Thought I'd share a quick perspective. Not long ago I picked up an older used DC Model Power 751 "Shark Nose Diesel Baldwin" (Pennsy line #5772). I have no idea how old this thing is, perhaps 1980s or so. It says Made In Austria and I believe (maybe someone else can confirm this) it was manufactured by Roco. Its performance is stellar, especially for a loco so many decades old. Just tested it and still runs nicely even at super slow speeds (on a crap bit of track at that). Sure hope Roco is still making high quality trains.
Wow... I still have mine, in B&O colors, that I had in a train set for Christmas in... 1973! Last year I ran it for its 50th Christmas train (I run it as much as I can!), with its original train - I managed to find back all the original cars in train shows. It's made in Austria with the huge cylindrical motor inside. To say that its performance is stellar is quite correct. A few years ago, though, it was slowing down and I did a complete teardown, cleaning, lubing and rebuild and it ran like new again. I have seen very few other "toy" train engines that are so durable. It will probably still run long after I've gone to the big roundhouse in the sky. If it's still produced, I doubt it, at least not in that form or by Model Power. The only Model Power sharks I've seen are at train shows (where I bought two more powered cabs and a dummy B unit). There might be other manufacturers, but they're not quite the same. You have a real treasure there, maybe not in monetary terms but in quality and reliability. It's a keeper just for that.
What a great story! To think that train is still tops after 50 years is truly amazing. BTW, a "dummy" B unit also came with the one I have. Not really a dummy, though, despite what the box says; has its own individual power and runs independently of the A unit. Also made in Austria, runs pretty well, maybe 85% as well as the A.
I agree , my son bought a used one at a swap meet ( older one with swivel brass truck pins and no flywheel) runs great and works on code 83 track. Painted up in Milw colors but is a freelance road. Huge motor and pulls good.
