Switcher Locomotive for a varied use, it ha to be of  small proportions so to be used in the tight radius curves on industrial marshalling yards, easy twin directional ability so it could be used  in both directions easily, and a high traction force to manoeuvre heavy loads. Therefore this modern Loco shunter, has all its weight on all the powered axles. The water tank was positioned above the boiler, like a “saddle" also to add additional weight to the locos powered axles. These loco tenders were sometimes used  for pulling local passenger services.  The 0-6-0ST loco model was built in HO scale in the various types built by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO), for many railroad companies and other industrial switching duties.

Produced by Rivarossi from 1972 to 1980 In the following liveries:  Baltimore and Ohio,  New York Central,  Oliver Iron Mining,  Pennsylvania, Reliance Rock Company, Santa Fe

Steam Train - Class Switcher 0-8-0

The United States Railroad Administration USRA), the  Federal organization which ran and supervised the railroad in the US from 1918 till 1921, They standardized all the mostly used locomotives, as to simplify and standardise the production of railroad material, during the period of the war. The majority of these projects were good results, and many were used right up till the end of the steam era in the States.

The most commonly used of the 12 base models was the 0-8-0. In 1927, the American Locomotive Company, and Brooks Works, built a locomotive for shunter work with three cylinders, which derived from original projects USRA only in appearance. The Locomotive Harbour Belt, a heavy steam loco, used in shunting duties, of the «Indiana Harbor Belt.

Amongst the many types of Locomotives for shunting with wheel arrangement 0-8-0 this was the most powerful. It had three cylinders, two external, and one internal; and a rear bogie with «booster » (the bogie nearest the Loco on the tender, kicked in when starting to move, and would disengage when speed was attained). The Indiana Harbour Belt had three Locos of this type, class S 294, one of which, the 102 used as reference in reproducing this model, was built in 1927 by the American Locomotive Company.

Steam Locomotive  2-10-2  Class S1  Santa Fe

The prototype from which the Rivarossi model is based on, was built by the "Baldwin Locomotive Works" in 1926 for duties in the routes Cumberland, Pittsburg, New Castle and Toledo. The locomotives of this type initially managed to compete with the arrival of diesel units. In some cases it was quite common to see a 2-10-2 "Santa Fe" hauling a heavy goods train linked with a diesel unit.

Locomotive type « Santa Fè » Class S1 reproducing perfectly the prototype nr 6200 of the « Baltimore & Ohio » used in hauling of heavy goods trains. Wheel arrangement 2-10-2. New motor with increased power linked with flexible transmission « Vanderbilt »  mounted on  « Commonwealth » bogies.

Produced by Rivarossi from 1967 till 1980 In the livery of  Baltimore & Ohio

Articulated Steam Locomotive "Big Boy" for heavy goods trains. A first group of twenty locomotives, with wheel arrangement 4-8-8-4, were delivered in the Autumn of 1941 by the constructors  ALCO  to the Union Pacific. A second group of five Locos  were delivered in 1944.  Of all the articulated steam locomotives, the 4-8-8-4 was the biggest in all senses: dimensions, weight, power, speed. The name "Big Boy", which in a was sums up all these characteristics, as the name was used to indicate this locomotive. It would seam that the name originates from a simple chalk inscription done my an anonymous ALCO mechanic, one  morning the name appeared on the smoke door of the 4000 prototype.

These locomotives were capable of running at 80 MPH (130Kph) and it max power of over 7000 HP, was available at 30 MPH (48KPH).  Wheel arrangement of 4-8-8-4, the Rivarossi model has a high powered motor, which works on a double cardanic transmission. Incredible traction which in turn  gives impressive haulage capability

4005 - This model is the all black 4005, the prototype was put in service in  October 1941, and retired  from active service in July 1962 after 1.043.624 miles (Km 1.679.191) The model is has a high powered motor, which works on a double cardanic transmission, which in turn activates two separate groups of wheel units comprising of 4 axles.  

