Scatalogical subject title? Well, I wouldn't say I'm overly fond of this pair of No. 2's (Mk's I and II), but would hesitate to call them sh**e exactly. The MkII's scruffy, the pan's scruffy The contents of the pan are scruffy - natural sponge being boiled clean to go in the font of my Tito Landi lamp when dried out Flame shot. The adjustable wrench clamped on the flame control valve suits the stove, I feel The maker's plaque Quaint plumbing fitting to connect fuel supply pipe to burner. Nice Over to the Mk1 now, probably my favourite of the two It's not got a particularly efficient shut-off valve, so here the tank's been pressurised and a small jet of petrol has leaked past the 'shut' valve post-priming ... ... so I step on the loud pedal and give it some gas ... Whoa! too much More civilised Can't say you've not been told how it should be used Finally, I shut it down, or would if I could get enough torque on this control valve knob Packing it away, the legs/case clamp bands are a joy to use (not) Yep, they're both going to a better home. Deal is, a stove buddy takes them off my hands and doesn't charge me a penny! Cheers, John
I've had the same experience with a U.S. Aladdin Military stove. Starting it up is always a loathsome experience. I share your sentiments.
Hi John I also passed on my No2 to someone who appreciated it more than me - and like with you, he didn't charge me even a penny!!
Am I alone in owning a No.2 MkII (Modified) that works very well and that I enjoy using on a regular basis? Or have a just fallen into a pile of No.2 and come up smelling of roses? Mmmm, on reflection it did take me about a year of messing about to get it to operate to my satisfaction. But there again, Stubborn is my middle name. But since it's been working correctly it's been an absolute champ. Cheers, Graham.
quick question: Was a special tool originally included to control the control valve? IOW, a stove-specific wrench? Or is the valve part of this stove's (apparent) charm?
Hi L-A, It's a multitool that as well as being the control, also can be used to remove the jet and also nip up the stuffing box nut on the valve. It clips onto the tank heat shield for transport. You can see it in use in this post. The same tool also is included with the British Military No.12 stove assuming it's a complete version. Cheers, Graham.
I think you have the multitool for the MkII in mind, Graham, but the valve wheel I pictured is on the MkI, which didn't come with that type of tool. The prospect of using the multitool on the MkII on the jet hits the buffers when it comes to removing that notoriously-difficult-to-remove burner cap... Er, probably, Graham ... Regards, John
Hi John, I was assuming that L-A was referring to your shot where you are using the adjustable wrench for the flame control on the MkII. I've not found the flame control valve an issue on my MK1 No.2 or my No.3 (that employs the same control) after a strip down and rebuild. They can be impossible to use before performing a fettle. BTW - I eventually discovered that removing the flame cap straight after turning off the stove is the best way to remove it. Also, as both pieces are steel, I find a quick rub down to remove rust every six months keeps it reasonably easy to remove. Cheers, Graham.
A big thanks to John for bringing round his No2s I have been playing with them this morning and I have to say I rather like them they have a certain almost rustic charm and the roarer version is going to have a permanent place in the back of my van for all future fishing sessions as it is ideal for the job for which I need it. We also had a great deal of fun sparking up a number of other stoves and his coleman speedmaster 1941 version is a lovely thing from a special point in time
That's it Alan, you've blown your cover as the (new) owner of those priceless lumps of iron stoves. Enjoy! John