Three very simple examples in chronological order
- LGB Mikado has a split drive (2axles each), on many models the drive would lock up. The remedy for the problem — what problem? — was kept hush-hush until … you could read it on this forum.
There may still be models out there (new in box, only test run) that have the defect and since the owner didn’t read LSC he doesn’t know about it. That was one instance when the LGB Fans tried to do “a good job”.
- BRAWA G4/5 features a drive that was produced in cooperation with Aristo. The model was available as analog or fully digitized with sound. The running qualities left much to be desired. The cause: the cheap Mashima motor together with the intermediate gear drive from the motor to the gearbox powering the axles. According to the fora it was almost impossible to tune the beast in DCC mode and the downhill surging could not be fixed on the analog version.
BRAWA issued a recall on the delivered items and held back the remainder. I got one of the later models retro fitted with a MAXON motor and a direct drive using a timing belt between motor output and gearbox input.
- LGBbyMärklin designs a very nice E10 model, one axle drive on both two axle trucks. Plenty of complaints, full recall of the initial series (factory had items picked up at the buyers!). The results (according to those who own them) are still mixed. Time will tell.
Three problems, three different approaches and only in one did the LGB fans get active to “initially deny outright, later keep it under wraps”.
And the moral of it? Times have changed, keeping stuff under wraps is getting harder all the time, but … that doesn’t prevent some to try with all their might to say “it ain’t so!”. Curious, isn’t it!
Since some of those consider themselves great tacticians operating on several fora, they succeed quite often.
