Where are they Zephyrs

Lionel cataloged 18" aluminum California Zephyr cars with full interiors as recently as 2012/2013, some of which were due to ship this July (not sure whether they did or not). I don't know when MTH last issued ABS versions of C.Z. cars but I have seen them on both the auction site and indeed on the shelves at my LHS very recently.

So I don't think that there's really any desperate shortage of current production or availability of these cars, not even counting Atlas's effort although their whole series has been in production so long that anyone would be forgiven for losing patience with it quite apart from the production glitches (blinds/finishes). I agree that price is a deterrent but if you check out the train auction sites I think that you will see that various CZ sets come up fairly often.

Here in So Cal there is a huge shortage of Zephyr inventory as not one store within 60 miles has them from any manufacturer. O gage is not too popular out here as few have basements. I run 042 curves so 18" cars may still be too long. I have seen the MTH premier Zephyrs reasonably price but I just don't care for the ABS look. I will just keep looking and holding out in hopes someone starts manufacturing them again. If they manufactured as many Zephyrs as they do Santa Fe's than we'll be in business.