Optimus 111 - early.

@alnl1996 I'm afraid I don't know the answer to that, but my guess would be the white is the earliest. I wonder if the very earliest 111s had the same black bakelite (?) control as the 11.

 

Putting a date to Optimus 111

 

@kerophile thank you for the link, now I need to track down the earliest 111.

 

That will most likely be a transition from the Optimus 11.

 

I have an early 111 in a late 11 case. Transition model? Optimus using up old stock?

 

Any chance of some photos

 

Once I find the time to finish fettling. To many other projects (non stove related) demand my attention at the mo.

 

You wondered/recalled correctly (link below).

Wim, It's likely an example that matches yours will be included in chronological list of 111s (vs "transition" or using up parts).
comprehensive list Rel 3.1 111s in-sequence 1952-97
Note 1 if not on that list it is an example of interest to delve into (there, in linked thread), when you get-round-to-it. No hurries, no worries.
---------
all, note 2 along same lines I do not want to detract from Robert's example, no need to comment on my tidbit, here. thx
===================

Robert, Back to your example, plenty to compliment/discuss re your FINE early 111 (i never met a 111 i didn't like).
"I wonder" if that version was... in an "original dark green" ? ...when i consider optimus 111 - mid fifties example.
THANK YOU

 

@OMC ah that's interesting and better still as I have that colour in stock.

 

Progress has been slow due to my blast cabinet media needing filtering or changing leading to multiple blockages of the air gun and having to remove several layers of paint. Under the orange exterior and silver interior I found a layer of maroon and under that green.
Currently my extractor motor has overheated so work has ceased.
The pot supports had been painted in place and the spanner wasn't even removed.

 

Now that's progress, keep it coming

 

Question: is bead blasting to get rid of the paint & rust better than chemical strippers? I would worry about wearing down the embossed lettering. I'm thinking back to the days when I was restoring old bicycle frames, and overdid it once or twice. Is it just a case of being too heavy-handed on the blasting?

 

Glass beads are less abrasive.

 

@PWDolkas plenty of choice in media today that won't damage the stove noticeably e.g. walnut shell, corn cob and as @snwcmpr mentions glass beads (which is what I'm using) My next order will be walnut shell to compare.

 

I got the blaster working better today and then finished the metal work with scotchbrite wheels.





Etch primer applied, so I'm now debating whether to return it to green or go blue. I had both colours matched to other stoves by a paint shop.

 

I let each layer cure. Weeks in between layers. Clean/degrease and paint each layer. The Optimus 8 I did turned out great.

 

Decided to go green.

I replaced all the seals and the leather pump. The jet and valve spindle, graphite packing and nut were also replaced.
Then a test burn...


Assembled for a quick photo shoot although the paint will be allowed to cure further before the stove is used. I may add a coat of clear lacquer too.

 

Very nice!

 

A little heat to help the paint cure...

 

This sir is a thing of beauty
Thank you for sharing