I haven't seen the train of discussion yet, but it's not like the first time they've done such a thing.
They did the Lincoln Funeral Train a while back to finish (?) off the "Heritage Series" line of small no-frills (in terms of electronics) engines with cars. The engines and cars IIRC were primarily made from brass. No electronic reverse, just switchable forward and reverse. Also no smoke. (Earlier entries were Best Friend of Charleston, John Bull, Dewitt Clinton, and Stourbridge Lion.)
That was a pretty small (though still pricey, considering no electronics) set though, Engine/Tender with one car, and then a 2 car add-on set. IIRC, the pricing direct from Lionel was $800 for the engine and single car and then $600 for the 2 car add-on.
This new offering sounds like a much larger train set and financial outlay judging by the comments above.
-Dave
