Rivarossi big boy 4005

I have a '70's vintage 2-8-8-2 Mallett. Not sure if the drive trains are the same but I had to replace the coupling between the motor drive and the trucks. It developed a hairline crack that I missed when mine was experiencing similar symptoms.

I did inspect the 2 drive linkage parts...they appeared to be in good shape....I’m going to remove loco shell and reinspect the 2 parts....all the gears, drive shafts look good....it’s got to be something simple but as always can be the most challenging....to figure out....

RSJB18......can you tell me if the drive pins you put in your 2-8-8-2 fit snug in the groves on the wheel drivers and the top pin driver....I’ve taken my big boy apart rechecked those 2 short drivers and there are no cracks....but the slot groove does appear to be loose fitting....I reassembled and found that the short drivers do move side to side fairly loose....I ran the loco for several minutes and then it locked up again....tap it and it runs....obviously the drive pins and or the little pins that fit in the driver slot is the issue....gear case and shafts all look to be in great condition....let me know..... thanks, EZ Money 

RSJB18......I have reasoned it out my good man....the 2 small drive pins slots are wore over the years....what I did is pinch them closer together so the gear pins fit snugger....I’ll really need to make a set up that fit real good....so far it’s been running 15 minutes....no lock up yet....thanks for your input.....Drive Pins are the Issue......EZ Money 

@EZ Money posted:

RSJB18......I have reasoned it out my good man....the 2 small drive pins slots are wore over the years....what I did is pinch them closer together so the gear pins fit snugger....I’ll really need to make a set up that fit real good....so far it’s been running 15 minutes....no lock up yet....thanks for your input.....Drive Pins are the Issue......EZ Money 

@EZ Money- glad you found a fix. Parts are scarce for these beauties these days. I have a NYC Hudson as well. They are my two favorite HO steamers by far. Had them both since the '70's.

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Had quite a collection of those AHM Rivarossi HO steamers courtesy of a Woolco Dept. Store here in Nashville, TN. I had them on display in my college office. The Hudson was a nice model. 

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My Hudson has gotten beaten up a bit, especially the hand-rails but my Mallett is perfect.

Nice.....my 4-8-8-4 since adjusting the drivers is purring like a kitten....I did put a paint scheme on it to reflect the silver grey color and trimmed the cab roof red to give it Life.....mine was all black.....I enjoy the refreshed look of it now......

Those prices in 1970 were very reasonable for the quality of the products. Wish I still had mine!