4015 - Articulated steam locomotive 4-8-8-4 Big Boy" 4015 of the  Union Pacific. This model  is of the prototype ' UP 4015".  As in real life the cooling serpentines as absent, which in other models are present  at the side of the front platform. The colour is black and gray graphite.

4013 - This model reproduces the prototype 4013, constructed in 1941 for the "Union Pacific" and differs in gray aluminium colour applied to the smoke chamber, and sides of the firebox.

Produced by  Rivarossi in1967 - A key Rivarossi model, still in production (Rivarossi-Hornby).  Only in the livery of Union Pacific

In red the models that were announced in the last catalogue, but I am not sure if produced.

Steam Locomotive  4-6-4  Santa Fe - "Blue Goose"

The « Blue Goose > locomotive built in 1937, was based on the Hudson 3460 prototype.

The big driving wheels of this locomotive gave it the possibility to reach a top speed of 90 miles per hour (145km/h), this extended its use on long distance runs on flat routes like the  « Santa Fé ». When it started service it was used for hauling passenger service like the "Deluxe Super Chief" for more than a decade, on the  Chicago and Los Angeles run. This train was one of the most prestigious of the Golden Age of rail transport, and remembered for its luxurious and reliability in service.

The particular shape, and the original painting scheme rendered the « Blue Goose » easily identifiable, thus becoming one of the most famous Locomotives running on the Santa Fé .

Produced by Rivarossi from 1976 until 1994

2-4-0 Steam loco with Tender– J.W. Bowker

This locomotive was delivered by the Baldwin Co in 1875 and giver the name of the rail engineer.  The locomotive, still functioning after a long running life on the V&T lines, it was bought by the “Pacific Coast Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society” . It was also in the Paramount Pictures film directed by Cecil Beaton. In 1938 the Bowker crossed the American continent to be shown at the World fair of  New York  "RaiIroads on Parade".

 This is a very accurate and well detailed model of the  American Locomotive 2-4-0 «J. W. BOWKER» of the  « Virginia & Truckee » company.

Produced by Rivarossi 1968

In the following liveries: Virginia & Truckee,  Kansas City  St, Louis & Chicago, Western & Atlantic, Belfast & Mooseh Lake, York & Peach Bottom Produced but based on a Pocher  design, and also  sold under the Pocher brand name (probably before 1975).  

It has been produced with motorised tender, and with motor mounted in the cabin, and various different finishing.

Steam Locomotive 4-8-8-2 Cab Forward AC11

Articulated Steam Locomotive « AC 11 » of the  « Southern Pacific Lines ».

Impressive and prefect reproduction of the prototype nr 4274. Commonly known as « Cab Forward » due to the particular positioning of the drivers cab, situated on the front of the Locomotive; This solution was adopted by the “Baldwin Locomotive Works” to alleviate the reduced visibility of the drivers, as the y had many tunnels on the Sierra Nevada routes. The wheel arrangement of  4-8-8-2, The Rivarossi model has a high powered motor, which works on a double cardanic transmission, which in turn activates two separate groups of wheel units comprising of 4 axles. Even though a big model, is has a docile and smooth running capability; and thanks also to the articulation, it can work or minimum radius corners 400 mm. Front headlamp is fully operational, as so id the gearings, Tender with « Buckeye »

The colour scheme  is twin tone gray aluminium on the smoke chamber, and lower part of  the ash pan and the lower part of the front  cabin, is that of the prototype. The inscriptions, accurately reproduced, are  of the post 1947, when the word “lines” was removed from the original inscriptions on the side of the tender.

Produced by  Rivarossi from 1966 until 1999 - In the livery of the Southern Pacific Lines

4-6-0 Steam loco with Tender – Ten Wheeler

“Casey Jones” - ICRR

A model that was  very realistic and detailed of the American Locomotive 4-6-0 named Casey Jones » of the Railway company « Illinois Central». Quite remarkable the  numerous brass details added just like on the prototype.

