The 8101 and 8801 are essentially the same mechanically and are at their core 2046/646's. The Alton has a die cast tender and the Comet a plastic tender. Both have the crude (by today's standards) white noise "Mighty Sound of Steam."
As far as paint: It's eye of the beholder land, although I thought the Alton's paint appeared a little "muddy" to my eyes.
And back in the day these were considered "Top Of The Line" locomotives.
Rusty