FWIW: Quite A Few "Rare" Model A Fiber Timing Gear Failure Past Experiences
Just like with "rare" failure of Model A fiber timing gears, with a late 1975 new car, with low mileage, I had to get towed after having been stranded because of a most "rare" case of a stripped, new modern fiber timing gear; thus missing a most important once-in-a-lifetime meeting, and being without transportation for 3 days. Once was enough for me.
Quite a few past, "rare" unfavorable fiber timing gear failure stories for the past 20 years were reported on the Ahooga Forum ........... worse case scenarios appeared to be the "rare" reports of broken timing gear fiber teeth, mostly while on a tour, miles from home, with no spare timing gear. Never a pleasant experience to miss the remainder of a planned tour and pay to get towed.
Also, way back then, someone "once" reported an unacceptable, "noisy" Model A aluminum timing gear installation which caused much avoidance of purchasing "any" new aluminum or bronze timing gear ...................... "until" ............... one adamant gentleman fought this Model A preached Heresy, and reported that "noiseless" aluminum and bronze timing gears could be obtained by installing a metal Model A timing gear with a "matching" crankshaft gear, "both" precisely manufactured by Mr. McEachern.
No doubt Model A fiber timing gear failure is usually "rare" ........ but, from one (1) experience, once a McEachern metal timing gear is installed with his "matching" crankshaft gear, as far as possible future timing gear failure, one can feel like he is one of the few wearing a modern life preserver while cruising on the Titanic.
Hope this helps ...... sometimes just like gambling.