Re: New steamer
Hi Tony, The only reason I can think why Aster did it was to avoid a screw cap on the the top of the boiler resulting in complaints from rivet counters. The KGV lubricator works very well and remember, it is 13 years old, excellent design. Cosmetically the A3 design is great but I bet you the way the oil line feeds the engine, the inside cylinder done gits the oil first and that is where most of it stays. . Heck as long as the outside cylinders get a tad of oil, no problem. Incidentally, condensation does reach the A3 lubricator but I can't determine if it is from the steam inlet valve for priming the line or from the engine. Next run I will fill the line with oil by filling the boiler with compressed air and then run the loco on steam without using the steam admission valve. Then I can determine what condensation reachs the lubricator from the engine WHEW! Thanks for your input, Steam on,Geoff. Hi Geoff, Agree on lubricator. I did not have a problem with it being at the front as per KGV and U1, and passage to cylinders was very short. Wonder if Aster got carried away with the form and fit of the A3 lubricator, and let the long steam pipes of function take care of itself?. Only time and usage will tell. Meanwhile will drain from the top!. Have a great day, Regards. Tony D. - Original Message - From: Geoff Spenceley [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, October 11, 2004 1:05 PM Subject: Re: New steamer Hi Tony, The Lubricator on the A3--I 'm not fond of it and I am not aware it has a drain and if it did it would be impossible to reach. Anyway on all my locos I find it easier to draw the water out with a needle syringe--it's much quicker for me. I don't pull out the oil just the water and mixed gunk . BTW, none of the Asters I have owned or currently own have lubricator drains. I do wish that the A3 had the lubricator in the smoke box a la the KGV because on the A3 the steam feed valve to start the flow of oil from the lubricator to the engine has to be used-- and it's a long tube running the length of the boiler before in feeds the engine which means it a long hike for the condensation to go back up the tube and displace the oil. This was done for good reason by Aster however, as it avoids the lubricator being too obvious and any screw heads spoiling fidelity to the prototype.
Re: New steamer
Hi Geoff, Met with David, the new steamer with the Scotsman in Santa Rosa late last Thursday, and had a good chat on live steam topics etc. Very nice engine in BR dark green colours, which I prefer over the apple green model. Personally I would dispense with the german smoke deflectors, but liked the double blast chimney. Probable because that was the way I saw some of the originals. I plan on stopping by again one evening with a rolling road this coming week, as David has no track. (my own is in sad shape also, no free daytime now). Question-During quick inspection, I could not find the cylinder lubricator drain cock/valve. Instructions not very specific, tell where to fill but no drain info. Thought it would be under the oil filler, but not so. Where be it?. Do you have to draw the lube back out through the filler cap?.al.la KGV/U1. Have a great day, Regards, Tony D. - Original Message - From: Geoff Spenceley (by way of Dave Cole) [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, October 03, 2004 6:21 PM Subject: Re: New steamer Hi Tony, Many Thanks--I don't know him, I just received a call from him as Jim Pitts gave him my name--he bought the A3 from Jim. He sounds like a nice fellow, hails from Bournemouth. It would be great if you gave him a call--I don't know if he has track or not, but you steam it across his living room floor. Let me know how you fare. He'll learn well from you and you could both have fun while yer away from home. P.S--I just phoned him and he tells me you have contacted him--fantastic--I also warned him about you!! Geoff Hi Geoff, Although living in Livermore, 90+ miles from Santa Rosa. I am working on a project at a company in Petaluma for 3-4 days week, which is only about 10-12 miles from Santa Rosa. I could call on David and arrange to meet one afternoon/evening. Does he have a track to run on locally?. Mine is a little beat up as I have to work!, and not runnable at this time. Would be happy to help and relax for an hour or so. Regards, Tony D. At 07:12 PM 10/1/04 -0700, Geoff Spenceley wrote: Ladies and Gentlemen of the Live steam world, I have been contacted by a gentleman in Santa Rosa ( a fellow ex Brit) who has just acquired an Aster BR Flying Scotsman and he has been referred to me by Jim Pitts as a possible assist for his first steaming. However, I live about 200 miles north of Santa Rosa--so is there any steamer close by to Santa Rosa who could have fun with him on the first steaming of this lovely loco. He talks funny like me but is also charming like me. OK. OK- I'll say no more! Name: David Fry tel. 707-539-3714. Thankyou steamers, please let me know. Geoff.
