Vince53
Hello & Welcome to the Forum.

l can honestly say that l haven't heard the rumor, yet.

The current  Battery powered Large Scale/G-scale trains from Lionel are a switch from their earlier track power trains.  l've got a Polar Express set that runs aroundthe christmas tree. l have considered using a powered tender to run it with my other largescale trains(saving batteries).
Anyway.they are plentiful & inexpensive if you look around .plastic track from other sets from different manufacturerscan be made to work to expand your rails.
Addicting & more fun cause you can.play with them outdoors...

Happy Rails....
dave