There has been quite a lot of debate about the light output from Tilleys, and up to now my 1950s X246 has been the brightest lamp in my collection by some way. However, a nice chrome X246B that I received recently and fettled this evening gives the X246 a good run for its money. You may also see, in the second picture, the feeble glimmer from the adjacent pathetic wick thingy being completely dwarfed by the X246B. Phil
I don't own an X246B, but I've gotten the sense that the real issues are related to how robust the lamp and it's parts are, rather than it's performance when it's working. Given the same mantle, the same fount pressure, and the same vapouriser, one would expect the same light. However, the early vapourisers are credited with being more robust, and that would directly impact the performance of the lamp. Someone jump in here! I'm on the wrong side of the Atlantic, but I do try to pay attention and remain objective whenever possible.
Hi Phil it all depends on the condition of the vapouriser and upper burner, to what model lamp whould be the brightest. And has Al staited the older vapouriser, and parts on the older lamps were made to a higher quality.so when these parts were new,the lantern would give better service and output
Hi both, Well, I've read several posts reporting measurements which show that the newer X246B models do not give much more than 180 candlepower output, far less than their nominal rating of 300CP which is the same as the older X246 "Guardsman" lantern. I was just intrigued that my latest X246B is just as bright as the older X246. However this is a non-scientific observation and the mantles are different. I do find big differences between Tilley mantles and I have used several which are 'new old stock' so I can't prove anything about mantle performance. Suffice it to say that the nice bright X246B has a NOS Happy Mantle fitted. Phil
Hello Phil, they are both working well, so that's the main thing. Check out the link below and scroll down to the bottom of the page and you will see my improved X-246B. The improvements are mentioned in the text, Jeff. http://0flo.com/index.php?threads/1452
Hi Jeff, This is one of the attractions of pressure lamps, they are subject to variations which make each lamp unique! As I have probably made clear by now, I am a bit of a Tilley fan and find even the X246B an attractive and reliable lamp. I am interested in learning as much as possible about the effects of mantle type, vapouriser condition, fount pressure etc on light output. Thanks for all your good advice, Phil
Hello Phil, yes, Tilleys are great and at least the lantern is still being produced in the UK., I'm sitting here listening to the Blues and looking at lamps, what more can a man ask for!
