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).
