It looks like I'm having the same problems with this model as others. On DC it runs poorly at slow speeds (as though the gear are grinding) but better in reverse. On DCC when fitted with a Zimo sound decoder it keeps stopping and then re-starting. I returned the first model to Kernow and they swiftly replaced it but the new one seems to do the same thing. Kernow has raised this with Model Rail and I have e-mailed them direct but to date with no response.