This is my first post. I've been reading for over a year. In November 2008 I received my first Sunset Models HO SP M-9 2-6-0 Mogul. It lasted two weeks before the 1/4" plastic hose coupling the motor shaft to the gearbox wore out. The motor shaft would spin, but the gearbox shaft didn't. Sunset replaced that model for me, and two weeks later the same problem. Again, I returned and received a replacement model. Now, for a third time, within a week of receiving a replacement model, the 1/4" hose is slipping, which means I have to lift the shell and fiddle with it. For $700, I feel like sending it back for a refund. Does anyone out there have a similar model and experience such a problem? Does anyone know of a cure for this? The space between the motor and gearbox is a little more than 1/4", so there there is barely any room for working a longer hose. Sunset Models has told me no one else has had such a problem with this particular model. Why me? This is a warning for anyone out there who is considering purchasing this model. It looks great, but doesn't run worth crap. My lesson: never spend more than $300 for a locomotive.