It is not to bad. But it is no Marklin.

Mostley of them are very noising...!
I have seen a steamlocomotiv testingrunning and it was not pleasant to see and hear how locomotiv was under function...!

Goofy

Recently a customer of mine opted for a Piko SBB AM 843 MaK G1700. Although the model looks a bit plastic and has a rather cheap can-type motor, it is equipped with LEDs. The original decoder made it run horribly, but after fitting a ESU Lokpilot (v3) it was actually quite acceptable. Not comparable to most Märklin models but alright considering its lower price. (Even including the additional costs of a new decoder)

I have three Hobby locos. They came with Uhlenbrock AnDi decoders and performed much like Delta locos. Headlights could be switched.
Loco was prepared for a NEM connector, but decoder was soldered on.

Newer Hobby locos have a NEM connector and load regulation.
Non-Hobby locos (I have none) had load regulation for some time.

The locos jump on the c-track 24649 crossing (w/o derailing) - the wheels are not fully M* compatible.

I replaced the AnDis with different decoders - and anything runs better than AnDi.
With AnDi you can't even set minimum and maximum speed. As noted this only applies to old models with AnDi (which are still for sale).

A BR 101 is on its way - it should have NEM connector and load regulation.
Hobby locos still have a cheaper decoder than the standard program (all Uhlenbrock decoders).

Variable is my experience.

In the end you do get what you pay for and entry end products help keep the hobby accessible.

The Br 92 0 10 0 tank is smooth running, metal body, good decoder and highly detailed, I think its up there.

I recently bought the 0 8 0 in SNCB loco, Hobby range, runs very well but is a bit simpler in detail.

Just my thoughts...

Thanks for all the help! I was actually toying with the idea of a Taurus because of the attractive price. I'll have to mull it over a little more, so we'll see. Obviously you get what you pay for so I wasn't expecting too much. On the other hand, I do have some of their freight cars and have been quite satisfied with them.

Bill

Bill, you could try a Roco Tauras, which is a bit cheaper than the Marklin equivalent (around $300 US - check www.eurolokshop.com). I have one of these Roco models, and find it to be very smooth and quiet and runs well on my M track layout. It has a metal chassis and plastic body. I'm not too sure about the plastic gears, but so far it has not given me any trouble.

One of the reasons I bought it was I wanted a Tauras in DB traffic red with DB markings, which Marklin no longer produce. In fact keeping an eye on ebay revealed that 2nd hand copies of the Marklin loco were selling for around 240 euros, which is new price for some items. I paid around 180 euros for the Roco Tauras. Now, I wouldn't mind getting the Railon version, which Roco also sell.