Just to say...the "China drive' (really? Same drive philosophy as on Lionel PW diesels;
why not "Jersey drive"?) is just fine.
I have a 3rd Rail GE Dash-9 with the much-lauded single-motor/driveshaft/universal
mechanism. While in the process of painting/testing the loco, the drive failed (shaft/u-joint).
Lost interest in the project; sits in a box; brass ship ballast. Wish it HAD been a 'China".
I've reserved a 3rd Rail R-2 NYC electric; here's hoping. If I could just buy the body shell...