A purchase with a sting in the tail. After looking for some time for a BAT (No.45, 45/1, 45/2 - I wasn't bothered which one) that wasn't overpriced or with a rust-holed fuel tank (which they're prone to) I got an unused one and faced that collector's dilemma of keeping it as a mint example or firing it up. I'll keep it unfired ... Complete with paperwork, the pans/container, stuff sack and 'drip tray' (I'll explain that shortly), pot lifters and spares ... Instructions in English were provided and the stove is meant to be used at all times sat in the 'drip tray' (referred to in the instructions as the 'lower tray') to catch fuel spills. Maybe the manufacturer may not have had a high opinion of potential customers rather than lack of faith in the effectiveness of the stove's sealing arrangements. The instructions. Second page is very faded and I couldn't get a better photo than that, but click on the image and it should enlarge and be more readable). Lovely stamped logo and a thick hammer-finish paint coat - wouldn't stop it rusting from inside-out as so many have, sadly. Non-return valve mounted on the fuel tank and with a separate fuel pump. By not firing it I'll not know for sure but the ample priming cup would surely enable self-pressurisation of the gasoline fuel without use of the pump, which of course the later BAT models did without. Handy to have though. Jet, control spindle and knob. No built-in pricker arrangement with this version of course as the later type had. Heavy enamelled steel combined windshield and pot rest, with a projection that with the burner installed correctly (control spindle aligned with the centre of the 'BAT' logo on the fuel tank) sits over the fuel cap so that if the safety release valve operates, any fuel or fuel vapour released and ignited is diverted downwards and away from the user. Burner details. More inscriptions on the fuel tank. 'Only use benzine' and capacity. Comparison, size-wise, with a Coleman 533 and a Bevarex (Phoebus 725 clone). The stove tool incorporates a couple of slots to engage with the fuel cap wings. To refuel, the windshield/pot rest tips out of the way - it can't be removed when the control knob's installed on the control spindle. I hope Motoshi doesn't mind, I've borrowed his excellent photo from the Stove Ref Gallery of A BAT fired up. John
Hello presscall Thanks for the presentation, your reports are highlights in the gallery! One of the problems of this type of gasoline stoves is overheating. The short distance between Burner and tank increases heat radiation, and the mandatory use of the windscreen/pot support increases heat conduction to the tank. As far as I can see on the pictures, the windscreen does not touch the tank. Only the three supports do. To decrease heat radiation from the pot, a limit of 22.5 cm (8 ½") as maximal diameter for the pot is recommended in the instructions. I think the mandatory use of the 'drip tray' has as a second reason: to help to get rid of excess heat. If the stove is operated on a wooden table without the 'drip tray', the tank is too well insulated at the under side. If operated in the tray, the aluminium, as excellent heat conductor, leads a remarkable part of unwanted heat off. If you compare a Phoebus No. 725 (with heat reflector and removable windscreen laying on the reflector only) and the (bad) Bevarex copy, the difference is obvious. This stove from Poland uses the same principle: https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/a-unique-camp-stove-made-in-poland-in-1977.24171/ Best Regards, Radler
@Radler Hello Radler Thanks for your kind words, but although examining a stove a presenting my findings is fun in itself, it's always a great satisfaction to get an insight or more knowledge about the item from another CCS member. Not for the first time I've cause to thank you. The information you provided on my Selzam Camping Box was most welcome and added to the archive material on that remarkable stove - which is still a great favourite of mine as a 'user' stove. You make a very persuasive argument about the dissipation of heat in these 'squat' types of gasoline stoves and the insistence by the manufacturer that the stove must not be used without sitting it in the 'lower tray'. The provision too of that projection on the windshield/pot rest to prevent ignition of vented fuel vapour from the safety release valve suggests perhaps that the manufacturer expected the valve to activate often! In respect of the Bevarex clone of the Phoebus, it's possible that it had the reflecting heat plate and that it was lost by a previous owner. Most likely I'll get to work with the tin snips to make one before the warm weather returns. I'd already seen your post on that Polish stove. Most impressive - the stove and what you had to say about it, not least your observations about the flimsy pots. I see they're still available on ebay. I'm tempted, since I don't hold out much hope of finding another rust-free BAT. John
John, you have done another excellent report. I remember seeing the two previous examples in our gallery and thought the Bat 45/1 to be an interesting stove. However, I was left with more questions than answers. What I needed is exactly what you have done. You have done a detailed photographic breakdown of the stove and its workings. Your logical and practical deductions have added to the pictorial evidence and brought the stove to life. I must admit that it has a lot of innovative ideas built into it. I like Radler's suggestion of the drip tray being a heat-sink. I don't know what you paid for the stove but you certainly have got your money's worth. As well as the stove I love that spanner (wrench) and the pricker system.
@gieorgijewski Thanks for confirming the Bevarex was equipped with a heatshield like that on the Phoebus. @shagratork Thanks Trevor. The pricker's certainly a clever design, with a shielded pricker wire that won't snag when packed and with easily replaceable tips. I know it's for their kerosene stoves, but in celebration of BAT products here's a flyer given to me by CCS member 'keeper of the flame' @keeper_of_the_flame - thanks again Peter! John
If Anybody can find comparison works parameter of 45/1 and 45/2 power - fuel use, etc. It will be interesting - i think.
@geeves Still on the lookout, yes. Unfortunately the usual example (and I've looked out for one for a good while) is like this one currently on ebay Germany ... ... at least twice the price I paid for mine from a UK seller and the rust has taken hold and could be a whisker from breaking through from the inside. John
if You need decrease tank temperature - just fill that pot with water... ---------- on photo - uncommon wind shield - easy to be done... @presscall