Re: New steamer
Hi Tony, Glad you are getting together with David and having fun! We had the local annual Oktoberfest at our railway on Sat -- there are only 5 local steamers, all NG--'cept me. We had a ton of fun and the brats' and beer helped, well seasoned with a lot of B.S! No accidents, no fires, just a minor derailment caused by the hand of God.--bloody dull! The Lubricator on the A3--I 'm not fond of it and I am not aware it has a drain and if it did it would be impossible to reach. Anyway on all my locos I find it easier to draw the water out with a needle syringe--it's much quicker for me. I don't pull out the oil just the water and mixed gunk . BTW, none of the Asters I have owned or currently own have lubricator drains. I do wish that the A3 had the lubricator in the smoke box a la the KGV because on the A3 the steam feed valve to start the flow of oil from the lubricator to the engine has to be used-- and it's a long tube running the length of the boiler before in feeds the engine which means it a long hike for the condensation to go back up the tube and displace the oil. This was done for good reason by Aster however, as it avoids the lubricator being too obvious and any screw heads spoiling fidelity to the prototype. Right, I am an Aster fan--I blow hot air too! That's my epistle, You have a great day too! Regards Geoff Hi Geoff, Met with David, the new steamer with the Scotsman in Santa Rosa late last Thursday, and had a good chat on live steam topics etc. Very nice engine in BR dark green colours, which I prefer over the apple green model. Personally I would dispense with the german smoke deflectors, but liked the double blast chimney. Probable because that was the way I saw some of the originals. I plan on stopping by again one evening with a rolling road this coming week, as David has no track. (my own is in sad shape also, no free daytime now). Question-During quick inspection, I could not find the cylinder lubricator drain cock/valve. Instructions not very specific, tell where to fill but no drain info. Thought it would be under the oil filler, but not so. Where be it?. Do you have to draw the lube back out through the filler cap?.al.la KGV/U1. Have a great day, Regards, Tony D.
Re: New steamer
Hi Geoff, Agree on lubricator. I did not have a problem with it being at the front as per KGV and U1, and passage to cylinders was very short. Wonder if Aster got carried away with the form and fit of the A3 lubricator, and let the long steam pipes of function take care of itself?. Only time and usage will tell. Meanwhile will drain from the top!. Have a great day, Regards. Tony D. - Original Message - From: Geoff Spenceley [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, October 11, 2004 1:05 PM Subject: Re: New steamer Hi Tony, Glad you are getting together with David and having fun! We had the local annual Oktoberfest at our railway on Sat -- there are only 5 local steamers, all NG--'cept me. We had a ton of fun and the brats' and beer helped, well seasoned with a lot of B.S! No accidents, no fires, just a minor derailment caused by the hand of God.--bloody dull! The Lubricator on the A3--I 'm not fond of it and I am not aware it has a drain and if it did it would be impossible to reach. Anyway on all my locos I find it easier to draw the water out with a needle syringe--it's much quicker for me. I don't pull out the oil just the water and mixed gunk . BTW, none of the Asters I have owned or currently own have lubricator drains. I do wish that the A3 had the lubricator in the smoke box a la the KGV because on the A3 the steam feed valve to start the flow of oil from the lubricator to the engine has to be used-- and it's a long tube running the length of the boiler before in feeds the engine which means it a long hike for the condensation to go back up the tube and displace the oil. This was done for good reason by Aster however, as it avoids the lubricator being too obvious and any screw heads spoiling fidelity to the prototype. Right, I am an Aster fan--I blow hot air too! That's my epistle, You have a great day too! Regards Geoff Hi Geoff, Met with David, the new steamer with the Scotsman in Santa Rosa late last Thursday, and had a good chat on live steam topics etc. Very nice engine in BR dark green colours, which I prefer over the apple green model. Personally I would dispense with the german smoke deflectors, but liked the double blast chimney. Probable because that was the way I saw some of the originals. I plan on stopping by again one evening with a rolling road this coming week, as David has no track. (my own is in sad shape also, no free daytime now). Question-During quick inspection, I could not find the cylinder lubricator drain cock/valve. Instructions not very specific, tell where to fill but no drain info. Thought it would be under the oil filler, but not so. Where be it?. Do you have to draw the lube back out through the filler cap?.al.la KGV/U1. Have a great day, Regards, Tony D.
