Broken fly wheels was not a problem with the scale t-1. That was a problem with the first edition of the LIONmaster T-1.
I have the Lionel scale t-1 and I really like this engine. I upgraded it with cruise using an err board. It was a simple swap of the motor controller board. The only issue is the middle drivers. They are not beveled and can short out on switches. I took my t1 apart and cut a bevel on the middle drivers and I do not have any issues with it. It can creep through my Ross 072 switches without a hitch. Sounds are decent but smoke is not that great. I may upgrade the smoke unit at some point. Its a very heavy engine. It can really highball too since it has large drivers.