Those model trains review criteria explain how I try to rate trains & devices on the blog, in a consistent manner.

Subjective criteria are not detailed here.

All trains are rated “out of the box”, before any DCC conversion or modifications.

Technical specs

Very poor construction (abnormally poor).

Poor (basic construction, limited functions)

 Good

 Very good

Excellent (above average functions or construction quality).

Track behaviour

Catastrophic behaviour with nearly no way for improvement.

Very bad behaviour. Model needs to be modified.

Ok

Good

Excellent

DCC conversion

No provision for DCC, conversion hard (e.g. lack of space)

 No provision for DCC, conversion not too hard.

 Provision for DCC (digital plug), but hard conversion due to some factors.

Provision for DCC, easy conversion.

 Provision for DCC, easy conversion, advanced digital interface (not NEM651).