When the "Lionel Classics" Fireball Express set was offered in 1989 I passed. Recently, I had the opportunity to acquire a mint set at a fair price and took the plunge. The 390E bright red/black loco has a diecast air whistle and the three passenger cars are the larger 300 series cars with dark red roofs and red bodies with cream trim. The cars are lettered for three states, one of which had Lionel's main factory and the other two, its showrooms: New Jersey, New York and Connecticut.
I have a smaller inner 042 tinplate oval which currently is occupied by the blue/cream "Lionel Classics" trolley/trailer. This inner loop also has an original American Flyer prewar #102 station with a compliment of the repro Barclay figures (made in USA!) plus three originals that will be quite pleased with their new express train that will supercede the trolleys! 
