Question about an old Rivarossi 2-8-8-2

[Anonymous]

Hello,I just bought a Mallet at a swap meet,the train runs fine, alittle jerky, but getting better as i run it.The problem i'm having now is the running gear, or gear boxes are NOISY, is there anything i can do? maybe grease the gear boxes? Thanks

[brokemoto]

You do not state the scale, but if it is N, I have had similar noise come from RR 2-8-8-0s. Almost every N scale RR 2-8-8-0 that I have ever seen run has been noisy. It is nothing to worry about, unless you simply do not like the noise.

The proper amount of lubrication does little to silence it. I have never overlubricated as the only things that overlubrication accomplishes are the attraction of dirt and the inhibition of electrical pick-up. The latter is particullarly critical to the performance of N scale steam; far too often the poor performance of many of the older design (and the RRs are ALL older designs) N scale steam locomotives is due to poor electrical contact.

I will never buy another N scale RR articulated. I have had two 2-8-8-0s freeze on me. I have two challengers that are not noisy but I do not like the way that they run, so I do not run them anymore. The LL 2-8-8-2 and B-mann 2-6-6-2 are much better runners. Neither pulls well and the B-mann has had all sorts of problems. It took much tinkering with my B-personn to get it to run even acceptably, but either one is much better than any of the RRs.

[nfmisso]

In HO, Rivarossi has put at least three entirely different drivetrains under the 2-8-8-2 Y6b. If you have one of the older ones ('50's to '80's), with the motor in the cab, NWSL has gears for it. If it is one of the newer ones (late '80's to present), the motor is in the center of the boiler. These are generally quieter.

You should cleanout all of the old lubricant with 70% Isopropyl Alcohol, and relube with good plastic compatible hobby lubricants. Then break it in properly. You may want to cleanout the lubricant a second time to remove particle, especially if the the break in running resulted in significantly improved performance.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the reply,yes it's HO and it has the motor in the cab,can i convert it to the later style,is it worth it?? Also this train is not new, so i don't know about if it even has any grease in the gear boxes.Is there a place where i can get parts for this train?I have a lite lube but not grease,my friend says use some grease in the gear boxes.

[dknelson]

I have the original run of the AHM/Rivarossi 2-8-8-2 from the mid 1960s.
At the time it was considered to have a pretty good quiet drive. Of course the comparisons were to coffee grinders from MDC and such. I suggest lubing before doing something drastic and expensive.
dave nelson

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the help, i think i'll clean it and try some grease,i'll let ya guys know how it gose.Im still toying with the idea of putting a can motor in it and just having the rear wheel push.