There are threads here worthy of indexing and preserving. To that end, rather than fill the forum with "sticky" topics, I'm creating this "sticky" index, which will always be handy at the top of this forum - or as Charles (my co-conspirator here) referred to it, "An Encyclopedia of Live Steam." I will be turning these threads into PDFs to ensure the photos are preserved and storing these PDFs permanently on the MLS server. In the meantime, those PDFs which are already done I'm temporarily storing on my domain...
All About Performance - 682kb
Originally posted by Charles The how and why to retrofit an Accucraft Steam engine that has Walschaert valve gear. The reason for a working combination lever (versus non-operational) is that it gives a correct admission timing, at or just after TDC (top dead center). Once the change has been installed this provides expansive working, smoother running and economy of water and fuel. Locomotive overdrive in keeping with a main line image.
Solving My Ruby Burner Problems: - 510kb
Originally posted by maculsay This thread documents all of the off-line written communications between Kevin O’Connor and me. It clearly shows his very systematic engineering approach to determining root causes and controlled application of solutions. Our hope is that this set of messages will serve as a guide to other Ruby owners who might be experiencing similar problems. Understanding that the specific solutions described herein may not solve your problems, but it’s the process reflected within that will assist anyone in getting to a set of solutions.
Dead Leg vs. Passthrough Lubricators - 934kb General technical discussion thread on lubricators and how they function.
Hand Pump - How to Improve - 98kb Discussion of the Hand Pump and clack valve on Accucraft's K-28 and how to improve them. Also applicable to other Accucraft locos.
K-27 Pulling Ability - 59kb
Originally posted by fkrutzke How to modify the suspension and leading and trailing trucks on the Accucraft K-27 to improve pulling ability. Also applicable to other Accucraft locos.
Mogul Valve Block Repair - 61kb
Originally posted by Dave Hottmann How to fix a cracked or broken steam line going into the valve chest on the Accucraft Mogul. Also applicable to other Accucraft locos.
C-16 Side Rod Pin Fix - 94kb
Originally posted by highpressure How to repair worn side rod pins on the Accucraft C-16 which can cause the drivers to wobble. Also applicable to certain other Accucraft locos.
Coal Fired Ruby - 478kb
Originally posted by highpressure Illustrates making a new coal fired boiler for a Ruby. Also contains a wealth of information on related subjects such as silver soldering, flux, soldering techniques, and some machining and metal working techniques.
Hinge Your K-27 Cab Roof - 194kb
Originally posted by highpressure Make a hinge for your K-27 cab roof. Also applicable to other Accucraft locos.
All About Admissions, Valve Timing, and Valve Tuning - 1.02mb This is a compilation of several related threads into one file... - Inside Admission and Air Tuning a Ruby Originally posted by Dave Hottmann
- Colored Valve Timing Diagram Originally posted by Brooks
- Ruby 2 Dual Adjustable Eccentrics???? Originally posted by Dave Hottmann
- Tuning Air Originally posted by Dave Hottmann
- Inside/Outside Admission? Originally posted by Cougar Rock Rail
Early Accucraft locomotives with piston valves... - Ruby, Ida, and all the Ruby variants
- The two and three cylinder Shays
run better in reverse than they do in forward. This can be corrected by reversing the eccentrics and, consequently, the steam admission to the valves, and then re-timing the valves. Later Accucraft locomotives with piston valves... come from the factory with correct steam admission, but can still be improved by re-timing the valves. This series of threads explains in great detail how to do both, including special tools needed.
Tuscarora Valley #2 Builder's Log - 1.99mb
Originally posted by East Broad Top Kevin Strong's builder's log describing how he built a Ruby into a beautiful little Tuscarora Valley #2 Forney.
Building the Aster Berkshire Kit in two parts... Part A - 1.71mb
Part B - 1.47mb
Originally posted by Charles Charles and Ryan Bednarik's builder's log documenting in detail what it took to build the Aster Nickel Plate Berkshire from a kit. A compilation of several threads. Many photos.
Accucraft GS-4 Mods Cont. - 632kb
Originally posted by rbednarik Ryan Bednarik illustrates additional mods you can make to an Accucraft GS-4 to improve it..
Make a Banjo Fitting - 525kb
Originally posted by clifforddward Clifford Ward shows how to make your own Banjo Fittings.
This Index will be updated from time to time as I find other threads or others are suggested. Feel free to email me with any suggestions.  |