Rivarossi Docksider: A Plucky Survivor

One of the most underappreciated vintage HO steamers is a personal favorite of mine. Note that this review only applies to this specific Rivarossi model - not the saddle-tank version, not Life-Like and Tyco's crappy imitations, and not even Rivarossi's own similar but smaller 0-4-0 model. The good ones can be identified by their fully operational Walschaerts valve gear.

[Harrisonidk]

Definitely one of the better smaller 0-4-0s from the old era of model trains, they still hold up today

[NorfolkAndWestern]

Amazing! Just I wish you could upload more you’re videos always bring me joy when I watch them

[w.rustylane]

Perfect wheel quartering as there is absolutely no wobble as it's going down the track. Cheers from eastern TN

[MarkJohnson-vygm]

Michael. I enjoy your channel immensely and refer back to a number of your videos when performing my own maintenance and rebuilds. Thanks!
I believe the original Dockside (not Docksider) was a cast metal model sold by Varney. Also, I've never seen anything other than the saddle tanker referred to as a Dockside.
Thanks again for your videos. Happy Tracks!

[NJEsperantist]

Maybe your postings are infrequent, but they are good, interesting, and informative. I also enjoy how you don't fear altering stock engines to make them more detailed/better running.

[WWIIREBEL]

I have six of these little gems. I have them re-motored as well, but i used small core-less can motors . Because of the small size of the motors, i was able to use the backhead details from old plastic static model locomotives to add detail to the cabs and added flooring and seats.

[TitanicKid]

Nice to see you uploading! I adore the older Rivarossi models, as I've found that the larger locomotives like the Berkshire and FEF (and Big Boy) can run extraordinarily smooth for their age. Plus, they have what is in my opinion the best tender pickup connection ever, without any need for finicky wires that get in the way when you're trying to separate the engine and tender for storage. Seeing this little guy get some upgrades it deserves puts a smile on my face.
Wonderful work good sir, hope to see more in the future!

[JohnDavies-cnro]

I also have one - and also an original Varney 'Little Joe' . I think it's fair to say that these two littler switchers may hold the record for the number of models produced, compared to the number of prototypes. Just about every rtr (and some kit) manufacturer has produced them, in every scale from O gauhe, down through S, HO, to N. And for all I know, there may even have been 1 gauge and TT gauge versions too.

[TheBerkshireMainline]

Always great when Michael uploads! Also I’ve got one of these and hopefully I can also get it up to speed! Well done as usual, my friend!

[NWRJ_WStudios]

Funny story I actually had one of these running on my layout, it never worked the best so I just decided to put it on display. I might try to restore it one day, but for now it looks good where it is.

Cheers Jasper & Willow

[johnjohnston]

Nice running little loco! Love the valve gear and smooth running. Very nice layout, too!

[sirrliv]

I was just thinking the other night that I missed seeing your updates. Glad to see you again whenever you do turn up.
I almost bought one of these little doots at the last train show I went to; it wasn't in the best shape, but it was a runner. Sadly, by the time I was ready to pull the trigger someone else had gotten to it first.

[swiv]

the newer Riva 0-4-0's are not nearly as detailed..you did a great job on the extra detail, i'd like to see that process...loved the drive thru movie scenery, nice layout..

[trainboy]

Lore to this engine. The Westport and Shelter Cove railroad really needed a switcher so they bought a 4-4-0 it worked well but it's long wheelbase to derail or stall so they looked out for a 0-4-0 then at a train museum Michael saw it. It was an older design so no one wanted to buy it then Michael bought it because it reminded him of an old model rail road book after getting it a test run and fine tuned 96 was now a switcher engine but maybe one day it can be a passenger engine

[TheBrandon]

Thats a cool little loco and your layout looks really good too. I had several of the Life-Like saddle tank ones growing up.

[sierravalleyandharborjunction]

I’ve got lots of these old switchers, they are great!!!! Nice channel, I subscribed!

[duck]

Very nice, great for a small switching layout? As Hornby now own Rivarossi if the moulds still exist i wonder if

[caldwellbutler]

Love seeing new content from you. Really one of my favorite channels.

What was your process for grinding down the big Rivarossi flanges? I want to try this but am a little afraid.

[davidwhite]

A wonderful little engine Michael.Captain Kirk seemed very impressed aswell😁

[michaelbarron]

B&O had them from Baldwin for the Pratt St. Line