Your question covering Riv versus Walthers,P2K, Atlas etc cannot be
answered because you have exceeded the number of characters in
in your post.
To answer Kozzie’s question. In comparing Rivarossi to Walthers, P2K,
Atlas etc one should compare Riv to steam manufacturers such as
P2K,Athearn, Bachmann Spectrum, Model Power’s Mantua classic and Walthers distributorship of Rivarossi.
Atlas does not make steam yet.
P2K has a very good steam reputation and Nigel of this form is an expert
on steamers.
The older version of Rivarossi IMO were dogs. I owned the FEF, Challenger
& Mallet, all problematic.
Todays modernized upgraded Rivs have been greatly improved.
Allegheny, MR Feb 02 edition and the FEF,MR Feb 04 edition.
Bachmann Spectrum has developed an improved line of steamers
including the 2-8-0 Consolidation, MR June 98 and the 2-8-2 Heavy
Mountain, MR Oct 03
The Athearn’s Light Pacific,MR Aug 01 and Mikado,MR Dec 99 weigh in around 13 oz .
There has been some negative posts about these babies because of their
insufficient weight leading to wheel slippage.(imbalance traction problem)
Hey locomotive3 [:)] Thanks for the input.
So one could say e.g. the the Riv UP FEF is as good a quality as the Bachmann Spectrum steam locos?
Kozzie
I own both the new Riv 21 oz FEF, (full two yr warranty) and the new Bachmann 20 oz Spectrum Heavy Mountain, limited warranty,(adequate/properly distributed weight is most important).
Since Riv does not make a HM, I can’t compare them plus the Riv cost
$40.00 more than the HM.
Both are good performers, good details.