N The Santa Fe EI Capitan

Prototype Information:

The Santa Fe El Capitan offered coach travel between Chicago and Los Angeles using hi-level coaches along with a diner and lounge, its double decker hi-level cars providing a greater passenger capacity than traditional single-level trains. The El Capitan was revolutionary in that it offered excellent service and a train schedule that matched the speed of first class sleeper trains such as the “Super Chief” while remaining affordable to the every-day passenger. In fact, in January 1958 the “El Capitan” and “Super Chief” trains were consolidated to run together, though in peak traffic times such as Chrismas or the summer months the two would still keep separate train schedules to accomodate the increased ridership.

Based off of the C&NW Bi-Level commuter cars, the El Capitan Hi-Level cars were the first of their kind to be used in long distance service, pioneering the concept of affordable, reliable service and providing the basis for today’s modern Amtrak fleets (the Amtrak Superliners were, in fact, built off the design of the original Santa Fe Hi-Level coaches and many Santa Fe cars ran alongside Superliners in the early days of Amtrak).

Click to enlarge

Passenger Car Features:

Specialized tooling for all cars, including the Baggage-Dormitory visual transition car and the step-down coach car.
Tail-end coach has illuminated marker lights and light-up “El Capitan” conquistador Drumhead.
Each car is equipped with low flange wheels, KATO magnetic knuckle couplers and shock absorber construction for smooth and reliable operation.
Colored interiors to more closely match the prototypes.
Can be paired up with the Santa Fe Super Chief to replicate post-1958 combination trains.
Interior of cars can be lighted with optional installation of #11-211/212 Interior Light Kit with White LED.

Search

Prototype Information:

Passenger Car Features:

What’s New

Customer Care

Resources

Contact Detail

N The Santa Fe EI Capitan

Prototype Information:

Passenger Car Features:

Feature video:

Set Information:

What’s New

Customer Care

Resources

Contact Detail