I started off just getting a service kit on Vapalux M320, that got me interested I then set about an Tilley x246b that looked scrap. I thought nothing to lose so complete strip down painted second hand hood and finished. Now my pride and joy the Tilley SL61 Hospital lamp, strip down, got the tank back to Brass but too many dings in it so I repainted it Land Rover Green, I had to spend serious money on a new hood, cage and globe but well worth it. I shall hopefully have all three lit tonight when it goes dark.
Very very nice. Congratulations on a job well done. I’m looking forward to your money shots. Cheers Pete
The Hospital lamp is superb, the mantle has formed perfect, perfect white light. minor snag is the pump slowly works back but i think i know what that is. the X246B isn't as bright but I don't know how bright they should be and M320 has never been bright, I thought cleaning and a full service kit would make it better but it's not. Maybe its operator error.
You have 3 smart looking light givers. If the seal in the Hospital lamp NRV is clean and seating properly, try stretching the spring a little. All three lamps are rated at 300 candle power so should be the same brightness. Reasons why they're not, include age of burner (i.e. how much use it's had), cleanliness of air tubes, condition of vapouriser - hole becoming oversized but not quite enough to give the typical red flames burning outside the mantle, vapouriser becoming choked with carbon thus restricting fuel flow and age / quality of the mantle. Henry.
Nice lamp and lanterns. The Vapalux 320 needs a globe support disc fitting before the glass gets chipped...
'The Base-Camp' appear to have them - used - in 'The Graveyard' section - £2.00. That doesn't seem unreasonable but it depends on the postage cost as well...
I contacted Base-Camp and he said the the 21c ring in the Graveyard is not for a M320. He can send a new one at £9 but He suggested a new glass and ring at £18.95 would make more sense and have a spare glass. A new shaped glass is £34 ish. I'm in no rush, maybe someone will have a spare going cheap, if not when I recover from me current spend lamps i'll probably get the the glass and ring option.
Very nice start to your collection, a couple of my 246B's are not as bright as the others but as been said before it depends on how much use it's had and how worn the jet is. And with being S/H you have no idea how much use it's had or weather it's been maintained at all, I always make sure there is no bit's of muck or debris in the burner and vaporiser. All my lamps are S/H bought from junk shops mostly, but I am very happy with them.
