Lantern Wicks?

fredstev · **Posted:** Sat Feb 17, 2007 9:16 am

S. Weaver wrote:

A 1/2 inch wick will probably draft better, especially when using a signal oil mix (80% coal oil; 20% white kerosene).

I like the pure flame and pleasant odor of the coal oil - sold as ultra pure paraffin - but it will blow out as soon as someone opens the door of the caboose. The signal oil mix is not as obnoxious as raw kerosene, though significant others will detect the odor if consumed in more domestic venues ...

I've always wondered exactly what "signal oil" consists of - thanks. There's a good definition of what "coal oil" is at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coal_oil

We've been using K1 kerosene in our adlake marker lamps and the handlan caboose lamps in our cabooses. The quality seems to vary between suppliers We also have an Aladdin model 23c lamp in one caboose, it is pretty cranky when using the K1, it tends to carbon the mantle if you aren't careful. I haven't found a locally available source for fuel for this lamp yet.

I CAN'T recommend using "paraffin oil lamp fuel" for anything railroad related, it tends to gel at temperatures around freezing and also fouls the wicks. I've had good luck ordering wicks and parts from the supplier below:

http://www.oillampman.com/

S. Weaver · **Posted:** Sat Feb 17, 2007 10:03 pm

fredstev wrote:

I've always wondered exactly what "signal oil" consists of - thanks. There's a good definition of what "coal oil" is at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coal_oil

We've been using K1 kerosene in our adlake marker lamps and the handlan caboose lamps in our cabooses. The quality seems to vary between suppliers We also have an Aladdin model 23c lamp in one caboose, it is pretty cranky when using the K1, it tends to carbon the mantle if you aren't careful. I haven't found a locally available source for fuel for this lamp yet.

I CAN'T recommend using "paraffin oil lamp fuel" for anything railroad related, it tends to gel at temperatures around freezing and also fouls the wicks. I've had good luck ordering wicks and parts from the supplier below:

http://www.oillampman.com/

I agree with you about paraffins in general, but the ultra-pure has about the same flash point as the coal oil, and is considered synonymous. I wouldn't recommend lesser grades. Mixing with K-1 to produce signal oil lessens the fouling and geling tendencies. The coal oil I have around home and at the railroad stays liquid to about 15F. Different railroads used differing ratios for the mix. I've use the 80/20 mix in a variety of settings - markers, hand lanterns - down to 10F. The heat of the lamp tends to keep everything flowing, the coal oil keeps it bright and the K-1 keeps it lit.

johnacraft · **Joined:** Thu Aug 26, 2004 2:53 pm **Posts:** 660

Thanks everyone.

JAC

salty_4568 · **Posted:** Wed Feb 21, 2007 12:14 am

I personally like the smell of Kerosene ... brings back many memories of my earllier railroad days.