Ruby Lights

Adding Lights To Your Ruby

	The first view shows the standoffs already installed. This was accomplished by drilling holes in the smokebox, and soldering the rear to the brass band. Using my rotary tool with a cutoff wheel, I removed the threaded end of the standoff to create a flat surface for soldering. The location was decided on, and a template was made to insure proper spacing. The template is shown in the next frame. The only consideration on location is to make sure that your tube will clear the steam dome.
	Here is the template that I made to keep equal spacing for the standoffs. The brass ring was removed from the engine, and using the template, location marks were made on the ring before soldering.
	In this view the brass rod is installed through the standoffs. K&S 1/16" round rod was used. You can find this at most hardware and hobby stores. The extra fine wire that is run through the rod was purchased at Radio Shack. It is sold as "Insulated Wrapping Wire", item 278-502. It is a 30 gauge, solid conductor, insulated wire that is perfect for this type of use. I have used it on many other live steam engines and have not had any problems using it.
	With the rods installed, they were gently rounded 90 deg. from the front of the standoff, and molded to conform to the contour of the boiler. This should be done AFTER the wire is run through the tube. Any sharp bends in the tube would make it very difficult to pass the wire through. Also notice that I drilled the hole for mounting the light.
	The rods come in one foot lengths and are much longer than required. Therefore I was able to use them to help stabilize their position. I accomplished this by putting a 90 deg. bend on one tube, crossing it over the other tube, and adding a touch of solder. This not only keeps the front of the rods in the proper position, it also brings both of the wires required for the light into the same location. After this was done, the rods were trimmed and the wires were placed through shrink wrap and heated. This was done to protect the fine wires. Using whatever method you prefer, connect the wires to a switch or plug that will connect to the battery pack.
	Here is the Ruby as it stands today. Not only was the light added, but a diamond smoke stack, and a Vance Bass conversation kit was installed. The light and stack were Ida parts ordered from the manufacturer. The light bulb used was a 1.5 volt Mini-Mag light and is powered using just one AAA rechargeable battery.
	Completed Ruby Light Project.