When I saw this price, I was actually going to buy one, but they are sold out of the NP, and that's the only road I could have used. I don't have any real need for it, so I didn't want to turn it into a "project" where I strip and repaint a shell. I just wanted to "have it", so it's just as well they are sold out.. ha ha ha!
Any issue with the flanges hitting code 55 ties could easily be fixed up by lightly running a diamond file on the flanges with the engine running on its back That's not nearly so formidable a task with diesels as it is with a steam loco.
Those old LL engines ran so good partly because they have that now "infamous" low-speed, powerful 5-pole motor that is a good candidate for repowering other engines. They also had slightly rough wheels that really grabbed, although they seemed to get dirty more easily.