Following on from my previous posts concerning Tilley R1 radiators, I am afraid these have not yet progressed any further, mainly due to bouts of ill-health from late 2013, and all of 2014, resulting in 3 hospital stays.Anyway, I'm now feeling a lot better and 2015 beckons! I mentioned that, among other models, I had an X264B? and it is this that I now intend to concentrate on, as it should not require as much work (and expediture)! I have posted some photos, pretty much as received but, following a light clean. The "pork pie" fount and cage are gold coloured, so this is how I intend to restore it. The hood is badly corroded and will need to be replaced at some point. The only parts I initially need (I think) is a 498 washer kit and a 164X mantle (both from "Fettle Box")or, do you think I should invest in a full SP1 kit? The springs actually look to be in good nick. I have my eye on a globe, ex-ewhatsit! Further queries would be relevant to the "Pork Pie" fount and the control cock and pump. This type of fount was introduced in 1946 but, post-war, would it have been fitted with brass control cock and pump. If so, I would have expected a "Hendon" pump, so this may be a later replacement. The other thing that bothers me is the cage. Having dismantled it for the clean, I now find I cant re-attach it! There is simply not enough play in the loose collar nuts. Is it out of shape? Your opinions and advice would be, as ever, very welcome.
Your lantern and it's parts are correct, but it's an X-246 not an X-246-B. Your lantern is the last pork pie tank version of the X-246, the control cock is made from brass and Tilley changed the pump design for that lantern. Your lantern takes the number 171 globe and it's best to get the complete washer kit and you could try rotating the cage as it may have become twisted over the years. Do let us know how you get on, Jeff.
Have a read of this old post re pork pie cage studs (http://0flo.com/index.php?posts/31687 Use a piece of leather to prevent damage to cage nuts from pliers, soak some oil to the steel cage at the ends, a little bending of cage may help align the threads. Use caution if you decide to try heat as studs are soldered from inside font
Sorry to hijack the thread a bit but I was wondering if the cage from a Pork Pie lamp with the loops for handles will fit onto a Guardsman tank?
Hi Stephen, if you check the lamp gallery, there is a picture of a Guardsman. Dome tank but the cage does indeed look the same. Jim
Thankyou, gentlemen for your advice and comments. I do have a couple of further (out of interest} questions, if you would indulge me. Having now looked at the lamp gallery, I have found pictures of the X246 with the "pork pie" fount but, all are fitted with a different hood. I think this tank was only produced from 1946-50, so was the hood changed during this time? If so, I guess this would make mine a later model? Another question would be - the fount has a wider bore socket and a reducer ring fitted to accomodate the standard pump. Why? Finally, the exterior of the burner is heavily carbonised. Is it worth cleaning it back to brass, as you cannot see it. I suppose the purist would, if it was intended for onward sale. I intend to use mine. If I do decide to clean it, what is the best method? Same heat and quench as used for cleaning the interior? As ever, I look forward to receiving your comments and advice. Jim
I'd be worried they look the same but would be the same fitment. Best way to clean up a burner is to steep it in water and vinegar solution of about 5:1. 24 hours in there and it will be as clean as you can get it! Screw it apart first, but if it doesn't want to come apart then just leave it because the threads will most likely strip if you try to force it. Once it comes out of the vinegar use a couple of pipe cleaners to clean the bits you can't get at and its as good as new
Jim, in case you aren't aware there is a knack to allighning the stop cock so that the knob ends up between the cage uprights rather than directly behind one... I've detailed it in this post: http://0flo.com/index.php?posts/41446
Thank you Stephen and Gneiss for your tips. The burner assy. is now soaking and I will be sure to use Gneiss's tip for positioning the stop cock, when it is time for re-assembly. As for progress, the lamp is now in pieces and the cage and fount have been cleaned up, ready for priming. I was successful in my bid for a globe on "fleabay". This should arrive during the course of next week. I am still concerned about the hood. I like the earlier? one shown in the lamp gallery. Does anyone know if the complete assy. is still available? I know the top is but I'd need the rest. I'll keep you up dated, with photos as work progresses. Jim
Your lantern is correct with that hood. There are three basic variations to the Pork Pie X246. Brass cage-Brass hood; Steel cage-Brass hood; Steel cage-Brown enamel hood. Yours is therefore the latest of the type and will date from about 1948/9 ish. The brass hoods have tuned up on the Bay now and then but the brass cage would be hard to find. In any case what you have is correct so why not leave it be and look for an earlier lantern. ::Neil::
Hi Neil, I now completely agree with you. Having checked again with "our" gallery and Terrence Marsh's, the only slightly difference is that he describes this as a 4th generation. Although he has no photo, the description is correct. Anyway, no disputes! I am perfectly happy with your dating but - if it could be stretched to 1950, it would be as old as I am, 64! Too much for coincidence? It (she?)will be restored as is. Thank you for your comments. I reckon I know all there is to know, now, historically. One more question though! Do you, or anyone else know what kind of temperature the hood could get up to, during the course of an evening's use. I have a "cunning plan"! Finally, I presume this thread should be continued in the "Fettling" forum as this will be the next stage(s). Jim
1950? Well if you allow for it sitting in a hardware shop for a while then yes 1950 is possible. Mind you we can't be precise here 'cos they were not dated at the time. 64? Just a youngster yet then? 4th generation may be because the earliest version has been found with two distincly different handle lengths but don't ask me which is first. Hotter than solder melt at 250c and cooler than alluminium at around 650c. So at a guess around 300-400c ish. ::Neil::
