I did not order one, but I don't run steam and most of my equipment is east coast stuff.
If Athearn is anything like Lionel with these high end models you never know what the availability will be, Some Lionel Vision Line locomotives are all sold through pre-orders before they ever reach dealer shelves. On the other hand if they don't sell out the discounts can be 50% off the original pre-order price.
It comes down to how bad do you want it? I know if Lionel comes out with a Vision Line Chessie/B&O diesel I will pre-order one!
Congratulations, I have one Athearn Genesis an EMD GP40-2 Chessie/B&O GM 50 anniversary diesel and it is simply fantastic!. I would imagine the Big Boy will be too, if not even better, if that is possible!