The red used on this locomotive was differrent in shade and gloss level from the postwar versions. Lionel did offer replacement shells to owners of this locomotive. You had to sign up by a certain date and prove purchase i think. Dont remember if there was a charge.
I have the set, it runs very nicely, has a nice horn sound and looks quite nice as it was originally made. To me, the reds and finish are more like the Santa Fe prototype. As a conventional classic, buyers were more expectant of something that is a replica of a postwar version. Therefore the offerring of the replacement shells.
The price for this one seems attractive.