Re: the PE tender, are you guys sure it was die-cast? The catalog says plastic tender.
I had a chance to view Lionel's S-scale Fastrack at the hobby shop and it took my breath away. I mean, it is very realistic and just plain speaks "railroading." I've been in 3-rail all my life and have seen some fine 3-rail layouts with nice track systems, but nothing comes close to well-done 2-rail - that is what real trains travel on, isn't it (been in 3-rail too long, LOL).