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 and others are turning these threads into PDFs to ensure the photos are preserved and storing these PDFs permanently on my domain...
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
MLS Steam-Class 2004 - Build A Live Steam Accucraft Ruby Kit
By Tom Farin and Various Authors
Tom Farin's MasterClass based upon building and modifying Accucraft's live steam Ruby locomotive kit, supplemented with sections by various authors. Unfortunately, this class is incomplete as it was never finished.
Chapter 1 - 1.48mb
Chapter 2 - 3.38mb
Chapter 3 - 6.25mb
Chapter 4 - 3.25mb
Chapter 5 - 62kb
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
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...
Early Accucraft locomotives with piston valves...
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.
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Accucraft Cab Forward (AC-12) Upgrade:
Submitted by Charles Bednarik
Thanks to the work of Gordon Watson, Ryan Bednarik and Jeff Redeker; this DYI sheet can help owners of the Accucraft AC-12 upgrade their fine steam locomotives in areas that can improve performance and/or prevent premature failures.
Section 1 - Crossheads/Guides
The main reason for upgrading the cross head is to correct the excess play in the crosshead-main rod connection and the lateral play that ensues.
Part 1 - 530kb
Part 2 - 614kb
Part 3 - 832kb
Section 2 - Dogbone/Levers/Valves/Ports Make an improved flexible steam coupling, add working combination levers, improve the valves and steam ports.
Dogbone Flexible Steam Joint - 686kb
Combination Levers, Cylinders and Valves - 1.37mb
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
1/2 Inch Ruby Cylinders - 9.55mb
Submitted by Dave Hottmann
Dave presents a step-by-step tutorial on how he made new 1/2 inch cylinders and pistons for his Ruby.
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Redbeard's Ruby Mason - 5.00mb
Submitted by Larry Newman
Larry "Redbeard" Newman's complete Builder's Log about how he scratchbuilt a Mason Bogie starting with an Accucraft Ruby.
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Double Fairlie - 2.40mb
Submitted by Bill Allen
Bill Allen's complete Builder's Log about how he scratchbuilt a Double Fairlie. (Thanks to SteveC for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Scratch-Built: Ffestiniog Coaches - 0.99mb
Submitted by Bill Allen
Bill Allen's complete Builder's Log about how he scratchbuilt two 14-door coaches to go with his Double Fairlie. (Thanks to SteveC for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Shay Rebuild Update - 0.94mb
Submitted by John Kling
Photos of John's Mich-Cal #2 Shay after adding details and weathering. (Thanks to Mike Reilley for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Rivet Punch & Die Tooling - 1.09mb
Submitted by Howard Maculsay
Howard's home-made rivet punch and die tool and how he made it. (Thanks to Mike Reilley for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Tubing Bender - 0.12mb
Submitted by Bob Sorenson
Short post of Bob's home-made miniature tubing bender. (Thanks to Mike Reilley for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Scratchbuilt Live Steam Garratt - 2.83mb
Submitted by Bill Allen
Bill Allen's complete Builder's Log about how he scratchbuilt his Live Steam Garratt. (Thanks to SteveC for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Redbeard's Rail Truck - 4.11mb
Submitted by Larry Newman
Larry "Redbeard" Newman's complete Builder's Log about how he scratchbuilt his Live Steam Rail Truck. (Thanks to SteveC for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Dwight's NPC #21 - 5.46mb
Submitted by Dwight Ennis
Dwight's complete Builder's Log about how he scratchbuilt his Live Steam North pacific Coast #21 atop an Accucraft Mogul chassis. (Thanks to SteveC for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Scratchbuilding the Nina - 9.75mb
Submitted by Bob Sorenson
Bob's complete Builder's Log about how he scratchbuilt his Live Steam Nina. (Thanks to SteveC for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Scratch Built: Live Steam Quadruplex - 5.19mb
Submitted by Bill Allen
Bill's complete Builder's Log about how he scratchbuilt his Live Steam Quadruplex. (Thanks to SteveC for creating the pdf). Updated 05/20/12
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Scratch Built: LBSC 1930's Diesel - 922kb
Submitted by MLS-DeWinton Dave
Dave's complete Builder's Log about how he scratchbuilt his Live Steam LBSC 1930's Diesel. (Thanks to SteveC for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Scratch Built: Live Steam Central Pacific Eng. #3 - C.P. Huntington - 5.05mb
Submitted by Bill Allen
Bill's complete Builder's Log about how he scratchbuilt his Live Steam C.P. Huntington. (Again, thanks to SteveC for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Scratch Built: Adjustable Lubricators - 385kb
Submitted by Bill Allen
Bill's mini-article showing how he makes his adjustable Dead leg Lubricators. (Again, thanks to SteveC for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Cruise Control For Live Steam Loco's - 781kb
Submitted by DeWinton Dave
Here's the start of the build details for Dave's cruise-o-matic. (Again, thanks to SteveC for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
American Nostalgic Logging Engines, Holland - 7.90mb
Submitted by Loek
Loek's live steam Heisler build. (Again, thanks to SteveC for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Making Parts - 1.65mb
Submitted by Bill Allen
Bill's design notes and pland for making a variety of useful Live Steam parts, including an axle pump, hand pump, steam connection fittings, valves,
and more
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
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.
