I have a set of Lionel's aluminum passenger cars in the Milwaukee Road orange/burgandy with black roofs. I use the matching S3 261 for motive power.
I purchased a set of Lionel E9's in Milwaukee Road livery this past May. I'm waiting for the matching aluminum cars for those.
I really like the look of the E9's with the streamlined aluminum cars. I'm glad I made the decision to attain a pair. Whatever roadnames a person prefers, I think Lionel's entire line-up, including the newly cataloged E8 / E9's are all very nice.
.....Robbie