Greetings forum members! I've been a long time member but seldom post - one of those 1000+ "guests" lurking everyday reading and catching up on what's happening in the world of O gauge trains.
I've haven't pre-ordered from a train catalog in more than 10 years (I think I pre-ordered the Lionel Legacy NKP 765 years ago after experiencing a "Throttle Time" event at the FWRHS, but that's it). In Feb 2024 I saw my opportunity to get the scale Polar Express and passenger cars, and, having ridden behind PM 1225 when my son was 5 (some 17 years ago), I bit and went all in and pre-ordered from Charles Ro Supply. Very happy with their service. I ordered the black PE (L2431460) and received it in time for Christmas. It's super cool. I was bummed that the cars didn't come in time, but needless to say I hurried home today when I saw the notice that a package had been delivered. One of the things that really sold me on the passenger cars was they matched the movie with the "POLAR EXPRESS" lettering under the windows. You can imagine my frustration when i opened the box to find that all the cars looked GREAT and MATCHED except for the much anticipated observation car with more detailed rounded end, which has the POLAR EXPRESS letters above the windows, just like the older sets had.
Interested in your thoughts as to what I should do - I know I can call Charles Ro Supply but they obviously have nothing to do with this error. Am I dreaming that Lionel will step up and replace the observation cars with ones that match the both the item shown in the catalog as well as all the other cars? After spending $2,400 on a new train set for the first time in like 12 years, having something like this happen sort of sours the experience.
