I still have a rivarossi 2 6 6 6, the detail is great they even got chains on the tender trucks. Box kind of big but you do get alot of information including a book talking about the locomotive.
Hi,
I have Rivarossi Allegheny, Blue Ridge type, item no. HR2407 and I had problems with it (bought new in October 2014 in the US, on line from Croatia).
The problem was that several wheels were not centered in relation to wheel axle, so the whole locomotive wobbled. This can happen during manufacturing / assebmbly, I accept that. What I never will accept is the fact that Hornby representatives (in more than one country, from EU to USA) completely ignored me, although I have sent them detailed info on the issue, together with link to video, where the problem is easily visible.
Finally issue was solved thru help of my cousin (living in CA), who demanded from Hornby US to solve this issue in appropriate manner. I received replacement wheel sets and that was it.
Here is link to my post then, because I asked other members of this forum for their opinion (by observing video that I made public to everybody). At first I did not made it public, not to harm Hornby's reputation, but after they ignored me, I had no other choice.
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/252495.aspx
Video is not available any more - I deleted it after issue was solved.
To conclude - locomotive itself is beautiful although maybe a little fragile - but that is the price of magnificent detail level. Hornby attitude to me as their customer - absolutely horrible, my worst experience ever. This was in 2015 - let's hope, they improved since then.
Regards,
Hrvoje