A new exactly solvable alternative to the Calogero three-particle model is
proposed. Sharing its confining long-range part, it contains the mere zero-
range two-particle barriers. Their penetrability gives rise to a tunneling,
tunable via their three independent strengths. Their variability can contr
ol the removal of the degeneracy of the energy levels in an innovative, non
perturbative manner. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.