED lighting kit (920-1064) available separately
• Correct 36" turned metal wheelsets
• Proto Max metal knuckle couplers