Rivarossi problems

[Anonymous]

I have acquired two used HO Rivarossi 2-8-2 Mikados for use in an upcoming layout. I tested them on my son's small track, on which all of my other engines will run, but these do not. They soak up all the power in the track, but will not do more than a spurt occasionally. Is the kiddie transformer too weak or do I have a problem to track down in the engines?

[dave9999]

Sounds like dirty wheels. Clean them with some alcohol and Q-tips. Dave

[Anonymous]

How old are your "Mikes"?
I own two older rivarossi's, a Big Boy and Berkshire, both jump, jerk and do not run well at all. What I determined to be the problem were the brushes in the motors. bottom line the motors are in my opinion of poor quality and as much as I have tweeked and twidled the motors are pigs!

Sorry I can't help you except to say that some of the other guys on the Forum have strongly recommended North West Short Line who sell replacement engines.

[Anonymous]

I appreciate both suggestions. One I know is from 1995. The other I have no idea. I will try each idea. Thank you.

[cacole]

Since these are used, there's a possibility that someone has put DCC decoders into them, which could cause the problem you describe if the decoders have not been programmed to also run on straight DC power. The only way to know for sure, other than opening them up and looking inside, is to find someone with a DCC system that can query for a DCC address.