Rivarossi Berkshire vs PK2 Berkshire

[Anonymous]

Hey guys,
I saw a topic earlier that said the PK2 was a whole lot better, I know it is more detailed and would run better but if I get one I will be repainting it and I know that Rivarossis are very easy to take apart and paint and that protos are normally more detiled thus more complicated and tetious to paint. I want to know just how more complicated the PK2 is. Thanks Guys

[Darth Santa Fe]

I think I heard something about the motor being built into the P2K boiler and LL recommends that you never take it apart. The Rivarossi would probably be the best choice for repainting.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, Texas & Pacific never had a berk but I think they look nice and I saw a picture of one with an Elseco, and pilot mounted pumps in the other topic about these and those are two of the features T&P locos normally had. Also since they are from Lima they look alot like the T&P 2-10-4's from the front.

[Anonymous]

Operating & performance wise you should read the March 2004 MR review of the P2K.
Ray Breyer)orsonray of this forum is a big fan of the Berks and has extensive steam knowledge.
You need his opinion or Nigel's. I wouldn't buy without it.

[Berk-fan284]

I have a P2K Berk( first run C&O) and a Rivarossi Berk( newer production run: can motor, RP25 wheels, traction tires), performance (pulling power) I give the nod to the Riv (traction tires),the P2k spins like an old dragster(1960's style) but I haven't run it enough to wear the plating off of the wheels yet (which might improve it). They are both smooth quiet runners, so out side of detail (the P2k wins here) and outright pull (Rivarossi here) I like them both just as much.

[orsonroy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by TP Buff

Hey guys,
I saw a topic earlier that said the PK2 was a whole lot better, I know it is more detailed and would run better but if I get one I will be repainting it and I know that Rivarossis are very easy to take apart and paint and that protos are normally more detiled thus more complicated and tetious to paint. I want to know just how more complicated the PK2 is. Thanks Guys

While it's possible to disassemble the P2K Berk, it's relatively complicated. I haven't bothered trying to take any of mine apart yet, since they're all waiting for a layout at the moment! Frankly though, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I've superdetailed Athearn Mikes and Bachmann Consolidations without having to take them apart, since working on plastic steam is MUCH easier than working on metal engines (which you HAVE to disassemble to work on!)

How involved is your repaint going to be? If all you're doing is changing the lettering and touching up some new details, you can easily do that without having to disassemble most engines. Just remove the lettering, mask around the area(s) that need to be repainted, and reapply paint with an airbrush and a gentle touch. I've done this on several engines, and it works like a charm. And I don't weather any steamer unless it's fully assembled!

Opting for the Rivarossi engine just because it's easier to take apart shouldn't be reason enough to get one. Frankly, they suck. Even the new versions (1967 molds with 1990 motor and gears) isn't worth the time or effort to work on. The detailing is crude, the dimensions are almost completely wrong, the motor is too small for the engine's max load (with traction tire) and overheats quickly, the engine's slow-speed control is mediocre, and the traction tires like to break. And since the tender's assembled with a RIVET, it's a chore to take it apart. Do yourself a favor and spring for the much better model.