Mike, The the club members that I know who pre-oredered them (about 50), got them for about $350 to $370 price range. So if you want one you better snatch it up.
John, the engine has two DC-71's and "U" jointed drive shafts to Naval Tobin bronze gears with tool steel worms. Ball bearings from a dental drill mount the worms. The tender is also weighted because of the torque from the motor that drives the rear drivers. It was weighed on a bathroom scale, so I'm not too sure how accurate the six pounds is, but it is really heavy. The motors do get hot when it is stalled with all wheels slipping, but not hot enough to melt the lead boiler or tender body. It has not been stalled since it was painted with 4-M engine black paint. They don't make that any more.
Mike. I "pre-ordered" mine through my membership w/ the C&O Historical Society. I ordered early last fall and paid $318 tax, applicable before October 1, 2001. Last week I went to the Scale Model Show just noth of Baltimore and saw two dealers selling them for $347. WHICH, "aint" too bad. I saw the exact same price for several at a show in Chantilly, Va the first week of January. That's a heck of a lot better than the $585 ransom note Walthers is asking!!! They're out there for a reasonable price. Based on how mine looks and runs, I would say if someone can find one for less than $400 and can afford it, it is well worth the money. -Kitbash
Hey there, Got my Alley the other day also, Finally here after pre-ordering it in August. I paid $315 total. Well worth the price. It runs great, and pulls like a mutha. Mike C.- I too model N&W, but I justify having a C&O engine since C&O did come through Roanoke. The new Spectrum 'Js' are nice looking and run good too. Jeff
