Greetings, fellow enthusiasts, I wonder if any of you could shed any light (!) on the maker of this lamp? It is currently in use (converted to electricity) in the Winchcombe Signal Box on the Gloucestershire, Warwickshire Steam Railway. So far as I am aware it is one of an original pair, c.a 1905/6. The lamp connects to a cast iron flue, exhausting through the ridge tiles and protected by a pointed cover. Any suggestions, as usual, would be most welcome.
I know there's a Tilley Ol50 on the platform at that station, but I'm not sure what lamps your talking about. Have you got pictures?
Ok a quick Google and I've found the ones you mean. I think from what I can see they're bialaddin 300x's. The flue to take the fumes up out of the roof is a clever idea. I doubt those lamps would be the originals though as they would cast too much shadow being hung as high as they are. One of the hanging Tilley lamps would have been a more likely choice for the position of the lamp and the lighting required. Third picture down here shows one of the lamps I think your looking at.
Hi Matthew, Now I'm confused! I was passed my photo by a fellow volunteer, who, like me, is working to rebuild the Broadway Station and we are looking for some period lamps for the signal box, currently being built. Your picture of the Winchcombe 'box is different. I'm going to have to travel down to Winchcombe to see for myself. Thanks for your input.
If the lamp your looking for is circa 1905/06 then it wouldn't be a pressure lamp. Possibly a wick lamp, maybe gas I'm not sure what sort of period gas lighting was used. Good look with the restoration, I'll have to come and have a look when it's ready. Has the track reached Broadway yet? Last time I was down at Cheltenham they were trying to raise a million to extend it the rest of the way.
We have progressed a long way since then! If you're interested, visit: www.broadwaygwsr.blogspot.co.uk to see the the progress at Broadway!
Matthew, the period doesn't exclude a pressure lamp in any way. On the contrary. That was about the time when they came in wide use at railways all over the world.
I agree. It's probably more likely that they used a couple of large wick lamps up there under those flues. Pressure lamps were perhaps more used in stations and platforms. Hopefully we'll get a picture soon from Jim after his next visit. Then it would come clear rather than speculating.
Kitson lamps were in use on the railways back then and the link below shows an article about them, Jeff. http://0flo.com/index.php?threads/2058
LampDoctor, a link would be fine so we could see the picture in question! But it sounds like the kind of pressure lamps I was thinking about. Hollow wire was of course almost the only way they came at this early stage and on these applications. I found some pics from the place you mention here. Scroll down a bit and you'll see a harp lamp. But it is a central draft wickie, so I guess it's not that one you were thinking about?
Here's a closer view of one of the lamps in question. I haven't managed to get to examine them personally, as yet. It's still closed season on the railway until later this month, when access will be easier. However you can see the pressure pump and possibly a separate "cycle pump" connector? I am beginning to think that these lamps are not original to the building of the station. With that cowl and chimney, I think it more likely that it was originally gas lit, hence the need for the flue. So, it still begs the question: what make of pressure lamp is the replacement? After looking around, I am beginning to think Coleman.....
As Matt said, Bialaddin 300X, sadly electrocuted, and decades after your estimated date - Bialaddin didn't start until 1946. The 'cycle pump connector' you mention is the filler cap and pressure release...
