Offence warning: these are my opinions only. Bialaddin often used a particularly dull shade of green that I call 'Life's not worth living' on civilian models, although they also used a burgundy colour and some were plated. The military also used a few other colours like rapidal grey among others.
Well that could be a burgundy/maroon tank but then it probably would have had the red enamelled hat. Mind you, that's a horrible colour-clash IMHO and one to be avoided at all costs! I do note that there's an early Bialaddin 300X in the gallery which has the maroon tank and black hood so maybe that's the best way to go. Having said that, these are pretty ubiquitous lanterns so I don't suppose it really matters what colour it becomes. Me? - I'd go for Canary Yellow... One thing - when a tank is stripped, it's pretty usual to leave the underside in the original colour. Not only does that save a bit of time, it gives subsequent owners something to colour-match with if a return to original livery is desired...
Thanks for all your replies. I quite fancy going down the burgundy route. Is there any sort of official paint code? Or can anyone recommend where to obtain said burgundy paint?
The original paint is long gone but I've found that Rustoleum 'Claret Wine' is fairy close. I saw a post of a boxed original and the Claret Wine paint is actually closer than I'd realised but it needs a coat of clear lacquer to finish it as I don't think it's very fuel resistant.
This is another reason why it's a good idea to leave the original colour underneath when a tank is stripped. You can then take the lantern to your local friendly motor factor who'll be only too happy to mix up a matching aerosol rattle can for you. As it is, the colour of Colin's lantern (see his avatar) is probably near enough, if a little bright, perhaps. Or you could look in the gallery to get an idea. Here's one of mine:- 1946-51 Bialaddin 300X Reading the thread, Chris suggests Rover 'Damask Red' as a suitable colour. Halfrauds will no longer stock this colour 'off the shelf' but may be able to mix it for you, likely at some cost - motor factors are usually cheaper...
The hood on your lantern looks galvanized, or matt chromed... is it a trick of the light or is it plated in some way?
