I think, in a bigger picture way, both groups work similarly. Rules/regs having to do with safety can often be extremely strict, things like painting often show some discrepancies based on time pressure, available supplies and simple changes from time to time when done by humans.
For those looking one vendor has their price listed on their web site both the E 8 and E 9 appear to be the same price. List Price: $339.98 Our Price: $271.94 Pre-Order: $247.15 They also have pricing on the turntable listed as well. List Price: $639.98 Our Price: $511.24 Pre-Order: $464.75
check out what I found at Youtube...It becomes interesting near 1minute 52 seconds...a glimps of the E8 and E9 Spielwaremesse Nürnburg: [video=youtube_share;S58ANmkp9qA]http://youtu.be/S58ANmkp9qA?t=1m52s[/video]
Hmmm... seems to me, if Märklin has display samples, that means the AZL folks are playing with some, too. Unless, they are on the same slow boat from China with the missing January releases.
The diagram shows that it should be centered (equal spacing) and the photo shows it centered. What's the confusion? That the straight back coal bunker isn't centered? The lettering diagram doesn't show any reference or measurement from the location of the coal box...
3. qtr 2014 according to the latest Marklin delivery list...what means, from experience: maybe then or later....