RE: Did any of the later US models have reverse action tumbl
The last variant of the usa westy had a German made torquer motor with an electonic; control board that allowed both directions of CCW and CW. Theses were roughly made from 1988 ish to 1993 ish. The older decaded old 3 belt until with its 1800 rpm AC induction motor and solenoids were dropped and this newer design used as many parts as possible.
The newer 1988 to 93 version has a different tub, the pump is now driven electrically instead of driven off the AC motors hub via the smaller solenoid which pulled in the pumps driven disk. The basket is different on the usa 1988 to 93 model. The older 3 belt had a screw in left hand thread shaft. The new basket assemy came with a shaft already attached; one that is made so it works both ccw and cw. The timer is different on the 88 to 93 1 belt unit, there is no solenoid to fire.
From the outside, the older/3 belt and and newer/1 belt unit look about alike, many parts are the same. ie the boot, deflector ring, door, chassis, top.
the newer usa 88 to 93 version has 1 belt and 1 big pulley connected to the spin basket. The controller controlled the baskets motions. The motors and controller board I have seen are German made.
On my 1976 westy 3 belt unit; the measured power during the wash cycle is between 200 to 300 watts. A higher value seems to be less determined by the water, than by the clothes washed.
*IF* one had a leaky shaft seal a lower water setting might increase the borrowed time before the bearings fail.
All the usa machines from 1941 to 1993 use the same two 6205 ball bearings and shaft seal.