FS Squarish British gas can

Dave Page · #1 02-04-10, 04:36

Hi Phil,
I do not think what you have is a flimsy as it has a fixed handle, see:
http://www.goatpark.force9.co.uk/ass...uelcansbrt.jpg
is likely a US oil or kerosene tin.
Cheers,
Dave

maple_leaf_eh · #2 02-04-10, 16:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Page

Hi Phil,
I do not think what you have is a flimsy as it has a fixed handle, see:
http://www.goatpark.force9.co.uk/ass...uelcansbrt.jpg
is likely a US oil or kerosene tin.
Cheers,
Dave

The one on the left is closest to mine.

Phil Waterman · #3 02-04-10, 16:56

Hi Dave

Yes you are correct about the origin of the can in the picture it came with hydraulic oil for a big ram.

My point which your picture bears out is a true flimsy is really flimsy made from tin no thicker than what is used in tin cans. The little two gallon cans (left) are made out of much heavier steel. At least the two that came in the kit of my HUP are.

I was trying to illustrate as your photo does better the range of containers. Are the containers in the photos ones you have? Because I would be curious if the two middle ones are same capacity (just different shapes) and are they made from the really light gauge steel.

I also suspect that the flimsy as used by the military may have gotten heavier as the leakage problem became more evident. I have seen one of these dropped from the tail gate of a normal pickup slit open.

Cheers Phil

Dave Page · #4 02-04-10, 17:14

Hi Phil,
unfortunately not my collection just an image I found on the web. There is another set of images, which I couldn't find, that show actual flimsies still in their crates out in the desert. The later pattern were similar to kerosene tins we had when I was a kid, same wire handle but different cap. Still fairly weak compared to the two gallon tin; you could actually bean someone with those.
Don't throw it away, though, as you could still use it as a prop at a show.
Cheers,
Dave

Phil Waterman · #5 02-04-10, 17:27

Hi Dave

No I won't throw it away actually what I'm doing is collecting them and 5 gallon Jerry Cans I'd like to get enough of them so that I can make up a dummy load for my Pattern 12 cargo. Given that they are trying to ban them from being used or carried on vehicles figure should make for some fun.

I think a CMP Pattern 12 would look real good in a parade with a row of those or Jerry Cans sticking about the sides.

Cheers Phil

maple_leaf_eh · #6 02-04-10, 21:07

The 3 sides and top have the name PRATTS, and the top has added PETROLEUM SPIRITS and below HIGHLY FLAMMABLE. The cap is brass or bronze and has ESSO cast in. Not military, but a nice handy sized fuel can. And as Phil said, the authorities are troubled that people should have loose fuel cans and are making them hard to find.

Ron Pier · #7 03-04-10, 10:44

The original 4 gall flimsey was of about the same gauge as a bean can. I think they had a tear off cap much like a ring pull. I read an article once that stated the loss rate on each lorry load from splitting whilst in transit was about 10%. There were heavier made variants with a screw cap for food and water. I think this link might have some info.

http://suncompass.fandom.tv/gear.htm

Ron

Dave Page · #8 03-04-10, 16:07

Hi Phil,
why are the authorities trying to ban using or carrying jerry cans, when one can buy plastic containers of the same capacity? And is this a local ban?
I always carry three 2 gallon petrol tins on the rear of my Dingo, at least one is full all the time as reserve, and they are clearly marked PETROL.
Your idea of a full truck bed of petrol cans sounds great, though it might make the local constabulary nervous. Just don't have any wires running into their midst.
Cheers,
Dave