I know some formites do not think much of hurricane lamps and gas lamps but they do have a use sometimes. In our scout group the Cubs learn how to light Hurricane Lamps and use them safely."Wickies" are great for illuminating camp sites/camp boundaries or as a night light and if they do get knocked over then its not the end of the world either! When a cub progresses to Scouts they learn how to change mantles and cartridges on a gas light (we are not allowed to use piercable ones) and as they get older they learn all about Tilleys -how to light them and use them safely - I am never short of volunteers to light them! If you are considering chucking your Wickies/Gassies etc why not see if your local scout group can use them? You could be encouraging the next generation of Lamp Lighters!
Well, I don't know about that, Bill - they all seem to come adrift somehow and set the livery stables alight in just about every cowboy film I've ever seen...
Hee gods man, what came first, the chicken or the egg?! Wickie lantern are like cave dwellers, they had to come first before the pressure lamps could.. Just kidding. I like them all, at my age you have think about which ones will light the funeral procession......
I reckon the ones in the cowboy films were "stunt" versions as we've had one walloped by a football before and it survived.... (Suprisingly it was a chinese cheapie!)
No, there's a fight and they get knocked off the wall-hook, land on some hay, the fuel leaks out and is lit by the wick. The flames light the rest of the hay and soon spread to the walls and roof. Then the horses panic and either smash their way out or someone carries out a heroic rescue. Seen it a thousand times, mate - them thar wickies is dangerous stuff, no doubt about it...