Produced by Rivarossi from 1975 till 1979,  In the livery Illinois Central 

Articulated - Steam Locomotive 4-6-6-4 Challenger

Between 1942 and 1944 the UP received these locomotives, to use them on passenger service on the lines with  high gradients in the  “west” of the US. In 1946, for use with the streamlined carriages , the colours scheme of the loco passed from black to  gray with orange lining, some were give also smoke deflectors. A total of 65 Challengers’ were modified.  The Rivarossi model reproduces the prototype 3975 in this latest attractive livery.

Articulated Steam train 4-6-6-4 "Challenger" 3985 of the "Union Pacific". This Rivarossi model reproduces the prototype "UP 3985". Is has been saved from demolition together with "UP 3977". They are maintained in perfect running condition, as often used to haul railway enthusiasts.  The model is in the same colour of the prototype black and graphite silver.

The main characteristics are the high traction power, docile movement, and  the articulation of the powered wheels and  bogies, which permits this loco  to work on minimum radius corners of 400mm. The front headlamp is working.

Produced by  Rivarossi from 1975 to 1996, In the livery of the Union Pacific,  Denver & Rio Grande Western, Clinchfield

Steam Locomotive "Chapelon" Class 231E SNCF "French Pacific"

 The first locomotives of this class with 4-6-2  wheel arrangement (Pacific) appeared in 1909 and were built up to 1937.  In 1926  M. Chapelon devised a series of improvements to thermal efficiency, which he applied to a first batch of locomotives of the  PO Class 3500. This led to a substantial increase in power compared to the original engines. The name "Chapelon" or Super Pacific was given to these locomotives, as they became a familiar sight  running expresses in northern France.  Among the improvements applied by Chapelon  were the fitting of valves to the Walschaert gear instead of sliding drawers . The prototype was capable of reaching a maximum speed of 140 km/h, and in running order the locomotive weighed 183 tons. 

In September 1935 at Chantilly, one of these locomotives reached the remarkable speed of 174 km/h down a gradient of  1 in 200. The model ref.no.1331 is in the characteristic brown livery of the French Nord Railways, like the prototype, preserved in the French Railway Museum of Mulhouse. This locomotive was tasked at the time to pull one of the most beautiful trains in Europe, "The Flèche D 'Or " (The Golden Arrow), on the Paris-Calais route. 

The models are equipped with operating headlights.  Produced by Rivarossi from 1967 until 1993

Steam Locomotive 4-6-2 - Heavy Pacific

Locomotives of the « Pacific » class, with wheel arrangement  4-6-2, were built in great quantities in the US from  1902 until the 1930s.

They were designed for passenger service, but also used for high speed goods traffic: the Pacific’s were in fact for many years the expression of speed in the domain of rail transport, and stayed like that, until the arrival of other types of Locomotives more powerful, and “racer like” With many in use, it’s calculated that in the USA approximately 6800 were built, it would look like that only on the basis of projects done my USRA in the years previous the1st World War, there finally was a standardization of construction specs.

In the 20s , as already mentioned, the Pacific’s had the monopoly on passenger service routes. They were hauling trains with prestigious names, and contributed, for their part, to favour the increasing  development of a dynamic Nation under constant expansion.

The classic black version produced by Rivarossi from 1973 until 1980. - In the following liveries: Santa Fe, Pennsylvania, Chesapeake & Ohio,  Chicago & North Western,   Chicago Burlington & Quincy,   Erie

Steam Locomotive 0-4-4-0 - HeISLER

Geared Steam Locomotive type HEISLER.

Of “geared"  locomotives there are three types: Shay, Climax, Heisler. All have a «body» boiler driver’s cabin and coal and water deposit all on one chassis with geared transmission to the wheels, thus the name “geared locomotive”.

