I am not sure when Radius introduced the model 43 camping stove, but their catalogue from the 50's totes the fold-out, ready-to-use version for use of petrol or paraffin. I guess it is the different appearance that makes collectors nowadays being attracted to it, while the model is also rather thin on the ground. I got mine from a collector friend some time ago, and only recently I decided to have a go with it. What is noticable straight away is the odd arrangement of handle and clip on the top lid, that makes me want to use my third hand. Only with some re-focussing am I able to open the box which then reveals a stove as if by magic. When fully opened, a sliding-rod arrangement has formed a low grid over the silent burner, which is always a good arrangement with stability in mind. When the control rod is in place, which also allows cleaning of the jet when turned anti-clock all the way, it is a matter of pouring some of the methylated spirit from the tallish can in a funnel that is integral with the metal enclosure of the burner, acting as a windshield. At once I realise how little control I have, as this arrangement blocks any view to see if I have poured in enough. So far I have managed to put in too little, with an insufficient preheated burner as a result, or several times too much, which allowed for blue licking flames to wonder around the burner. That might explain why I have seen so many stoves with the paint inside the bottom lid gone, displaying a crust of rust if not spilled food. Also, a standard lighter is useless, unless you have the kitchen variety with that extended tip. So I use those longer matchsticks to reach down to set the alcohol alight. Meanwhile there is the business of bringing pressure to the paraffin inside the tank. Straightaway I notice how little grip I have on the smallish pumpknob, the necesary result of the compact folding design. Trying to improve my grip on the matter, I also realise that I can dislodge the tank-cum-burner assembly quite easily from it's suspending clips, so that a new and cautious approach is called for. Flame is my reward however, and the heat generated is ample for any cooking purpose. However, the sliding design that allows such a quick set-up, is also cause for a rather sloppy and slanted pot or pan rest. Even a medium sized pot, when centralised over the burner, is resting also on the heatshield, so that with even bigger pots the tank will receive plenty of heat. That probabely will scare the meek, though it should not alarm the bold, but it is a make-do design anyway. So only when it is time to clear away the stove, the real merit of this design comes to the fore, although it took me some time to figure where the control rod had it's designated place. But then I could close off this acquaintance with this last-of-a-line model 43 only to realise that the meths bottle would have to rely heavily on a proper seal. So form over function? Yes, definitely! Would I take it out for a trip? For a leisurable day trip: yes, and enjoy this conversation piece over that coffee or cup of soup. For a longer trip with a daily cooking routine? No, as pre-heating is a hit-or-miss affair, pressurizing an unpractical chore and the stability not always found with two flat lids spread out in grass and such. It makes me wonder what stove the Radius 91 is or was; perhaps a practical improvement?
Nice Mike. I like this kind of post because is comes across more as a review. Its nice to read about the pros and cons regarding different stoves, specially for people that might be looking for a stove to use on a trip. On the bases of this post I would not look to take a Rad 43 on a longish camp trip even if I had one. Maybe a stove review section might be a good idea Ross. (only a bit more work mate) Plus I would like to see a review from Ross on the British Army No.2 and 3.
Hi Mike - good report. I have my user stoves and I have my stove collection. This stove would fit into the latter category. As you don't seem to like it very much I have a nice crisp English five pound note in my pocket that can be all yours in exchange for your Radius 43 I'll even pay for shipping Cheers, Graham.
91 isn't a stove. It is the designation Radius used for spirit bottles, meant for camping stoves. The number after the slash always point out which specific part it is, while the number before it in most of the cases show directly which item that part was meant for. (Not totally consistent since many different appartuses could be using the same specific part.)
hi Dutchmike really enjoyed reading your impressions of your radius 43 BUT i don't agree i have the 43 roarer (two weeks now,ahh young love ) it's a spanking design,i don't have time now to explain why, but i'll try and make time this evening to take some photo's as an explanation as to why i disagree
Thank you all for the nice feedback; to me, this is an important part of CCS: sharing knowledge. Sharing fun too, even if the tenure here is a little bleak. But a practical stove is not always fun; collecting stoves with certain handicaps usually is and I do like my odd-balls! Graham, a 5 pound note is fine! Now, the number of these notes......; you and your three brothers start ironing, 'cause I like 'em crisp indeed! Thank you Christer for the information that, dare I say it, can only come from Sweden? It implies this cylinder-of-a-can is very exclusive if tied to only one model, unlike the more usual meths cans from Radius and other brands as I know them. Yes Parramethrol, share with us your look on this model stove, whether (still) in love with it or not: bring it on! Regards, Mike
How about I move this to the relevant section of the Stove Reference Gallery & mark it as a review? Similar threads can always be done for other models in the same way. I'm just going to ignore your last comment!