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
MLS Steam-Class 2004 - Build A Live Steam Accucraft Ruby Kit
By Tom Farin and Various Authors
Tom Farin's MasterClass based upon building and modifying Accucraft's live steam Ruby locomotive kit, supplemented with sections by various authors. Unfortunately, this class is incomplete as it was never finished.
Chapter 1 - 1.48mb
Chapter 2 - 3.38mb
Chapter 3 - 6.25mb
Chapter 4 - 3.25mb
Chapter 5 - 62kb
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
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...
- The C-21 [*]The Mogul
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.
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Accucraft Cab Forward (AC-12) Upgrade:
Submitted by Charles Bednarik
Thanks to the work of Gordon Watson, Ryan Bednarik and Jeff Redeker; this DYI sheet can help owners of the Accucraft AC-12 upgrade their fine steam locomotives in areas that can improve performance and/or prevent premature failures.
Section 1 - Crossheads/Guides
The main reason for upgrading the cross head is to correct the excess play in the crosshead-main rod connection and the lateral play that ensues.
Part 1 - 530kb
Part 2 - 614kb
Part 3 - 832kb
Section 2 - Dogbone/Levers/Valves/Ports Make an improved flexible steam coupling, add working combination levers, improve the valves and steam ports.
Dogbone Flexible Steam Joint - 686kb
Combination Levers, Cylinders and Valves - 1.37mb
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
1/2 Inch Ruby Cylinders - 9.55mb
Submitted by Dave Hottmann
Dave presents a step-by-step tutorial on how he made new 1/2 inch cylinders and pistons for his Ruby.
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Redbeard's Ruby Mason - 5.00mb
Submitted by Larry Newman
Larry "Redbeard" Newman's complete Builder's Log about how he scratchbuilt a Mason Bogie starting with an Accucraft Ruby.
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Double Fairlie - 2.40mb
Submitted by Bill Allen
Bill Allen's complete Builder's Log about how he scratchbuilt a Double Fairlie. (Thanks to SteveC for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Scratch-Built: Ffestiniog Coaches - 0.99mb
Submitted by Bill Allen
Bill Allen's complete Builder's Log about how he scratchbuilt two 14-door coaches to go with his Double Fairlie. (Thanks to SteveC for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Shay Rebuild Update - 0.94mb
Submitted by John Kling
Photos of John's Mich-Cal #2 Shay after adding details and weathering. (Thanks to Mike Reilley for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Rivet Punch & Die Tooling - 1.09mb
Submitted by Howard Maculsay
Howard's home-made rivet punch and die tool and how he made it. (Thanks to Mike Reilley for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Tubing Bender - 0.12mb
Submitted by Bob Sorenson
Short post of Bob's home-made miniature tubing bender. (Thanks to Mike Reilley for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Scratchbuilt Live Steam Garratt - 2.83mb
Submitted by Bill Allen
Bill Allen's complete Builder's Log about how he scratchbuilt his Live Steam Garratt. (Thanks to SteveC for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Redbeard's Rail Truck - 4.11mb
Submitted by Larry Newman
Larry "Redbeard" Newman's complete Builder's Log about how he scratchbuilt his Live Steam Rail Truck. (Thanks to SteveC for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Dwight's NPC #21 - 5.46mb
Submitted by Dwight Ennis
Dwight's complete Builder's Log about how he scratchbuilt his Live Steam North pacific Coast #21 atop an Accucraft Mogul chassis. (Thanks to SteveC for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Scratchbuilding the Nina - 9.75mb
Submitted by Bob Sorenson
Bob's complete Builder's Log about how he scratchbuilt his Live Steam Nina. (Thanks to SteveC for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Scratch Built: Live Steam Quadruplex - 5.19mb
Submitted by Bill Allen
Bill's complete Builder's Log about how he scratchbuilt his Live Steam Quadruplex. (Thanks to SteveC for creating the pdf). Updated 05/20/12
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Scratch Built: LBSC 1930's Diesel - 922kb
Submitted by MLS-DeWinton Dave
Dave's complete Builder's Log about how he scratchbuilt his Live Steam LBSC 1930's Diesel. (Thanks to SteveC for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Scratch Built: Live Steam Central Pacific Eng. #3 - C.P. Huntington - 5.05mb
Submitted by Bill Allen
Bill's complete Builder's Log about how he scratchbuilt his Live Steam C.P. Huntington. (Again, thanks to SteveC for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Scratch Built: Adjustable Lubricators - 385kb
Submitted by Bill Allen
Bill's mini-article showing how he makes his adjustable Dead leg Lubricators. (Again, thanks to SteveC for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Cruise Control For Live Steam Loco's - 781kb
Submitted by DeWinton Dave
Here's the start of the build details for Dave's cruise-o-matic. (Again, thanks to SteveC for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
American Nostalgic Logging Engines, Holland - 7.90mb
Submitted by Loek
Loek's live steam Heisler build. (Again, thanks to SteveC for creating the pdf).
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Making Parts - 1.65mb
Submitted by Bill Allen
Bill's design notes and pland for making a variety of useful Live Steam parts, including an axle pump, hand pump, steam connection fittings, valves,
and more
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
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.