Running in new locos

[PAL]

 I'm reluctant to lash out on a rolling track to run in new locos - I'd rather spend the money on the layout -  and it would be difficult at the moment for me to set up a circle of track. I'd be most interested in members' views on whether you think, despite manufacturers' instructions, motors need running in at all, plus any ideas on simple DIY setups for doing the same job as a rolling track that you can switch on and leave unattended. 

 

[34theletterbetweenB&D]

It's a useful test immediately after purchase to give the loco a shakedown and surface any infant mortality failure while the model is essentially new. Pretty solid case for warranty repair/replacement only a day or three after purchase, not so good if it is a year and a day...

 

Some models improve for a little running, others are as they are always going to be. Can't tell you by looking what any given mechanism will do.

 

Personally I find it helpful to get a measure of what is the best that can be got from the mechanism, ahead of fitting a decoder.

 

The simplest test facility is a circle of set track on a flat resonably stiff board. If you have a level surface to lay it on, then you are operational. Just turn the loco round every fiteen minutes. It can hang on the wall when out of use. A couple of straights to make the classic oval doesn't increase the size that much, exercises the mechanism in the straight/curved transition.

[The White Rabbit]

I would always run locos in, if only to check they are OK (as above). 

 

If it's at all possible, do yourself a test-track/exercise circle as suggested above. Some of my locos that have been inactive for a while benefit from a few minutes running under load. I know you said it would be difficult, but one option might be to have a circle in two/four pieces that are little more than the width of the track and fasten together purely for running.  

 

Can't help with DIY rolling roads I'm afraid but I'm sure someone else will know.