DevonCottage

Hi - Last year I came back to modelling after many years, and built a SE Finecast 517 tank with Mashima motor and Markits gearbox. During construction I managed to strip the gear, so I bought a second gearbox. Within a couple of months this has stripped as well. I have taken the loco apart again and replaced the 37:1 box with a 46:1 box in the hope that this will be more durable, but even with the first couple of turns there are signs that this will strip too. The tiny screws that come with the motor, and the motor itself do not fit the gearbox without heavy boring out and filing of the gearbox assembly, even though the motor was specified as being correct for that gearbox. I just want something that is going to go together and work. 30 years ago I built two kits with Portescap motor / gearbox combinations and they are still performing like a dream, although I have read a couple of threads online from about 9 years ago criticising these. I would welcome some guidance and if anyone has a good condition Portescap for sale I would be interested in buying it. Many thanks