> Has anyone seen one of these in action? Are they just a Ruby with an
> extended boiler and an extra set of drivers, or are they closer to an
> Aster in Quality/Functionality?
They are definitely not just a Ruby with more wheels. They're the same
finescale models sold as electrics, but with a live steam running gear. I saw
the prototype run at a steamup a couple of years ago, and as the current crop
gets into buyers' hands the reports are coming in favorable. I just got a note
from Royce Brademan (where are you, guy?), who received his last week,
and he was floating on a cloud. Run time of about an hour with excellent
running and pulling characteristics.
> I just got my Yearly Bonus, plus I have a few other dollars coming and
> would like a good quality Live Steamer. (Under $1.5K) I enjoy my Ruby,
> but I want something that will run for an extended amount of time.
I don't think $1.5 will get you a C-16.
regards,
-vance-
Vance Bass
Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Small-scale live steam resources: http://www.nmia.com/~vrbass
