I bought the last release reading & northern Pacific, was not happy with it.  Noisy drive train compared to any other mth steamer I have. it went back to mth and came back the same,  had @gunrunnerjohn look at it too. Ended up returning it.  I also have the light blue reading & northern 425 without whistle steam.  So I'm leery of a repeat.  I did order Mr muffins blac!k r&n custom run 425.  Praying for no issues.

That's disappointing to hear, Tom.

I noted that MTH's prices are up there, and this run being a 4-6-2 with MSRP of $1,299.99 (I think). This is about the same as Lionel's heavy pacifics. There was a time when MTH was about 20% less than Lionel.

Im having a hard time deciding between this engine, Lionel's North Pole Central Vanderbilt, and the TW custom Christmas Hudson. I wish MTH would have put North Pole Express on the tender instead of Merry Christmas. It would be consistent with MTH's previous Christmas passenger cars and freight offerings.

Sunrise

Sunrise, I thought the same thing regarding lettering on tender. I haven't seen the final graphic for the TW Hudson, but from the picture shown in the other thread it looks "good."

I just got the hard copy of the 2025 Lionel vol. 1 catalog, and I have to say the North Pole Central CV looks outstanding. The PE CV shade of blue looks way too light IMO. All in all, lots of choices for the Christmas train of the year.

Heres the final TW render

https://www.trainworld.com/lio...world-exclusive.html

I wish MTH added the LED Christmas Lights.

This month is preorder deadline month...who's going for this beauty? or are you choosing a Lionel offering?

Sunrise

@Paul Kallus posted:

Has anyone noticed this very handsome Christmas engine that was recently advertised by MTH? It is item# 20-3979-1. ...

Definitely my favorite of the above-mentioned Christmas engines. Really like the classic "Merry Christmas" on the tender. Engine itself is beautifully done, too.