Richard08 wrote:... I noticed in a recent review that the spec on the box (Class 45) gave the starting voltage (2.5V) as a 'feature'...
What brand is this from? Cannot recall previously seeing anything like this on the RTR OO I own or have looked at.
Richard08 wrote:...Presumably to help DCC folks, but it would be interesting to see if they are consistent model to model.
Largely irrelevant to DCC users with current RTR OO product. We just bang in a decoder of choice, and then make the adjustments to extract the on track performance required. (For example I have my track voltage set higher than most DCC users, because a few RTR loco designs that suit my interest are overgeared and otherwise would not achieve scale maximum speed. Have main line layout, will run at express speed as appropriate, for the proper contrast with the slow unbraked freight.) The injection of long proven HO mechanism technique into RTR OO means most current product can be easily adjusted to whatever extent is required to 'work realistically', or to suit the owner's taste. (These of course are not necessarily anything like the same thing...)
As concerning performance consistency between examples of the same motor: wholly unpredictable. Quite a high proportion are like peas out of a pod, others are 'all over the place'. The latter condition unsurprising from low cost, modest precision, volume assembly. I would like to quote supporting data but my sampling is far to small to deliver any statistically valid evidence, beyond 'there clearly can be significant variation', and also as a customer there is no clue to motor sources.
(Then there is the contribution from the attached mechanisms, and sometines circuit components, which has to be assessed separately to avoid confusion. Over these last 15 or so years typically satisfactory with small variation, but with occasional outbreaks of less than optimal design, manufacturing and/or assembly technique, component choices and materials deficiencies; resulting in a range of different perceptions of 'quality'. I had the considerable joy some years ago of fettling an example of the Oxford Rail 'Radial tank' model, to 'disappear' the motor and allow sufficient weight to consistently bear on the driven wheels. On the owner's layout it then ran very sweetly and pulled well, and another visitor pontificated on this demonstration of the clear superiority of the Hornby model. He wasn't amused by the revelation that this was the Oxford item. Experience gained in past kit and scratchbuilding projects does occasionally afford amusement.)
