Just acquired one of these things and I'm wondering if anyone knows when these were made. It has a 2-rail style drive system with a centrally-mounted can motor connected to a gear tower on the power truck by a segmented drive shaft. It has an electronic reverse board - I didn't notice any manufacturer's name on the board. The general style of construction is typical of some years back, so I'm kind of curious just how old it is.
Your model was an early experiment by Sunset 3RD Rail to build brass in China. It was neither successful or unsuccessful as a project. An educational learning curve.. more or less.
Imported back in 1995 it was an inexpensive piece priced around $800-$900. The drive seems to be a favorite with Sunset's articulated train sets.. motor in the rear and front series wired and you comment about a "2 rail drive" amuses me... Albeit the drive in this particular model is loaded with flaws but is loosely based on the standard horizontal fly wheel drives seen in 80% of the worlds model trains from Z scale to 1 Scale. The American O Gauge motor/truck "China-Drive" as we call it today is a precedent of todays American 3 rail market. I refuse to enter a debate about the China-Drive; a drive using electronic systems to make it run properly.
I do not like the comments I get from a lot of guys about these models, "junk".. truly it was a concerted effort and a learning curve for the Chinese and Sunset. A stepping stone. They are 85% correct in the measurement department. Details can and are added removed or moved to make a correct model. These are NOT "junk"... but a pretty cool piece.
I repowered mine and rewired. I also rebuilt the nose details above the cab windows. Despite the obvious quality control issues and uncorrected details these are the only decent models of the #9900 Pioneer and sister trains. If your model is 3 rail is exhibits those bulbous wide skirts on the front. I managed to change three of these to correct profile for some fellow 2 rail modelers, a trip to the local plater.
You will find problems with the wheels, they are turned brass then poorly plated. THe plating in many cases was coming off before they landed in the US. I found NWSL offers exceptional replacement wheels. I also modified the power pick ups with phosphor bronze feelers on the insider of the wheels similar to Cockerham and Snow drives. I used rare earth can motors from Pittman. I kept the gear boxes and managed to get a very decent running model. With the interior properly painted, window shades and interior furnishings these models look really good. I do wish they had the same level of filigree found on my HO Challenger Imports (Samhongsa Korea) samples but this set is what we have in O scale and with the right work looks beautiful despite all the factory troubles.
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