@Mark V. Spadaro : I would tend to agree, Mark. Clearly this was a move away from "outfits" that Lionel had marketed all through the post war and prewar era's. In addition, if you were new to the hobby, you had to also buy a transformer and track in order to run your "set". Well I will admit it worked with me, I bought all the components listed at the time plus a diner and maybe a baggage later on. I will check my cars to see what came initially (as they were all shipped in a common shipping container). I do note however that this marketing strategy still is in use today especially on the higher end outfits.
@WRW: The engine by the way is fully die cast, has the feed-water heater over the boiler front and it is a good runner. I do wish they had blackened the sides of the motor housing so that it was not so noticeable between the drivers, buy hey...it works really well.
Best Wishes
Don
