I don't like pre-ordering either. Especially when we don't know what we are really getting. Lionel's recent history doesn't instill much confidence either.
The order deadline for these engines has long since passed I would think though. I put mine in over 5 months ago. If they are still accepting orders, that's not a good sign IMHO.
I'm a little bit concerned that Ryan hasn't joined this discussion like he has in the past. So at this rate we could have a new catalog out before we even know IF these things are going to be built or not?