If we're thinking of the same catalog, I'm pretty certain that catalog was pretty much a "clearing out excess inventory at Lionel's warehouse" catalog. So, in essence, there's nothing to pre-order. It's all stuff that had been catalog'd previously -- with perhaps the exception of weathered locomotives... and even at that, they're not "new" items per se, just previous catalog'd stuff being weathered by Harry H.
Best to check around stores and large dealers for existing stock... or check with your favorite supplier and see if they can check inventory at Lionel's warehouse in NC for what you want.
David