BR-44

Historically, it has been a long lead time between the announcement of a major product like the BR 44 and when it is actually available. I wouldn't make any plans to display your new BR 44 any time soon. On the other hand, if my French 241 and Swiss Crocodile are any indication, it will be worth the wait. 

I'm still on the fence whether to pre-order one or not. It's a lot of money, and I'd rather have a prewar version in DR, rather than the postwar DB or the Ossi version. 

I have no doubt it is going to cost some "big Euros" 

BUT there is a lot of sentimental history as I was an exchange student living in the East ern Part of Germany and rode those trains pulled by BR-44's.

The sounds of the whistle which I think Mike at MTH seems to have captured and the steam sounds compel me to have this locomotive.

The only thing missing is how dirty you became after riding those trains. I had soot in my nose, shirt collars and face and smelled like burnt coal BUT somehow I loved riding in a time machine.

I am grateful for the experience and the Germans love trains as much as we Americans do!!!

I also think love for trains seems to be universal because the Brits have a passion for them as well as the French,Italians and recently I find the Russians are crazy passionate about them too!!!

Just keep looking up the product number on the MTH website every few days or weeks, sooner or later they will post an approximate shipping date. That date may be adjusted a time or two after posting, before actual shipment.

Although I haven't ordered any of the European stuff, what I have ordered recently has been arriving pretty close to their ship dates, with an adjustment of a month or two every now and then.