NS1975 posted:After close and careful examination, I discovered that I was able to bend the horn back to the upright position without damaging it. I thought at first it was hard plastic but it would move.
Well yeah, making that out of plastic would make it seem like you would bend it just from blowing on it too hard. Most manufacturers make the intricate details out of metal; such as the horn, bell, handrails, and etc. But for some reason the separately applied steps, on the pilots, are made of plastic.
At least Lionel takes the extra step to make the details on the trucks out of metal. My Atlas O Dash 8s have the truck details made out of plastic, which gives me a bit of fear while handling the model by the trucks.