Those who have been around for too many moons ( I remember man landing on the moon ) have enjoyed these new items, but many younger ones have no experience with lubrication, running in, adding decoders etc.
Many people have built layouts with 18" curves ( and sometimes smaller) so they ask locos to negotiate these curves "because my NR will do it. "
They want an F to haul 20 container flats " cause that is how many I run already. "
It will be interesting to see how many of these locos will start to struggle next year, or maybe three years time, And it will be interesting to see if enough people will be able to share with others how to maintain them
The other thing will be interesting to see if people can learn to work with 8 fixed wheels on small radii.
The drivers and rear axle on the prototype are fixed on the prototype. That is why the prototype used flangeless wheels on the front.
However flangeless wheels on a model on tiny radius curves is asking for derailments or excessive wear on bearings.
When connecting rods start bending or pinging it will be interesting to follow the comments.
Brands like Marklin, Fleschmann etc have evolved to solve these problems, but it is a compromise that these latest engines may or may not have been designed for.
My first run C class diesel has still not required lubrication, but I am not as confident about these latest Steam Locos.
Good luck all and it will be interesting to watch.