Hey Solomon, I really enjoy your comments to our group. (except for cats!) That is an interesting point you make,-- the steam chest on the Ruby is very similar to air operated equipment and it works very well. The quick response on the Johnson Bar (which it is not really) depends on the porting design in the valve chest.
I like the steam chest in my RC Merlin Matterhorn for example, it is excellent for radio control, on, off and stop all with one servo. I know what you mean about the long line to the steam chest-if I ever alky my Ruby, I'll heat that tube. With the factory butane production, a steam line (with some modifications and SS,) could also be run down the center flue. That condensation is bothersome and it wastes a lot of water. Keep your interest up, Geoff. As an interesting note, I have noticed the same thing on my R/C Ruby. >Johnson bar movements have an immediate response though, I suspect due to >the much shorter steam lines affected. No superheat installed on this >loco yet so all that line has to be filled/heated when the throttle is >adjusted. ;] > >Trot, the fox who wants _real_ valve gear...
