The Lionel 6-15585 Amtrak Acela Bistro Car No. 3310 is an O Gauge passenger car produced in 2006 for Lionel’s highly detailed TrainMaster Command Control Acela train. The four-door Bistro car expanded the original Acela consist with operating doors, interior lighting and the same active tilting system used throughout Lionel’s Acela passenger train.
The TrainReference photographs show No. 3310 in Amtrak’s silver Acela scheme with blue and green graphics.
At a Glance
- Manufacturer: Lionel
- Product number: 6-15585
- Car number: 3310
- Type: Amtrak Acela Bistro Car
- Released: 2006
- Gauge: O Gauge
- Control: TrainMaster Command Control
- Minimum curve: O-72
- Length: Approximately 21 1/2 inches
Lionel’s Amtrak Acela
Lionel developed its original Acela as a highly detailed O Gauge model of Amtrak’s high-speed passenger train. The model incorporated features that went well beyond a conventional passenger consist, including tilting car bodies, automatically opening doors and communication between cars.
The No. 3310 Bistro was produced as an additional passenger car for that system. Lionel cataloged it as product No. 6-15585 and identified it as a four-door Bistro car.
Tilting Through Curves
One of the most distinctive features of Lionel’s Acela passenger cars is their active tilting mechanism. Each passenger car tilts individually as the train enters a curve, reproducing one of the characteristic operating features of the prototype Acela.
Lionel designed the mechanism to begin leaning the passenger-car bodies at approximately 25 scale miles per hour. Because of the cars’ length, close coupling and operating mechanisms, Lionel specifies a minimum curve of O-72.
Automatically Opening Doors
The Bistro car’s passenger doors can be opened by command. At a station, the appropriate doors on one side of the train open automatically when commanded through Lionel’s TrainMaster Command Control system.
The doors include operating indicator and platform lights. An infrared wireless system allows the cars in the consist to communicate with one another so their operating features work together.
Interior and Exterior Detail
Lionel equipped the 3310 with a detailed illuminated interior containing passenger and train-crew figures. Flush-fitting windows and a close-coupling system help reproduce the appearance of the prototype Acela consist.
A hinged roof panel provides access to the interior-light switch without requiring the car to be removed from the track or disassembled.
The passenger car rides on die-cast metal sprung trucks and measures approximately 21 1/2 inches long. Lionel produced the model under official license from Amtrak.
Building the Lionel Acela Consist
The 3310 Bistro was one of several additional cars Lionel produced for owners who wanted to lengthen the original Acela train. Other cars released alongside it included the No. 3512 four-door Business Coach and No. 3405 Business End Coach.
Lionel also offered these three cars together as the No. 6-15584 Acela Passenger Car 3-Pack. The individually cataloged No. 6-15585 identifies the Bistro car specifically.
Original Photos
The photographs below show Lionel Amtrak Acela Bistro Car No. 3310 originally documented for TrainReference.
References and Further Reading
- Lionel Support – Amtrak Acela Bistro Car No. 3310, 6-15585
- Lionel Collectors Club of America – Lionel Amtrak Acela Documentation
Related Lionel References
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- Browse all Lionel model train references
Current Lionel Acela Listings
Current eBay listings related to Lionel’s Amtrak Acela and Bistro Car No. 3310 are shown below. Lionel has produced more than one generation of Acela models, so check the product number and control system when comparing cars and complete trains.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase.
 LIONEL 6-15584 AMTRAK ACELA 3 CAR SET NEW SEALED IN PLASTIC W/BROWN SHIPPING BOX |  Lionel 15585-25 #3310 Acela Bistro Center Section Interior |
Lionel 18357-9 Acela Engines Cab Interior with Figure
Lionel 15585-27 Acela Bistro Rear Section Interior #3310
Lionel 15531-2 #3203 Acela First Class Coach Shell
Lionel 15533-2 #3403 Acela Business Coach Shell