The steam engine is different on all three of the models, just as, is its position on the chassis. In any case is it a locomotive with a high revolutions, which is linked  by a transmission geared to reduce and powering the driving wheels which are of a smaller size than normal, and since all wheels are powered this produces high power of traction, low speed, and give the loco excellent traction grip. The loco therefore is ideal for high gradient track, tight corners, and tortuous tracks, where a normal Locomotive with a rigid chassis and main driving rods could not operate.

On the Heisler type the body  of the Loco lies on two or three bogies with four wheels each, the motor in centrally positioned with its two cylinders in a V 90° configuration. The main transmission shaft is positioned longitudinally to the chassis , and lets the loco move via an articulated transmission shaft that drives a cone toothed pinion  on a crowned pinion at the centre of the axles on each of the bogies. This axle moves the one next via linkage rods on the exterior of the wheels.  Geared Steam train type Heisler with three powered bogies.  This model is of another prototype of the "Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company", which has the traditional  loco, with an added powered tender, thus a three powered bogie. Thus increased traction, compared to the initial two bogied version, without increasing the specific axel weight, which is an important detail, which lets the loco transit on bridges, viaducts, and lines with limited track/axle  /weight ratio.

In the model all three  bogies are powered with transmission with external rods like in the original. All gearings are functional; as so are the lamps, one on the front of the boiler, and the other on the roof of the cabin.

Produced by Rivarossi from 1974 until 1994

These locomotives were used for the transport of  trees cut in forests; so therefore were used by actual Lumber companies, and not railroad companies. Which linked the different areas of the forest where they were felling trees, with  rather less precise tracks, to let the felled trees be moved out of the actual felling area.

Produced in the liveries of:  - "Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company", - "Coos Bay Lumber Company", - "Deep River Logging Company", - "Pacific Lumber Company", - "West Side Lumber Company", - "Beaver Logging Company", - "Tioga & Lumber Company", - "Cass Scenic", - "Green Brier & Elk River", - "The Ohio Match Company", - "Salmone Creck Lumber Company"  - non decorated .

Steam Locomotive 4-6-4 HUDSON CLASS J3A

American steam train, with tender, for high speed passenger service. Type « Hudson » Class  J 3 a  of the  « New York Central".

Wheel arrangement 4-6-4 with Box Pok drivers,  a Elesco pre heater, Baker gearing fully functioning. A 14000 gallon tender (30t) with water scoop, and mounted on Commonwealth type triple  axle bogies. 

The famous passenger train the «20th Century Limited » which linked New York a Chicago, via Buffalo, on a route totalling 980 miles, this task was undertaken by two of these Steam trains on a double header  configuration.

Produced by Rivarossi from 1966 until 1994 (last year that I have any info) In the liveries : New York Central, Chesapeake & Ohio, Boston & Albany, and an   all black version.

Steam Locomotive 2-8-8-2 Y6B MALLET

This particular articulated design is based upon standards praduced during World War I by the U.S.R.A. "United States Raitroad Administration", and the Norfolk & Western had various, less powerful, classes of similar wheels arrangements prior to the appearance of the final and most modem of tbc series-Class Y6b. Deliveries of Y6b's began in 1936 and were constructed in the railroad's own Roanoke Shops-a big boom to the local economy. This class was designed to pull very heavy trains at an average of 30-miles per hour, but they were so well balanced that under favorable conditions they could make 50 miles an hour without damage to either the rails or their chassis. Each Y6b in later years cast tbc company $260,(}00 each, as compared io the earliest versions-class Y3 of World War I, which only cost $91,569 a piece. In later years ali classes of these articulated locomotives had their drivers increased to 58" diameter. Some statistics on the Y6b include: steam pressure: 300 Ibs.; tractive effort: compound 126,838, simple 152,206; Weight of engine and tender 990,120 lbs.; while tbc tenders had a water capacity of 22,000 gallons and a coal capacity of 30 tons. Roller bearings on alt engine and tender axles. Road numbers for this class began with 2171. Later the N&W sold some of these locomotives to various railroads, amongst them-the Santa Fe, the Pennsylvania, the Virginian. These engines had lo be rugged since most of the terrain they operated aver was mountainous and their trains usually consisted of fully loaded coal hopper cars from the mines.

