This review is on Rivarossi’s 1980s production of their Krauss Maffei ML-4000 diesel/hydraulic.[:D]
Rivarossi originally made these in the mid’ 60s for AHM, but it’s still a great looking engine for its age.[:D] The shell is based off Rio Grande’s ML-4000s, and is incorrect for SP 9001, but it is correct for the SP 9020 series ( which was purchased from Rio Grande). This engine was available in D&RGW and SP from AHM, but is only in SP from the 80s production. The shell is one of the best I’ve seen from 60s technology, and is cast very, very smoothly with the only imperfections being the barely noticable seems on the front and back.[:D] The detail is excellent for its day, with finely cast details like grab irons, molded on lift rings, windshield wipers, and pretty fine ventilation.[:D] The air tanks and piping found on the roof are missing, along with the pilot details and most of the steps, which were taken off because of the wide trucks. Some steps could be truck mounted if you ever want to put them on. The front pilot is truck mounted for tight curves, and there’s a scale foot-wide gap between the shell and pilot. The windows are flush fitting, and actually look better than most available today! If it weren’t for a factory glue mark, they’d be perfect. The trucks are very well detailed, and every detail on them is cast very finely.[:D] The only things I see that are missing are the pipes and cables going to the engine. The paint is also some of the best in its day, with extremely smooth coats and pretty sharp color separation. The SP gray seems a little dark to me, but it blends in nicely with the dark gray plastic used for the frame and trucks. The lettering is very clear and sharp, and looks excellent.[:D] The numberboards have printed lettering, and look very nice when lighted. Both couplers are normally truck-mounted horn-h
I have a pair of these Rivarossi curiosities. One powered and one dummy. Correct numbers for Espee would be #9021-9023. The units were renumbered in 1965 to Espee #9103-9105. Besides the headlight difference the ex-Rio Grande units also had different air intake panels. Both Espee and Rio Grande cut additional air intakes into the carbody sides of the K-Ms. The location of the air tanks was also different between the two roads.
Darth, did you get it for a decent price? They’ve been going for outrageous prices on eBay.
Rivarossi used that triangular lug arrangement on their GG1’s, but I didn’t know they used them in the KM’s. The GG1’s rattling drives me nuts and I’ve been meaning to grind them down, but I double-motored it, and it looks like a lot of work. I need a bigger grinder.
SteamFreak, I got it for $44, with the original box, which still had the original price tags (retail of $50 in the 80s!).[:D] I was lucky enough to find this one ending close to midnight, while everyone was sleeping.
Another idea to make your GG-1s a little quieter would be to stick some small pieces of foam to the sides of the triangle, so it will still move pretty freely without rattling against the frame. It probably wouldn’t last forever, but it would be easier than grinding the thing down.[:D]
TrainFreak409, it would be nice if someone made them again. They’re interesting engines that were owned by two railroads, so I’m sure plenty of people would buy them. (IDEA!!! Let’s each send about 20 letters and e-mails to someone like Walthers to make a good P2K model!!)
I also have a powered and a dummy set of the KM’s. Yep they actually run pretty good. Code 100 is a must. I have been trying to locate parts to convert them to all wheel drive, maybe someday.
Very interesting to see this loco coming up again. I have one–somewhere in my closet–that I bought when they first came out (Rio Grande, natch–) and I stored it when I decided that I was going to be ALL STEAM NO DIESEL, way back when.
I’ll have to get it out and re-break it in. You’ve got my curiosity up! I always thought they were a unique and very individual looking loco. Always wondered why nobody ever brought out the Alco units based on the same Krauss-Maffei drive idea, that the SP bought and relegated to their San Joaquin division.
I wonder if checking either the A-Line or the NWSL catalogues might come up with geared wheelsets and towers and appropriate gear connections to convert these handsome beasts to all-wheel drive?
The major problem with re-powering them is that the wheel spacing is real odd. Someone once told me that Overland brass had a model of the KM, and that if you can find the chassis from one with the trucks you can repower it with that setup. This same person told me he knew of a source and then never got back to me, I wish I could remember who it was. It was someone on this site.
And if you want to see a great detailing job on an AHM KM look at this link:
You got a good deal, Darth. I’ve seen some in far worse shape go for a lot more.
I tried the foam strip solution on the GG1, but the triangular lug needs to slide freely along the inside of the shell, and the foam impeded this, restricting the swing of the trucks. Maybe rubber with thin styrene laminated to it would work.
TrainFreak409, that hood unit is one weird looking beast, but kind of cool too. [8D]
Weren’t the KM’s found to be less than successful? I’ve heard that they didn’t stand up to the rigors of U.S. railroading. That, plus only 2 roadnames makes for a limited market, or so the conventional thinking goes. If there weren’t some demand, they wouldn’t be commanding the prices they do on eBay.
That demand is fueled mostly by SP modelers , like myself , that want to have most every unit SP ever had. Whether to run or just collect. Rio Grande modeler may figure into it , but I believe it’s mostly the SP crowd. Luckily I bought mine years ago when they were cheap. I think I paid a whopping 5 bucks for both from a guy who just had them lying around for no good reason. He modeled only the D&H.
GAPPLEG it was me. I sent you a PM of an email I sent to Harry Wong back in 2003 on how to contact the Overland source. That is Harry’s K-M in the linked photo set.
The problem with the K-Ms was with their quick running Maybach engines. It took two 16 cylinder engines running at over 1500 rpm to turn out 3500 horsepower. When the SD45 came out in 1966 with 3600 horsepower out of 20 cylinders the K-Ms were dead ducks. All were retired by the end of 1968.
This Western prototype modelers group out in California is an awesome group of modelers. Lots of talent out there. I don’t know if any of them visit here at all, I’d love to be in contact with someone in that group. From the work they do they probably don’t have time to come here.! Mostly SP of course and some Western Pacific modelers too.Here is a link to the groups web site , with links to gallerys of pictures of unit they have built.
Almost makes me wish I lived out there .[:P] Green with envy.
I have two of these babies, both powered, but haven’t run them in many years. I ran them on my Dad’s layout as a kid, and in those days, these units were smooth as silk, and could handle surprisingly tight curves. I don’t model SP - if someone wants to consider a trade, let me know and I’ll see how they’re running. While I’m on the topic, I think I also have A and B F-units in Santa Fe and UP - I think they were Rivarossi as well - they ran great and were heavy as heck. Again, it’s been a long time since they were run, and they were never run a lot anyway - I’ll have to give them a spin (thank God I have Code 100) and see how they’ve stood the test of time. Cheers.
Well, my curiosity got the better of me. I had to go check out those two K-M units, and after 30 years of dormancy, without any preparation, they still run. A bit jittery mind you, but still running. Naturally, I’ll need to do some basic maintenance, but it seems they are hanging in there. (lovely horn-hook couplers to boot) Also should correct my prior posting…I searched out the UP and SF F units and realized they are Fleischman, not Rivarossi. Knew it was European, but obviously had a senior moment there. Cheers.
