Posted 1 year ago
otiamaria
(35 items)
These belong to a friend of mine. Neither of us knows anything about model trains, and I was hoping someone here could help me understand what these things are. I'd love to know how old they are. There are two boxed sets from Rivarossi that I don't think have ever been removed from the packaging. What has me even more stumped is the two-piece green and yellow Great Northern railroad cars. Those two are very heavy! Those two cars probably outweigh a whole Rivarossi set! They really brought me back to my youth when I had a little train that I played with. It also was made of metal and very heavy. I'd appreciate any insights on these trains! Thank you in advance!
I would suggest you go to ebay about your train sets. There's a wealth of information and if your interested in values look for the sold prices. Whenever i need info about anything that's always my first stop.
Nice models! The metal ones, do they have any markings? maybe the brand at the bottom? i also leave this link about Rivarossi https://uk.rivarossi.com/about-rivarossi?langSelect=true
The locomotives are either E or F units. Probably an F7A and F7B. The B units are locomotives with no cabs. E units have 3 axle trucks and F units have 2.
@Lata ... I've really tried my best to scrutinize ever area on the underside of the two cars, but haven't been able to find much of anything. I've heard that sometimes info can be in locations that you can't see unless you take apart the car
.. obviously I'm not going to be able to do that ????. I'll have another look at it though. I have a somewhat rare eye disease (keratoconus) so it's been challenging to find marks.
Thanks to all for your input! I grew up next to train tracks, and listening to a train roll through scary every 30 minutes was normal for me.
RIVAROSSI is an old hat, in the model train business. They started in the 50’s, if memory serves me correctly, and are, as their name implies, an Italian firm, noted for being VERY high quality. For a good many years, they were a part of Associated Hobby Manufacturers, better known as AHM. They were pretty much the only ones who made AHM passenger cars, and offered several locomotives, along with several other model makers. When AHM disbanded, RIVAROSSI continued on their own, offering the sets seen here. I have both of these in the AHM boxes, but identical in every way. RIVAROSSI also made some outstanding steam locomotives, to go along with these great sets. These two schemes are a bit more uncommon, and the sets, with a loco, tend to fetch a pretty good price.
As to the Great Northern, those are an ABA set of F units, that look to be detailed Athearn units. Athearn needs little explanation, having been one of the most successful model makers, in the US. Their quality is excellent. This scheme was called “The Empire Builder”, a nickname bestowed upon the founder of GN, James J Hill. The Alton Limited was a memes train of the Chicago and Alton, which was merged into the G,M, &O, in the 1940’s. The Blue Comet was a train on the Central of New Jersey. All great models! Nice collection!