Re: New steamer

[Geoff Spenceley]

 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

[tony dixon]

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

[Geoff Spenceley]

 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

[tony dixon]

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

[Clark Lord]

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.

Re: New steamer

[Geoff Spenceley]

 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

[Norman S. Briskman]

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

[Terry Griner]

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

[Michael Denning]

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

[Terry Griner]

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

[Cgnr]

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 

Re: New Steamer

[Dave Cole]

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  
List Mom: sslivesteam, the list of small-scale live steamers
   

^^^ 

Re: New Steamer

[Michael Denning]

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

[Michael Denning]

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

[nearhood]

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 .
> 
>  
> 

 

Re: New Steamer

[Terry Griner]

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