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Entering service in 1979, Amtrak's bi-level Superliner cars represented a major step forward. The all-new design (built by Pullman-Standard) used a common car body that could be outfitted as a coach-baggage car for short-distance runs, a long-distance coach with larger seats, a sleeper or a diner. In all, 284 cars eventually made up the first fleet, which was put to work on western long-distance runs; at the time, clearance problems in many eastern states prevented running these taller cars on several routes. Prototype features of these cars (later known as Superliner I) include: a rivet strip running the length of the car body, two-panel roof construction and earlier style trucks. As delivered, cars rode on trucks supported by air bags. These proved unsuitable and were later retrofitted with springs.
With the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1992, a second series of cars were constructed by Bombardier to meet new standards for easier access. Designated Superliner II, prototype features include: three-panel roof construction, wider entryways and GSC-style trucks with stabilizer bracing.
Most of these cars are still in service. Through their careers, they've worn several different 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 small red and white stripes, current Amtrak logo in blue.
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