There are a handful of folks out there who work on live steam models for pay. I'm sure that if you contracted with one of them before buying a loco, you could have it shipped directly to the expert for test and tuning before sending it along to you. There always is a way if you really want it.
My experience with Roundhouse locos has been that they always run just fine as delivered. But, then, they brag about test running each loco before shipping it. Certainly, the factory that Accucraft buys from could do the same. Somehow, I just don't think that it's going to happen.
I'm accustomed to tinkering with my models and don't mind having to do some tuning up. Fortunately, if you can't or don't want to do it yourself, there are those who are willing to do it for a fee.
Llyn
My experience with Roundhouse locos has been that they always run just fine as delivered. But, then, they brag about test running each loco before shipping it. Certainly, the factory that Accucraft buys from could do the same. Somehow, I just don't think that it's going to happen.
I'm accustomed to tinkering with my models and don't mind having to do some tuning up. Fortunately, if you can't or don't want to do it yourself, there are those who are willing to do it for a fee.
Llyn