Merlin Maestro

Alan P · Post by **Alan P** » Wed Sep 03, 2014 7:08 am

I was recently lucky enough to win an auction on ebay for a superb Merlin Maestro called 'Katie'. I was just wondering if anyone knew anything about her history?

Big Jim · Post by **Big Jim** » Wed Sep 03, 2014 9:10 am

Nice looking heritage loco you have there.
I also own a Maestro in red and I have to say it is a cracking engine. Merlin had a bit of an iffy reputation years ago and their locos are a bit like Marmite. (love it or hate it!)
Just watch the boiler as some were copper and some were brass. The brass ones can corrode after time but I have been told by various Merlin gurus that making sure the boiler is drained completely when you put it away can help prevent this.
If it still has the white flexi-rubber gas pipe from the tank this is also worth replacing.
More pics please.

Alan P · Post by **Alan P** » Wed Sep 03, 2014 10:05 am

Yes i have heard all the horror stories regarding early Beck boilers and this one does still have the flexible gas pipe. As far as i can tell it has had hardly any use, nothing seems to be worn and it steams really well. There are more pictures here on my website,

http://www.alspcs.com/Maestro.html

DVT Dweller · Post by **DVT Dweller** » Wed Sep 03, 2014 8:58 pm

Very nice Alan, the boiler will be brass, I think all the beck boilers are. Mines just had a new copper boiler fitted and new lubricator etc so she's now superheated. Can't give you any direct information about the history of yours inparticular But I do have the instructions for the valve gear etc. Nice find, it looks a lovely loco. Ours has had a very hard life and is slowly getting the TLC it needs.

Big Jim · Post by **Big Jim** » Wed Sep 03, 2014 9:21 pm

Mines just had a new copper boiler fitted

Just out of interest who is making new Merlin boilers? Are they an identical replacement or is the regulator moved into the cab?

Alan P · Post by **Alan P** » Wed Sep 03, 2014 10:05 pm

Yes, i think i've been very lucky with this particular one. The only mods i've done are to replace the old 27MHz receiver with a 2.4GHz one and replace the original NiCad receiver battery pack with a Ni-MH pack. At the moment it's on the shelf awaiting a Summerlands Chuffer

Big Jim · Post by **Big Jim** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 6:31 pm

Hello Alan.
Where are the batteries hidden on yours?
I have just stuffed mine in the cab as a temporary measure but I would like to hide them away.

Alan P · Post by **Alan P** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 6:42 pm

The original battery pack was wedged into the left hand side tank. Thats where i've put the replacement. I opted for a AAA size rechargeable pack which easily fits in the side tank.

Big Jim · Post by **Big Jim** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 7:17 pm

Thanks. That would be a 4xAAA pack I assume.

Alan P · Post by **Alan P** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 8:52 pm

Yes, the 4 x AAA pack fits nicely in the space.

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