The MSRP on the diecast gensets last time was $900. I'm sure now it would be $1200. They're jam packed full of stuff.
I have one of the non VL die cast ones and its a fantastic loco. Cant say I ever had any pulling power problems with it. I really think the switch just comes down to economics.
Beyond the plastic, which I can look past... there's 3 more important things to be answered:
1. Will the headlights be in the right spot? Based on the catalog, BNSF and CSX are correct (on the nose), UP and NS are wrong (should be above the windshield between the number boards). Thats a big screwup considering they were all correct the first time (meaning the files for both versions exist on a computer). Come on guys, get this right and slide tool the cabs and noses.
2. The originals crawl along in switcher mode. Will this one have switcher mode? I suspect not, given the dual motors, but I'll wait to be surprised.
3. Its looking like the fixed pilots remain... lets hope thats the case. Hopefully the whole diecast underframe arrangement remains and its just a new shell, not a complete retool.
