I will add that I own 2 Imperial SD70Ace/ES44AC's (UP & GE Evo) plus 1 Premier and 1 Williams model. Obviously orange and black are Halloween colors as are black, green, yellow, silver/gray and now purple. MTH's very simplistic and lowest cost approach to their two color paint mask (one color roof/one color body) on this Halloween version as well the earlier Christmas version were MTH's attempt to extend their Imperial sd70Ace model and provide a seasonal product. I think it is good that MTH is offering the special/small run offerings (Christmas, Halloween, MTH club DCS/PS2) versions of this particular model. The practice appears to be successful for them, otherwise MTH would not continue to make these offerings.
My opinion that MTH is not putting much effort into the paint and graphics or "mailing in" the design is just my opinion based on my preferences and what this engine could potentially look like if a little more time was given to the final design. Yes, time often leads to more cost. But consider that MTH could have applied existing 2 color paint masks from this model's UP or NS Heritage roadnames but used any palette and shade of Halloween colors to produce a stunning eye-catching model. The paint color does not have to be the offered faded orange/black or egg nog/green combos. Imagine if MTH used more vibrant holiday color combos and sheens w/ their existing paint masks from any of these Imperials:
Imagine if using the DRG mask, MTH also pad printed Dracula's castle or the MoPac with the eagle replaced by a ghost, ghoul, or bat with a combo of flat/satin/semi-gloss/gloss.
Compare the paint and artwork of the MTH holiday offerings from the last 5 years to that of Lionel's. The Lionel Silver Bells, Frosty, Jack Frost, Snoopy, Hallows Eve and almost all Lionel holiday rolling stock, IMO look superior.
Again, it's a matter of opinion and if you and others are happy that is good for both you and MTH, but I think MTH could have offered much more to the eye for the same money.
