Find the right BIX burner or gas conversion kit for your Mamod, Wilesco, MSS and other model steam engines.
If you’re into live steam engines, you’ve probably heard about Bix burners, and if you haven’t, it’s time you did!
These compact and efficient ceramic burners have become a very popular upgrade for enthusiasts running Mamod, Wilesco, MSS and other model steam engines.
What Are BIX Gas Burners?
Bix burners are ceramic gas burners that are powered by a refillable butane/propane gas tank, and are designed specifically for model steam engines.
Manufactured with precision and care in the UK, these burners offer a modern alternative to traditional solid fuel tablets. Solid fuel has its charm, but it comes with drawbacks…. smoke, residue, limited burn time and inconsistent heat. Traditional hexamine fuel tablets have become unavailable for many UK model-steam enthusiasts, leading many hobbyists to look for alternative fuels such as fuel gel or gas firing.
BIX burners provide a modern alternative to traditional solid fuels, offering clean, controllable heat without the smoke, residue and mess associated with solid fuel tablets. For UK enthusiasts who have moved away from traditional solid fuel, gas firing provides another convenient option alongside fuel gel.
They provide a steady, clean, and controllable flame, making steam-up much faster and more efficient. Whether you’re running a loco around the garden railway or displaying a static engine on the bench, Bix brings professional-level performance to your miniature railway or steam plant.
BIX Burner Compatibility Guide
Over the years, we have designed and fitted BIX gas burner conversion kits to a wide range of model steam engines. The table below shows our recommended BIX burner or conversion kit for each engine, along with any engine modifications required for installation.
Please note:
This table applies to our complete conversion kits only. We also supply a wide range of individual gas tanks, pipework, burners, valves and other components, which can be used to create custom gas-firing solutions for many other model steam engines.
| Engine | Recommended BIX Burner / Kit | Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Mamod TE | BIX 010 | No engine modification required |
| Mamod Roller | BIX 010 | No engine modification required |
| Mamod/MSS Locomotive | BIX 013 | No engine modification required |
| Mamod Steam Wagon | BIX 012 | No engine modification required |
| Mamod SA1 Car | BIX 020 | No engine modification required |
| Mamod Fire Engine | BIX 021 | 2 holes need drilling |
| Wilesco TE | BIX 011 | No engine modification required |
| Wilesco Roller | BIX 011 | No engine modification required |
| Wilesco D310 | BIX 310 | No engine modification required |
| Wilesco D5 | BIX 026 | No engine modification required |
| Wilesco D6 | BIX 026 | No engine modification required |
| Wilesco D9 | BIX 026 | No engine modification required |
| Wilesco D10 | BIX 026 | No engine modification required |
| Wilesco D16 | BIX 026 | No engine modification required |
| Wilesco D161 | BIX 026 | No engine modification required |
| Wilesco D18 | BIX 030 | No engine modification required |
| Wilesco D20 | BIX 030 | No engine modification required |
| Wilesco D21 | BIX 030 | No engine modification required |
| Wilesco D22 | BIX 030 | No engine modification required |
| Wilesco D24 | BIX 030 | No engine modification required |
| Markie Traction Engine | BIX 031 | Burner bracket required |
| Stuart 500/501 | BIX 007 & BIX 017 Gas tank | No engine modification required |
Not sure which BIX burner or conversion kit you need? Contact Forest Classics and we’ll help you choose the correct setup for your engine.
Benefits of Switching to Bix Gas Kits
Consistent Heat Output
One of the biggest advantages of using a Bix burner is the even and reliable heat. Solid fuel can be unpredictable, but gas burners allow for smooth, regulated burning. This consistency improves steam pressure and overall engine performance.
Longer Run Times
Thanks to the refillable gas tank, Bix burners can run significantly longer than solid fuel tablets. You can enjoy longer steaming sessions without having to stop and refuel frequently.
Cleaner Operation
No ash, no mess, no unpleasant smell, and no gooey fuel gel. Butane burns cleanly, keeping your loco and workspace much tidier, something every enthusiast appreciates, especially when steaming indoors.
Easy to Install
At Forest Classics, we design and manufacture BIX conversion kits for a wide range of model steam engines, including various Wilesco, Mamod and Mercer engines, and MSS locomotives.
Because we design and make these kits ourselves, we can advise on the correct burner, gas tank and fittings for individual engines. Most models come with full instructions and require only basic tools to fit, some require no tools at all!
Popular Models: The Bix 013 Kit For Mamod Locomotives
The Bix 013 Gas Conversion Kit is one of the most popular in the range, specially tailored for Mamod and MSS locomotives.
It replaces the solid fuel tray with a sleek, high-performance burner unit that slides into place with minimal modification.
Its compact footprint and powerful heat output make it the ideal upgrade for hobbyists wanting more control and a cleaner running experience.
More Than Just The 013 – Explore The Full Range Of Bix Products!
While the Bix 013 kit is perfect for Mamod and MSS locomotives, Bix offers a versatile lineup to suit a wide range of live steam applications.
The Bix 026 Universal Gas Burner Kit is a flexible solution for custom builds and non-standard engines, offering the same clean-burning performance with a more adaptable layout.
For those using disposable gas canisters, the Bix 018 valve for disposable gas canisters provides a safe, reliable connection for fueling up quickly and efficiently, perfect for portable setups or quick steaming sessions.
If you’re running larger locomotives or boilers, Bix also manufactures larger ceramic burners and extended-capacity gas tanks designed to handle higher fuel demands while maintaining precise control and safety.
Who Are Bix Burners For?
Whether you’re:
A seasoned steam hobbyist looking to modernize your favorite steam engine
A collector wanting a cleaner display setup
Or a beginner frustrated by the limits of solid fuel and gel
Bix gas burners offer a plug-and-play solution that immediately upgrades your steaming experience.
Final Thoughts
In the world of model engineering, small upgrades can make a big difference. Bix gas burners and conversion kits are a smart, reliable way to take your live steam adventures to the next level.
With cleaner operation, longer run times, and easier control, it’s no wonder more and more enthusiasts are making the switch.
Ready to fire up? Make the move to gas and experience the difference a Bix burner makes.
