As far as I know there was a color issue with the engine and they had to be sent back for re-painting. As for an expected Delivery date I was at the York train show this year and asked the Lionel people there directly that question about when it would be available, because I too have it pre-ordered. They informed me at that time that it would be DEC-21 / JAN-22. I have been using the Charles Ro online store as my go to Date currently which says it will be expected or available on 01-10-2022. So as of this time that is what I am going with the Jan 10th date, it would've been nice to have it before Christmas but I can understand how busy they are currently. So I am painstakingly waiting on this as well....