The Beast from the east

[sumpter250]

I used to, but he kept losing count!
Happy New Year back at you,
Pete

[Anonymous]

Guess if it burned real coal it might melt the plastic ?
Do you help Tony Koester count rivets on your day off ?
Only kidding .
Happy New Year.

[sumpter250]

I stand self corrected!!
While checking photos re my valve gear remarks, found a pic of # 1625 that clearly showed six panel cab windows( same as models ) other info indicated that six panel were on 1644- up. looks like the actual change from 8 to 6 panel happened at # 1620.
Revise that 1-10 score to a 9.75!
I measured the drivers,,64",, the actual spec was 67".
The water line from the cold water pump(left side under cab) does not end, as on the model, but right angles up and connects to the right side rear of the feedwater heater.
Hey, it's still a great looking, great running, load hauling piece of ironhorse flesh, and still a bargain considering you could buy three of these for the price of one in brass!

[sumpter250]

FYI,, the cab vent hatch,, works. The tender water hatches,, work.
There is an extension of the lead engine's baker valve gear frame/hanger, that dosen't appear in any of the photos I've ever seen. To my knowledge, the front and rear engines should have the same valve gear frames/hangers.
when adjusting the drawbar, be careful not to bend it to far up or down, take note of where it rests prior to sliding the adjustment, and be sure it is at the same resting height.

[sumpter250]

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

[Anonymous]

The mighty 7,500 HP Allegheny has hit the rails again.
Here are some of the features listed in the Jan 02 review of ModelRailRoad News of Merlin Or.

64" drivers, 66 SMPH with a simple DCC install and brass flywheel.
26 1/2 oz, cast metal chassis. Adjustable draw bar, to negotiate 18 ", recommend 22"
Hauled 205 oz)approx 51-4 oz cars)
Equivalent to 3 diesels in pulling power.

ELECTRICAL WHEELBASE.
Engineer's side, one pilot, 2 drivers
Tender, 3 wheels.

Firemen's side, 2 drivers, 2 trailers.
Tender, 3 wheels.

Center two drivers on rear engine are equipped with traction tires.

Walthers offers a one year warranty on defects.
Must exchange engine. No repair vendor has been selected.