The Lionel catalog carries a disclaimer indicating that all descriptions are subject to change. I imagine that all the big companies have the same statement.
That statement provides corporations a WIDE latitude of "wiggle room"... but fortunately, most companies stick pretty close to what's been advertised to avoid too much in the way of customer backlash.
In this case, who knows what actually happened. I mean... really... the catalog clearly hypes "whistle steam" as a new feature on this locomotive -- even calling attention to it. So for the feature not to be there is a MAJOR blunder. And given the price-point we're talking about here... unless the locomotive is otherwise nothing short of STUNNING in terms of detail level, performance or having an addition feature that wasn't advertised, then I suspect we'll see this locomotive hitting "blowout special sales" in a few months -- if, of course, consumers vote with their wallets. If, on the other hand, consumers accept it for what it is, then Lionel will likely just let things run their course. The dealers, as usual, are caught in the middle on stuff like this.
I'd have no problem whatsoever passing on a pre-ordered product at this price-point, if it was not delivered as advertised.
David
