I happened on a couple of Helix Humper motors sealed in the original packaging.  I am thinking on using these as part of a motor upgrade test series.  

The question I have is the source of these motors.  The package indicates that they were made by Alco Products in Pennsylvania.  

All the info about HH motors indicate they were last made in Alliance, Ohio.  Does anyone know the lineage of the motors that I have?  What info I have found on the Ohio motor is mixed relative to other upgrade options.

In an earlier post: http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/18236?page=2, semaphore indicated that a dome shape to the top of the rail is much better than the current track rail shapes.

While the improved performance aspect is similar, shaping the rail is fundamentally different than applying graphite which is the topic of the other thread.  This topic of rail shape, condition and material is one that I am intending to explore further.  So, it is appropriate to start a thread on the topic.

The activity on the testing of HO model locos has been stalled for a while because of life and other issues.  I have been “working” around the project, but progress has been slow.  A segment has been completed to the point where testing of the test layout has begun. 

The activity this week has centered on the research and writing required for a test plan document.  This is a formalized manner that forces one to establish the testing objectives and the manner by which those objectives are to be satisfied. 

I am somewhat frustrated by the lack of a published performance metric or specifications for model train locomotives.

I'm thinking of adding DCC decoders to Atlas Roco loco's is that a good idea?  I know the motor stall amp draw is with in the limits of the decoder.  My thought is to use a NCE or TCS decoder.  I may go to a stay alive, but I haven't decided on that wrinkle yet.