Opinions on AHM locos

[doctorwayne]

I've never owned any Rivarossi locos, but a friend bought a C-Liner, and asked if I could make it run better.
As is usually the case nowadays, I don't recall the specific set-up for the motor, but I think that only one truck was powered...in any case, it ran, but not all that well.

After hunting around in a few local hobbyshops (those were the days), I found a Stewart AS16, with a chassis that was almost perfect for the C-Liner. I also got some C-Liner sideframes from Detail Associates.   After a few minor changes to get a good fit, I decided to upgrade the body shell, too.  Here are a few photos...

Wayne

[PM Railfan]

Bruce) Are you asking about the model? Or are you asing about EBay?

.....  >>   "look elsewhere"  <<

In either case, the "Bay" (as the forum calls it) is ok to go 'fishing' in. Many here including myself have gotten great deals, rare finds, or just what ever. Alot of 'stuff' floating in the 'Bay'. Like everything now, buyer beware!!!

If your asking about the model, IMO, I can recommend Rivarossi models (not the red box versions!). Riva's have good AND bad points just like any other. Generally, Riva models are considered towards the top as they have way more good points than bad.

Hard to help you with this, I can recommend Rivarossi, but without a picture and description of its condition, you could be looking at a very broken Mantua Hudson in that AHM box.

Then again it could be a never out of the box, spankin new Riva thats just begging for a new home!

Also help to know your intent with the model. If its gonna be a mantle piece, Id recommend Hallmark, not Rivarossi. If its for the loopty-loop around yee ole XMas tree, seek out Bachmann, not Rivarossi. If you have 10 - 15 nice, matching passenger cars, and atleast a 12x20 layout.... yeah, she'll do!

 

Good luck!

PMR

 

 

[snjroy]

I agree, from a running perspective, this is an outdated model. I had a NYC Hudson, which ran OK. I would only buy one for kitbashing purposes. The motor would need to be changed to get a smooth-running model. Otherwise, the Bachmann USRA Pacific is worth saving up for.

Simon

[Darth Santa Fe]

The AHM 4-6-4 was made by Rivarossi, and I've found these to be good runners with a bit of tuning.

ndbprr, AHM used both Mehano and Rivarossi going back to the 60's (and even some Kader products in the 70's), but then had to stop importing Rivarossi products in the early 80's when they got too expensive.  They did close sometime in the 80's, but then reopened as IHC and continued using Mehano with a few Rivarossi trains thrown in here and there.  The only Rivarossi shells that went to Mehano were the C-LINER in the 60's and Dockside 0-4-0T in the 80's or 90's, and the rest of the line is now owned by Hornby.

[ndbprr]

AHM engines and cars were made by Rivarossi. They have 3 pole motors usually in the cab of the engine. Big problem with them is massive oversize flanges. I always found them good runners. The GG1 is an extremely smooth runner with the motor mounted vertical on one truck. I have 26 of them. I model Philadelphia on the PRR. Their passenger cars were based primarily on ATSF models and were the first 86' full length cars and were ground breaking. I believe after AHM went belly up Mehano produced some of the Rivarossi stuff with cheap mechanisms.  In their prime which was the mid to late 60s they were the gold standard for HO.

[mobilman44]

I had a couple of them bought new back in the mid '70s.  My favorite was an ATSF Hudson that I used to pull of string of Athearn standard cars.

For that time, and the money, they were good runners and excellent buys.  My biggest problem was converting them to KDs.  The Hudson ended up with the stock NMRA coupler and I had the Athearn baggage car with one end NMRA and the other KD.  

I don't know when they quit making them, but assume the one you are talking about must be quite old.  IMO, if you can deal with the possibility of remotoring, go for it.  Otherwise I would pass it buy.

[tstage]

Bruce,

I would save your pennies and look for a better-quality locomotive.  AHM is so-so.

Tom

[NYVTRR]

There is an AHM hudson on the bay that I have my eye on but I know nothing about that brand.  Are they any good or should I look elsewhere.

Thanks

Bruce