I also hope that the cab chatter is period-appropriate dialogue between the engineer and fireman and not a representation of radio communication between the engine and some tower or dispatcher (for the obvious historical reasons).
The upgrades alone make this release even more collectible.
I wonder where they are getting the sound for the engines? Did they record the B&O Museum's "William Mason"? I know that O. Winston Link recorded audio of the "General" the last time she was under steam in the 60's (I have a 45 of it, but no way to play it any more) - wouldn't it be awesome if they put an actual recording of the "General" in the model?!
Andy