@Jerryrails posted:Golden Gate Depot aluminum cars are roughly $325-$350 per car actual street price. I know because I have them and I'm getting them. Lionel catalogue list price for the eight car set is approximately $2,000 and the street price will be about 10% less than that. I would buy the GGD cars every time. They are aluminum, prototypically correct, have gorgeous interior detail (painted) with people, and come with the best service in the hobby IMO.
I agree 3rd rail is better but I just did a quick search and the 8 Lionel cars will be around 1550 preorder. The southern crescent 8 car set is 2639 on GGD site right now. The difference will be ~$135 per car. That is significant.