RE: Re: Ruby seals?
What does the Ruby have in the way of piston seals? Haven't looked inside yet, but the usual is Viton o-rings. -vance- Just a note here regarding seals, o-ring or otherwise. Having just worked on an Aster Baldwin, that interestingly enough seems to have die cast zamac cylinders, I was surprised to find that Aster used 2 cup type seals back-to-back for piston seals. Re: viton seals. Note of caution. If the viton ever gets over heated as in a fire, it will has a by-product that is really nasty, hydrogen floride. I thought Roundhouse used a silicone o-rings in their later locos. The early Asters,Schools and such, used graphited string which seemd to work well although a bit more work initially. GaryB
RE: Re: Ruby seals?
My friend Gary wrote: , I was surprised to find that Aster used 2 cup type seals back-to-back for piston seals. Must have got the idea from Tom Cooper, The two pre '90s Merlins I own have the same type of pistons-teflon or a similar material and there appears to be no wear at all. Water is an adequate lubricant except for the piston valves. Even when I burned up the cylinders (not uncommon for me!) on the Hunslet the pistons were OK. By the way Gary--what are you doing with a Baldwin--I thought you were into 1/32 Brit stuff--or have you deserted the cause? I feel so lonely out here. Where are the rest of you 1/32 limey loco enthusiasts? Come forth and shine! Cantankerous Lord Uncle Geoffrey.
