I have an old engine from the 50's that I've had since new. Since I grew up in Norwalk - and Athearn was "just down the street" in Carson - it was easy to assume that it was an Athearn. It "looks" like an Athearn -
-- everyone that sees it (including me for the longest) *thinks* it's an Athearn - until the shell comes off - then the head-scratching starts.
The engine feels heavy for a "plastic shell" engine... most all of the weight - 13oz. - is in the frame / drive. And it's that drive that's "driving" me nuts! What is it??? I sent an email recently to Athearn
- and they answered back the they aren't sure-- it's so old - BUT they are almost certain the shell is indeed an Athearn - they are also almost certain the drive is not.
The engine runs fine - in fact it's quite powerful - we once put a goodly sized (all metal) engine behind it (wired this one to go "the other way") it was funny to watch this old beat up engine drag that big fella around the track backwards with it's wheels spinning!
Here are some pixes - any one know? sure - guesses are welcome too!
Thanks for looking and any info....