MTH HO C&O Allegheny Review + Rivarossi Comparison

Today we review the MTH HO Chesapeake and Ohio H8 2-6-6-6 Alleghany Steam Locomotive w/ Protosound 3.0. And we quickly compare it with the Rivarossi counterpart. Enjoy!
Chapters:
0:00 - Pros
5:38 - Variations
7:02 - Drawbacks
12:51 - Rivarossi Comparison
17:31 - Conclusion

[@thomasavensjr.2790]

Very impressive review of C&O Allegheny locomotive models from both MTH and Rivarossi, the Alleghenies are incredible examples of steam power and are among some of my personal favorite types of articulated locomotives. The mth model I assume has more weight but the Rivarossi model has a more accurate appearance, I heard that Rivarossi is releasing a new run of the C&O Alleghenies either later this year or early next year. I would really like to see a new release of the Rivarossi Allegheny type locomotives as the last time they produced this locomotive model was back in late 2014, this was an interesting and enjoyable locomotive comparison- Tom.

[@trainman440]

Thanks! actually both models have similar weight, despite MTH's being fully diecast. That's because MTH's has an empty boiler, whereas Rivarossi's plastic shell is filled with lead inside. Both have traction tires so I believe they are fairly similar in pulling power. Yes Rivarossi is doing a rerelease, I believe theyre $450 on trainworld, and after a 10% discount that brings it down to around $400. A VERY reasonable price if you ask me, in 2024. Cheers!

[@admiralseabass8993]

Rivarossi is rereleasing their Allegheny later this year

[@trainman440]

indeed. Retail price is around $500-550. A far more reasonable price than the MTH which are going for much more.

[@varrunningtrains4112]

Very nice review. Surprised the Rivarossi stacked up so favorably in detail compared to the MTH model. In my head the MTH would have been far superior.

[@trainman440]

thanks! rivarossis engine is quite good looking, I dont like the false mentality of "more expensive = better". Its not always true!

[@m3llym3lly]

You mentioned 1601 as being the one H-8 preserved, but 1604 is also preserved.

[@trainman440]

true! I forgot about that.

[@Neb_fallout]

I have a Rivarossi one it is amazing but it is a dust magnet and it has no good pick ups for electric

[@trainman440]

@@Neb_fallout that particular loco is a dust magnet? cause i dont see why the rivarossi loco is any different from other models that would make it attract an unusual amount of dust.

[@Neb_fallout]

@@trainman440 it seems like that because it has less pick up points

[@trainman440]

@@Neb_fallout how so? i thot it picked up on all drivers (minus traction tires) and each half of the tender truck. have you cleaned your track? or the copper wipers?

[@Neb_fallout]

@@trainman440 yes but it just doesn’t stay clean as long as all my other locomotives

[@1471SirFrederickBanbury]

MTHs chin ku detail is just lazy design, not a technology limitation. When even Hornby can make lovely, fine British running boards on ~$100 models (j15 & j36), then Mth are just not good at modelling, they could have easily had the running boards be tapered to be thinner at the ends, just like anyone who has made a white metal kit has done.

[@trainman440]

Gotta also remember the MTH engine was made in 2014. So if youre going to compare, you have to compare with Hornbys fully diecast offerings from 2014. But yes I agree MTH definitely could have made those running boards thinner.