Bachmann "Ruby" to "Baldwin" steam tram motor

tramcar trev

tramcar trev

all manner of mechanical apparatus...
A Ruby is for sale and I'm wondering if it would be suited to being rebuilt as a Baldwin Tram engine... Anyone any experience with these? Its butane fired I just don't know if its one of those locomotives that has to run flat chat or whether it would run slowly around the tight curves on my tramway. There are a couple of Baldwins in captivity that I could run a tape over and photograph so that doesnt bother me, Im more concerned as to the suitabilty and opinions from the floor would be highly regarded before I lash out, Ruby's sell retail new for around $750 this one is on offer to me for $300....​
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The Accucraft Edrig has been re-built in tram engines by quite a few people. The Ruby tends to have smaller cylinders so is harder to control.
 
The newer ruby's have 1/2" cylinders, they will run slower than the original ones. That is a great idea for a tram engine. Caradoc is also a good choice, but it is a bit larger.

Steve
 
Yes the Ruby 2 is more upmarket with a pressure gauge and a few other features. It would be a lot better however I'd have to find a second hand one....
At a glance and maybe a bit of rubber ruler work the physical size is pretty good...
 
Trev,
I built one of these for a mate in NSW 1:32 scale and they are very small...we had to put the gas tank between the frames.
and the saddle tank was part of the boiler to increase the water capacity..but it think the ruby would come close to size, by shortening the cab floor, and maybe lowering the boiler etc ,the gas tank might have to go under the floor as well .. this one one runs nicely but not slowly on undulating tracks!but once he completes 2 trailers it should be better..

Gordon.
 
No, the chap who was selling it decided to keep it....
 
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