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 Posted - November 13 2007 : 09:35:12 AM
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Hello All, My question today is about the infamous PT and the production moves to Hong Kong. This information is probably on this site, but I can't seem to find it at the moment---When exactly did the PT come into use, and when did production start coming in from HC? I've re-created the set of my youth (a Sears set w/SF GP 20, 4 cars, caboose, piggyback ramp, ore dump). With my own memory and help from this site, I figure I must have received it for Christmas either in 70 or '71. It was still a red-box set, although the stenciled TYCO boxes seemed to have more black for a background than earlier red-boxes. My 're-created' set has an MU2 Geep. Is this correct? Thanks, Chris.
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Posted - November 13 2007 : 4:16:07 PM
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The powertorque came out in late 1974 or sometime in 1975. A pre-production sample was hidden in the 1974 catalog, meaning it was in development at least as early as 1973. As far as I know, most if not all of them were made in Hong Kong, but it's possible some might have been made and/or assembled in the US.
In the year or two preceding the PT, a couple other drives were used. The very first 630's had a Rivarossi drive, while some F-units got a cheapened, clunkier version of the MU-2 (mantua metal) drive.
The classic MU-2 lasted in all engines until the early 70's. The GP20 and 430 were offered as MU-2s until they went to PTs in 1975. The F-units Went to the cheaper MU-2 in say 1973, then PT in 1974/75. The 630 was all PT except for the early Rivarossi versions of 1974. The Sd24, E7, gen 2 F7, GG1 and plastic Shark were only available with PTs, having all been released after 1975.
Regarding HK production (as it applies to the whole line, not just motors): Some items are moved and others are introduced from HK beginning in the late 60's. Production of other items in the US continues on a smaller scale. In the mid-late 70's, more items are produced in the US, including some previously made in HK. Some items are also made in Austria. Not sure why this happened or the exact timeframe. In the 1980's, USA production seems to end and everything pretty much goes to HK (or Yugolslavia) for good.
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Posted - November 14 2007 : 09:04:06 AM
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| Thanks, GIC...I guess it would be safe to assume my '71 GP-20 had the MU2. Chris
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