>> I don't quite understand releasing the PE but not the
other sets around the same time.
One possible answer is that Lionel might produce several items at the same time for production efficiency reasons, but only releases some of them for sale initially. Others are "held back" until later to give consumers time to replenish their cash and have full wallets once again. I believe this practice is common with diesels which have various paint schemes. Perhaps this strategy is also being used with the Polar Express and other Berkshire sets? Just a thought without any facts to support it in this case. Imagination is an important part of model railroading (grin) Ed L.
