Rivarossi 2-8-8-2

[Anonymous]

Hello,

What is the minimum radius for a Rivarossi 2-8-8-2? I recently purchased one and it will not go through a 26" radius curve without derailing. The problem isn't the curve because my other locomotives will go through just fine.
Thanks,

Brennan

[Anonymous]

Is the cab pinching the tender?

[Anonymous]

nope, the cab isn't pinching the tender. If fact, the locomotive will still derail even without it.

Brennan

[nfmisso]

18" or less.

What part of the locomotive is derailing?

Does your model have RP25 flanges or the earlier much larger flanges?

What code track are you running on?

What other locomotive operate fine?

[Anonymous]

The rear engine set will climb over the rails.

It has RP25 flanges

I run on code 83 and 100

other large locomotives that will operate fine
BLI 2-6-6-4
KATO SD70

Brennan

[Virginian]

I can only tell you something is wrong, but you knew that. Both mine, one old and one new, will traverse 22" curves and #4 switches with no problem. If yours is an old one with the motor in the cab, the rear engine may be binding where it attaches to the driveshaft inside the boiler. Pop the cab/boiler off and check it.

[twhite]

Another thing to think about is that plastic connector on the bottom between the two sets of drivers. One part of it is supposed to 'slide' under the screwhead, and it might be catching there, lifting your rear driver set off the tracks. If that's the problem, a little dab of graphite or gear grease will do the trick. I had an older Rivarossi 2-8-8-2 with that problem and it drove me nuts until I realized what it was. After a little adjustment and some graphite, it worked fine.
Tom

[dknelson]

I have the original circa 1965 version of this engine (one of my favorite Christmas presents ever) and it goes through 18" radius.
However it needs lots of driver side play and side road side play to do so. I wonder if somethingn is keeping drivers from being able to move to the side. Did you by chance change a driver or tinker with the valve gear or side rods?
Dave Nelson