Are they easy to find? Were they allocated? Did the dealers all receive their pre-orders?
Thanks,
Scott Smith
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Originally Posted by scott.smith:
Are they easy to find? Were they allocated? Did the dealers all receive their pre-orders?
Thanks,
Scott Smith
We were talking to a unnamed Lionel representative who said only 200 were made. I'm not sure you can take that to the bank but it's as good (or better) than any other number.
I know I got mine!
And thus, at 200 production, will be one of the reasons this particular set will command good prices from a cross section of "collectors"....
Alan
We placed the 1st Order for it at Charles Ro last year. Sure glad we have one of these beauties. With the Gold Edition passenger cars, it is a stunning train.
I am not so much about rarity, but I am sure glad we have one. 
quote:And thus, at 200 production, will be one of the reasons this particular set will command good prices from a cross section of "collectors"....
I imagine there will be some people who want one bad enough to pay a premium for this engine. None of the "collectors" I know are interested in current or very recent production, regardless of the size of the run.
Are these still available or sold out?
In 2003, Harley Davidson celebrated their Centennial by making 100th Anniversary editions of all of their various models. Production was announced to be limited to 1000
for the Electra Glide model. HD produced 1300 or so. Consequently, I'm skeptical when "production is limited to (insert number) units" are announced or rumored.
We'll probably never get a straight answer from Lionel. These were originally catalog'd with limited edition status of 200, but then in the subsequent catalog I thought it was changed to BTO. So perhaps more were produced.
Unfortunately, Charlie Ro was the last of the dealers to hold pricing at his advertised $1079 price for several weeks after they hit the street. And he may be sold out now 'cause I don't see them on their website anymore. Nicholas Smith Trains isn't showing them online anymore either. And most other dealers were starting to play pricing games pushing closer to the over-inflated $1449 MSRP.
David
Unfortunately, Charlie Ro was the last of the dealers to hold pricing at his advertised $1079 price for several weeks after they hit the street. And he may be sold out now 'cause I don't see them on their website anymore. Nicholas Smith Trains isn't showing them online anymore either. And most other dealers were starting to play pricing games pushing closer to the over-inflated $1449 MSRP.
David
One is in the display case at Henning's Trains. 
Last time I looked a few day's ago Charles Ro had one in the display case with the passenger cars.
as hens teeth...
You know you want it Scott Smith. When the Mrs spots this one (and it will be easy to spot!), just buy her a Coach bag. Coach. Get it?
Sidetrack Hobbies still shows the Gold Berk on their website for a very fair price. I think gold coaches will be tough to find as well soon -- if not already. If you find gold coaches now, you may need to pay very close to MSRP.
David
David
Best price I see for a gold coach is still pretty rich!
http://www.wholesaletrains.com...Y0PuuhWxFRoCEkTw_wcB
Franklin Mint does a good job of this - "buy it now, because it is collectible and the price will simply go out of reach as soon as we stop shipping."
I am quite sure Lionel will produce at least as many as they are sure they can sell. To do otherwise would be frowned upon by the shareholders.
Our train store had a few, but they are indeed somewhat hard to get I gather. Of course I am not in the business end of the store and will not speak on how they order these really beautiful locomotives.
Pete
