Picked up these 2 Aida Express 1500 lanterns today for “cheap”. Missing globe and appears to be missing part of the pump on each. Apparently these were lanterns from a guys father. dumb question - what’s the difference between the Aida 1500 and 1550? And while I’m at it, what’s the difference between the Petromax 500 and 329? I found one of each of those which I should be getting soon.
1550 is an Optimus model number. Optimus 1550 and Aida 1500 are both 500 c.p. kerosene lanterns. 329 ? More like 829. 829 is the model number, 500 is it's rated candle power.
Thanks! How would you approach cleaning these up? I also need to get 2 globes. I think it’s cool when someone tells you it was in their family versus just finding it out someplace. Even though you don’t know the history, you get to see the people it belonged too. my main reason getting these ($50 total) was for possible parts for one that I have that is in a better looking state but needs a couple of small pieces.
A good scrub with soapy water to start with then see what's under the dirt first, then go from there, everyone has got their preffered cleaning and polishing methods, there may be a few more suggestions from other members. Ian
Would be a shame to break them up without checking on the possibility of restoration, bits are pretty easy to find so should make two interesting projects.
@rayw I'm not necessarily going to break them up. My initial thought was to have a backup plan in case other parts were hard to find. Being a newbie, I didn't know how easy or difficult parts would be to find. So this was my Plan B, if needed.
Most parts are available from different sources but try googling the base camp, they seem to have a good range and are usually pretty helpful plus they ship overseas. But maybe you have something nearer home.
@rayw thanks for the Base Camp heads-up. I'll check them out. And from reading some other posts, it does seem like parts are a little easier to come by than I thought.
Most, if not all of the parts needed to complete your Aida and Petromax lanterns are available from Britelyt which should save on shipping. Products – Page 2 – Britelyt Green Science & Innovations Inc
