MEC407 wrote: ↑Thu Feb 13, 2020 12:16 pm
Yes, that is correct. The non-cab-car ex-Metroliners were indeed used on the Downeaster in the beginning, and they were removed from the Downeaster when Amtrak needed them on the corridor during the Acela problem. I can verify this from personal experience, as I rode in them on many occasions. They had extra leg room, foot rests, curtains, and Railfones. I have photos (well, I have slides and negatives) somewhere.
I think there is some confusion between the ex-Metroliners and the cab cars, etc.
The original 1960s-era Metroliners were self-propelled electric MU cars. They resemble what is today's Amfleet. In the late 1970s/early 1980s, the Metroliners were replaced with "Metroliner Service" which consisted of Amfleet cars pulled by then-new AEM-7 electric locomotives. As the years went on, the "Metroliner Service" Amfleet coaches were upgraded, including increasing seat pitch/space between seats, curtains, footrests, etc. I rode in one back in 1998 on the Vermonter. It was really nice and still had the old red/orange seats at the time, which were very plush and comfortable. Exterior-wise, the Metroliner Service cars looked just like the Amfleets, but did carry "Metroliner Service" livery under Phase III paint.
As the Metroliner Service Amfleet coaches replaced the original self-propelled Metroliners, they were repurposed elsewhere. Many were converted to cab cars, which still operate today in Hartford Line and Keystone services. A handful were rebuilt for service in Michigan. One was converted to a conference car (which still is available for charter, and is the last car to display "Metroliner" on its sides).
Hope that eliminates some of the confusion. What is now the cab cars were the original Metroliners. I don't believe those ever ran on the Downeaster. What is more likely to have run on the DE is the Metroliner Service coaches. Since the time of the last ACELA problem, I don't believe any of those Metroliner Service coaches even exist in that form anymore, as this roster
http://www.on-track-on-line.com/amtk-roster-cars.shtml no longer lists them, most likely they've all been converted to standard "Regional" coaches.