Question about a Dressel Oil Lantern with NYCS Markings

Hi Pat,

 

I personally don't know much about these, but have done some looking around because I'm thinking about getting one for our train/guest room.

 

This is a collector's site I came across that has some good information about RR lanterns:

JeffPo's Lantern Page

 

Your guess about the material seems like reasonable one...just spit balling myself, perhaps it's in there to reduce fuel sloshing.

Cheers,

Robert

 

Pat-

 

You are correct - the fibrous material is the wick, which draws the fuel (such as kerosene) up to the flame via capillary action, the same way Tiki torches and wax candles work. My guess is all you need to do is add fuel to the tank, adjust the wick, and your lamp will be ready for service.

 

-John

Those markings must be really hard to see in O scale.

John and Pat are correct. The wadding in the fuel pot acts just like the wadding in our train's smoke units. This way liquid is no just sloshing around in the pot. Lanterns were constantly swing around and the wadding help prevent leaking.

 

By the way, I buy and sell railroadiana including lanterns. So if anybody is looking for something send me an email and maybe I can help.

Robert, Joe & John -- thanks for the on-target info!  Sylvia says thanks, too!  

 

Silver Lake -- to quote Moe Stooge:  "Wise guy, huh, wise guy?!?!"