Is this worth a start

This has been up for a month if your interested in a bandera.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/for/4342587791.html

HarrynVegas said:

I want a Bandera, but that's prolly not going to happen in Vegas. What do you think of this for $50 bucks or less? Is this a COS or something better?

https://lasvegas.craigslist.org/for/4398063003.html

Click to expand...

That's the one I was going to get before ultimately going with the Bandera. $50 is a good price as long as it is just surface rust. But I see it doesn't have the warming plate over the firebox which is handy.

Here is a recent thread on that smoker:

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=184578

or just search for "New Braunfels Black Diamond" or "New Braunfels Hondo"

The NB Hondo / Black Diamond is still considered a COS, but it is a quality COS with thicker metal than most of the newer COS.. and it can be modded to work well.

If you are willing to put some effort into cleaning it up, it's definitely worth the $50 as it's the older model NBBD made from heavier gauge steel as bbqgeekess said.

I have one of that vintage, works well for the price and good to learn on.
Later,
Doug

50 bucks,.... grab it up.:thumb:

HarrynVegas said:

I want a Bandera, but that's prolly not going to happen in Vegas. What do you think of this for $50 bucks or less? Is this a COS or something better?

https://lasvegas.craigslist.org/for/4398063003.html

Click to expand...

The NB Black Diamond is definitely one of the better COSs that have been made. I cooked on one for over 15 years and it's a good little smoker to learn on with a few mods. If the rust is just exterior then you should jump at it for $50 or less, I think mine was $300 new back in the early 90s!
It looks like the gas ignition is gone and it looks as though it's never been under any cover at all so I'd probably ask for more pictures or if possible go and see it in person to determine how much work she'll need.
I know that mine is completely rusted through on the bottom of the firebox and I now use the smoke chamber as a charcoal grill.