Thanks, got interested in Tilley lamps after reading the history and finding their factory was just up the road from where I live.
Getting any of these Classics to work well is very satisfying on its own. Tilley lanterns are among the legacy products of the United Kingdom. Their history would certainly fascinate you.
Good works, try and get a copy of Jim Dick's book: "Tilley The Versatile Vapour Lamp" if interested in the range and history.
I've just got the book myself, it's a fascinating read.! What about those 3 SL3 lanterns mounted on a trailer putting out 180,000 CP.!
The Vapalux and Bialaddin lamps are definitely of a better design and construction than most of the later Tilleys. The x246b, first introduced in 1965 has now been produced for 60 years so can’t be that bad. I consider my versions to be users although to be fair, none of mine look as good a condition as yours! Without doubt, there are Tilley lanterns (and other makes) of better design, materials and construction, but by following the instructions and servicing regularly they are still a good usable lamp that will last a lifetime and beyond. Regards Jeremy
Nice tidy lamp.... now all you need is another one, and let them breed. That's what I was told when I got my first Tilley..... but that was twelve lamps ago.
In my humble opinion having now fettled a few different models and makes of pressure lanterns, the 1954-56 Tilly 246 Guardsman is one of the best pressure lanterns that I have encountered. I have 12x Tilleys (mainly different models and styles) and love them to bits.
Well this debate will run and run, but I have found the Bialaddin 315 to be the peak of utility and build quality. That said there is not much between them really.
@Paul Burnell, I know all about that with the Chalwyn Hurricane lamps, and have now got 18 of them, plus 3 road lanterns and 2 finger lamps... I'm now starting on Tilley lamps, 4 and counting since the 13th of February this year.!
I have one problem though, lack of space, we live in a small one bedroom flat, and with the other things we collect there's not much more room.!
