After reading comments I am leaning more towards the Ruby. If I were to go that route what are some things I ned to know?
I do ahve some grades. I also have read they tend to go fast and stall on grades. What does everyone else think?
Just be able to run fast while bent over…
Give it a load to haul, that way it won’t go up the grade until it has enough steam, and it will give you enuff excitement on the downgrade to keep you high on adrenaline for a week.
tac
www.ovgrs.org
OK, here goes! I have a Ruby and I like it but don’t run it offten because it will run away down grade (i.e. 3.5% down) and did leave the track - however that track is about 5 and a half feet high! Therefore there was some shop time to repair the damage. Now if you a serious about this Live steam thing you might consider radio control of the engine. There are several sites the address this and give you hints on how to do it. You also might check out the Ruby site on the WEB, there are some interesting ideas there along with plans and pictures. And yes, haul some cars with some weight to help with control.
Paul
Yep if your RR is on the ground you will defiantly need to RC the loco to control on the grades. Later RJD
Shawn-
I have a Ruby – bought it as a kit two years ago.
Conclusion: Buy it assembled – prices are not too far apart. Ask that it be “timed” (the excentrics) to run easily. It is true it runs better backwards until the excentrics are adjusted accordingly. I have minimal understanding how the process works. Therefore, in spite of the excellent instructions, I was not able to successfully time the engine with the excentrics. I had generous live steamer help out and made those adjustments – offering the commentary it is tricky.
AS TO A GRADE:
Forget it. I have a separate loop of track I take out and use on the patio for the Ruby. With 2% grades on our 400 feet of garden track, the Ruby takes off OK then STALLS. To accomodate, I give it more steam. Then it rushes down the downside and derails! Yep, predictable! Check out others live steam layouts – even if just 200’ of circled track at waist level – there are no grades. Meanwhile, it is fun to run the Ruby. The sound and smoke makes for a complete hobby.
Wendell
I have three gondolas filled with real gravel behind my ruby and now she behaves even with the throttle opend wide ! It´s another of these nice entry level beginner engines but they have been seen extraordinary kitbashed by very skilled engineers too.
cheers Joe