The one i tooled over at the Hobby shop here in San Diego got my interests up, the pictures on their website don't do the units justice, I'd say go for it, its a little tough on the wallet but!
I figure if you want to pony up $250-300 for a locomotive, you might as well go brass. That is way beyond the SPSF's budget for new rolling stock. Our Finance department is waiting until Athearn or Kato come up with a cheaper unit.