I've not put this topic in the 'fettling forum' because although a bit of fettling was necessary to get this Radius 42 running - and I've shown what was needed - it's mostly about finding a case/pot stand for it and some thoughts on the Army No.7 case. This is how the stove reached me from Sweden ... The handle was obviously home-made The filler ca, in the base needed a new sealing washer Unlike Optimus 80's, Primus 71's, there is no way this burner is removable to renew the wick ... ... which is accessible through the tank filler hole in the base The wick was absent, but this device was in there. It's the equivalent of an Optimus/Primus wire 'prong' to install a wick I set about making a new wick out of strands from a cotton mop Wrapped around the fork end of that wick insertion gadget ... ... it was then inserted in the burner tube using long-nosed pliers Time for a test firing. That's Aspen 4T white gas Tank filler cap screwed shut Vivid yellow-green flames at first ... ... but settling down to a reliable - and noisy - blue set Great simmer flame too So, to that business of the case/pot stand. I've got a Primus 71 and an Optimus 80 without an original case, but housed in one for an Army No.7. It's not an altogether satisfactory arrangement though, because although it's useable as a stove, the burner sits too high in the case Yes, the Radius 42 substitutes for the Optimus 80. It's a much more suitable fit in the case, easier to get in and out than the Optimus too The flame pattern's a perfect fit too. Time for the tea test John
interesting cases and a unique stove! would it be possible to see detailed pics of the Army case? (just 'in case' i want to make one)
Very nice, John. I love the way you walk us through the steps you took. I rather like that filler cap on the bottom arrangement. The "bowl" of the bottom of the tank serves as a funnel so there's no need to carry a separate funnel. I don't see an SRV on this stove, but I wonder if a "bottom cap" stove had an SRV in the cap if it would be safer when the SRV released. The bottom of the tank would be about as far away from the flames as one could get, so perhaps there would be less of a chance of the proverbial fireball? Seems like the flame if there were one would be directed downward which seems like a far safer arrangement than trying to be mindful which way the cap is pointing on a "top cap" stove. HJ
Good picture here http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Military-army...Collectables_Militaria_LE?hash=item5639afdf6e
That's right Jim, no SRV! Time to plug my philosophy again! Safe stove strategies Funny thing, I used a shot of the Optimus 80 in that same No.7 case to illustrate a point in that topic. I've got through a couple of tanks of fuel in the Radius now, brewing tea and a spot of sautéing, and it reached a plateau (a scientist would perhaps call it a state of equilibrium) where the stove was working at optimum efficiency and not overheating. On a hot day in California, rather than a cool evening in Lancashire, England? I guess the stove would work less hard to achieve the same result, so wouldn't overheat then either. If I'm cooking I watch what's going on - simmering a casserole/stew's not so 'hands on' - so would notice a stove in distress and shut down. Simple? or simply stupid? So, the Radius is the equivalent of a stove with an SRV with the SRV stuck shut. I'll go carefully! John
thanks for the link! i'd also like to see how the hinges are situated - and i assume there is a series of three vents on the back of the case? anyhow - neat stove and cases in this thread!
I can get some, sure. Here's a couple I edited out. There's a 'step' in the opening of the army case that makes it awkward to get an Optimus 80 in The Radius's shorter stature makes it easy to get it over that 'step' and into position for cooking. The Primus 71 gets over this problem (apart from not having a 'step') by having a slot in pot stand plate, so the burner of the stove doesn't have to be guided through the pot stand opening. Handy, but it makes the assembly a bit flimsier John
Nice. Do you figure the wick holder thing is original? I noticed that you left the handle off; I'll bet it can get pretty warm to the touch after a running a bit.
john - thanks for taking and posting the detailed pic of the hinge - exactly what i was hoping to see!
Hi all, John, wonderful work and pics . Your Radius is fantastic - good job getting it going. I wonder how many times they burnt their fingers on that homemade handle, oouch Tom
I think so, Itchy. Unlike the handle it doesn't look home-made. It works well, and made it easy to get the new wick in and I guess if there'd been a wick, easy to get the old one out. You're right, Tom. I left it off for that reason and it didn't fit in the case too well! Matter of fact, though my opening photo shows the stove with a flame plate on the burner bell, it didn't come with one and I'd to find a spare. I detected traces of candle wax around the burner, though I think the seller had cleaned most off, so I'm guessing the stove was a candle-holder for some of its life. The 'handle' would function quite well in that role! Glad I got it to become a stove again. Turning pumpkins into crystal coaches takes longer. John
Hey, John, Lovely little stove, Mate, and great job in pairing it to a proper-fitting case! As always, your photos are very well done, and much appreciated. Thanks for sharing this little beauty with us all. Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
John, Great little stove and great #7 case. a member here dday turned me on to these great cases awhile back. They are very very sturdy. Dave
They were up until a few weeks ago, which is the last time I saw them listed on UK ebay. The seller who had them goes by canmec and he is a super guy. You might try doing a search for him through ebay and sending him a message. Hopefully he has more, but just hasn't got around to listing them. Dan
