How far we've come!

[Byegad]

 
I bought my first N gauge locomotive in 1974, a Minitrix Ivatt 2-6-0. Last week I received a Farish offering of the same locomotive.

While the Minitrix had a pair of traction tyres (IIRC) it couldn't pull much more than itself. It spent a lot of time in pieces having pick ups in the tender adjusted and those on the locomotive cleaned. Slow running was problematical and even my second locomotive a Grafar Holden Tank ran and pulled better.

The Farish version is a world away, and I'd say, in terms of value for money at adjusted prices, cheaper than my 1974 purchase. It runs smoothly and pulls far more than the Minitrix of 42 years ago.

I know there are people who complain about prices but honestly I'd much rather have the new Mickey Mouse than te old model.

[Newportnobby]

If this is a review of the Farish Ivatt 2-6-0 then maybe it should be moved to the 'Review' section.
However, if it is just a general comment about how far we have come then you will get opposing opinions from some people about certain locos.
For instance, one of the first locos I bought (probably around 1975) was a Minitrix Britannia 'Boadicea' which, compared to my Dapol 'Tornado', looks pretty awful but it will pull at least double what the Dapol version will.
I would whole heartedly agree with you about progress in the looks department but there are some issues being suffered now that weren't so prevalent in the past - fragility, haulage, repairs to name but 3.

[Gyppy101]

Have to agree with Bygrad's sentiments.  We've come along way, and I for one, would not sacrifice the improved detailing and fidelity for  a little bit more haulage capacity.   My first N Gauge loco was a Lima Class 31.  This was followed but the Minitrix Ivatt 2-6-0 and later a Britannia.  I've still have the Ivatt and Britannia and the both run but my Farish Ivatt is a beautiful performer and a pretty good hauler.  As for my current Dapol Britannia (after 3 replacements!) it runs quietly and smoothly and can haul 12 coaches with ease.  I am much happier with N Gauge today than I was when I first got involved.

[johnlambert]

I've tried to sum up some of the positive and negative aspects of new locomotives compared with the old stuff.

Pro:
Greater accuracy with fewer instances of wrong-size wheels, locos stretched or shrunk to fit generic mechanisms and other compromises.
Greater detail with lamp irons, separate hand rails and other parts you used to have to source and fit yourself
Better slow speed running, thanks to five-pole motors, flywheels and (generally) all-wheel pick-up.
Additional features; e.g. NEM pockets, DCC sockets and lighting.

Con:
Less robust models - all that detail can be knocked off
Harder to do DIY servicing - mechanisms are more complicated, parts are unique to one model rather than fitting a range of locos, harder to strip down a modern loco.
Lack of haulage - some models are possibly too light and struggle to grip the track when pulling a heavy train
Additional features cost (maybe not much, but it must do), if you don't want NEM pockets, DCC sockets or lighting you still have to pay for them (I like these features, so I'm just playing devil's advocate)

Other:
I'm not going to comment on price/value.