I just got some emails on this old thread and earlier today I posted some of these pics of my MTH polar express Berkshire. I couldn't wait for Lionel to come out with a lionchief plus version. (If they ever do) and I couldn't justify, the over 1,500.00 for a legacy model. So I bought a brand new MTH berk and made one.
it was my answer to wanting a nice PE berk with all the good stuff. Speed control, firebox glow, fan driven smoke unit, different chuffing rates, and just a lot of different functions. I painted and re-lettered it so I'd finally be happy! Lol