I have a 1966 Rivarossi HO 2-8-8-2 Mallet that refuses to run on track! When connecting motor directly to power source motor/wheels run fine. I am unable to locate a wiring diagram. Continuity checks SEEM ok, but I'm not sure what I'm looking for. (not my strong suit). Any help may save a life! ( I have cleaned this thing from top to bottom)
When you put it on the track are you getting a short? Is it possible that one of the tender trucks is turned 180 from its normal position?
maxman When you put it on the track are you getting a short? Is it possible that one of the tender trucks is turned 180 from its normal position?
Or both tender trucks the reverse of the engine?
Take a deep breath and say " I'm smarter than this piece of machinery".
Lee
I was not aware that the tender HAD to be connected in order to complete the circuit! This was my first time testing it since receiving it as a gift. As soon as I realized this fact it ran smooth as silk. Whoever said ignorance is bliss, never lived in my house! Thanks ever so much!
My ignorance is only exceeded by my stupidity!! I wasn't aware the tender had to be actually attached to the locomotive, that is until I remembered seeing two versions of this in the parts book, one with a wire for the tender and one with the connection on the draw bar (which is the one I have). It now runs like a dream. Thanks for your help.
Steam engines are always difficult beasts. It could be that a drive bar is binding when it is on the track and not on the bench. (I assume that on the bench the unit is upside down).
LION does not have steam engines as they are not compatible with subway tunnels. All I have ever been able to do with them is to put them in a park and build a fence around them.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
BroadwayLion Steam engines are always difficult beasts...
Steam engines are always difficult beasts...
Lion,
Perhaps, "[Older] Steam engines [can sometimes be] difficult beasts" is a more accurate statement. My Trix 2-8-2s, Proto 2000 0-8-0, and BLI Hudsons are absolute jewels mechanically. I've never had a problem with any of them.
My first HO locomotive was a Rivarossi 0-8-0 yard goat 10 years ago. It lasted two days before it completely stopped working. Took it back to my LHS and, after some discussion with the repair guy, I exchanged it for a Athearn 2-8-2 Mike. Problem solved.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
most likely its the motor flip the loco upside down & put power the the contacts & see if it turns or you get nothing ,
if you get nothing then go to www.nwsl.com & call or email them for a replacement motor ,remove & replace & you will be very happy with the new motor , riverrossi isnt known for haveing great running stuff
if you are really lost you can bring it to a hobby shop for repair but i still would call NWSL for advice, good luck
ohh & by the way i had a 2-8-8-2 from the 60s & it ran for about 2 hours & then the motor fried so i sent it to a member on this board & he shipped to someone else & thats how i solved my problem
They were actually decent locos, the reviews from the 60's magazines are generally good. They have one major problem for modern layouts - ones that old typically had the pizza cutter flanges. They're run fine on Code 100 track but will almost certainly buzz along the tie plate and spike detail on Code 83 track, unless you hand lay. Somewhere int he late 60's/early 70's they started reducing the flanges, still larger than NMRA specs but the later Rivarossi models can run fine on most Code 83.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.