The articulated Locomotive type Mallet "Y 6 b'' of the "Norfolk & Western". A perfect and impressive reproduction of the prototype nr 2197, quite unique in its kind. High power motor, with cardanic transmission, which activated two powered groups of wheels for a total of 4 axles per group. Even if a big model is has a docile and smooth running capability; and thanks also to the articulation, it can work or minimum radius corners 400 mm. Front headlamp is fully operational, as so id the gearings, Tender with « Buckeye » bogies.

This model can be used on the turntable. As it has relative function already mounted.

Produced by Rivarossi from 1946 until 1977 - In the liveries of: Norfolk & Western, Santa Fe, Pennsylvania, and a generic non decorated version.

Steam Locomotive 2-8-2 MIKADO

American Steam Locomotive with tender « Heavy Mikado » wheel arrangement 2-8-2. Walschaerts gearing and distribution. The model is a faithful reproduction of the prototype built under the USRA regulations. This type of locomotive was widely used with different companies in the US, amongst them the New York Central, Erie, Great Northern. It’s a classic style of locomotive, for use on goods trains. On the model the front  headlamp  is working.

Produced by  Rivarossi from 1974 to 1983

In the livery  ERIE,  Chigago Burlington & Quincy,   Great Northern,  M-K-T (Missouri-Kansas-Texas),  Chesapeake & Ohio

Steam Locomotive  4-4-0  RENO & GENOA

In 1830 the US were still in the Wild West age.  The construction of the railroad was carried out with a low budget, in a gradual manner, seeking routes that allowed for limited construction of bridges and tunnels (thus more economical). Even the sub ballast of the tracks was rather approximate. This mixture of limitations, also had effect of the size of the locomotives wheel arrangement, which had to be more agile than powerful.

In 1837, Henry Campbell invented 4 wheel power drive which lead to the use of the wheel arrangement 4-4-0 later known as the "American Standard” due to its wide use. . This term was soon shortened to “American” but the name “eight-Wheeler" was more approrpiate.  Between 1872 and 1873, Baldwin had constructed probably the majority of all the known locomotives in the “Far West” .  Reno, Genoa and  Inyo, which are considered the most beautiful locomotives ever built, were later modified from wood burning to  Oil, and are still today conserved in museums and used occasionally in the odd Western Movie.

GENOA

An exceptional reproduction of the  American Locomotive type «Genoa» built in 1873 by the Baldwin Company of Philadelphia for the Virgina and Truckee Railway Company.  Produced by Rivarossi froml 1975 till 1980 - In the liveries of:  Virginia & Truckee,  Kansas City St. Louis & Chicago.  Produced on a Pocher  design, and also sold under the Pocher brand name from 1964/65 then marked Rivarossi from 1975 to 2001 - The Genoa was the first and the only "American" made by Pocher in Torino.  Pocher version born in 1964/65 in livery V&T, code 802/2/PO. Only in USA in 1967 was issued also in Western & Atlantic livery

RENO

An exceptional reproduction of the  American Locomotive type «RENO» running under the Virgina and Truckee Railway Company. Produced by Rivarossi from1975 till 1979 In the liveries of:  Virginia & Truckee,  Kansas City St. Louis & Chicago, Western & Atlantic, Baltimore & Ohio Produced on a Pocher  design, and also sold under the Pocher brand name from 1966/67 then marked Rivarossi from 1975 to 2001 Pocher version in livery V&T, born in 1966 with code 804/2L/PO

RENO

Steam Locomotive 4-6-2 USRA - Light Pacific