Rivarossi 4-6-2 Heavy Pacific

[Anonymous]

I have the opportunity to pick up a Rivarossi 4-6-2 Heavy Pacific (MILW Chipewau) at a very good price. The unit is in its original box, never run (it's on closeout). I'm in a bit of a quandry as I hadn't budgeted for this item, wanted a CNW version rather than MILW, but the price makes the unit very tempting. Also, I like the Pacific, it takes me back to where I grew up in the Chicago area and these were the workhorse on our part of the CNW line.

I'm also concerned about the status of the manufacturer, Rivarossi. I've read where they're in various stages of closing, going out of business, being sold, whatever, depending upon the source of the information. I've also read where it is difficult, if not impossible to get any warranty support in the event of problems early on.

As far as I could tell, the detail on this engine was very good, and I have heard that these unit perform very well. At any rate, any comments would be appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Being a former West sider I don't recall if the CNW had these Heavy Pacifics but I see the Milwaukee version is advertised by Trainworld for $80.00. Rivarossi may not have made a CNW road name since it's not listed in their 1997-98 catalog.

The Milwaukee RIV 5402 is advertised with a five-pole motor,flywheel all metal chassis.

In 2001 Walthers 1-800-487-2467 became the sole American distributor of Rivarossi products. It was then,
that Walthers warranty policy was "to replace all defective products for up to one year from date of purchase(regardless what dealer purchased from)as long as Walthers have that product in stock" per J.Philip Walthers President. That was then, what the current policy is on these older Rivs, still new & in the box, I don't know. Give Mike Federrly, extension 3267 a call.

I own the New Rivarossi Allegheny and two New Rivarossi FEF-3 Northerns. Both these up-graded
models carry a 12 month Walthers(not Rivarossi)warranty. Should these units become defective with-in
12 months Walthers will be happy to exchange providing Walthers has them in stock.

Walthers does not do repair work .

Should repair work need to be done and it's with-in the Rivarossi warranty period, then it has to be returned to
Lima, the parent company of Rivarossi in Italy for a shipping cost of approx $21.00 American dollars.

Try and check the warranty terms specified in the carton before you buy it or from your dealer.

Hornby PLC in the UK has made a tender offer for the Lima assets including Riv. This matter is in the Italian courts at present and if successful, the process should be completed by the end of this year.

As such, there are many unknowns at this time. My crystal ball is DC only so I can't tell you anymore.

I can't comment on the operating performance of the Pacific. Perhaps orsonroy(Ray) or Nigel of this
forum can bring you up to speed.

[M636C]

I have one of the older Rivarossi Hudsons, and some of their European pacifics, and I've never had a problem with any of them.

On the question of prototypes, I don't think that Milwaukee used the USRA heavy pacific, and the "Chippewa" engines were much smaller and older locomotives. This is covered in Jim Scribbins' book "Hiawatha Story" from Kalmbach. If exact prototype isn't a worry, the colour scheme is correct for the train, if not on the exact locomotive and is quite interesting and a change from black.

Peter

[nfmisso]

Chuck covered the situation as I understand it.

Peter has the historical stuff covered.

C&NW did not have Heavy USRA style Pacifics, like the Rivarossi model - but it is your railroad.

At the present, with a Rivarossi locomotive (at least in the USA), I suggest that you feel comfortable doing your own servicing and repairs, assuming that you can not get any parts or support with regards warranty. The company is in bankruptcy, meaning that any and all creditors (holder of a warrantied product is a creditor) have to go through the court. And the court is not likely to uphold the claims for warranties......

On the other hand, if you are comfortable with model servicing and repair, there are bargins to be had in Rivarossi models.......

[Anonymous]

Hornby are indeed in the midst of bidding for the Lima group (including Rivarossi), though I'm sure I heard somewhere that Walthers have bought the tooling for the US-outline Rivarossi equipment? Could be wrong as I've not seen this story anywhere else. If Hornby are successful we'll probably see an improvement in quality (both cosmetic and running) for all new stock, as their OO scale range has improved massively in recent years.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Railroading_Brit

Hornby are indeed in the midst of bidding for the Lima group (including Rivarossi), though I'm sure I heard somewhere that Walthers have bought the tooling for the US-outline Rivarossi equipment?

I have said this before.
Atlas is not into steam and their CEO came from Bachmann.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all of the input.
As I mentioned early on, my interest was originally peaked by the prospect of a nice engine of a design I like at a good price.

The price issue is now moot as Walthers as well as Trainworld as well as my source all are offering the same deal. Obviously, this is a complete closeout on this model (in my opinion), maybe for one of the reasons Peter pointed out, it's not a correct representation of the MILW "Chippewa".

The engine style, while a "Pacific", is not the style used on the CNW as pointed out by Nigel, and while the Rivarossi version has nice detail, it didn't really conjur up visions of yesteryears, as some others have.

Finally, I am not a repair buff. My bifocals and less than delicate finger dexterity, leave a lot to be desired when doing minute repairs on a piece such as this. If Walthers is closing it out and discontinuing it after it sells off its inventory, they will not be likely to want to service these as Chuck pointed out.

Thanks again for all of the input. I'll keep my "eyes" out for another one of these Pacific critters.

George