Originally Posted by: RayF 
I agree that originally the symbol was meant to show that the motor had been upgraded to 5 pole, but Marklin have always been careful to describe the propulsion as "5 star", not "5-pole".
Ray,
I agree with you that the 5-star symbol never actually meant 5-pole....
at least in description...As I wrote above, I think the symbol was originally meant to highlight that the model has early Digital system -- and the 5-star itself is related to the fact that most of Marklin models at the time, were DCM 5-polers. You can check models like 37880 or 37572.
I think that symbol also act to differentiate that the DELTA models that were sold at the time was 3-poler w/reversing unit.
For most people who are not yet well-stuffed with Marklin jargons, and descriptions,
it will only be natural for them to assume the 5-star symbol equals 5-poler DCM.
Besides, the current 5-star symbol has several redundant points in description, largely made irrelevant due to the introduction of FX and MFX symbol:
- Maximum speed and acceleration/delay are adjustable.
- One controllable auxiliary function, when the locomotive is being run in Digital system
Sounds very 1990s.....
Originally Posted by: mrmarklin
Even from the beginning it has been described as 5 Star propulsion.
I think we can take this to mean the "best".............as in a 5 Star hotel!
Locos with
bell-shaped armature, and the
venerable DCM 5-polers probably deserve to be considered into
5-star treatment.
Models with Faulhaber/Maxxon/Althonix motors are competitive to SDS in refinement (SDS is still a tad better, IMO),
whereas DCM is always widely renown for longetivity, superior pulling power, and represent the Tradition philosophy of Marklin.
Now the new 3-poler only wins vs both types motor in one thing only --- cheaper, and not much else.
Otherwise, it is by default, inferior to both types of motor.
Hence, we're back to the original argument ===> 5-star symbol to be put on the 3-poler-standard motor is
misleading.
What about a new
3-star symbol?
That seemed more appropriate for every model with the new motor, Marklin's newest inaguruated bride.
Like the standard
hotel rating,
it should represent better value for money (For Marklin, but not for us, since RRP remains the same),
less number of available amenities (less number of poles),
and probably also not as caretaking service from management as you would expect from a 5-star hotel...
(Questionable reliability, questionable stock in the warehouse, likely to be replaced if customers avoid it)..
