PRR seems to be the first E8A from Marklin http://mediencms.maerklin.de/media.php/de/pdfs/Maerklin_Herbstneuheiten_2014.pdf /Mikael
The E8 looks good. Just needs a front coupler, but im sure its just a pre production sample. I also really like the 0-8-0, and 2-6-2. It would be great to get North American shells on those mechs? Maybe another AZL/Marklin joint venture?
The closed front pilot is optional, standard is with front coupler. Those are Autumn announcements from Marklin, it doesn't mean other already announced locos are coming later and those release are not always on time either..... From experience the UP and SP should come first or same time.
Not that I'd begrudge western roads their E's, but it won't bother me one bit if the Pennsy units ship first. I think the only thing that could convince me not to grab a pair would be AZL announcing a brass K4s.