Hello,
I took a trip 2 a couple of my LHS that I rarley visit, now that a new LHS has opened up about a mile from my house, and my frequent trips to Walthers. Anywho, I noticed one of them selling a Rivarossi Big Boy (Union Pacific) that was once priced for $450 for nearly $275! The problem is this hobby store seems to be getting out of the train businss and sticking with the toy cars, and model cars 
.
Can anyone give me any information on this particular engine?
Minimum radius, dcc ready, details etc?
I have tried to look online and am unable to find any information. Since Walthers bought out Rivarossi theres no specs on their website.
Anything would be appreciated so I dont make an ooops purchase (Like in the past).
DON
First thing I would check out is if it is a really old stock item, with the large wheel flanges, etc. If so, stay away from it!
If it is one of their later models, with RP25 wheels, motor inside boiler, etc., I would say, from scanning ebay pricing that isnât really a bad price.
By the way, Walthers did not buy Rivarossi, Hornby did!
However⌠If you are really interested in getting a Big Boy, Athearn will be releasing one soon with DCC and Sound for $450 retail, I am sure the discounters will do considerably better than thisâŚ
And if their Challenger is any benchmark, my Athearn Challenger makes my late model Rivarossi look pretty pale in the detail deparment in comparison.
But, itâs up to you. If you really gotta have it now and DCC and Sound are not an issue, then itâs a pretty fair price in the current market. Remember, if you decide to upgrade to DCC and Sound, figure adding about $100+ to it.
Don;
IMHO; $275 is at least $100 too high. The Hornby-Rivarossi models are not here yet. The Athearn model is not here yet either, but as up-sf says, the Athearn Challenger is a far superior model compared to the Rivarossi Challenger.
Other Big Boy choice are Trix, PCM and Bowser. If you are looking for pulling power, the Bowser kit is unbeatable.
http://www.bowser-trains.com/New_Products/new__Where_have%20_they%20_gone.htm
The Bowser kit is currently $135, plus $55 for a detailing kit, plus youâll need a tender. Bowser offers a conversion kit for the ConCor/Revell/Monogram static model, and you can use that plastic kit for additional detailing parts.
If it is one of the later Rivorossi Models, then $275 is a not bad price. as for $450 for the new athearn big boy, They can keep it. $125.00 buys me a a Big Boy mechanisim from Bowser, $25.00 buys me Monogram/Con-Cor/Revell Big Boy Kit. (I have 7 as of date) and if I am so inclined. another $150.00 for a Sound Decoder and Speakers. But since I plan my layout to be finished behind glass I see sound as a rather wasteful expense because in the final product you wont be able to hear it any way, at least on my layout. In that case a $20.00 normal decoder will do.
So if you are one of those people that have to have every last gismo and gadget, my way will save you $150.00 for the sound option. Or if all you need is just a simple plain DCC Decoder you can be in buesness and save $280.00. When you are done with it you can put everyone else to shame when they ask you who did that Big Boy and you tell them âI built it my selfâ and we havnât even gotten into how much the 75-100 hrs construction time enjoyment is even worth.
Its a shame no one enjoys building things any more. Oh well more kits, kitbashes, and scratch builds for me I guess.
James.
Just an add on here, Iâve got a Trix Big Boy too and it is a fantastic model. I was lucky and got mine on ebay brand new for $300 two years ago. I saw one go for $550 not long ago⌠Comparing the Trix BB to my Athearn Challenger, I find their detailing very close⌠The Trix being ever so slightly superior. At least without a high power magnifying glass!