It may lack things, but let's face it if you want that kit it's the only game in town. Thus Trumpeter can feel free to charge almost anything they want, since they have no competition from Dragon or Tamiya. Plus it's a big kit, (not like a Panzer 1 in 1/35) this behemoth measures 21" long that's almost two feet fully assembled. Yikes no shelf space over on my end.
Oh, and I already found a place selling it for $150, hope that takes away some of the price shock... http://store.spruebrothers.com/135-trumpeter-german-br57-armored-steam-locomotive-219-p23322.aspx