Re: New steamer
Hi Tony, Many Thanks--I don't know him, I just received a call from him as Jim Pitts gave him my name--he bought the A3 from Jim. He sounds like a nice fellow, hails from Bournemouth. It would be great if you gave him a call--I don't know if he has track or not, but you steam it across his living room floor. Let me know how you fare. He'll learn well from you and you could both have fun while yer away from home. P.S--I just phoned him and he tells me you have contacted him--fantastic--I also warned him about you!! Geoff Hi Geoff, Although living in Livermore, 90+ miles from Santa Rosa. I am working on a project at a company in Petaluma for 3-4 days week, which is only about 10-12 miles from Santa Rosa. I could call on David and arrange to meet one afternoon/evening. Does he have a track to run on locally?. Mine is a little beat up as I have to work!, and not runnable at this time. Would be happy to help and relax for an hour or so. Regards, Tony D. At 07:12 PM 10/1/04 -0700, Geoff Spenceley wrote: Ladies and Gentlemen of the Live steam world, I have been contacted by a gentleman in Santa Rosa ( a fellow ex Brit) who has just acquired an Aster BR Flying Scotsman and he has been referred to me by Jim Pitts as a possible assist for his first steaming. However, I live about 200 miles north of Santa Rosa--so is there any steamer close by to Santa Rosa who could have fun with him on the first steaming of this lovely loco. He talks funny like me but is also charming like me. OK. OK- I'll say no more! Name: David Fry tel. 707-539-3714. Thankyou steamers, please let me know. Geoff.
Re: New steamer
Tony Geoff: Bring him to the three day October steamup here in Las Vegas. That should get him off to a great start. Cheers Clark Clark B Lord - Las Vegas, Nevada USA Las Vegas Live Steamers - Gauge 1 live steam Geoff Spenceley (by way of Dave Cole) wrote: Hi Tony, Many Thanks--I don't know him, I just received a call from him as Jim Pitts gave him my name--he bought the A3 from Jim. He sounds like a nice fellow, hails from Bournemouth. It would be great if you gave him a call--I don't know if he has track or not, but you steam it across his living room floor. Let me know how you fare. He'll learn well from you and you could both have fun while yer away from home. P.S--I just phoned him and he tells me you have contacted him--fantastic--I also warned him about you!! Geoff Hi Geoff, Although living in Livermore, 90+ miles from Santa Rosa. I am working on a project at a company in Petaluma for 3-4 days week, which is only about 10-12 miles from Santa Rosa. I could call on David and arrange to meet one afternoon/evening. Does he have a track to run on locally?. Mine is a little beat up as I have to work!, and not runnable at this time. Would be happy to help and relax for an hour or so. Regards, Tony D. At 07:12 PM 10/1/04 -0700, Geoff Spenceley wrote: Ladies and Gentlemen of the Live steam world, I have been contacted by a gentleman in Santa Rosa ( a fellow ex Brit) who has just acquired an Aster BR Flying Scotsman and he has been referred to me by Jim Pitts as a possible assist for his first steaming. However, I live about 200 miles north of Santa Rosa--so is there any steamer close by to Santa Rosa who could have fun with him on the first steaming of this lovely loco. He talks funny like me but is also charming like me. OK. OK- I'll say no more! Name: David Fry tel. 707-539-3714. Thankyou steamers, please let me know. Geoff.
New steamer
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Live steam world, I have been contacted by a gentleman in Santa Rosa ( a fellow ex Brit) who has just acquired an Aster BR Flying Scotsman and he has been referred to me by Jim Pitts as a possible assist for his first steaming. However, I live about 200 miles north of Santa Rosa--so is there any steamer close by to Santa Rosa who could have fun with him on the first steaming of this lovely loco. He talks funny like me but is also charming like me. OK. OK- I'll say no more! Name: David Fry tel. 707-539-3714. Thankyou steamers, please let me know. Geoff.
