A familiar face

Lionel’s semi-scale Amtrak P42 locomotive and Amfleet passenger cars

After Amtrak announced its 50th anniversary liveries, Lionel followed with the release of a P42. There are eight options for this wellknown diesel engine. These engines are not fully scale, measuring only 14½" in length, 4" shorter than the scale Atlas O version reviewed in the Nov./Dec. 2023 issue. The engines weigh 4 pounds each.

LionChief Plus 2.0 engines include the highest level of Lionel’s semi-scale features and have command-control capabilities that can be controlled through a Legacy remote, Cab-1L, TMCC remote, or the LionChief App with Bluetooth. Front and rear ElectroCouplers allow for easy coupling and uncoupling. Lionel Voice Control enables users to speak their own commands through the app so the locomotive responds accordingly.

In addition to the P42s, Lionel introduced scale Amfleet cars. Lionel also offered three two-packs in Phase III (No. 22270290), Phase V (No. 22270300), and Phase VI (No. 22270310) schemes. There is also a two-pack with a coach car and cab car option in Phase III (No. 22270320), Phase V (No. 2270330), or Phase VI (No. 22270340) colors.

The Amfleet cars measure in with scale proportions at 18½ inches in length. They feature illuminated, detailed interiors; metal trucks; metal frames; flushfitting windows; and underbody detailing.

The cab cars come equipped with strobe lights and directional lighting. While the interiors do not come with passengers, the molded seating lets you add your own. The cab car’s directionality is controlled through the rear truck. Add-on parts include handrails and underbody details. — Chris Montagna

Get more O gauge action on the Chris’s Trains & Things channel on YouTube.