I am opening the loco now. Check this posts for all my updates. Respond with questions.
VIDEO 1 - Box and Opening
VIDEO 2 - Taking out of Package and First Look
this clip shows the gears are not metal.
VIDEO 3 - No Conventional
VIDEO 4 - Speed Control
Images of Inside. Heading to dinner. Let me know if you have any other questions. I will try to get to them later. I really dig this model.