Thanks again to all the advice concerning the Ruby. I had gotten it to run "okay" but there were still issues with flames in the smokebox and not being able to run it with the door closed- even after the Hottman smokebox bottom plate modification and some dremel work to allow more air into the smokebox.
After a quick call to Royce who referred me to Chuck at Accucraft, a smaller jet was on its way. It arrived today and man, what a difference! Much better burner and throttle control, no flames in the smokebox and I can run it with the door closed. Steam in 6 minutes and nearly 20 minutes of run time. Currently the only issue I'm dealing with is the boiler appears to run out of water before it runs out of fuel. I'm filling the boiler completely and then removing 15ml. Perhaps I'm running too low of a burner setting.
Anyway, I'm really pleased. I feel as though the Ruby is now running as well as she can, given the design limitations.
Next step- building the portable track! A small loop with 4' curves on the patio just isn't quite scratching the itch...
All the best,
Dean
After a quick call to Royce who referred me to Chuck at Accucraft, a smaller jet was on its way. It arrived today and man, what a difference! Much better burner and throttle control, no flames in the smokebox and I can run it with the door closed. Steam in 6 minutes and nearly 20 minutes of run time. Currently the only issue I'm dealing with is the boiler appears to run out of water before it runs out of fuel. I'm filling the boiler completely and then removing 15ml. Perhaps I'm running too low of a burner setting.
Anyway, I'm really pleased. I feel as though the Ruby is now running as well as she can, given the design limitations.
Next step- building the portable track! A small loop with 4' curves on the patio just isn't quite scratching the itch...
All the best,
Dean