"Fabrication" is a bit harsh. There's been solid data and info this last week that point to a *possible* retirement of 60052 (and maybe 60051).
- 60052 (and 60051) are listed as "Sold Out" on SAH on every site except US/Canada.
- Pictures and discussion of a new cargo train, 60098 have been published the last 2 days, including on respected blogs.
- 60098 duplicates much of 60052, including similar rolling stock and inclusion of power functions, track, a cargo terminal, and accessories.
- 60098 is clearly NOT an HE replacement, it's numbered in the City series.
- 60052 has been discounted world-wide the last 10 days
- at least one stock manager told a BP member that the discounts "were at the direction of the supplier"
- other BP members have talked with B&M managers, who've said 65002 "isn't coming back into stock if another train is released"
The above isn't "fabrication". In fact, its an intriguing set of clues. Which is why the retirement discussion has heated up. Even our own Ed has chimed in saying this wouldn't be unprecedented. Take all this for what its worth. Personally, such discussion and facts are a reason this site is so awesome. I've made some decisions on this whole matter and spent a bit of money to back it up; like all things here, it may or may not be correct and result in a payoff.