I was looking at the current Lionel/Flyer catalog and was intrigued by the SP Ready-to-Run Docksider set. The list price is $269.99, but Charles Ro is currently offering them for $209.95. WHile I'm not here to advertise the set, considering the listed components, this seems like a bargain. In addition to the locomotive and 3 cars, the set is listed as coming with 12 sections of FasTrack curves , a straight, and a terminal section. I've not seen FasTrack sections for less than $4.95/section, so this seems like a decent way to sample the stuff as part of the set. The set also includes the CW-80 transformer which, while not powerful, will still run most S-Gauge (AC) trains and includes bell and whistle buttons and a sort-of-nifty adjustable accessory terminal voltage. Lionel lists the CW-80 at something like $149.99 and the cheapest I've seen it at the online stores is $114.95. The Docksiders sell for $75-$95 alone and most of the freight cars are at least $40 or so. If the catalog listing of components is correct, this seems like a bargain.
Of course, I also noticed that Docksider is listed as having a die-cast metal body, so it's hard to say if the components as listed will turn out as promised. I think the current ship date for the set is something like February of 2014, so I guess we'll have to wait and see. Anybody know for sure whether the inclusion of the 14 sections of FasTrack is accurate?
