Coleman 200A Airfield Infrared Lantern

[Teardropsrock]

I have one. Mine is missing the outer lens. I don't know anymore than you do about it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuBbxgUnu5A

[Wolffarmer]

Cool lantern and hunk of history

Randy

[Teardropsrock]

They could have used them on aircraft carriers and block the infrared light in the middle of the landing strip. Fresnel lenses are used in lighthouses to shoot light out for miles. I'm not sure if infrared light could be directed that way. I know the lantern I have was made to block all visible light and must have taken a few tries to get it right.

[Teardropsrock]

There is a reply on my video telling how the outer lens was made. I'd like to have a replica of the original to work as it did originally. Or have an original lens, which probably isn't possible to find.

[Teardropsrock]

This was the comment on my video.

The outer lens, according to the diagram, is "butyrate". Sheets of this plastic is laminated. It looks like several of the inner sheets are painted, while the outer layers are clear. The total thickness of the outer lens is about 1/8"

[PresTx82]

Since I wrote this I have picked up another one. Between the two I was able to make complete lantern with all the parts including lenses. I do have spare parts including lenses.

[Teardropsrock]

Do you have the innermost and outer most lenses to sell?

[Teardropsrock]

How many are there now known to exist?

[Teardropsrock]

I don't know if my infrared lantern was already documented. It is complete other than the outer lens.

[PresTx82]

I want to say I have the outer lens. I have it boxed up for protection. I'll check.

[Teardropsrock]

I made another video of mine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bB0hKffJviI

I'm thinking about using metal flashing and painting it black to block the light for the outer lens.

[Teardropsrock]

I made an outer "lens" out of aluminum flashing. I could only see a very very very small amount of light after lighting it. The very small amount of light could only be seen close-up looking down. I'm going to paint it black and see if that solves the problem.

Here is a video of it burning; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EVFUteY8Ds

[Quick_Cal]

Does anyone have one of these took apart, or willing to take apart. I recently got one. But I'm missing the Fresnal glass and the part that goes above it that has the stud on it that goes through the vent. I assume this piece acts as a heat shield somewhat, and a vent support. Just guessing though.

I'm wanting to fire it up but I'm afraid it might burn the paint off the top with that part missing. Looks like I could make something out of a soup can maybe,,,lol. Can someone please give me some measurements. Thanks.