Today I was lucky enough to have been given what looks like a very lightly used (but stored in a damp shed), Vapalux lantern. It cane with a slightly damp box that said it was a Vapalux 320 - I’m guessing 1960s or 70s? I’ve seen more references to M320s than 320s - am I correct in assuming that the M320 ones are just the warry versions in green and that the service parts etc are interchangeable? Not familiar with Vapalux lanterns, I have previously fixed up a couple of Tilley X246Bs (?), (one a barn find, one picked up cheaply) and although I have not yet got it running, my first impressions are that the design and build of the Vapalux seems a little better. Any thoughts or tips on the Vapalux?
Your Tilleys are (red) X246b and an 2nd model X246 (known as the Guardsman) No real difference between the M320 and the 320. Some MOD ones have markings. Some were used by other military forces - the IDF for example. All Bialaddin/Vapalux use the same vapouriser. I always change the wick as the originals were asbestos but that is an individual choice. The paint job on yours looks "aftermarket". Tilley V Vapalux - well that one will run and run. I like them both. I like the positive shutoff of the Tilley cock, but the Valapux designs are more robust than the later Tilleys. I think that the Vapalux burner is slightly better made than the Tilley. Other considerations are that currently replacement Tilley vapourisers seem easier to come by than Vapalux ones.. Some will say that the Guardsman was the last well build Tilley. I can empathise with that. But as I say, I like them both and have both.
Thanks for the warning - the Vapalux was a bit of an unexpected arrival, I went to collect a couple of very rusty hurricane lamps from someone who was having a clear-out. The lady handed me a cardboard box and said I’ve put another one I found in there.
The difference between the 320 and the M320 is something that's puzzled me too. The hood seems to be one difference, and there are discussions that the M320 has a flatter hood profile with the 320 being more domed.
Had a quick fiddle with my new (to me) Vapalux 320. The seals looked OK and despite the mantle looking a bit tatty, I put a bit of new fuel in it and it lit up without difficulty. I’ll get a new mantle and some new seals but looks good. As far as the finish is concerned, the paint looks original - the lamp came in a slightly soggy box and it looks like a barely used lamp that has spend severL years in a damp shed or garage.
The difference in profile of the domed top on the 220 models is a change from slightly profiled - as in o-ring's lamp - to a smooth, rounder one supposedly in the early 80's. Not sure when the 220 was produced only in green, dropping the silver painted tanks perhaps later that decade? No doubt a cost-saving measure, if not a subtle gesture of gratitude towards the only customer who had kept W&B afloat since the divorce with Aladdin Industries. Apart from the M-1, that never was a clear or well defined model, there was no other 'M' model other than the short-lived all brass M-1b, a limited production run aimed at collectors or other sentimentalists. It seems that the 'market' has invented the M220 model, perhaps as a sly move to enthuse the 'military' collectors. Either way, these green 220 's in nos livery sell for unheard of money today, but are technically nearly identical to the Bialaddin 220 of 1965/66 that started this longest running model.
Looks like a good one ! - and it is silver now - it looked more purple in the earlier picture hence my comment about it being "aftermarket". You can see in the picture what looks like a small leak at the bottom of the vapouriser so yes a seal kit will be a worthwhile investment. The brass looks very unworn with no dirt in the knurling so I would guess that it has not seen much use. A real result as it fell into your lap
@Fireexit1, eagle eyes on the “leak” and I will check again but I think that the paraffin around the base of the vapouriser may have been left over from when I was playing around with it before lighting it. I partially stripped it down and was going to wait for new seals before trying to light it but the lack of any obvious leaks and the nice jet from the vapouriser encouraged me to give it a go. Will order a seal kit anyway and new mantles anyway. Just plain silver but I guess purple would have been a popular 1970s option if offered! Very pleased!
@ROBBO55 You are most welcome, but Ian Ashton showed me most of the way. Looking at your location, I almost envy you for having springtime down there. Almost, because 'we' get our spring too in due time. But on a water-cold rainy day, so typical for western Europe in november, this seems quite a distance away. I do hope your country will be spared the draughts, not to mention the fires coming summer.
see here: Vapalux M320 - Unusual Military markings and here: Help in evaluate date of manufacture - Bialaddin 310
Postman delivered a refurb kit from Base Camp for my freebie Vapalux 320 this morning. All washers now replaced and new mantle fitted. Also gave it a good clean and filed off some sharp casting on the alloy “cage” and it lit first time with no dramas.
Looks splendid and will give you years of service. Hopefully it will be dry tonight so you can test it in the dark. Enjoy! Chris
Aha, another festive picture; well done! These 320 models are like Marmite: either you love 'em or you don't. I regard them as one of the most stand-out designs under the pressure lanterns and like it's odd appearance. I do believe the cast alloy frame is a unique feature, not used by other makers but shared of course by it's pre-decessor 305, 310 and 315 models. A wonderful addition to your growing collection, Lee!
Can anyone tell me the purpose of the wire circle attached to the frame of the vapalux M320 military model . I see so,E models without the wire and some with . Just something that I love to know and if someone else has the answer Thank you
According to Ian Ashton, who collected most of todays knowledge on these lamps, this wire came along with the switch to short cylindrical glass supported by a metal disc, at the end of the nineties. Before that, the glas had this stepped bottomed 'bowl' shape since the introduction of the Bialaddin model 315, resting directly on cast notches in the alloy frame. Through the years W&B sought cheaper ways to produce these lamps, and using strict cylindrical glass was their last modification towards that end. It might have added some measure of protection. but I think this wire was also a design gimmick to take some attention away from this new cheapening.
Thank you for your reply and it is appreciated , but I’m still confused to what purpose the wire serves been wrapped around the outside of the lamp frame .been outside surely serves no purpose in protecting the glass or holding it in place as the main frame does this with short glass globe and the stepped globes . I have used the short globes on the standard 320 models and no need for wire around outer frame . Still baffles me why and what purpose it’s there for ….
Surely? How else can you protect delicate glass than on the outside? Or do you mean the outside of the frame - which gives the same protection in principle. Sure, it is not like the venereable Tilley Guardsman, but since you are looking for a (possible) reason.... The other possibility I mentioned does not seem to get much merit either. And what are 'short globes'? Besides, no-one suggested this wire loop is for using (certain) globes. May I suggest making less of a point of this - not everything in life needs to - or can - be explained. Perhaps it is just a silly stand alone design feature. And, if you will spend time reading up on W&B you will find this tiny company from Halifax packed riddles and questionmarks in about every model they made.
Yeah definitely protection from the rough and tumble of military life... I read once these lanterns were kept in military vehicles say in tanks / 4/8 tracks/ amphibious mobile guns etc and the like for use by crews in the plains / wilderness / swamps or other designated places that we are all are not on the " need to know " list applies .. just go to show how tough these are .. emergency lighting when all fails ..
