Is this just the mantles?

In this picture of my two lamps side by side you can clearly see the difference in the colour of the light - is this entirely down to the mantles?

My Bialaddin mantles specifically say that they are non radioactive, my Tilley ones don't but I assume that doesn't necessarily mean they are either.

 

slightly more yellowing can be the first sign of a worn vaporiser,,,,,amongst other things

 

That's correct and the condition of the burner is another. Jeff.

 

So what can happen to the burner and how do you check?

 

The burners die of old age. As they wear the light gets worse and you fix it by either fitting a new burner or reaching for another lamp. ::Neil::

 

So which would you try replacing first?

Is it that the jet in the vapouriser becomes enlarged or is it simply clogged up?

 

I wouldn't change anything - your lantern looks absolutely fine from here...

 

I just have to be a bit newb here. Can someone please post a picture or something which show what a burner is?

 

This bit... http://www.tilleylamp.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=40

 

As David has already said, your lanterns are working fine!

 

What is the difference between the two mantles CP? If there is any difference that is.

 

The CP rating the manufacturer prints on the mantle packet is neither here nor there. In reality there is a huge range of factors that affect the light output from any lantern and the mantle is just a (minor) one of those.

In fact, the CP rating claimed by the manufacturer for his lanterns is to be taken with a massive pinch of salt, too. I think all you can say with any degree of confidence is that, generally, a 300cp lantern will be brighter than a 150cp lantern and that a 500cp lantern will be brighter than a 300cp one. How those figures relate to the real light output of any lantern is virtually anyone's guess.

It's more a case of, does the lantern I've got lit at the moment supply sufficient light for my needs. If it does, fine; if it doesn't simply light another one or a brighter one. That's it really...

 

I would think that your Tilley mantles probably are thoriated (radioactive), and as such will show a much whiter light.

 

Thanks for the replies....

The colour difference really was quite striking, I'm not actually sure which I prefer. The Whiter light does give an impression of moonlight.