Re: New Steamer
Michael, The fuel is Butane, and the instructions are good. Since I was at a steam up I had lots of fellow steamers to help me! I would recommend that you get a goodal valve to replace the filler cap though. That way you can get longer run times. I did that this spring and have not regretted it. Terry Griner Columbus Ohio USA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 07/22/02 04:03PM Thanks for the first hand info, I guess I'm gonna try one. What type of fuel does it use? Are all the instructions adequate, clear? Thanks Michael - Original Message - From: Terry Griner [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, July 22, 2002 6:54 AM Subject: Re: New Steamer Michael, I bought my first loco at the Midwest steam up in 2001, It was a Ruby/Ida and ran it out of the box! Never had a problem. I'd say that for a starter Loco, you can't go wrong. Terry Griner Columbus Ohio USA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 07/21/02 08:44PM Question for all yous experienced water boilers.
Re: New Steamer
Thnks for the info, I found the instructions on the Accucraft web page as pointed out by another member. Where did you find the Goodall Valve? Thanks Michael Florida USA Iron Nut - Original Message - From: Terry Griner [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2002 7:02 AM Subject: Re: New Steamer Michael, The fuel is Butane, and the instructions are good. Since I was at a steam up I had lots of fellow steamers to help me! I would recommend that you get a goodal valve to replace the filler cap though. That way you can get longer run times. I did that this spring and have not regretted it. Terry Griner Columbus Ohio USA
Re: New Steamer
I got my from Sulphur Springs. They also have steam oil. Their web page is; http://www.sssmodels.com/ Check it out, they are very helpful. (Standard Disclaimer applies) Terry Griner Columbus Ohio USA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 07/23/02 08:13AM Thnks for the info, I found the instructions on the Accucraft web page as pointed out by another member. Where did you find the Goodall Valve? Thanks Michael Florida USA Iron Nut - Original Message - From: Terry Griner [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2002 7:02 AM Subject: Re: New Steamer Michael, The fuel is Butane, and the instructions are good. Since I was at a steam up I had lots of fellow steamers to help me! I would recommend that you get a goodal valve to replace the filler cap though. That way you can get longer run times. I did that this spring and have not regretted it. Terry Griner Columbus Ohio USA
Re: New Steamer
Sulpher Springs Steam Models has them . a goodal valve to replace the filler cap though. That way you can get longer run times.
Re: New Steamer
Michael, I bought my first loco at the Midwest steam up in 2001, It was a Ruby/Ida and ran it out of the box! Never had a problem. I'd say that for a starter Loco, you can't go wrong. Terry Griner Columbus Ohio USA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 07/21/02 08:44PM Question for all yous experienced water boilers. Being new to Live Steam and not really rich I wanna seriously get a Ruby for my first steamer. I have read various references and comments about the Ruby being good for the price you pay and OK for a simple inexpensive machine or comments to that effect. Is it reall very quirky and do you have to work the bugs out? And, can a new guy work the bugs out or will I just get frustrated? All comments welcome. Thanks Michael Florida USA
Re: New Steamer
Hi Michael, I am the proud owner of an Ida (saddle tank version of the Ruby). It is my first, and so far only, live steamer. In the two months that I have owned it, I have not had any problems. I have steamed it up about 40 times by now, including quite a bit of time on the live steam track at the Garden RR convention. This little loco has done quite a bit to re-enthuse me on the Model RR hobby. I have several local resources for help, and this is important for a first time steamer. I was able to fire the Ida up by myself, and run it on blocks for the first week or two, before I was able to show it off, and gain the help of my local resources who are live steamers. The instructions that come from Accucraft are sufficient. The problems that you may read about with Ruby in the archives have mostly been corrected, and what arrives from the Accucraft dealer will most likely run very well right out of the box. My one suggestion is to order your steam oil at the same time as your Ruby. Otherwise you'll be like me. Have the loco, wanting to fire it up, but unable to because of lack of the proper lubricant. Buy a Ruby, you won't be sorry. Regards, Mitch Nearhood Date: Sun, 21 Jul 2002 20:44:01 -0400 From: Michael Denning [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: New Steamer Question for all yous experienced water boilers. Being new to Live Steam and not really rich I wanna seriously get a Ruby for my first steamer. I have read various references and comments about the Ruby being good for the price you pay and OK for a simple inexpensive machine or comments to that effect. Is it reall very quirky and do you have to work the bugs out? And, can a new guy work the bugs out or will I just get frustrated? All comments welcome. Thanks Michael Florida USA -- End of sslivesteam-Digest #885 - This digest came from sslivesteam, which is a group discussion list sponsored by David M. Cole. If you no longer wish to receive these messages, send e-mail to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED].