hi Mike mines the roarer so it's not the same but here's why i think mine is the dogs nad's first of all i like the size compared to other stoves,it's big enough to be a really useful bit of kit and still small enough to be a useful bit of kit compare it size wise with stoves that would have been around much the same time and probably more common choices first up on the left a pocket primus 96 small but fiddly and loads of bits to loose,on the right is the primus version of a opti 00 box is bigger so the 43 sit's between a 1/2 pint and 1 pint stove for size here it is between two box burners an Opti8 on the left and a 111 on the right as you can see the 43 is the same height and width as the opti 8 but about 2 inches longer,but it's quite a bit smaller than a 111 kero next we come to tank size the 43 is much bigger than the opti 8 or the primus 96 maybe a bit smaller than the 111 but a nice big tank for such a compact stove now to seeing it running here's the prime nicely warmed up bit of a close up now we come to pot size this is a 6 cup percolator and as you can see fits a treat,two large mugs of coffee in one hit this is the middle pan out of an optimus(i think trio) pan set easily big enough for two i really like the French mess tins and they fit a treat for solo use you can even just boil a mug if you have a mind to do so,try that on a 111 i don't have scales so can't weigh the 43 but i'm sure i read it comes in at around 1.1kg and a 111 is around 1.5 to 1.6kg so it's quite a bit lighter than a 111 for solo use i reckon it would be awesome, for use by a couple of campers it would be more than enough,i don't think it would be up to many more than two due to the pan size limitation that's where the 111 comes into it's own but for a good solid reasonable size/weight kero burner i reckon it's a real user rather than a shelf dweller i still can't get over how much stove they crammed into such a small case
Would adding a review section to the stove forum section be very difficult. Label it Stove reviews. Members could then do reviews on the stoves covering fuel type, priming, size, weight, pros, cons, boil test, pan support size and so on. Reviews could throw up difference in opinions in some cases much like this post and you would not really want this in the reference gallery. I think the gallery should just show pictures with date the stove was made and any explanation of variations. And Ross when you have added a review section you can then make a start on the lantern section.
Hi Dutchmike, I have to agree with the pot support as I have a 43B with the same support and thought the same of the uneven pan bottoms. My 43B preheats very well with one prime and has a great flame once it is going. Probably my favorite stove in my small collection. Bill, I am envious of that great 43 roarer you have, great score. It is also a great looking stove and one that is on my short list of wants . I tend to be drawn to the silent burner models, but also love that roar . Thanks for the pics of it in action. Dan
No, that would be simple. Maybe something I'll canvas opinion on with another thread. And what would we call the site then???
hi Dan the 43 has a date with the electrolysis bath but it will have to wait a bit as i'm still playing with it at the moment doe's anyone know if you can get spares for the 43 ie jets/spindle/cleaning needle/graphite packing or are there any makes that will fit ?
i'm enjoying this! reviews are great just for the pic's. i'd think the off center burner could not be a plus? also would a optimus rebuild kit work on a radius 43?
Hello Ross, with a lamp section - a Site with a Light - this would become the Illuminated Classic Camp Stoves. I am impressed already. And Parram, What you make clear is why you realy like your Radius 43; please observe that your version (there are 3 with a different grid or pot-support alone) is more practical i.m.o.; the roarer version I would prefer too in average camping conditions. Regards, Mike
Nice one nagant yes it does, well the jet and cleaning needle ,i didn't do the spindle or packing as they are fine, but what a difference a new jet makes i used the M jet and it's burning much better in fact so nicely i put the case through the zap tank still needs a few more hours but is looking better already
What color you gonna paint it Bill? Its going to look great after you get it done. In fact it looks great already . Nice job. Cannot wait to see some pics after new paint and working with new jet! Have a good evening. Dan
hi Dan i found a new way of turbo electrolysis 8) it cleaned that case up in a couple of hours it usually takes days 8) 8) mmm colour not sure yet but original green would be the best i suppose but the satin black high heat woodstove paint that i used on the 111's is standing up to use pretty well so it might be that. but i also liked the colour it was when i got it so i may choose to restore it back the way it came to me the green and white looked very retro to me like something from the 40's or 50's
