Lou,
I agree with Neil and Jerry. I run mostly post war 50s and 60s locomotives mixed with a few AM and SHS diesels.
I'm not interested in any of the electronic features; all I would want is somthing that doesn't talk or smoke, and runs on AC. The new stuff looks great but I'm not going to pay for features I will never use. I'm all for having a basic locomotive with any of the bells and whistles as options. Wow, this is one of those times where my using "bells and whistles" is near literal!
A hi-rail Hudson would be great idea. I have always thought Hudsons were the perfect steamer with plenty of pulling power and not as restrictive as a longer Northern. A project in the near future is restoring a basket case Hudson I acquired for very little $$.
Thanks,
Rich