Rivarossi C&O 2-6-6-6 Steam Engine

[Spalato68]

Hi,

I have Rivarossi Allegheny, Blue Ridge type, item no. HR2407 and I had problems with it (bought new in October 2014 in the US, on line from Croatia).

The problem was that several wheels were not centered in relation to wheel axle, so the whole locomotive wobbled. This can happen during manufacturing / assebmbly, I accept that. What I never will accept is the fact that Hornby representatives (in more than one country, from EU to USA) completely ignored me, although I have sent them detailed info on the issue, together with link to video, where the problem is easily visible. 

Finally issue was solved thru help of my cousin (living in CA), who demanded from Hornby US to solve this issue in appropriate manner. I received replacement wheel sets and that was it. 

Here is link to my post then, because I asked other members of this forum for their opinion (by observing video that I made public to everybody). At first I did not made it public, not to harm Hornby's reputation, but after they ignored me, I had no other choice. 

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/252495.aspx

Video is not available any more - I deleted it after issue was solved. 

To conclude - locomotive itself is beautiful although maybe a little fragile - but that is the price of magnificent detail level. Hornby attitude to me as their customer - absolutely horrible, my worst experience ever. This was in 2015 - let's hope, they improved since then. 

Regards,

Hrvoje

[Mheetu]

I still have a rivarossi 2 6 6 6, the detail is great they even got chains on the tender trucks.  Box kind of big but you do get alot of information including a book talking about the locomotive.

[sumpter250]

Bob,
I saw the Allegheny running at the trade show in Rosemont Il.. I was impressed!. The more recent Rivarossi articulated locos seem to be exceptionally good runners so I'm not surprised that the Allegheny runs well. The detail is all you could ask for and then some, but some minor changes would have to be made for a Virginian.
Charles raises a good point about warranty, and tender pickup, and I can't answer those concerns.
As far as price,,When I went in to order a pair of the Alleghenys, there was a brass one in the display case for $1700.00, so the Rivarossi is still a bargain.

[Anonymous]

The lowest price I have seen(4 weeks ago) $340.00
plus shipping from other sites.
I had two questions that nobody could answer at the time. Whats the warranty and is the tender wired for
electrical pick-up. The tender does have a back-up light, but still the pick-up question is unanswered.
I have had 6 BAD steam experiences so I want to know
the warranty terms and who will makes repairs.

[TheRedistributor]

I have seen the add for this new release. Any opinions of if this will be a good running loco?
Seems like a lot of $ for a plastic loco, will it be worth the cost? How would you rank the Rivarossi engines on quality and performance? I have not found any reviews of their products. (Yes, I am new to this forum stuff.)