[Steve S.]

Of the Loco's mentioned, only the Sammy will "Run like a ROUNDHOUSE". The Sammy is much heavier built, will run right out of the box with no tuning or major modifications and years from now will still be worth something if you decide to sell it. While the Ruby has rightfully earned its place in the steam world.......................it's just not close to being a ROUNDHOUSE Sammy.

 

[Steve S.]

Ok, I believe it. But nothing runs like dollars out of my wallet either

This is a true statement and live steam can drain the wallet. However, sometimes if you start out with something better that might cost more up front you will end up with less frustration and more value in the end. Those that have seen my post's over the years have seen me go from an Accucraft basher to a Accucraft appreciator so I hope that my next comment will not start trouble. It is not meant too. The Ruby is a fine engine for it's price. Yes you can dress it up to be very pretty and add extras to it to make it run better and stronger (at additional cost) but it is still a very basic toy like engine. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT!! On the other hand there is the Roundhouse Sammy that cost about 250 bucks more but is a more robust well made engine that will run exceptional right out of the box. You can dress it up too, and if you want to learn how she works open up a cylinder and lean all you want. You can also go to the Roundhouse web site and under their technical section find awesome cad type and exploded drawings of their cylinders, valve gear, boilers, chassis etc., and see how it all works and how to reset things if need be. IMHO, and I have already said that I appreciate all that Accucraft has done for the steam hobby..........the Sammy is well worth the extra money spent and if you ever do sell it you will get much more back off your original investment.