I have an Optimus 350, which is in pretty good condition. It came as part of a lighting set for the Norwegian Army, and it is not unusual to find them unused in these sets. The only downside is that the nickel plating is not in the best condition. A bit of pitting, and some places it has even flaked off. I assume it was stored in less than ideal conditions. I rarely do much to the surface as I like the patina of old lamps and stoves, but since this is unfired I thought it was fitting to buff it up. How do you treat/preserve plating like this? I used AutoSol and fine steel wool. Anything else you would do? It came with the original Optimus globe, which was a nice touch.
Once the nickel plating is affected by corrosion there's not much more you can do except what you have already done. The result looks good.
Okay, thanks! I am not well versed in treating metal surfaces. Just tried AutoSol for the first time now, and was quite happy with the result, also on the brass surfaces. This one will stay unlit for now. The other lamp that came with the set had been test fired once, so I could, remorselessly, fire it up myself. After using it for a while, I have to say it's a great lamp! 350CP is a perfect allround light intensity. It also runs quieter, cooler and cleaner than my 500CP counterparts. No Rapid Heater means one less thing to worry about, and to be honest, I prefer using meths anyway. In action, lighting up the porch. The lamp shade I made for my Petromax lamps conveniently also fit the Optimus. Cheers, Håkon
I like the 200-350 cp lanterns, and when it comes to lighting and using kerosene, I prefer the meths method over the rapid lighters, too! Very nice example and I wouldn't light it. Use the other one.
I’ve not had a lamp with a rapid lighter .......yet. The closest that I have got is a Tilley X246A with a non operational Tillite. The rapid lighter will be a whole new world for me. Cheers Pete
@george yes, I have enough «users», so I dont need to fire up this one. I snuck it in and put it on a shelf, slightly hidden behind some plants. SWMBO is unaware for now @AussiePete I mostly have lamps with rapid heaters. They are great(!) ...when they work. Tempremental beasts, which can be a pain in the &€@ to fettle. But definitelty worth checking out!
I am getting down to one lamp with a non-working (ha!) rapid heater. I do not like the hustle and bustle associated with this kind of 'demarage'. Why should we? A solar powered led lamp is ad infinitum more faster and practical. IF we decide to burn fuel for light, we might as well take the silent and much more relaxed way by lighting a puddle of alcohol. My Primus 1084 Instant will be up for grabs soon.
