Hi. I purchased Tilly lamp some time ago off the internet. Only paid about £10 for it. The challenge is that it’s in parts, and I think some parts are missing. The challenge is i don’t know what is missing. Looking at the thread i have identified the model, and the year it was made 1177. I have look at some restorations on the internet but will not sure on the approach. Photo attached of what I have
@Paul Kavanagh Hi Paul and welcome to CPL ! looks like you have most bits.. theres a small sleeve and tiny split pin that holds the burner into the hood (black enamel top, 2nd picture) i can’t focus on the parts in the little tray though so perhaps it’s in there? also a preheater will be needed later on Broadlander has some good youtube videos which i find really helpful and can recommend regards pb
Thanks. I have a split pin and now know what to do with it!! All the restorations I have seen so for are for different models so was struggling to work out how it went. I’d really like to restore it fully but think I will by the parts I’m missing and service kits and see if it works first. Thanks again for the reply. Very much appreciated
Actually can you recommend a brand of paraffin to buy for the lamp as you are UK based? Didn’t realise until I look that there were different types! Very naive of me
Bartoline is a good brand to get started on.. they also do a low odour paraffin but it costs more. lamp oil is not recommended for pressure lamps the model for your lamp is an X246b ps i just put in broadlander youtube and found that he puts an x246b back together
excellent work there .. are you going to restore to working lantern that you can get out there and use in the dark ? or will it be a shelf queen for you ?...if it will be a workhorse you need to consider testing the tank by pressure to see if it seals and there are no pricks or splits on the bottom that are problematic .. just a thought assemble the pump and vaporizer and then pressurize the tank.... immerse in bucket of water look for tell tale bubbles......I have renovated old Tilleys only to find out the tank was split ..so sad but hey tanks can be sorted ..just saying best of luck
Hi. Thanks for the reply. My initial thought process was to try and restore it and then see if it works. But not I am going to fit the service kit (when it arrives) and then try and light it up to make sure it works. I want to use it as a lamp, maybe for fishing but will see how it goes. Assuming it works I will then decide if I restore it or not. I don’t have a workshop so it will all be done by hand and not sure how well I can actually restore it. Thanks for the tip on checking the tank for leaks. Not thought of doing it that way and it was one of my concerns. The bottom is bulged slightly but on reading threads this does not always mean that it is useless. Once the service kit is fitted etc I can now test it before filling with paraffin. Will let you know!!
Hi Paul, the tank being bulged/blown is a concern .. they are pretty widespread in the uk so shouldn’t be a problem to find a replacement at a reasonable price if need be.. i remember my first lantern which was obtained for low funds but was missing a spigot on the burner .. when i realised a replacement cost as much as i had paid for the whole lantern i was a bit miffed of course, looking back i realise this is how any hobby starts.. there should be a disclaimer :-)
So the service pack has arrived, the paraffin is on its way. Struggling to see how the control cock comes apart to replace the spring and non return washer. Minnesota is not brass and looks to be one piece, so unclear how I dismantle it. I have watch boardlanders YouTube, and he just seems to unscrew it with ease!! time to search the message boards to see what I can uncover
Hi Alby and Podbros The lamp is put back together once replaced all the service parts. Found on the forum how to take apart that I could not work out. I pressure tested as suggested and there were no bubbles, so that was good news. I’m just waiting on paraffin and the pre lighter to arrive and then I can see if it works properly. Thanks for all your tips, advice and comments. Already thinking of where I can find another and can I get one from the year of my birth! Or better still one from my dad’s as he is 80 this year. Will let you know if it lights!!
Hi Paul great! looking forward to seeing it lit.. glad the thread you found was helpful i usually burn off the mantle before lighting.. outside or under a bit of cover out of strong winds if it’s raining as it will give off a fair bit of smoke.. too much for a kitchen.. might be ok in a shed with the door open?? cheers pb ps birthday lamps and lanterns? well that’s another rabbit hole im afraid and then theres all the other makes of lanterns with possible birthdates great if you can keep it to a few lamps but there’s something about this paraffin.. kind of gets under your skin “abandon hope all ye who enter here..”
Definitely wasn’t planning on lighting indoors. From what I have read I should do 2 preheats for a new mantel and then try and light it. I will let you know the success or failure!! ooh different makes ….. now there’s a thought
I use two meths torches with a new mantle, the first one burns off the mantle and the second one finishes that task and gives the lantern a good pre heat.
