The 18005 700E from the 90's is the only one I have ever had. I got it and the 4 scale cars mint for $375. I declined to take the 700e display case. I don't remember ever taking the cars out of the box. I did look at the engine once, but I can't run it until i clear off the outside loop of track.
I'm not a fan of the electronic engines due to the failure rate of the electronics. However, I do enjoy watching other peoples fancy trains and large engines run at the club and at train shows.