Optimus 1550

Discussion in '1550' started by James K, Jan 27, 2019.

  1. James K

    James K United Kingdom Subscriber

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    Found this lamp at a local antique shop and it looks like it has spent some time either by or in the sea.
    Everything inside the tank was caked in crud, but all it needed was a mantle, pump washer and a good clean.
    It is now back to lighting the way.
    It is bonkers bright!
    Enjoy the pics.

    image.jpg image.jpg image.jpg image.jpg image.jpg image.jpg image.jpg image.jpg image.jpg image.jpg image.jpg
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 24, 2019
  2. Tony Press

    Tony Press Australia Subscriber

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    You’ve got that going very well!:thumbup:

    Cheers

    Tony
     
  3. JEFF JOHNSON

    JEFF JOHNSON United Kingdom Subscriber

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    Well saved!:thumbup::thumbup:
     
  4. LanternTom

    LanternTom United States Subscriber

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    Very nice and bright
     
  5. Nils Stephenson

    Nils Stephenson Founder Member

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    The 1550 is usually a very bright lantern. Because the preheat dish is very low on the vapouriser, I often find they need a double preheat. The quick start can sometimes be temperamental, so I usually leave them alone.

    This looks like the second last variation of the 1550, so most likely from the 1980s (probably first half).
     
  6. X246A

    X246A United Kingdom Subscriber

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    @James K

    Once again, another fine fettle!

    What method did you use to clean up the chrome?

    Regards Jeremy
     
  7. James K

    James K United Kingdom Subscriber

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    @X246A
    Hello Jeremy, I used the back of a Stanley knife blade to scrape the crud off then finished with autosol.
    I would not normally be that harsh but the corrosion was rough and just shredded polishing cloths.
     
  8. James K

    James K United Kingdom Subscriber

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    I felt guilty after I robbed the glass off this lamp for another project, so I treated it to a frosted glass and a reflector to try and make use of its ability to be bright.
    It is now trickier to light but certainly lights the way.

    20190323_174428.jpg 20190323_180146.jpg 20190323_180220.jpg
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 6, 2019
  9. X246A

    X246A United Kingdom Subscriber

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    @James K

    The frosted glass certainly looks good and cuts down the glare.

    Regards Jeremy
     
  10. Seamanjive

    Seamanjive Subscriber

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    Looks great. Just acquired one of these, tank is a bit dirty, sort of of greeney, sticky patina all over. Quick clean with a bit of soapy water and a pan cleaner thing. Looks better but can I take it right back to silver/chrome?
    And that reflector/shade looks wonderful...where did you get it?
     
  11. Matti Kucer

    Matti Kucer Sweden Subscriber

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    Well done! my preheater doesn't work well, but yours seem to work.

    Regards Matti
     
  12. James K

    James K United Kingdom Subscriber

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    @seanmanjive
    The shade and reflector came from eBay.
    Search for schott suprax glass and check the dimensions as they do a small one for gaz lamps.
    The reflector is a petromax accessory and has been popular with people at bbq's for some reason.
    Happy fettling James
     
  13. James K

    James K United Kingdom Subscriber

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    Hello Matti

    My pre heater took a bit of getting going but was basically cleaning. In mine the end in the tank was blocked with gum and inside was caked as well. Make sure it is spotless and all tiny holes are clear.
    Test it without the glass and mantle starting with low pressure and see what happens.

    Hope this helps James
     
  14. Seamanjive

    Seamanjive Subscriber

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    That will be the reflector for the HK500 (to fit Optimus 1550) ?
     

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