Yes... I couldn't believe this myself!!! But I returned home today from a full-day photo shoot to find a voicemail message left by one of my favorite Lionel dealers. I sensed right away what the message might be, 'cause I just don't have that much stuff on pre-order these days.
And much to my surprise, the nice lady on the phone informed me that the Milwaukee Road 18" two-pack has arrived in stores, and she wanted to know if I was still interested in them. The 4-pack isn't in yet, but I called them back right away... and requested that they ship the two-pack since I've waited so long for it!!!
Many of us talked about the remote possibility of these shipping, since they're no longer listed on Lionel's online shipping schedule. And I took a pretty strong position that it was probably just an administrative error that they were omitted from the list. Honestly, I didn't think we'd see these until 2014. But I stand corrected. They have apparently arrived in some stores, so perhaps the 4-pack may not be too far behind either.
Now exactly WHICH two cars comprise the two-pack I do not yet know. If folks remember correctly, I think Lionel first catalog'd these with a regular vista dome... then later catalog'd them with a full vista dome. The lady couldn't tell from the shipping package, and they hadn't yet opened any for a store display. So I should know the exact contents soon... maybe in a day or two. If anyone has seen them yet, please let us know.
Just thought some folks would like to know that these long-awaited passenger cars -- or at least some of them -- are FINALLY shipping!!!
David