I have to give praise where it's due. I have had my own recent Lionel woes and faced dealing with their miserable customer service. Today I received Lionel's models of Amtrak's first proposed paint scheme the 4316 and the partially Amtrak rebranded Seaboard 469.
As I opened and inspected the units the first reaction now when opening a Lionel product is the fear of color issues, or as in my GN BN F7 pair gashes in the roof. But as the pair of E8s emerged from the packaging today, relief! They were fine! Fully delivered as described. Next, the test runs. Operationally fine! Then, after a few laps I heard a noise as the units passed through my MARC Rail transit stop. I stopped the E8 pair to investigate. A handrail had come loose and knocked over an O scale passenger standing safely behind the yellow line on a platform. The handrail suffered a slight bend from the incident. I made the repair and all is fine.
Lionel, you scored points with me today! Keep it up! Whatever factory or group makes your E8s ought to be making all your products.
Today, first, thanks to Lionel for making these unusual locomotives. Secondly, for coming through without QC problems. Lionel product lately has been a gamble. But today this customer is happy. I hope Lionel can begin to provide this level of product satisfaction accross the board. 
