The wheels don't bother me terribly.
Plus, what we're seeing right now is still the concept model and stuff can change before it fully rolls into the production phase. Like, I don't expect the whistle to be THAT grossly oversized.
Regardless, this IS an engine I've been waiting for years to see in O gauge, and while the price is high, I'd say it should be worth it giving the present times, the economy, the costs in tooling, etc. all the while it looks like Lionel is going all out on it.

Looking at a couple of main dealers, and forum members, there seems to be a decent dealer discount.

#90: MSRP - $1899.99, Charles Ro - $1749.99, Nassau Hobby - $1709.99.

64' Wood Sided 2 car packs: MSRP - $399.99, Charles Ro - $287.95, Nassau Hobby - $299.99

Overall, I agree that I think the prices are a bit high, but consider how many people spent the same amount of money for a VL BB and a VL Niagara. Either way, I think people will still purchase these locomotives and passenger cars, but for dealer prices.

@Bob posted:

If this engine is all new tooling, why did they screw up the drivers so badly? Compare the prototype image at 1:27 in the above video to the model image at 1:53. The model drivers are way too small and WAY too widely spaced. Maybe they figured that since people didn't care about driver spacing on their PRR H9/H10/whatever, they won't care on this model either. Different price point though. I'm sure people will gush over this engine, as long as they don't look too closely at the prototype.

The drivers even look small in their rendering:

However, there's always the world-famous caveat in the video:

And finally, just for comparison reference vs a Russian decapod, these drawing from old Model Railroader magazines:

Rusty

@Trainmaster04 posted:

Looking at a couple of main dealers, and forum members, there seems to be a decent dealer discount.

#90: MSRP - $1899.99, Charles Ro - $1749.99, Nassau Hobby - $1709.99.

64' Wood Sided 2 car packs: MSRP - $399.99, Charles Ro - $287.95, Nassau Hobby - $299.99

Overall, I agree that I think the prices are a bit high, but consider how many people spent the same amount of money for a VL BB and a VL Niagara. Either way, I think people will still purchase these locomotives and passenger cars, but for dealer prices.

I could have sworn the price at MR. Muffin was $1709.99, but now it's $1899.99

@TheRambles posted:

I could have sworn the price at MR. Muffin was $1709.99, but now it's $1899.99

IT was and now it's the higher price.

@superwarp1 posted:

IT was and now it's the higher price.

I wonder why?

Which version of the # 90 is at the museum? The red cab roof with stripes on the tender or the all black?

@TheRambles posted:

I could have sworn the price at MR. Muffin was $1709.99, but now it's $1899.99

Pat's Trains too. Was $1709 and now $1899. I wonder what's up

@amtrack5899 posted:

Which version of the # 90 is at the museum? The red cab roof with stripes on the tender or the all black?

Which "museum"?

@Hot Water posted:

Which "museum"?

https://www.strasburgrailroad.com/

vash44,

As information, Strasburg is NOT a "museum", but a working railroad since 1851, thus their name,,,,,,,,,,Strasburg Rail Road (they even handle revenue freight).  That is why I asked the previous poster, "amtrack5899", which "museum".  I am not aware of any Baldwin 2-10-0 steam locomotives in any museums. There is however a "Russian Decapod", which is operational, in the Illinois Railway Museum.

Just reading about this famous Locomotive and I’m glad to see Lionel is making it a Brass/Hybrid model. Very interesting and I think I’m a player. I’ve been to YORK several times and visited this city each time. It’s beautiful. Great thread. Happy Railroading Everyone

@Hot Water posted:

vash44,

As information, Strasburg is NOT a "museum", but a working railroad, thus their name,,,,,,,,,,Strasburg Rail Road (they even handle revenue freight.  That is why I asked the previous poster, "amtrack5899", which "museum".  I am not aware of any Baldwin 2-10-0 steam locomotives in any museums. There is however a "Russian Decapod", which is operational, in the Illinois Railway Museum.

I appreciate the information Hot Water. I have only heard about the Strasburg Railroad and lore of #90 and some of their other offerings. I was not aware that it was not a museum per se and but rather a fully functioning rail operation. Will do some more research on the organization.

