Rivarossi or Athearn?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

N scale steam locomotives: Do we like Rivarossi or Athearn better and why? Thanks.

2

When I was involved in N scale, KATO was the standard by which all others were judged. Is there a particular locomotive type you have in mind?

Good Luck, Ed

3

Thanks. I have several Kato locomotives and one Con-Cor. Unfortunately Kato doesn’t offer much in terms of American steam. I’m looking at one Athearn and one Rivarossi but I don’t own any of either brand, so I don’t know if they are regarded as good or bad or if one is better than the other.

4

Buy what fits your wants/needs and price.

Athearn are more recent releases and so probably have taken advantage of advancements in the design of N scale locomotives. Their site lists 2-6-0 Mogul (retired/sold out), 2-8-0 Consolation (available), 4-6-6-4 Challenger (available), 4-8-8-4 Big Boy (available)

Rivarossi made locos sold under their own label as well as for others such as ATLAS and ConCor. Many are available used on EBAY and perhaps new-old stock at some shops.

Also consider othe brands. For instance Bachmann has a wide selection of steam http://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=265_372&zenid=o5t4u2q5ka681oh259017c9hh1

Other brands Broadway Limited (recent releases), KATO (good quality), Model Power and ATLAS if you want a Shay

See them in one place here:

https://www.modeltrainstuff.com/N-Scale-Steam-Locomotives-s/1457.htm

Bachmann and Model Power are “lower end” but most much improved over previous offerings.

5

Thanks for that info. I have one Athearn box car and I’m very happy with it. I think it has nice details, and it rolls fine and the couplers work with my Kato stuff.

I try to stay away from Bachmann because I think their stuff tends to look cheaper. It also tends to be less expensive, so no surprise. I have a Bachmann HO set that has never been used. I like the N&W #611 J Class loco but I would want to see it in person before buying it. For the price I would expect it to be very good. If Kato made it I would definitely buy it.

According to rumor heard (not by me) at the Charlotte train festival, Kato is considering making the Milwaukee Road #261. Allegedly they took some kind of poll or survey and #261 won.