Rivarossi Reno Virginia & Truckee and 802/2 "Genoa" Virginia & Trukee

RMartin Jul 11, 2022

  1. RMartin

    RMartin TrainBoard Member

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    Hi!!! I have these two Rivarossi locomotives, 1211 Reno Virginia & Truckee and 802/2 "Genoa" Virginia & Trukee that have either never been used or have been standing still for at least 30 years,
    They are particular models because the tender only carries the engine and not the transmission on its axles. The crankshaft connects with a joint to the shaft on the locomotive and transmits motion to the wheels with a gear.
    I tried to clean and oil them but they don't show any signs of life, I suspected they were working at a higher amperage, what can I do?
     

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  2. minesweeper

    minesweeper TrainBoard Member

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    Disassemble the motor and see if it turns..... first manually and then use a 9V battery.
    If it turns, try to turn the transmission manually to see if it is stuck

    check also here
    http://www.rivarossi-memory.it/ENGLISH_VERSION/Riva_American_Locos/Riva_American_Eng.htm
    here you can get a scan of the original leaflets and for some models the spare parts list
    http://www.rivarossi-memory.it/Allegati/Allegati_Loco_Americane/Allegati_Loco_Americane.htm

    hope it does good for you...
    In case it does not, get back on this post, i have plenty of older Rivarossi italian locomotives, so may help you
     
    Last edited: Jul 11, 2022
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  3. RMartin

    RMartin TrainBoard Member

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    Hi, unfortunately even with the 9 volt battery the engine does not move, the light does not work.
    An old trainfan suggested to me that mechanical grease may have dried up and I should remove it.
    The Rivarossi factory was near my house, I am trying to contact a man who worked there to ask him for help.
     
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  4. Doug Gosha

    Doug Gosha TrainBoard Member

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    So, you live in/near Como? I used to dream of traveling there to watch them make trains when I was very young.

    The locomotive will undoubtedly have to be completely disassembled and cleaned/reworked after sitting so many years. Oxidation/corrosion just happens over time and will disable anything electrical in nature.

    BTW, I know how to say "steam engine" in Italian - "Locomotiva a Vapore!" Also headlight bulb - "Lampadina" :D

    Doug
     
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  5. RMartin

    RMartin TrainBoard Member

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    Hi, exactly I live near Como, unfortunately the Rivarossi factory was demolished and the brand was bought by the English Hornby who produces in China, same thing for the Lima trains. If you decide to come to Como I could take you to a couple of railway modeling museums.
    In your opinion, as regards the American models, for example the Alco diesel, Emd etc ... Which are better? Rivarossi models or the modern ones Bachmann, Walthers etc ...?
    Let's keep in touch
     

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  6. Mr. Trainiac

    Mr. Trainiac TrainBoard Member

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    You may have to disassemble the model. When you tested the battery, did you touch the battery terminals to the wheels, or to the motor contacts directly?

    There could be a wiring issue too. You should probably disassemble the tender and try to get it to operate. Does the locomotive provide any electrical contact? If the tender picks up power from both rails, I would separate the two. That way you can test the motor and drivetrain separately (after you fix any electrical issues).
     
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  7. Doug Gosha

    Doug Gosha TrainBoard Member

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    Yes, it is very sad what happened to Rivarossi after Signor Rossi kept it going for so many years. My first experience with Rivarossi was when my older brother got a little switch locomotive in 1962 for Christmas I still have it and have bought two more on eBay: Riv0-4-0InBox.jpg

    Then, in 1967, I started buying Atlas N scale and the first locomotives were made by Rivarossi. I have also acquired a few more HO locos in recent years. As to which are superior, it's hard to say. Modern models are a bit more refined, I guess, but they have their issues, too.

    I learned the Italian words for steam locomotive and headlamp from the Rivarossi 50th anniversary book from the nineteen nineties.

    Doug
     
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