Re: New Steamer
Thanks for the first hand info, I guess I'm gonna try one. What type of fuel does it use? Are all the instructions adequate, clear? Thanks Michael - Original Message - From: Terry Griner [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, July 22, 2002 6:54 AM Subject: Re: New Steamer Michael, I bought my first loco at the Midwest steam up in 2001, It was a Ruby/Ida and ran it out of the box! Never had a problem. I'd say that for a starter Loco, you can't go wrong. Terry Griner Columbus Ohio USA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 07/21/02 08:44PM Question for all yous experienced water boilers.
Re: New Steamer
Thanks for the reply, You've assuaged my fears enough for me to start with the Ruby. Thanks Michael - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, July 22, 2002 8:38 AM Subject: Re: New Steamer Hi Michael, I am the proud owner of an Ida (saddle tank version of the Ruby). It is my first, and so far only, live steamer. In the two months that I have owned it, I have not had any problems. I have steamed it up about 40 times by now, including quite a bit of time on the live steam track at the Garden RR convention. This little loco has done quite a bit to re-enthuse me on the Model RR hobby. I have several local resources for help, and this is important for a first time steamer. I was able to fire the Ida up by myself, and run it on blocks for the first week or two, before I was able to show it off, and gain the help of my local resources who are live steamers. The instructions that come from Accucraft are sufficient. The problems that you may read about with Ruby in the archives have mostly been corrected, and what arrives from the Accucraft dealer will most likely run very well right out of the box. My one suggestion is to order your steam oil at the same time as your Rub! y. Otherwise you'll be like me. Have the loco, wanting to fire it up, but unable to because of lack of the proper lubricant. Buy a Ruby, you won't be sorry. Regards, Mitch Nearhood Date: Sun, 21 Jul 2002 20:44:01 -0400 From: Michael Denning [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: New Steamer Question for all yous experienced water boilers.
Re: New Steamer
At 4:03 PM -0400 7/22/02, Michael Denning wrote:
What type of fuel does it use?
Are all the instructions adequate, clear?
michael:
the simple answer to the fuel question is butane. many of us use
isobutane and some use a 80-20 butane/propane combination (such as
the Gaz brand).
you will find that the cigarette lighter refills work fine, except
that they cost too much. you can find butane cans with the cigarette
lighter connectors (aka Ronson nozzle) at many outdoor, sports and
camping supply stores and you can find more (usually cheaper)
isobutane and 80-20 butane/propane cans there as well. the isobutane
and 80-20 cans need special screw-on or clamp-on nozzle (these can be
obtained from many fine live steam accessory suppliers).
you can get a very detailed explanation of live steam fuels, written
by kevin o'connor, at
http://www.southernsteamtrains.com/notes/bestfuelgas.htm
and as mitch nearhood said yesterday, don't forget the steam oil: it
is not something you can find at your local hardware store or auto
supply store; it's special stuff. the ruby is not shipped with steam
oil (though there are a couple of dealers who provide a small bottle
when you buy a ruby from them) and you should make certain that you
have some on-hand the day the ruby arrives, or you will be very
unhappy. again, many fine live steam accessory suppliers provide
steam oil or you might be able to get some from a local model
engineering club or steam locomotive museum.
i haven't looked at the ruby instructions since mine arrived in 1998
('99?), but i seem to remember that they are fairly adequate.
i always suggest people new to the hobby buy the aster catalog (see
http://www.steamup.com/aster/dealerframe.html). besides the pretty
pictures of locomotives, it also provides a good primer on the safe
use of small-scale engines. it's $15 and worth every penny,
hope this helps.
\dmc
--
^^^
Dave Cole
Gen'l Sup't: Grand Teton Everglades Steam Excursion Co.
Pacifica, Calif. USA http://45mm.com/ mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
List Mom: sslivesteam, the list of small-scale live steamers
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
^^^
Re: New Steamer
You can read the instruction manual at this url: http://www.accucraft.com/pg-manu-ruby.htm That way you can ask questions if there is any Bob
New Steamer
Question for all yous experienced water boilers. Being new to Live Steam and not really rich I wanna seriously get a Ruby for my first steamer. I have read various references and comments about the Ruby being good for the price you pay and OK for a simple inexpensive machine or comments to that effect. Is it reall very quirky and do you have to work the bugs out? And, can a new guy work the bugs out or will I just get frustrated? All comments welcome. Thanks Michael Florida USA
