This is the first chance I have had since leaving the store and uploading those photos and video to type some more information...
This locomotive and car set is gorgeous. Really unique and stunning. My phone camera lens wasn't really as clean as I'd like, so the photo details are not great. The roofs of both the loco and cars are snow-white, like the Sleighbell Limited offerings. The sides of the loco boiler are a shiny silver, similar to the 'Locomotive of the Year' Hiawatha silver. The bronze-gold colors of the trucks and wheels are really unique, and give a special look to this consist. This is also the only new Hiawatha to offer whistle steam, though it comes from the same area of the locomotive as the popoff valve steam does. So it's really just a software choice. But again, a distinctive feature of this engine.
In my opinion, and only mine, the cars would look terrific pulled behind any traditional black steam locomotive, such as a NYC hudson for example. However, the engine with its large bronzed wheels might look less good pulling passenger cars with silver trucks such as the Sleigh Bell 21" cars for example. Just my opinion... However, this loco and these cars together would make a pretty incredible sight on any model railroad! I'm buying the complete set FOR SURE!