Ted, when we’re discussing the higher echelon models, the platforms from what I like to call the “Pittman era” all work just fine for just about all of us....these platforms rarely suffer a breakdown, and the gear ratios work perfectly with the motors designed to run them.....and cruise control just makes them that much better.....PS2, and Oddesy were amazing advancements, albeit now it’s archaic to what’s been done...32 steps became 100, Oddesy lurch has been solved, and it’s to the point where even a novice can swap out a driver in anything Oddesy equipped....the motive power I’m describing above are robust, powerful, and rarely see a mechanical failure...the problem I see is with Pittman pricing themselves right out of the market, the mfr.’s now are left with proven platforms, but crappy motors....so their scrambling to make things work with what’s available..proven point, I have a Lionel Legacy that had that horrid Cannon motor...problematic from the word go...a motor swap cured all its woes....the point I’m trying to make here for you to see my view ( and many others ) .....to achieve the most realistic operation, and realism, any electric motor is going to need reserve power on tap so it can be pulled from at any given moment...the technology has come along ways that you can’t even tell it’s happening....if you’re all conventional, and your track is at let’s say 10V, that’s it....the motor is at 10V and there’s no more....anything and everything that gets in the way that produces the slightest drag, or tug increases amp draw, and requires additional voltage ....I know you know all of this, and this is intended for those that don’t......it’s all about low RPM, light amp draws, cooler running, perfect consistent speeds, and longevity....they nailed it at the turn of this century, low amp draw high torque motors is where it’s at.....the mass majority ( there are exceptions Lou) want to run a train 20-40 SMPH, and they want to do it for hours on end, with out fail....with 16:1 or even 20:1 under command, the amp draws on a fat Pittman are in the dirt....so everything runs cooler, longer, and with out fail...
Pat
