Hi folks, As promised in an earlier discussion about a potential new manufacture of Bialaddin/Vapalux HD44 and E41 hood caps I now have the prototypes of each type, made totally from spun brass. They intentionall made with no drilled holes to allow for differing hood fixing dimensions. Here are the caps unmounted: Next are some pics of the caps mounted on Bialaddin 300X's: I would very much appreciate your feedback and indications as to whether you might buy such a cap. Depending on the demand (i.e. the production run) I estimate that they will retail at about £15 - £17 per cap. This price will include an element of the initial tooling cost that I will have to bear. Postage not included. The purists amongst you may spot minor differences from the original designs, but these hood caps are in keeping with the spirit of the original designs and are very pleasing to the eye. I am prepared to proceed with a production run if I can get sufficient orders. I cannot proceed unless I can order at least 25 of each type. I shall have them at Newark with me, both unmounted and on the 300X's. Hope to see you there - Steve.
Now these I like. A modern take on an old design in the right style but different enough that they can't be mistaken for originals. Do you have any idea of costs yet? If the price is right I would want a few for sure. ::Neil::
Hi Neil, Depends on quantity. The tooling is the expensive bit. I estimate that they will cost between £15 and £17 each. Steve.
Great job Steve ! Those rolled edges definatey gives the caps a twist, and I just love to see the results of skilled and experienced craftsmen Well done
WOW Steve 8) 8) 8) Those are great , i'll check out my lamps & see what is needed , but i'll have to save some pennies first Very well done 8) Stu
Well; took them to the Newark Meet and lots of interest but not a lot of committment in way of firm orders. Most liked the rolled edges to the caps and the impressive gauge weight of the brass. I got the impression that the "E41" model was more popular than the "HD44" model. Anyway, the bottom line is that I do not have enough confidence yet to proceed to a production run of both types. Maybe I could proceed with the "E41" model, if I get a bit more positive committment. Please get back to me if you would be prepared to purchase. We are still looking at £15 to £17 per cap at current forecast of demand. Anyway, whatever happens, it has been a very interesting and informative project. I will post to report progress in about 4-6 weeks. Steve.
Hi Steve, sorry it has been such a long time coming but I just thought I would say that you can definitely put me down for one at the moment. I think it was the HD 44 one that I was more interested in (The one on the right in the picture of the two). I wouldn't be too fussed though, if you get enough orders on the E41 and decide not to go ahead with the HD 44 then I will have one of the others. It'll be a shame if you can't get enough orders, I think in the long run you could shift a few but I guess we will just have to have a re-think if it doesn't work out. All the best Matt P.S. Will you be attending the dorset steam rally this year? All being well I'm going and I might see you there if you are.
Hi Steve, thats great thanks. The steam rally is Wednesday 29th August to Sunday the 2nd of September. It'll be my first time going so i'm looking forward to it . Regards Matt
Good news! The first small batch of replacement brass hood will arrive 12 September (17 of each, plus two specials for Wim Ve). I will post a new notice about them, with new pics. They will be unpolished, so you have to do that yourself, if you wish, and they will have no holes drilled, to allow for slight differences in hood hole spacing. This also helps keeps the production cost down. On the new post I will give updated details of price per unit and postage cost. I will ask for a PT for orders with mailing address etc. It will be on a first come first served basis, but if more are needed I can get them made in a few weeks. Steve.
I bought a couple of the E41 style caps from Steve and I am very happy with them. Very well made and look great. Here's one fitted to one of my Vapalux 300X's Cheers Steve. Great Job
Thanks Sidders, Glad that you like the cap, it sets your lovely lamp off well. I have had some very good feedback on the caps so far, which is very satisfying as it took a lot of searching before I found the metal-spinner who would give the right quality at a reasonable price. Will you be at Ashover? Happy lantern fettling - Steve.
