I have noticed that these Bachmann "N" Acela items are pricey. I have not yet received the one item I was lucky to get at low cost. Overall, trying to put together this train outside of the gift set is a monumental monetary task. Why so ? fatalxsunrider43
Just maybe because Amtrak has recently brought them back online for some Special runs. Commemorating the Acela from what I heard on the NBC Nightly News Friday Night. Just a thought
I've been looking at these, if the set is the same as the individual cars. The set can be had for less than the train.... Who doesn't need an extra Bachmann mini transformer?
So far, I am able to purchase the item seperately than as a set. The mini transformer is only good for running lighting with adjustable control ! fatalxsunrider43
I really don't think they are that bad considering they are DCC equipped and lighted, although it does depend on where you are getting your prices. For example, I have seen the sets for sale as low as a very reasonable $180 and as ridiculously high as the full retail price of $495.
Some issues popped up with the Acela. When they first anounced the set, there was some confusion on how it was packaged. some retailers sold th endividual cars as a "set". Several months latter, the Acela boxed set came out. While the price is listed at $400 retail, the cost online can be as little as $200 for the boxed set. The only problem is that the business class car is no longer available, which makes it impossible to build a full train. Finally, the engines on the boxed set do have a different number from the individual engines sold seperatly.
