I am working on a Rivarossi Allegheny that refuses to go, I am a bit confused (the loco is not mine), I found a wire in the locomotive onto the rear gearbox adrift (I assume that's where it came from), there was also a broken wire in the locomotive to tender plug (on the loco). My confusion comes from the fact that all information I have managed to find indicates that the locomotive is DCC ready with an eight pin plug in the loco with three wires between the loco and tender. This one is definitely 'NOT' DCC ready (there is no plug, or provision for one), there are six wires between the loco and tender, another peculiar thing I noticed just now is the fact that the locomotive is numbered 1644 (the box says 1637), I have a feeling someone has attempted work on the loco, as the screws holding the circuit board in the tender were all but stripped out in the heads. Yes, a rather complicated PCB in the tender which doesn't show in any information I have found. Is this a very, very early model (the February 2002 Model Railroader has a review, and it is DCC ready), so how far back do these go. The part number on the box is HR2355 and the Rivarossi and Hornby names are on the box. I checked the TCS Decoder fitting info, the smokebox front is glued in on this loco, not removable as shown on their site. I am tempted to leave out the tender PCB and rewire the loco in a simpler fashion, not sure what way to go with this, any ideas appreciated.
There has been quite a discussion of this loco in the MRH forums that might be of some help. DCC and pickup issues. Rather not post the forums link here. Google MRH Rivarossi DCC conversion You will get some good links. Rich
Rich, and of course others that have replied, I went to the suggested link, it appears the first production of these locos used a 21 pin DCC plug in the tender, a major problem I see is the connection between loco and tender, one of the posts indicated that all the Rivarossi wiring was removed and the loco/tender rewired, looking at the quality and ramshackle appearance of the factory wiring, I am thinking this is the way to go. Further discussion relates to the poor pickup system on both the loco and tender, looks like these were a bit of an expensive lemon. At least I now know the sort of things I am up against.
I bought mine without sound, being a late model found it was sound ready, my installer simply swapped out the factory DCC board for a Tsunami heavy steam decoder this also had the advantage of giving me the correct hooter style whistle. not sure if these had their pick ups improved. Or not but Ive had no issues in that area the locomotive running just fine and easily pulling 30+ cars up our 1 1/2% grades. Over all I'm very pleased with its running characteristics and fit and finish. Detail is also outstanding.
A bit of an update guys. The problems with this particular loco all seem to be in the tender PCB, I have rewired the loco and tender and eliminated the tender PCB as well as hardwired the loco/tender (only two wires now), this loco is DC and will be staying that way according to the owner. He advised me that he purchased it new on Ebay, but I advised him of the different road number between the box listing and the actual loco and the fact that the wheels are very dirty (plating virtually gone from the tender wheels) and some broken steps, the smokebox and backhead are also glued in (the latter would make it hard to change cabs). I now have it running sweet as, just need to work out the front and rear lights so I can make them work with direction of travel, being LED's I have some research to do. Again, thanks to everyone for your suggestions/assistance, have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.
Another problem has cropped up with this engine, I was about to return it to the owner and upon trying a final test run, a Universal joint on the front engine split in two. Does anyone know where to obtain parts for these engines please? I have Googled Hornby Rivarossi without much success. I also have the problem of no headlight or back-up light, these were not to be worried about, but as the loco needs further work, I would like to do something about the lights. The tender is no real worry, but how the heck do you get at the headlight on the locomotive?
yep' your correct,found that the backhead is glued in. Solution for me was using a small blade screwdriver as a punch and giving the tabs holding the backhead in a sharp rap with a hobby hammer.that broke the glue joint freeing the tabs from their slots.bit scary but it worked.
Sorted out the headlight removal problem, a very small surface mount LED in the headlight housing, very difficult to get out and nothing like the instructions I found. Still like to know how to get parts, Hornby don't seem interested in giving a reply.
Ouch' just realized where your at Teditor, as for Rivarossi parts think your best bet would be Ebay,I have seen them listed there, though not sure what your shipping costs would be to Aus. good luck.
I had a look at Ebay without luck, the universal cup seems to be molded around a toothed axle, so I don't see at this stage that there is any other option, I have some other universal sets on hand, but nothing near this.
Teditor can only suggest trying TechnicalSupport@hornby.usa no idea what response you'll get but hopefully they can supply a parts vendor address or contact info. Did your engine by chance come with a parts list? That would help them.
I have sent an email to them, but I had to ad .com on the end, I think the email has gone through oK, now to wait and see. Thanks GN.
Still failed, took a few days, but I got a rejected email, looks like Hornby/Rivarossi just don't want to be found.
Teditor check over at www.modelrailroader.com in their forum,RIVAROSSI ALLEGHENY PARTS.I've been chatting with the guys over there and they have some information and a toll free number for Hornby usa that should solve your problem........I hope!��