I would really like to order a Consolidation locomotive, likely a UP, but I would sure like to know for sure if it going to have the whistle steam feature before I order. Anyway to find out? Thanks!
Well, if you believe the catalog, the Consolidations have the whistle-steam banner on Pg34. And I have a feeling if you ask Lionel, that's all they'll tell you as well. It would be nice if a product manager would speak with authority on these issues, but that seldom seems to happen... (i.e., think back to when we asked if the Lionel CZ observation car would have a dome.)
In this case, I'd certainly hope if the catalog highlighted that feature, the locomotive would be produced with it. But Lionel is also protected by the legal "wiggle words" in the back of the catalog: "Items depicted in this catalog are subject to change in price, color, size, design and availability. Verify product features on package." 
Certainly doesn't help all that much in today's BTO era. 
But it's as good as we're gonna get until the shipping container arrives Stateside.
David
