Rivarossi Hiawatha

[CNJ831]

Except in name, I do not believe the current Rivarossi 4-6-2 Hiawatha bears any resemblance to the actual locomotive it is supposed to represent. However, long, long ago (circa 1950's) Rivarossi did produce a relatively accurate HO model of, I believe, the Atlantic version of the Hiawatha. It is the only non-brass example in HO that I can recall. But I also seem to remember that there were problems with the shell and that few intact examples remain today. Those that do command a considerable price. I doubt this early version would have run very well compared to today's models.

CNJ831

[Trainnut484]

I've been fascinated with Milwaukee's Hiawatha Hudsons, but could never find a Rivarossi model. I wonder if adding weight to the engine would enable it to pull more. That is if there is room to add the weight. Is there another manufacturer that makes an accurate Hiawatha in plastic? I'm saving the brass option as a last resort.

Take care

Russell

[detting]

The Rivarossi stuff should run fairly well, although they do not have much pulling power.

Also the Hiawatha may not represent a true Hiawatha, but rather a NYC Dreyfus Husdon that was Hiawatha-ized.

The best bet is to look at the unit in your local hobby shop or train show to make sure that it meets your expectations in the looks department. If it is acceptable, realize that it can only pull a couple cars. You can de-weight the cars, but this will seriously affect their performance in backing manuevers.

Later...

[ben13]

Does anyone know how the HO Rivarossi Hiawatha performs?