When I ordered my Alleghenies, I was expecting Rivarossi quality + excellent detail + better than ever running quality, So!!, On a scale of 1-10; The engine comes with road number 1633. The eccentric cranks,steps forward of the cab, and the bell hanger, and the lack of over fire jets, all agree with the "below 1644" series engines. the cab windows do not, -.5 ( the "second cab" windows can be used to correct this).
of the two engines, the first needed tender couplers shimmed .010", the second,.030" ( Easy!!)
- .125 each. As I said, I was expecting Rivarossi. So,,, I'll give 'em a 9.25!!
Removing the upper boiler to acess the plug for conversion to DCC was simple! Care must be exercised when reinstalling the upper boiler, to insure that the throttle rod isn't damaged, it fits into the front of the cab. Changing the cabs is easy, but, same as above with the throttle rod, and be careful of the backhead assembly when putting the new cab on, the firebox lighting attaches to the backhead and you have the wires to deal with. Not hard, but requires a little attention. There is a " lot of air" under the firebox, (this is typical of Rivarossi). I think some sort of "modesty panel", perhaps in the form of the rest of the frame, and ashpan detail, might improve the appearance just a bit, without interfering with the motion of the trailing truck.
DCC operation was excellent!!! In straight DC operation I had the two engines doubleheadded, with 30'( yes 30 feet ) of train,(one engine handled this with little problem) running for the better part of a whole day,,sweet!
If you want a "beast from the East" that will deliver your freight on time and in style, THIS is the one!!!
Pete