When Amtrak® commenced operation in 1971, it inherited a vast fleet of cars from legacy railroads. Many of these were life-expired and proved costly to maintain. To resolve this, Amtrak® turned to the Budd Company, which had recently delivered Metroliner® electric multiple units to Penn Central. These units would serve as the basis for an all-new passenger car suitable for use across the Amtrak® system. 492 Amfleet® cars were purchased - the largest single order for passenger equipment in American history - with delivery starting in 1975. Now in its 5th decade, the Amfleet® I series continues to provide service on regional and corridor trains, sporting Phase VI paint and a modernized interior.
Bachmann Industries is an official licensee of Amtrak®. Amtrak, Amtrak California, Amtrak Cascades, America’s Railroad and Pacific Surfliner are service marks of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.
