Trains.com

The New Beeps - O27 Compatible Now??

2544 views
6 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Ft. Knox, KY
  • 151 posts
The New Beeps - O27 Compatible Now??
Posted by GPJ68 on Sunday, March 14, 2004 10:52 PM
Have enough of the new issue Beeps been received and tested to know if they're able to pull cars thru O27 curves? I'd like to order one, but not if the coupler issue hasn't been fully addressed and repaired on the manufacturer side.

Anyone know? I remember a thread "elsewhere" but the Search function "there" doesn't want to display properly (for me at least). And more folks here may not have heard much about them (search for "beeps" didn't turn up much).
  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: The ROMAN Empire State
  • 2,047 posts
Posted by brianel027 on Monday, March 15, 2004 12:12 AM
I made a post here about the new roadname announcement, but have heard nothing solid about the 027 problem.

For those who don't know, Ready Made Toys has reissued the former Williams mini-GP-9 calling it the "Beep." It's gotten good reviews and is advertised to run and operate on 027 track. Although the engine itself does make the 027 curve, there is a problem with coupler length or clearance with the frame which causes derailments when the Beep is pulling cars.

Nice looking little engine with 2 motors for under $50.00. I'll wait for the coupler issue to be resolved and for them to PLEASE issue one in some thing other than mostly fallen flags: CONRAIL, NORFOLK SOUTHERN or CSX!
I've called and let them know. If you agree with me on the roads, please let them know.

brianel, Agent 027

"Praise the Lord. I may not have everything I desire, but the Lord has come through for what I need."

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 15, 2004 8:44 AM
I can't answer the question on O27 compatibility but I can tell you that I saw several in person at a local train show and could not believe the quality and detail and features for such a low price.

Nicely done.
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Crystal Lake, IL
  • 8,059 posts
Posted by cnw1995 on Monday, March 15, 2004 10:58 AM
On other forums, members with newer engines reported no problems with trains moving through curves and switches. Apparently, the newer engines have coupler slots that are 'wider' or I guess longer than the earlier models. No sign of the earlier ones being refitted.

Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Crystal Lake, IL
  • 8,059 posts
Posted by cnw1995 on Monday, March 15, 2004 11:28 AM
OK, it took me a while to track this down. The alleged original producer of this small unit - Taylor Made Trucks - when it was unpowered and mounted on a flatbed - used to have more of these - and in some of the road names that Brienel was looking for - Conrail, Chessie, Santa Fe, etc. Check out http://www.toytruckcollector.com/

Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 15, 2004 9:45 PM
I just ordered a Chessie a couple of days ago. It should be here shortly.
Will see if the coupler issue has been resolved. I have a Lionel Beep that
I powered and retrofitted a coupler from a 4-wheel car from a Lionel starter
set because it has a longer shank and can swing farther to the side. This
lets me run it on 027 track and switches with no problems and no altera-
tions to the shell. Incidentally, when my wife placed the order with Taylor
Made, they said that they had never actually gone out of business. I guess
they just laid low until the "lionel" flap was resolved. She had just gotten a
catalog from them 2 weeks ago. (She is the one who is a member of the
Toy Truck Collectors Club.)
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 2:36 PM
I just received my Chessie shell and Lionel BEEP-on-a-truck today from
Taylor Made Trucks. I compared the shells to my original 2002 Lionel
BEEP shell and see no difference in the cutouts. Therefore I can only
assume that one must break out the Dremel Tool or do a coupler swap
for one that has a longer drawbar giving a wider swing.

Anyone here know if Taylor Made and Ready Made are affiliated? I think
they are due to the "lionel" flap over the Lionel BEEP, but don't know for
sure.

And...yes...Taylor Made still has a few Lionel-on-a-truck BEEPS left.

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month