Has anyone seen this model of stove before? I don't think this is a Japanese stove. Thinking about buying it for the collection, but I just cant tell if the 75 bucks is worth it . http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-other-Vintage-Backpack-Stove-W0QQAdIdZ466649801 Thoughts? Recommendations? Photos ©Kajiji
I think it is a copy of the Optimus 8R called a Sunmate Thunder and is mentioned in this thread Link . That's the sum of my knowledge I'm afraid. Terry Edit - Found this link where the control knob has "Made in Japan" on it - Link .
If you want to get a real Optimus 8R instead of this Japanese Knock off then keep you eye out on Ebay as they are often on there.. Some go for less than the 75.00 they want for this one. Also some go for a lot more ... The Japanese one looks almost identical to the original 8R but not sure the age etc. I just picked one up (8R) at a Flea Market a couple of weeks ago for $5.00 and to be honest didn't even know what it was at the time. It just looked nice and was cheap.. I have it cleaned up and fixed up now and just about ready to fire it up. Really neat stove.. For example: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Vintage-OPTI...642?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3380d485da
There are many 8Rs on US e-bay at the moment, for a lot less than the Japanese clone. However, the clone looks to be in exellent condition, and is probably rarer than the original 8R. Your money, and your choice.
Yep 8R clone, I'm sure you could get a real 8R for that sort of money. Don't know if the parts are interchangeable. All depends what you want it for, to use or as a book end on the shelf. Also I see that you're in Calgary, get yourself over to my son's place in Tuscany and try and convert him to a proper hobby
I've never seen this Japanese brand of 8R clone. It looks in pristine condition. There's a very popular Russian 8R clone, which pops up very frequently on eBay. I bought two of them, and in my opinion they are even better than the original Optimus. I can't tell if this Japanese model will be as good as the original (or maybe even better, like the Russian). If you decide to buy it, let us know. Yonadav
It all depends on how important it is to your collection. I have a more beat-up version of that stove. I don't remember anything distinctively unique to it, other than the graphics. It is, in my view, not as nicely made as the Optimus. As is the case with some of the other Asian clones (with a Korean exception) the tooling, fit and finish is a little rough.
I've never seen this model before so can't comment on the quality although it looks to be in pristine shape. As a smarter, more experienced stove collector once told me if you like the stove just buy it. They don't make these anymore and the price will most likely appreciate. Ray
Well, I couldn't help myself and I went out and bought it . I figured how could it hurt my growing collection. (But don't tell my wife ) The box says "Sunmate - Gasoline Camp Stove." The label on the stove says "Sunmate Thunder." The guy I bought it off says he picked it in 1971 at a local sports store and paid $31. It is definately an 8r clone made in Japan. I did a side-by-side comparison and it is almost identicle to the 8r. The generator housing is slightly bigger. The parts are interchangeable as well. The build quality is actually not that bad. I haven't fired it up yet - need to check the seals. I took some photos if you are interested in the comparison... Thanks everyone for your comments.
I just found a stove exactly like this one. I know nothing about them. It says on the box it uses gasoline. (I'm new to this) before I blow myself up it it really gasoline like car gas or is this another type of gas?
"White gas" or, in common North American parlance, Coleman fuel, is the right stuff. Sometimes referred to also as 'naptha'. Yes, it can be called gasoline or petrol, but it is without all auto additives. "Car gas" will work and won't blow it up, but it will clog eventually and be rather noxious otherwise, so "white gas" is the thing. One other brand of such fuel in N. Am. is Crown, but Coleman is most widely available. Welcome to CCS.
Sometimes clones go for more than the originals. When they were new everyone thought they were rubbish plus parts were hard to get so many were destroyed before their time. Result now is in some cases very few about so they became rare. Its a bit like buying a Ford Pinto or Edsel today. No one wanted them new so they are rare now. Still useless but rare
