FWIW, I recently ordered the 990 and a brick. The brick arrived this week and the packing slip indicates a 6/10/14 shipdate for the 990. Like I said, for what it's worth.
Well, the friendly folks over at Legacy Station just let me know that they still have April as a ship date and April has come and gone. They really aren't certain about it's arrival and are just as frustrated to not be able to sell the system as we are to buy it. Frustration has mounted to unprecedented heights from both consumers and retailers. Like everyone here will probably agree, the biggest frustration comes for the lack of communication and involvement from the manufacturers. From Lionel to MTH to Atlas. I'm shocked at the lack of straight forward communication from them. It can't be doing them any good. I think it's time for another manufacturer to get involved and put out a system made here in the USA. I'd pay twice the amount of a Legacy or DCS system if it were made in the USA. Even 3 times the amount! Lionel. MTH, Atlas get your act together
I think someone posted that Lionel's website lists a 6/14 ship date. I have not checked it myself but if that information is accurate it ties in nicely with the shipping date shown on FlyerRich's brick purchase. A June ship date would be nice but its a shame consumers have to piece together tidbits of information like this in order to ascertain a distribution date especially since the updated 990 is in excess of a year overdue.
I agree with your statement that many consumers and retailers are very frustrated with the lack of communication on the part of Lionel on this issue. I have mentioned several times before on the forum that Lionel should provide a clear and definitive statement as to why there has been such a long delay in shipping. They owe at least that much to their consumer base. However, there are those who are willing to give Lionel a pass on this problem and as long there are a lot of train enthusiasts who are willing to do this Lionel can just shrug off the criticisms and remain in stately silence.