Quote from: Old Crow on July 15, 2019, 04:26:53 PMI've found my Farish stuff, with a few exceptions, becomes somewhat jerky when running very slowly and also tends to start with a jolt that would have passengers complaining.

For me quite the opposite - Union Mills Locos (especially earlier production) had a reputation for being 'jackrabbits' and rather quick off the mark when compared to current production Farish locos.
If your Farish stuff is "becoming somewhat jerky" (i.e. it wasn't to start but becomes jerky with time/use) it suggests you are not adequately maintaining them (cleaning wheels, pick-ups etc) or mishandling so as to distort valve gear...

Quote from: Old Crow on July 15, 2019, 04:26:53 PMthe offset pickups mean they don't have problems with points and crossings.

the "offset pickups" certainly does NOT help crossing points/crossings. - by definition it means you have a spread of only half the total wheelbase picking up on each side of the loco, whereas a tender loco with pickups spread the full length of the loco and tender on both sides has a far better chance of bridging any area of poor/no power...