The two Rivarossi’s you’re looking at are the older ones with the deep european wheel flanges. If you have code 83 track, they’ll probably bounce along the ties. If you’re using code 100 track, you’ll be okay.
The second one appears to be a ‘mix-up’, with the owner replacing the original tender with the tender from a Rivarossi Hudson. It’s probably a re-paint and re-decal job since Rivarossi never offered the Challenger lettered for the New York Central.
As to running characteristics, neither of the Rivarossi will probably run as well as the newer Genesis 4-6-6-4, because of the wider gearing in the drive. They’re pretty good locos and they haul all right, but they’re very noisy. For a more authentic looking UP 4-6-6-4, I’d go with the first one. Actually, if I were you, though, I’d save up my money and get a new Genesis. They’re really terrific.
Tom
Can’t argue with Tom’s advice. The Athearn is going for something like $275 at Standard Hobby (I hope I have those bits right…see the latest Model Railroader to verify…please). Also, phone around. Trainworld in NY has at least one Lionel Challenger, all metal, that is on sale for $350. Pricey, but I just got one from modeltrains.ca, and can say that it is a doozy.
I have to agree. Get one of them if you just have to, but I’d stay away from the older Rivarossis. The newer ones with the motor in the boiler run slick as glass. I have one and love it.
Go with whichever one you like better, or can afford. I’d personally go with the UP one, but if you like the NYC tender better, go with that one. If it doesn’t run very well, like some of the guys are saying, you could get it to run well with some cleaning and adjusting. My AHM/Rivarossi 0-6-0 is all cleaned and adjusted and it works great![:)] But if you like kits, go with Bowser’s.[:D]
One other thing I should mention, if you try getting the Athearn one from Standard Hobby and have problems ordering online, don’t email them. They aren’t very good about their emails. I had trouble ordering a Challenger and emailed them, and their reply was rather rude.[}:)]
Don’t mistake dust on the model for its condition. I would say you cannot tell the condition by looking at the pictures…
The second one has the right number for a Union Pacific locomotive. So all you would have to do is change the tender to make it “correct”.
I’ve had trouble with Rivarossi (AHM) locomotives binding up. They will run just fine for a while and then just lock tight. I’ve remotored them, regeared them, added weight, turned the wheel flanges, added “slop removing” washers, nothing seemed to help.
Oh yeah, There are bunches of these things out there, so you don’t necessarily have to worry about getting on those two specific ones. There will be more. And more… and more.
That guy’s been trying to sell old Rivarossi steamers for those super high prices for months. I don’t think he’s sold more than 4 or 5 so far. Why pay $150 for a heavy 0-8-0 when you can get one that’s almost as good for $35?
I suspect you would be problem free if you went with the Genesis. They carry a one year warranty.
See www.firsthobby.com also, sales@firsthobby.com will answer your questions in a professional way.
I wouldn’t buy either Challenger they both have the wrong tender for one thing another if you want a Rivarossi Challenger buy the newer production can motor( the motor is in the boiler not hanging out the back), RP25 (small flanged wheels with traction tires- more pulling power) equipped version(s), there are also several roadnames available if you are patient enough to wait on Ebay . The older large flanged , square motored Challengers are fairly decent locos, but I think you will be much happier with the updated Rivarossi version if you decide to stick with Rivarossi. The Athearn Genisis Challenger and Lionel Challenger both have sound, DCC compatability, well detailed and can be had for reasonable prices (especially the Athearn). Bowser makes a locomotive kit that with some effort and patience can be built into a very nice loco with pulling power to spare.
I don’t want to upset you but if these are the old Rivarossi Challengers then the
motors are very tempermental and will cause you lots of grief.
Even after re-engining my Big Boy I had a lot of problems with continuity.
I also have 1st generation Riv. Berkshire and it too has the
same problems.
If money is an issue please take my advise and save it as you will be very disapointed with your investment.
My Big Boy is permanently parked on a siding. Too much grief!
1shado1- I stand corrected my answer was concocted eyes shut mouth open (foot planted in same), brain in neutral, but I will stand by the rest of my overblown pontification.
I have an older Rivarossi Big Boy (engine in cab) and recently picked up an Athearn Genesis Challenger #3985. After gettin gthe Athearn Genesis, I don’t see the Big Boy doing much of anything other than replicating Fergmiester’s on a siding on my layout. My vote would be to save up for an Athearn Genesis. They go for about 2 times the winning price in the first 2 links you posted.
If you don’t like the motor, than you could replace it. There’s usually at least one motor selling on eBay that’s a direct replacement for the old rivarossi motors. Just type “motor” in eBay’s search box.[:D]