So I’ve picked up some more lamps , the Tilley’s I’ll post separately Can anyone shed any light on this one it’s a Bialaddin 305 from 1964 , I know nothing , zero , absolutely zilch about them having only really looked at Tilley lamps thus far I'm assuming like all lamp it’s worth restoring ? Are they desirable ? Where do I start ? All advise gratefully recieved thx
Vapalux and Bialaddin and Imber research products were all made by Willis & Bates in Halifax in Yorkshire, the build quality is good and the designs are simple. This link shows the relevant book. Books
@Beanie , a nice find and definitely worth restoring. New seals, clean and polish should result in a good lantern.
That's a nice lamp IMHO do not restore it, give it a good clean and I recon it will come up really well. Glasses are available as are replacements seals. Only my opinion, good luck.
Good Evening Beanie Nice Lamp! I too started off with Tilley's, didn't even know there were any other alternatives! Didn't take me long to get my first Bialaddin though (Got about four now, including an ex - military one like yours!), a 300X, a couple of 305's and a 315 that's been converted to lectric. Very, very similar to a Tilley - If you can fettle a Tilley back into operation, you can fettle a Bialaddin / Vapalux, principles are all pretty much the same, and spares are available and generally reasonably priced! Sounds like you're already on the slippery slope - You'll be eyeing up Stoves and Blow Lamps next! I even had to restore an old Esso Blue paraffin can recently, and was seriously looking at a rather scary looking paraffin powered weed burner at a local flea market. Regards Mark
Thanks all , glass and seals on order, will start with a deep clean and reassemble with new seals . For the pre heater , I believe these were asbestos ? Are they ? I have some glass fibre fire seal in a suitable width was going to make a replacement from , yes I know you can buy them , but where is the fun in that It’s the same year as my Tilley X246A that I’ve just finished , so will be a keeper Its not a shelf queen and gets used
Hi, i think that the general consensus is that they were, so if not sure then best to treat as if it is imo i remember reading a good thread about disposing of asbestos but can’t find it now :/
305's are excellent lamps, I just picked up a brace of military ones c/w original untouched accessories. First time the - imo - superior one piece steel hood appeared. It seems M320's get more love though and command better prices. Go figure...!
Yes there are some ludicrous asking prices for NOS lamps on there. £399 for an unused M320 is the biggest laugh though...
So a sensitive recommissioning has begun The tank has some paint flaking , but is limited to under the frame . The tank has cleaned up well , some areas where the paint is thin from use I suspect as it’s around the filler and pump control valve cleaned of grime and the vaporiser has cleaned and rust removed needle moves freely and is clean Hood is in great condition , I’ve cleaned the burner , but not excessive , IMO it should not be shinny on this lamp , the brass air caps have been cleaned but not polished I don’t know what you call the Aluminium parts other than one is the spirit well , here I’ve removed the Asbestos wick and made one from glass fibre seal Glass is due tomorrow and hopefully the full seal kit and V42 mantle so I can assemble over the weekend Test burn without a mantle and then hopefully the money shot
Reassembled Is this how the glass sits , not in the lip of the preheater ? Test burn , nice clean blue flamelets So V42 mantle fitted and lift off Running along side my X246B I am getting a bit of “suck back” on the pump , is that likely just to be new seals bedding in ?
Lamp looks great. Those non return valve seals can be troublesome to seal especially when new, sometimes take a bit of bedding in.
Thanks Gary, will see how it performs over the next few days, I didn't really fancy emptying the tank to remove and strip it, fingers crossed its just the newness wearing off
If you release the pressure screw and give the pump a few swift and firm presses that can help re-seat the washer.
