Quick shoutout to @MrMuffin'sTrains for this absolutely beautiful version of the new Triplex. I didn't see another thread here detailing it, although I've seen a couple videos, and wanted to share some pictures and my admiration.
I have to admit that I had been a skeptic of the "custom run" era from Lionel (probably because my first exposure to it was it being used to advertise for YouTubers). However, getting to watch the process of Stephen gathering input, whittling down the options, and then finally seeing what the end results look like have made me a believer. Whether it's a fantasy paint scheme that never existed, or you just want the bright white rims gone, Lionel has given us something wonderful. Sure, it's driven by money, and there are definitely some issues I'd like to see resolved (can we please add the Lionel part numbers to the website along with a picture, please?) going forward, but how cool is this model?
I never owned one of the MTH Triplexes, so I don't have the same frame of reference as many of you, but this thing is great. The non-synced/alternating chuffing between the front and back? The operating bell? I ordered the super set, and had planned on that being my only one, but this custom run demanded my attention.
Great job to everyone involved, I'm a happy customer.