Office of Steam Forum for Model & Toy Steam Gas & Hot Air Engines

I discovered an interesting Dora design flaw. I activated the rotating reversing assembly after she was in steam and it popped off. After letting it cool and a tricky reinstallation due to a stiff spring, I noticed that the threaded rod holding the disc in place loosens when set to forward, so it backs out over time. Adjusting the spring tightness doesn't change anything. It's easy enough to check and tighten every so often or just leave it in forward, but it sure was a pain to put back.

I also installed a Summerlands chuffer, which does virtually nothing sound-wise. $45 down the drain. Installation requires cutting the exhaust, so I'm stuck with it. It's a pressure fit, so I may try rotating to see if that changes the sound. I certainly won't be taking a chance and cutting any of my Roundhouse exhausts. I can recommend a Summerlands chuffer for the Ragleth, but not the Dora or Ruby. With the Ruby, the chuffer extinguished the burner.