They have a stamped metal outside and cast iron gears. That sounds like a Champion model 50 or a Bufco blower. Ive seen both of those go for well over a hundred dollars for old beaters. I don't know what the gear ratio is for the old blowers but I don't think they were 1:35 like this one is. Does anyone know what a typical blower's gear ratios are? I would love to try one out but turkey day, rent, xmas, blah, blah, blah...