I've heard the same thing. Call Pflueger and see if you can order a 1498 spool, I just ordered some parts for my 1495 1/2 a few months ago. Very reasonable prices. SS
I believe the spool will work. I recall hearing another WFF member's medalist go off after picking my pocket this last winter. If I recall correctly he was palmong an old 1498 spooled with a 1598. Go Sox, cds
Check out a fishing collectibles shop called "Plug Ugly" in La Conner. Lots of old Medalists. I don't know the first thing about prices, etc., but it's a really cool shop to wander through if you can catch him when he's open!