I have the original and have run it a few times and for the most part, it's been problem-free. The only issue I had was the couplers got stuck between 2 of the cars but with some futzing, I got them uncoupled. It certainly will become a collector's item as I am not seeing many for sale anywhere. It was a valiant and technologically-advanced effort by any manufacturer considering the fact that I have yet to see anyone produce a TGV, Shinkansen, etc. in O gauge; that I'd love to see.
As for the news one, well, I ordered 2 of them (Amtrak Concept Art and Polar Express paint schemes) and despite the "streamlining" (pardon the pun) of the set as a whole and increase in price, I'm looking forward to seeing, and running, the end result without the quirks...just a smooth-running, attractive, option-packed trainset. The lack of power-operated doors and the revised tilting mechanism didn't sway me but the 2nd power car and the Cafe'/Stationsounds car excite me. As far as I've seen, they are BOTH on the shipping schedule for November so I'm assuming it's a go *fingers crossed*.