Chris

@Hot Water posted:

I am not aware of any Baldwin 2-10-0 steam locomotives in any museums.

The Age Of Steam Roundhouse Museum in Ohio has AT&N #401 which is a Baldwin decapod.

https://www.ageofsteamroundhou...thern-2-10-0-no-401/

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Sadly, I think I'll have to pass.  While I was hoping for a real Strasburg locomotive, I will have to make do with my recent purchase of the Nicholas Smith special run of Strasburg 10-wheelers.  I got tired of waiting for Lionel to make a correct Strasburg locomotive.

I am in just the opposite position. I wasn't even aware the Nicholas Smith did a special run of the Strasburg 10-wheelers until it was too late. I would have bought one in a heartbeat.

I ordered one of the Strasburg 2-10-0s this morning from CharlesRo. It was about $150 off the catalog price, but still a lot. It will pull my MTH Strasburg 5-car green woodside passenger set, which was another Nicholas Smith special run. It's lighting was then upgraded by the master Jack Pearce. That set is absolutely awesome.

The Lionel price for the new Strasburg woodside passenger cars they built with the MTH tooling is astronomical. I would have paid double what I paid for the MTH cars.

Pat

@irish rifle posted:

I am in just the opposite position. I wasn't even aware the Nicholas Smith did a special run of the Strasburg 10-wheelers until it was two late. I would have bought one in a heartbeat.

I ordered one of the Strasburg 2-10-0s this morning from CharlesRo. It was about $150 off the catalog price, but still a lot. It will pull my MTH Strasburg 5-car green woodside passenger set, which was another Nicholas Smith special run. It's lighting was then upgraded by the master Jack Pearce. That set is absolutely awesome.

The Lionel price for the new Strasburg woodside passenger cars they built with the MTH tooling is astronomical. I would have paid double what I paid for the MTH cars.

Pat

I also passed on the NS exclusive in hopes that 90 would be revealed.

Astronomical is an appropriate term for the prices on the cars!

Well, when did this get posted?  I almost missed it!  My dream loco, well, there is the Little River 2-4-4-2, so #2, #90, hauling sugar beets down the Front Range is actually going to get a version....but, in Great Western livery, too?  And from an unexpected, by me, source.  I hope those scrutinizing the Menard's F unit will squint through their magnifying glasses and tell me this is a good model.   If only in SB, l have the GW decals to correct that oversight, but may get tasered by sticker shock.  I, luckily, have not, as mentioned above, bashed my Russian Deck into one, yet.  Somebody woke up, wonder where l can get a headdress to do a war dance around a fire in my backyard. Think the neighbors will complain?

@Prr7688 posted:

See here; the GS series were VL

Yeah the GS's were VL, my comment wasn't on them but #90.

@Dave NYC Hudson PRR K4 posted:

Don't think it is VL, just brass hybrid like the GS's.

See how it is worded, not VL, just brass hybrid like the GS's. I could see where there could be a little confusion, but since we were talking about #90, I didn't think it would be confusing to anyone that what I said would be saying the GS's weren't VL. We all remember Ryan's pitch on that catalog day. Heck, I remember looking at the price beforehand and saying no way is this a regular Legacy locomotive.

@Prr7688 posted:

Wow! Are you sure $200 per car or for a two car set???

MTH MSRP for individual car was $100 and the three car set was $290. (This was for the latest run they did in 2020 V1)

Will slapping "Lionel" on the box literally double the price? Hopefully not.

Overall - this will be a question across the board for the any lionel rendition of MTH tooling - what will be the price change?

The 64ft passenger cars msrp at $399.99 for a 2pack which is approximately $200/car.

Is it confirmed that the passengers cars are MTH tooling?  I have two sets of the MTH cars, along with some of the Nicholas Smith specials so I wasn't going to order the Lionel ones anyway.  I did pre-order the #90 from Mr.Muffin for the $1709 price, but that was very soon after they posted their prices.

