Yes, he had unpainted cars to make this set. No production just painting. I had to send him the tender of my Frisco Northern so he could match the colors to be the same as Lionel delivered. Still, it only took about 7 weeks to get it done.
When I talked with him today the paint job was in progress. None are ready to ship.
He said mine would ship first so when I get them I will post photos here. I hope around March 1st.