I originally started this idea trying to figure out how to pull my new J&S cars. That thread can be found here.Link to Thread
In that thread I was trying to reduce rolling resistance of the cars. But then I thought that I would still have an engine limited to modified cars, or very free rolling short trains.
This thread is a report on what I did to my stock Ruby to increase pulling power, regardless of the rolling stock behind it.
My first and simplest modification was to increase boiler pressure. I simply purchased and installed a 60psi safety valve from The Train Department to replace the 40psi one that came with the engine. I also installed a goodall valve. Why didn't I get that goodall months ago?
Increasing the pressure solved the problem of my engine stalling on my newer more sticky track. But I still had wheel slip on my second hand track that is more slippery.
I solved that with about 3 pounds of lead in the side tanks.
![60979]()
The stock Ruby is just shy of 5 1/2 pounds with my radios installed and the boiler dry.
My first idea was to use those adhesive wheel balance weights. Those were $11-$13 for 2 pounds.
Then a coworker told me to try casting it.
![60980]()
I measured the side tanks and found a chunk of tube steel about the right dimensions to act as a mold. I got lead from our local scrapper for $1 per pound, melted it with a propane torch into an old oil can and poured the casting. My first casting was a little too tall since I didn't account for the tank mounting screws. So I took my mold to the 20 ton press, squeezed it a few thousands and recast the lead.
![60981]()
Now it fit.
I painted the lead with high temperature grill paint to seal it up. Put felt on the sides to prevent chafe inside the tank, this also holds it nice and snug.
![60982]()
The new dry weight of my Ruby gained 3 pounds.
![60983]()
Once I slid the weights in, you won't even see them. This picture also shows that I moved the lubricator and gas tank so the knob doesn't hit the first car.
![60984]()
Presto, a Heavyweight high power Ruby.
And it pulls from a stop as shown in this video. The cars are stock, I've only oiled the bearings. The power pick-ups and weight is still standard.
The first video is two laps standard video speed.
The second video is slow motion looking for wheel slip on my used track.
There's my update on current mods. Maybe it's a good thing Accucraft still hasn't put out the C-18 I pre-ordered yet. I probably wouldn't have tried this.
In that thread I was trying to reduce rolling resistance of the cars. But then I thought that I would still have an engine limited to modified cars, or very free rolling short trains.
This thread is a report on what I did to my stock Ruby to increase pulling power, regardless of the rolling stock behind it.
My first and simplest modification was to increase boiler pressure. I simply purchased and installed a 60psi safety valve from The Train Department to replace the 40psi one that came with the engine. I also installed a goodall valve. Why didn't I get that goodall months ago?
Increasing the pressure solved the problem of my engine stalling on my newer more sticky track. But I still had wheel slip on my second hand track that is more slippery.
I solved that with about 3 pounds of lead in the side tanks.
The stock Ruby is just shy of 5 1/2 pounds with my radios installed and the boiler dry.
My first idea was to use those adhesive wheel balance weights. Those were $11-$13 for 2 pounds.
Then a coworker told me to try casting it.
I measured the side tanks and found a chunk of tube steel about the right dimensions to act as a mold. I got lead from our local scrapper for $1 per pound, melted it with a propane torch into an old oil can and poured the casting. My first casting was a little too tall since I didn't account for the tank mounting screws. So I took my mold to the 20 ton press, squeezed it a few thousands and recast the lead.
Now it fit.
I painted the lead with high temperature grill paint to seal it up. Put felt on the sides to prevent chafe inside the tank, this also holds it nice and snug.
The new dry weight of my Ruby gained 3 pounds.
Once I slid the weights in, you won't even see them. This picture also shows that I moved the lubricator and gas tank so the knob doesn't hit the first car.
Presto, a Heavyweight high power Ruby.
And it pulls from a stop as shown in this video. The cars are stock, I've only oiled the bearings. The power pick-ups and weight is still standard.
There's my update on current mods. Maybe it's a good thing Accucraft still hasn't put out the C-18 I pre-ordered yet. I probably wouldn't have tried this.
