I need a 4th category (at least): is it a locomotive I "need" to have.
As I (re)started this wonderful hobby only a few years ago, it has been a priority for me to have a collection of locomotives related to my country, Denmark. So when a new model is released, and usually in a limited number, it's almost a must buy (unless it's something too modern that I'm not interested in). Sometimes getting extra variations of the same model is also desirable, and here price becomes an issue, and then I may buy it if it's a "must have" or if the price is right (a discount for example).
I have a few locomotives from other European countries as well. Sometimes they are bought because the price is attractive, sometimes because they have special features or maybe they have operated in Denmark.

produce a loco which has all the necessary functions, e.g. cab light, engine room light (where applicable, high beam, marker lights, Swiss lighting configuration, plate light, fire box, gear lights, telex coupling, smoke generator, step lights, uncoupling lights,

John

Edited by user 02 January 2023 06:13:50(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

The most important aspect to me of a locomotive is serviceability and durability. Aspects of this is are how the locomotive comes apart and easily returned to full assembly. Also in this category is the availability of spare parts and for how long. I personally would like to see that all spare parts are available for at least 10 years for a model, however it is probably a tall ask in this day and age.

Another point is the vast range of spare parts that Marklin and others have, they could be far more universal. Motors and decoders are especially like this. Marklin seem to make a new motor for every new locomotive now. Gone are the days where a DCM armature would fix and could be installed in most locos.

When you look at Marklin made in the 1950's, the detail was coarse, however every part of a model was designed to be replaced to keep the model running for many many years. All manufacturers have gotten away from this ideal which is a great shame. Model, trains that last for many years with mild running is a great delight to have, and important.

I do like the fine detail on models, except where they are very fragile and can easily break off. In these cases it really would be better to leave of the small detail off than it to break off in mild handling.

In summary, locos today are look beautiful to look at, I just wish they were made more durable to match the look.

David

I’m with Brian here: there was a time where it seemed that spare parts were not a problem as most locomotives shared the same motor, brushes, etc. About the only thing different were traction tires. Now, with the “maintenance-free” motors (or “non-repairable” being more like it), you have new challenges as each locomotive seems to use a different motor. Granted, the smooth, near silent operation is nice, but for how long? Also, while the detail of the latest BR 03, for example, is far superior to the one I first purchased roughly twenty years ago, it’s also quite fragile in some places, requiring extra care when handling. Maybe it’s just the nostalgia bug biting me, but I really like the items offered twenty, thirty, and even forty years ago: they seemed more robust, fun to operate, and easy to maintain. I’ve converted a few for digital operation, but many of my analog loks will remain as they are.

Agree with others here that the models must be serviceable and basic parts must be available for a decent time.
and the details must be of a quality that enables you to replace traction tyres and oil the locomotive without having to spend time after the service to glue back on fine details at least when you are using in propper soft locomotive service cradle. With the DSB E991 the first thing I had to do was to glue back one of the handrails that had been broken in production/packaging. I could have sent it back to Märklin for repairs but that is also a big inconvenience. Even if I really want an SJ F (when they release it), I'm in serious doubt about buying it because of the fine detail that will make basic service difficult.

And as for motors, at least some recent models use the same part number: sncf 241, sncb class 1, E991, Br 02........

Good old Mârklin quality Märklin Aus Metall

I would say that reliability is always more important than detail. The whole point of the hobby is to run trains, isn't it? The detail on new models is great, but you need to look at it with a magnifying glass to appreciate it. You can't tell if the handrails are the right diameter or if the roof walkway is photoetched while your loco is running, but you can tell if it's unreliable. Hence my ranking. In fact, I would argue that the emphasis on detail has reached a point of diminishing returns. From the early 60s to the early 90s, there was a major improvement in detail without seriously sacrificing durability or maintainability. Since then, detail improvements have been more incremental while locos (especially steamers) have been much more difficult to work on.

Price does matter, but it comes in 3rd. I'm lucky in that I'm at a stage in my career where I can afford some of the expensive stuff, and I do like my new Albatross and Crocodile with 2 motors, but I also look for value for money, so much of my fleet is 30, 33 or 34 series locos bought used on Ebay. Much more bang for the buck than the new stuff.

I agree with Drongo that in does not really matter how accurate a model is with the original. For me I have not seen any of the actual locos that I have in model form so do not know how accurate they are. Providing that from a distance on the layout the loco looks as it should then many of the smaller parts are not really required. Brawa appears to have good detail but in time small parts disappear or are found lying on the track. All my locos over the years are still running. Replaced a decoder on one and a few have had new tires fitted.
Always been happy with Marklin and would buy Piko but despite Peters excellent instructions I still cant change the number 3 address.
As with all products being reliable and working from the box is all important.

I have purchased a fair number of locomotives through E-Bay and elsewhere over the years and what is striking is how often the bag of add-on bits is still unopen. It would appear that for a lot of modellers having locomotives complete to the last detail is not important. Presumabely happy as long as they run.

Bob M.