Moosezilla: Adding the time machine as a VC was the only way to get that important H.G. Wells invention into the game. The only real downside is that now I have to break the time machine down into ten different and distinct parts that all fit back together when built. Not as easy as it sounds, it turns out.
As to your helium question: I'm not sure why you ask, but it did inspire me to post all of the Lost Worlds resources (finally) in the WIPs and static graphics thread here. Go look; helium is one of the strategic resources. Let me know if that answers your question.