I've had a ratty looking 315 knocking around for a while now and wasn't sure what to do with it so I 'created' a red/cream model as I didn't have one. The original was red/silver but I kept the underneath as it was so it can be dated by anyone who has it after me and to make sure no-one thinks it's an original. In any event, the paint is a shade too dark and not yellow enough but I think the overall effect is pleasing. The globe was home-made by me and not particularly good (the surface is scratched to hell) but again, I'll address that as soon as funds become avialable. As you can see, the bottom of the tank instantly shows its original colour and date code.
I assume everyone else knew that the zinc alloy frames were painted silver? It's a little more difficult to remove than on brass but the finish when it's re-sprayed looks nice. Also, all of the alloy framed Bialaddin and Vapalux lamps in my collection - the 310, 315, 320 and M1/21C - show signs of pretty rough workmanship on the allow frames: file marks, flashings left prominent, slight errors in the castings left to be covered by the paint. I was quite surprised that Willis & Bates allowed this poor standard on otherwise excellent quality lamps.
And the money shot! In the long term I want to replace the two piece plate/tube style globe with the more standard all glass type.
@ColinG I didn't! Just went and looked at a M320 Vapalux I received last week. And your right , it's painted silver.
I can see why they did it... Zinc is a dirty grey at the best of times let alone after it corrodes. Painting is an easy way to make it look good.
