Actually, the faux piston setup on the Whizzer is just as valid as are the solenoid "steam" engines, in that they are both making an approximate representation of something that they are not. The turbine wheel/flywheel of the Whizzer adequately represents a simple flywheel while at speed, so that the fake reciprocating rod gives the illusion of a piston steam engine just fine for the casual and uninformed observer. I'm sure these were not marketed for true steam afficionados.
Whereas the Turbo Jet is a valid representation of a steam turbine, which justifies it having a significantly better build, as it was built for people who should care for the difference.