@irish rifle posted:

I am in just the opposite position. I wasn't even aware the Nicholas Smith did a special run of the Strasburg 10-wheelers until it was too late. I would have bought one in a heartbeat.

I ordered one of the Strasburg 2-10-0s this morning from CharlesRo. It was about $150 off the catalog price, but still a lot. It will pull my MTH Strasburg 5-car green woodside passenger set, which was another Nicholas Smith special run. It's lighting was then upgraded by the master Jack Pearce. That set is absolutely awesome.

I'd have to sell a whole lot of Super-Chuffers to pony up the $1700 for this one.

I might hear some strong opinions for this one, but…

Yes, the price is quite a bit higher then MTH, but let us considering a couple factors.  

First, MTH has had that tooling now for a while. I am sure it has paid for itself many times over. Lionel just acquired it, and now they need to make that purchase profitable.

Second, Lionel may have made some upgrades. We do not know this. If they did, that would raise the price.

My third thought, and I believe a strong point that needs to be considered, is that global shipping has jumped dramatically in price over the last year. It’s raising prices across the board for many industries and our hobby is not immune. Consider that the new Atlas SD40-2 is $50 higher then the last model MTH offered. Shipping is affecting price, I am sure, across the board. This needs to be paid somehow.

I ordered the three packs of coaches. I missed out on the earlier offerings from MTH. It’s costly, but it is a train that I have known since my childhood and I have been waiting for it for some time. I will save for it. I am sure many others will do the same. And I am sure many will opt out. We all continue to enjoy the hobby though, and that enjoyment is what matters.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I'd have to sell a whole lot of Super-Chuffers to pony up the $1700 for this one.

And/or YLB's... still have those?

Boy, wait til the model arrives then the paint controversy will rear its ugly head!

@prrhorseshoecurve posted:

And/or YLB's... still have those?

Yep, and passenger car lighting as well.  Have to sell a lot of all of them to afford this one!

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Yep, and passenger car lighting as well.  Have to sell a lot of all of them to afford this one!

We should start a gofundme for gunrunnerjohn’s #90. if everyone he’s helped on this forum pitches in $18.00, he’d get one in no time!

I won't say no!  

@TheRambles posted:

We should start a gofundme for gunrunnerjohn’s #90. if everyone he’s helped on this forum pitches in $18.00, he’d get one in no time!

I’m ok with him adding an extra $18 onto my next proto 3 upgrade that I’m hoping to get to him soon!

Is Train World getting full list price???

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I won't say no!  

You Should have an email from gofundme along with your first $18.00

@prr4935 posted:

Is it confirmed that the passengers cars are MTH tooling?  I have two sets of the MTH cars, along with some of the Nicholas Smith specials so I wasn't going to order the Lionel ones anyway.  I did pre-order the #90 from Mr.Muffin for the $1709 price, but that was very soon after they posted their prices.

Be careful ordering the Lionel cars if you have Nicholas Smith Custom runs. The coach car in the Combine pack was offered by him.

@TheRambles posted:

You Should have an email from gofundme along with your first $18.00

I'm a little speechless Tony, not sure what to say!  Maybe there is a #90 in my future!

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I'm a little speechless Tony, not sure what to say!  Maybe there is a #90 in my future!

Us Lansdale guys gotta stick together

You deserve it big time!

Anyone heard anything on a release date for this?  Its been a year or so.

I've heard they are here, but being held due to electrical issues

@pferddy posted:

Anyone heard anything on a release date for this?  Its been a year or so.

Could be soon according to lionelstore.com

I'm making do with #89 right now, it's doing all the Strasburg passenger runs until #90 is on-line.

Thank you, Tom, Tony, and John.  Most appreciated.

Alright, were within 10 days... who here's a betting man?

With all seriousness, the 1960s/2020 "Strasburg Egg" version moved from a 6/24 delivery date to "Sold Out" on LionelStore website - not sure if that is an automatic thing that the website does or it someone at Lionel manually does it at time of arrival.

The Lionel Store website has 7/14 date for the rest of them... Charles Ro has a 7/10 date.