While comparing my old AHM/Rivarossi Y6b 2194 with my last run 2174, I noted on the various tradeoffs between the old and new versions. Even though the older version had the more sturdy handrails, it suffered in the oversize flanges and motor in the cab as well as other details. However, the short time I was able to run 2194, I was not able to test it on the tight EZ Track switches, which proved to be so troublesome to 2174. I suspect it was the contacts on the newer engine. I am curious on the contacts on the old engine. However, both engines do not have the advanced features of the Broadway Limited Y6b. However, I do not expect Rivarossi to redo the Y6b. I am uncertain of Rivarossi’s present status, but I do not expect them to revive such a long-produced model with the newer models being produced at present. lois
Rivarossi won’t be producing anymore of the Y6b’s, however Hornby who owns the Rivarossi label and molds have produced an updated model from a few years ago, probably one since the one you have. It is now equipped with a can motor, flywheels, better details and RP-25 flanges. While, IIRC, it can be bought with a factory installed Tsunami OEM decoder, you are correct that it will never compare to the BLI. The boiler of the Hornby/Rivarossi is plastic, as is most of the frame except for the engines, while the BLI version is all metal. The BLI has all wheel pickup but the RR Y6 may be engine pickup only still, like some of the earlier runs had. The real old run that I used to own did have at least half the pickups in the tender and half in the loco. The current version also has an interior for the cab, but it may be the same one placed in the cabs of the other articulateds as well.
The models still are delivered in the big red boxes that have Rivarossi on them but you see in smaller writing generally off to the side, “by Hornby”.
Don’t know about the pickups on the newer models, but on the older ones, they use a spring loaded assembly similar to a shock absorber, with one end that sat into the frame with the solid end of the assembly rubbing against the rims.
PS, Most of this is from my memory and since I don’t have any Hornby models, I may be thinking of the latest runs of the H8, but I do feel that what I’ve said is correct.
As a rule when Hornby improves and reissues an old Rivarossi steam locomotive, do they increase the size of the drivers to closer to scale now that the flanges are not so huge (the huge flanges being the expressed reason for the undersized drivers and other wheels)?
Dave Nelson
Just curious. Do you think a upgrade of the old AHM/Rivarossi Y6b is possible? At present, it’s a display engine, but can’t help thinking of trying to get it running again someday. lois
Way back in the late 60’s I turned down my flanges on my $29.95 Y6B AHM/Rivarossi on my small lathe. I didn’t have any difficulties back then with tracking after turning the flanges down.
Is there any ideas on replacement of the motor? I’d like to have the motor in the boiler and put a interior in the cab if possible. lois
A quick update. I was unable to find any model number on my old AHM/Rivarossi Y6b, as being sold to me with no box or parts sheet, I have no information on its age. According to information I found online, the engines with oversize flanges came in the 1964-1974 runs, the first Y6b’s with the small flanges being the 1977 run. That makes the engine around 40-50 years old. Another reason to keep boxes and information sheets on locomotives, as if the locomotives last long enough, they may provide important collector’s information someday. lois
I found the instruction sheet, but I will have to examine it to see how it fits with my locomotive. I will note that I found the number “7144” when carefully moving the trailing truck aside, on the rear frame below the script Rivarossi and Italy. This confused me as it did not match anything on the parts list which I also found online. lois
I recently posted photos of my two Rivarossi Y6b’s to the Model Railroading Layouts gallery. The AHM/Rivarossi Y6b appears in the photo partially recreating an O.Winston Link photograph, and the newer Rivarossi Y6b appears in the photo with the drive-in theater screen. lois
I recently found additional numbers on the AHM Y6b. They are: 7713 on frame extension to pilot and 7706 on the tender trucks. What is interesting is that “Brevettato” is stamped under “Rivarossi” and “Made in Italy” under the cab. I’ll leave this to someone who knows Italian to translate. I plan to write a history of the Rivarossi Y6b, so I have been presently examining these details.
lois