Garden Railway Forum

A couple of day ago my attention was drawn to this Steamlines Rheidol on eBay:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Trixie-O-Gaug ... 7675.l2557

I must admit, I was quite tempted by it at one stage but was advised by a friend to steer clear of it. In any case, the final price (£452.02) was far too much for it in its present condition. By contrast, I remember a working example being offered for sale in 16mm Bulletin last year for £575.

Nevertheless, this episode has set me thinking as I've long wanted to own a "heritage" 16mm loco, and an Archangel or Steamlines Rheidol would probably be at the top of the list for me. A couple of questions spring to mind:

1. How many Steamlines Rheidols were actually produced in the first place?
2. Could they be regauged to 45mm?

Any information gratefully recieved!

Trixie looks a little bit battered, definatly one to steer clear of.
Was offered one last year as an okayish osmotor for 350 quid, I wish I had taken it.
There is currently one on ebay for £1200 buy it now, I don't think he will get it.

MuzTrem:101307 wrote:2. Could they be regauged to 45mm?

The last picture on this listing http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331219163906 suggests that they can!

Archangel Rheidols are fixed at 32mm.

TonyW:101311 wrote:

MuzTrem:101307 wrote:2. Could they be regauged to 45mm?

The last picture on this listing http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331219163906 suggests that they can!

I see what you mean, although I guess one would have to build a new pony truck. It will be interesting to see whether it does indeed go for that price. If so, I can give up hope of buying one for many years to come!

MuzTrem:101320 wrote:

TonyW:101311 wrote:

MuzTrem:101307 wrote:2. Could they be regauged to 45mm?

The last picture on this listing http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331219163906 suggests that they can!

I see what you mean, although I guess one would have to build a new pony truck. It will be interesting to see whether it does indeed go for that price. If so, I can give up hope of buying one for many years to come!

This loco or one very similar sold on eBay a few weeks ago for not much less in auction.

Big Jim:101310 wrote:Trixie looks a little bit battered, definatly one to steer clear of.
Was offered one last year as an okayish osmotor for 350 quid, I wish I had taken it.
There is currently one on ebay for £1200 buy it now, I don't think he will get it.

You certainly should of snapped it up for £350 as these are quite sort after locos.

I actually took a gamble on Trixie and went a little over what I intended to pay but the dirt and few scratches looked superficial. It looks like someone started to strip the loco to replace the R/C and then left it on the shelf for several years. Time will tell if it is a good loco needing a little work or just a dirty old dog.

Good luck with it!
Post some pics of the work please.
It will be nice to see an old loco like that back from the dead!

As for the 350 quid Rheidol, yes I should have. however my luck is such that if I had gone for that rather than the Maestro eveyone would be talking about the price that Merlins are making today!

It arrived today and other than the expected small missing parts it looks ok. The steam motor does not seem to have much wear and make a nice chuff when turned over by hand.
The boiler and burner look like they were left over Merlin parts.