When I ran my AHM/Rivarossi Y6b 2-8-8-2 (it has since stopped operating, now waiting for a new motor) the front end would wobble side to side with the thrusts of the front engine. Also, the front deck slopes downward like it had been run into a wall. I compared this with my newer Rivarossi Y6b, which has a level front deck. Do any of you know what might be the issue with this engine? lois
These engines have plastic frames which can break where they are molded with the cylindars. Look and see if your frame is broken. It can be repaired with good quality gel-type super glue. In some cases it is possible to make this repair without disassembling other parts.
I examined my engine carefully, couldn’t find any breaks. The front end seemed loose, but I thought that might be normal to allow full articulation of the front engine. lois
Several years ago I received a few old Rivarossi’s as a gift, and some needed repairs. I have the N&W 2-8-8-2 which still runs. Nothing wobbles on the front end and the front deck is level. My Y6B was in better condition than the other Rivarossi’s and did not need to be repaired.
What you are describing is what was the situation with my Rivarossi Cab Forward. It was hard to see, but the frame was broken, and I fixed it.
I suggest you hold the engine using two hands as follows. With Y6B upside down grasp the front cylindars with thumb and forefinger. With other hand grasp drive wheels on 4th drive wheel axle back from front. (Just ahead of second set of cylindars). Try to twist the front cylinders with your first hand. (Don’t do this with too much force). If the cylinders wobble, you probably have a broken frame where you can not easily see it.
Also, have you noticed if the rods have come out of the cylinders? This would cause the wobbling if the frame is broken.
On my Cab Forward, the frame was broken in a hard to see place against the cylinders. It was at the trailing set of cylinders. (The cab forwards run “backwards” , and this would therefore be the same location as yours.) The deck above and beyond the cylindars was not level. I repaired the cab forward with super glue several years ago, and it has not broken since then.
For your information, I just posted a photo of my two Rivarossi Y6b’s on the Model Railroad Layouts gallery. The AHM engine referred to in this thread is on the left in this photo. This photo will illustrate the slanted front end I mentioned in my original post. lois
Gidday Lois, can you please provide a better link to your photo, while I may not be able to help, I am curious as I have acquired two AHM/ Rivarossi Y6bs’that both need some TLC.
Cheers, the Bear.
I checked the Model Railroad gallery and the photo in question has been submitted, but has not yet been posted. However, other photos of my AHM/Rivarossi Y6b have been posted and are available for review.
lois
Gidday Lois, it would appear we have the same problem.[sigh]
The pilot assembly has a semi slotted fitted joint that is attached to the front chassis and held in place by the screw that also attaches the pilot truck. My scriber points to the weak area, the back of the light bulb recess which is virtually on the joint.
While not the greatest photo I’m holding the broken pilot assembly. I was hoping to remove the good assembly for a clearer shot and while its moved forward about 1/8 inch it’s a little stubborn and with a 10x magnifying glass I found the start of a crack on the side at the tip of the scriber so I wimped out.
Thank you for the photos. However, this does illustrate why the headlight sits so far down on the front deck. I hope to have some more details so I have some better instructions for who I will have repairing the engine. lois
I have a really nice one that could use a new home.