Yes, I Believe those are the first run. They have the Empire Builder sleeve over the box, and it doesn't look like the hand rails are applied at the factory. That is the set I have. I might have a set of 32" sectional track I can throw down later this week and see if they'll go through.
The instruction sheet says the grab rails are in the box, but I found none in the two I checked (I now have the whole 1955 EB consist, except that I only have one each of the short dome, the 7-4-3-1 sleeper and the 6-5-2 sleeper. The prototype pulled 3 each of those --- 15 cars total. I figure 9 is enough to start).
If you set up that curve a photo of your EB rounding it would be appreciated!