I think you got it wrong. Gear which you are describing is not intended to drive anything. Its just clucth gear for one side of gearbox. Complete mechanism is driven by middle gear (in light bluisgh gray), added in step 73 (page 18 of book 2). I hope you did not stop building at step you described, because at that stage nothing yet work.
I got the chance to buy almost complete Superheroes lineup (including Hulk Helicarrier, Funhouse, Loki's escape, Wolwerine Chopper, Captain America etc...) at 75% off listed price. They were discounted to clear the shelfs for new sets.
Mixer attraction has no connection to winter theme (ok, it might look good next to last years carousel, but thats it). As usual, we will get "proper" winter set in october. This year it will be santa's workshop.