Riverossi 2-8-8-0 Question

[Anonymous]

I have the later version - Rp25 wheels, motor fully enclosed in the boiler, working headlamp. Although appearance-wise this locomotive benefits greatly from added details, this model performs flawlessly and although slightly noisy, is in the top tier of runners in an embarassingly large steam collection. I have a number of problem-free hours on this model. My only concern is that the gear train is no longer fully enclosed and no longer all-metal - might not last the many years that I have gotten out of Riv. steamers that I purchased in the mid-Sixties.

Regarding E-Bay: There have been at least five versions of this loco produced by Rivarossi over a production lifetime of at least 40 years. The latest version is the best runner even though at least some earlier versions also ran quite well. You can easily identify the latest version from a seller (even one who is ignorant of trains) because all the earlier versions had the motor in the cab area while the late version has the motor hidden in the boiler.

It is a curious fact that Rivarossi was way ahead of other mass producers in terms of gear train, yet has always had a bizarrely limited number of drivers picking up current, nonetheless as long as I perform wheel cleaning at reasonable intervals I have never had a problem.

[Anonymous]

Besides the Mallet ,I also owned the Challenger and three FEFs.

All problems from that model expo era

The Allegheny if new carries a 12 month warranty from Walthers.

The FEF if new carries a 24 month warranty from Walthers.

For the $150.00 the best steamer out there very well could be the 21 oz FEF
if you can use the UP Name.

Believe almost all the largerRivs come with Traction tires and they don't stay on
all the time.

[Anonymous]

I happen to be watching a total of 4 different engines on ebay of this type and there are 3 sources of 2 other types of engines that are not Riverossi that I have budgeted for future additions to collection.

The motive behind my questioning is that I see these 4 units from prices ranging from 30.00 to 130 dollar bids. Not as consistent as say... C&O Allegheny (2-6-6-6) which is running within 50 dollars of 220.00 give or take these last several weeks. To me the market for the Alley is stable. Which probably indicates the product is in demand because it is made well and people would like to own one.

I may not even buy one of these EL-5's I would prefer to find one at a train meet and put it thru it's paces. There are several similar engines I am thinking of at this time. One of the joys of the hobby is to be able to take your time and decide the proper engine for the job then find one! =)

Lee

[Anonymous]

I had the older HO version back in 1999 of a 2-8-8-2 that I bot new thru model expo when they
were the Riv distributor.

When you say in like new condition are you looking at one on E-Bay?

Prior to the Riv Allegheny & the new FEFs(both I own and buying a second) the older Rivs were plagued by electrical problems due to insufficient electrical pick-ups. These were problematic
and I recommend you avoid the older ones unless you have the mechanical/electrical background
and a source for replacement parts.

If needed I can up date you on the FEF.

[Anonymous]

I am in the process of deciding if I will purchase a Riverossi 2-8-8-0 B&O this engine has a newer can motor and smaller flanges.

Assuming all things in like new condition does anyone have any experience with this engine regarding pulling power and reliability?

Thank you for your time

Lee