Yep... You and your lamps that I know nothing about... Now I want one. What would be a good start? Tilley x246... bialaddin? I'm at a total loss as I've never seen one of these in person. I would have to buy parts online or from the sponsor as haha... We don't exactly have Tilley vapolux or bialaddin aisles at our stores here. Anything I would need would need a month to get here. Also... This to consider...I like projects but not dumpster fires (can be trashed but still find parts).... What should I avoid? Is there a particular lantern that you all stay away from? I like the way the brass ones look... And brass tends not to rust haha...so I'll probably be lucky with a tank. I guess what I'm hoping for is "these are good... You can use regular orings you can get there... Pretty much clean up and it will run" kind of things... Damn... And I just finished those three Coleman quick lites haha... What am I thinking?
My advice would be to start with a Tilley X246 from the early 1950s. It combines a very well made lantern with reliable sources of spares. This kind (but you can probably get hold of a much better looking example): Tilley X246 (1950 -1954) Tony
@Tony Press I'm looking at one but a lot of the listing do not tell the year. I'm guessing that the characteristics are the cage that protects the globe?
Hey I have a question... What is the reasoning behind the open slot around the knob on the bialaddin 300x? Just curious if it serves a purpose?
Hi @Remus1956 yes, it’s purpose is to help with clocking the control tap when changing its washer.. if the thickness varies slightly then when the tap is tightened the tap ends up in a different place? The cage has multiple holes which allows different positioning over the 3 bolt holes on the tank? a bit hard to explain without pics.. have a look at some of the fettles that folks have done maybe regards pb
@podbros ok so during regular operation this doesn't move... Only when disassembled and reassembled it's to give room for the fit... Interesting. I'm seriously looking at one of these. What's putting me off is the mantles. If it's not a Coleman then the mantles are hard to get here. I would have to order them from England. We normally don't have v42 mantles... Though we do have a sort of double holed mantle... Just don't know if it would fit A lot of "I would have to order it from England" stuff that would make getting a Tilley or bialaddin expensive here
@Remus1956 Here is a generic photo thumbnail showing the holes I meant Yes, the shipping is significant now :/ I suppose the Willis & Bates lanterns are even scarcer than the Tilleys over there? Maybe if you get one it could be a runner with some spares for the future?? Is the shipping from Korea or Taiwan any cheaper? Cheers
Royal Mail small parcels at 30cm x 30 cm x 30cm is about £35 for 2 Kg to Aus, getting cheaper with less weight.....
Yeah the one im looking at is for me almost $68 dollars to ship... I'm paying more to get it then the lantern costs... Just doesn't seem like a good idea
@podbros it's sad man...I would really enjoy something completely different... Yeah just can't get past that..
You should look for a chandelier Blanchard. These are rare and it will take a while before you have one. This keeps the "need" for more low.... ;-)
The cost and short supply of twin tie mantles is an issue for sure, but not insurmountable. If you follow the link below you'll find not just two different methods of tying them, but a method of adapting single tie mantles (such as Anchor mantles and others) for use on Tilley, Bialaddin and Vapalux lanterns. 2 methods of tying double tie mantles Basically, you can turn these mantles partially inside out, cut the bottom seam and use a freezer bag tie to attach the newly opened end to the spigot. I have used this technique many times to good effect and continue to do so. Hope this helps.
