Beck Helene

artfull dodger

artfull dodger

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Are all the old Beck Helene engines prone to chassis warping if ran? Or is this a hit and miss zincpest issue like on many prewar trains? Its one of the engines on my want list as it matches my LGB rolling stock and is way cheaper than anything from Roundhouse, even second hand ones. Just do not want a dud if I run it. Mike
 
I did have a Beck/Merlin 0-6-0 Kit and it had a solid Brass Chassis. I would have thought that by now they would all be doubtful runners unless in the hands of anyone that can give them knowledgeable TLC.

Why not look at a Regner at around £500 Willi or Conrad could have a few Body Mods to be suitable. Or is Steam Trams are your thing Otto at £660 is a great little beast, I have one of these. Or if your Budget is lower, then Max at £275 will be great fun. Put a Steam Tram (Dummy) Body on it and Job Done.

I would say that if you cannot see any 2nd Hand Steamer run, do not buy.

Good luck with your quest in the fun packed Live Steam World. Final though, maybe Mark Horavitz of Garden Rail fame might be able to help you. He is quite approachable, specially if you wish to talk Live Steam.
JonD
 
Buying used/second hand doesn't bother me. But I have seen where this particular model had issues with zinc pest and frames bowing like a banana. I have had a Regner, not really what I am looking for. Will probably end up tinkering with a Mamod for awhile. The budget for live steam is next to nothing. Watching a couple of those little engines on ebay, was hoping someone here or one of the other forums I post on would have one I can get without getting into a bidding war.Mike
 
I get your drift, who knows patience may well reward you with what you want at a budget that works. Good luck.
JonD
 
I have a Beck Helene for sale which runs like a dream having recently been serviced by Barley Pit work and had all the perished rubber hoses and seals replaced. There were so many made, although not as common as the 0-4-0 Anna, that unused or little used ones can still be found as I did with mine, they just need the rubber replaced. They have brass boilers so you have to make sure that any previous owner has not done anything stupid like flushing with descaler. If you want more power I higher rated safety valve can be fitted and if you have the ability or pay another to do it the cylinders can be replaced by Roundhouse ones.
 
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