Ruby running dry

[plumbfishy]

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;}

My first effort in live steam has been the completion of an accucraft Ruby kit. It was fun to build if not a little too easy. It seems to run well even a low speed and has 10 complete runs under its belt, all about 20min (including 5min. steam up time) on the bench, and about 15min. or so on the track. The main thing that concerns me is that all the runs have ended with a dry boiler. The instructions say that it should run out of fuel before it runs out of water, but it simply has not been the case. The first thing I considered was the amount of water going in. The instructions say that a “properly filled boiler should contain 80ml. of water”. It goes on to say when in doubt “fill the boiler to the top and then remove 30ml. of water”. That might lead you to believe that the boiler would have an overall capacity of 110ml. actually, the capacity is much larger, I measured it at 128ml. So, if you follow instructions you should end up with 98ml. of water. Wondering if there had been some mistake I started removing only 20ml. leaving around 110ml. (the total of the figures provided in the instructions) but still ran dry. Any more water in the boiler and it becomes apparent that it is over filled, with water instead of steam coming through the pop-off valve, and excessive water coming out of the stack on start up. So, whatever the “proper” fill level is this is not the problem. The next thing I thought of is water leaking, and yes, there is a little water that seeps from the valve pistons, a wisp of steam a round  the banjo nut. In fact the whole thing kind of sneezes and wheezes, but amounts to no more then a teaspoon or so. So, loosing water was not an issue. I took a closer look at the fuel (was it burning hot for some reason?). I am using Ronson “Ultra-butane” lighter fuel, but the only ingredient listed is isobutene. I thought about fire level during the run, but within normal operating levels, it does not seem to have an effect. So, I’m out of ideas and wondering what the rest of the world has experienced. Any Ideas?   

 

[two tone]

Hi I dont run steam but I would check with maker as to boiler running dry before gas goes,  Do it quickly or you may find you will need a hew boiler. Orther opion is less gas.     Hope this helps

[cacole]

I have a Mimi, which is the 2-4-2 equivalent of the Ruby with an added tender, and my gas always runs out before the water.  Your gas reservoir may somehow be overfilling.  My suspicion is the butane filler valve is not functioning properly and is letting it overfill.

[steamup]

plumbfishy

I don't know who you bought your kit from, but contact Cliff at Accucraft, or Royce at Quisenberry Station and get yourself a Goodall valve and pump bottle.  You don't say if your safety is opening or not, but that could waste a lot of water if it is.  If so, you may want to turn down the fire, or stretch the spring for a higher pressure or purchase a 'pop' valve from one of the suppliers mentioned.  A Goodall valve is a must for live steamers!  Good luck.

 

[GTBonner]

Hi Plumbfish. How did you go with the Ruby? I have the IDA, same as the Ruby but a saddle tank version. I got mine a few months ago, already assembled, but have had exactly the same issues as yourself. Steam up is 5min, run time about 10min. For me steam and gas seem to run out at the same time. The IDA has a pressure guage and blows at 40PSI. I have tried stopping it from blowing off by turining the butane right down, I have tried turning it up so I go through it quicker. Neither makes a difference. I now just stop it 8 min into the run. Any info you have found would be appreciated.