Rivarossi Challenger Happy Update

From what I can see, with the deep flanges and what appears to be a 3-pole motor, that's a pretty old model (Think 1980's.)  Factory DCC, let alone sound was a pipe dream back then.  All the power pick ups were in the locomotive.  Whatever electronics it has is purely after-market.  Might be an equally old Model-tronics sound system.

If I recall correctly, the headlight bulb is in the frame somewhere and a light pipe goes to the headlight.

It's been decades since I had one of these apart.

Rusty

sam,

See my email.

Dave

I'm going to take David's advice and put this one back on the auction site as it appears to be too old to invest in further. Great-looking piece for display however but I need a 'runner'.

Are Rivarossi steamers still being produced today?  Am looking at the Athearn Genesis locomotives which I gather are pretty good units?

The only US steam locomotives Rivarossi offers today are the Big Boy, Allegheny, 2 and 3 truck Heislers and a US version of an Army export 0-6-0T.

Rusty

Great news - A young member of the club is familiar with these and offered to have a look. He took it home and discovered that it does indeed have an early Tsunami DCC/sound system and he replaced the headlight with a warm LED. She's up and running pretty well now....

Very nice rescue of a great engine.

I have two 70's vintage HO Rivarossis'- a NYC Hudson and a PRR Y6B Mallet.

Both have required new motors but it was well worth it. They are very detailed and nice looking engines. To bad Rivarossi went out of business . Parts are scarce.

They are both reduced to Christmas tree duty now. Here's the Hudson with my PE set from last year.