Accucraft Ruby - Steaming issues

[GAP]

This may be of some help.

ACCUCRAFT RUBY ADJUSTMENTS by Dave Hottmann - PDF Free Download

ACCUCRAFT RUBY ADJUSTMENTS by Dave Hottmann Oil the reversing valve and slide it back into the valve assembly. Then screw the reversing quadrant to the deck plate using two M2 x 4 screws. Note that you

docplayer.net

While you are working on the cylinders consider changing the valve timing from "Outside Admission" to "Inside Admission" (It is mentioned in the link) as it evidently improves forward running.
I still have to adjust mine just have to get around to it.

 

[Northsider]

This may be of some help.

ACCUCRAFT RUBY ADJUSTMENTS by Dave Hottmann - PDF Free Download

ACCUCRAFT RUBY ADJUSTMENTS by Dave Hottmann Oil the reversing valve and slide it back into the valve assembly. Then screw the reversing quadrant to the deck plate using two M2 x 4 screws. Note that you

docplayer.net

While you are working on the cylinders consider changing the valve timing from "Outside Admission" to "Inside Admission" (It is mentioned in the link) as it evidently improves forward running.
I still have to adjust mine just have to get around to it.

That's an interesting article, especially as it shows a sectioned cylinder assembly. It looks like the pistons are screwed onto the piston rods, with a nitrile O-ring as the cylinder seal. I can't see a gland seal, i.e. an O-ring in the rear cover plate. I can only assume that the piston rod is a close fit in the cover with no scope for replacing a worn seal. I think you'll need to take yours apart to see if this is the case. If it is, you may need to see if Accucraft supply replacement end caps, or go back to your original question, to repair this loco, or buy a new one...

 

[Sarah Winfield]

This may be of some help.

ACCUCRAFT RUBY ADJUSTMENTS by Dave Hottmann - PDF Free Download

ACCUCRAFT RUBY ADJUSTMENTS by Dave Hottmann Oil the reversing valve and slide it back into the valve assembly. Then screw the reversing quadrant to the deck plate using two M2 x 4 screws. Note that you

docplayer.net

While you are working on the cylinders consider changing the valve timing from "Outside Admission" to "Inside Admission" (It is mentioned in the link) as it evidently improves forward running.
I still have to adjust mine just have to get around to it.

That looks really useful, thank you for posting.
Is there anywhere that will show me the inside of the cylinder especially. the seal. I am almost blind and have difficulty in reading instructions but I'm sure I could fit new seals so long as I can obtain the correct replacements.
Please note the locomotive has the smaller early cylinders.
Thanks again,
Sarah Winfield

 

[Sarah Winfield]

View attachment 319446
View attachment 319447
I would expect the O rings to be nitrile, which is a polymer, not brass. Looking at the photos (taken from livesteam.com) you should only need to remove the rear cover. You'll need a nut driver to get them off...

What is a "nut driver" please?

 

[Sarah Winfield]

I want nothing more than to reduce the amount of oily water leaking from the hole at the back of the cylinder. This presumably is leaking past the piston seal.
I have new seals supplied by Accucraft.
Are the screws securing the cylinder backplate likely to be stuck? (I always like to know what I might find.)

 

[Northsider]

I want nothing more than to reduce the amount of oily water leaking from the hole at the back of the cylinder. This presumably is leaking past the piston seal.
I have new seals supplied by Accucraft.
Are the screws securing the cylinder backplate likely to be stuck? (I always like to know what I might find.)

They may have a coat of paint on them, but when I did a similar job on an Accucraft Caledonia the equivalent bolts came out easily.

A nut driver is a cross between a socket set and a screwdriver: a long-reach box spanner:

 

[Sarah Winfield]

Thank you.

Things have moved on a bit. I have partly dismantled one coupling rod but managed, despite having a towel to stop the circlip from pinging off it did exactly that. It's in my kitchen somewhere and hopefully, it will jump out and say "here I am". Meantime the O rings I have for the piston are the wrong ones. I was sent O rings for a Ruby but they are red and too large,. I imagine they are for the larger pistons whereas my locomotive has the original smaller pistons.

So although I have made a start to fit new O rings I am thwarted by the Sarah Winfield gremlins.

I was thinking I could always fit the larger pistons but then where does it stop? (It's a bit like "when the Gas Man came to call". Some of you will understand what I am talking about.)

Onwards and upwards.

Sarah

 

[Sarah Winfield]

I have found the circlip so one down 2 to go.

The O rings I have are for the later larger cylinders. I have asked Accucraft if they can supply O rings for my Small cylinder Ruby.

I await a reply.

Sarah Winfield

 

[GAP]

That looks really useful, thank you for posting.
Is there anywhere that will show me the inside of the cylinder especially. the seal. I am almost blind and have difficulty in reading instructions but I'm sure I could fit new seals so long as I can obtain the correct replacements.
Please note the locomotive has the smaller early cylinders.
Thanks again,
Sarah Winfield

This may be of some help

http://www.santacruzlumberco.com/MLS_PDFs/InsideAdmissionAndAirTuningARuby.pdf

For the stuck bolts try putting an electric soldering iron onto them to heat them up then try to crack them using firm pressure.

This list of Accucraft parts from 2002 shows a piston replacement kit

Accucraft Ruby Spare Parts

www.mail-archive.com

 

[Sarah Winfield]

Thank you again.

I have decided to reassemble my Ruby with the existing O rings. I'll put up with the leaks. If Accucraft comes up with new O rings I'll fit them later

At least now I know that removing the piston wasn't difficult.

Sarah Winfield

 

[GAP]

Thank you again.

I have decided to reassemble my Ruby with the existing O rings. I'll put up with the leaks. If Accucraft comes up with new O rings I'll fit them later

At least now I know that removing the piston wasn't difficult.

Sarah Winfield

Accucraft did have a cylinder upgrade kit available to take them to 1/2"
Can you measure the diameter of the o ring seat and buy o rings from elsewhere?
A call to these people may solve the issue.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiG05rDveKBAxXJwzgGHTh1Cn8QFnoECAoQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.polymax.co.uk%2Fo-rings%2F&usg=AOvVaw2T0K82zlWhYaZp5XQHtNun&opi=89978449

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiG05rDveKBAxXJwzgGHTh1Cn8QFnoECBAQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.easternseals.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fo-rings%2F&usg=AOvVaw0f1KhG36otil0GWzZmMKwz&opi=89978449

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiG05rDveKBAxXJwzgGHTh1Cn8QFnoECBAQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.easternseals.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fo-rings%2F&usg=AOvVaw0f1KhG36otil0GWzZmMKwz&opi=89978449

 

[Sarah Winfield]

Accucraft did have a cylinder upgrade kit available to take them to 1/2"
Can you measure the diameter of the o ring seat and buy o rings from elsewhere?
A call to these people may solve the issue.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiG05rDveKBAxXJwzgGHTh1Cn8QFnoECAoQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.polymax.co.uk%2Fo-rings%2F&usg=AOvVaw2T0K82zlWhYaZp5XQHtNun&opi=89978449

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiG05rDveKBAxXJwzgGHTh1Cn8QFnoECBAQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.easternseals.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fo-rings%2F&usg=AOvVaw0f1KhG36otil0GWzZmMKwz&opi=89978449

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiG05rDveKBAxXJwzgGHTh1Cn8QFnoECBAQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.easternseals.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fo-rings%2F&usg=AOvVaw0f1KhG36otil0GWzZmMKwz&opi=89978449

Many thanks for your thoughts.

I have now reassembled my Ruby but have yet to steam it.

Everyone has been very helpful, far more than I really deserve.

Sarah