I have noted that Model Rail have changed the method of grading new models under review and have now introduced a 5 traffic light barometer system. The more a model gets the pulse racing the higher up the traffic light tree the traffic lights go.
In doing so they seem to have taken a very tough line in one or two cases. In fact it is now less likely that a review model will be awarded the full 5 stars compared to obtaining the green light under the old system.
This is not going to stop manufacturers submitting their new products for review as it is good promotion however it could well lead to a few managing directors being on tenderhooks when the copy of Model Rail falls through the letter box each month!
The issue for me is that Model Rail reviewers question manufacturing decisions made and if the reviewer considers that the wrong decision has been made they will downgrade a model rather than giving the manufacturer the benefit of the doubt. Is this acceptable thinking when reviewing and grading a new model?
Happy modelling
Gary
In doing so they seem to have taken a very tough line in one or two cases. In fact it is now less likely that a review model will be awarded the full 5 stars compared to obtaining the green light under the old system.
This is not going to stop manufacturers submitting their new products for review as it is good promotion however it could well lead to a few managing directors being on tenderhooks when the copy of Model Rail falls through the letter box each month!
The issue for me is that Model Rail reviewers question manufacturing decisions made and if the reviewer considers that the wrong decision has been made they will downgrade a model rather than giving the manufacturer the benefit of the doubt. Is this acceptable thinking when reviewing and grading a new model?

Happy modelling
Gary