Not really an on-the-road hobby, but

[steamjam1]

I managed to pick up a hobby while in my van, and that is to collect vintage camping stoves. I really don't know how this started, but I'm up to about 20 now ranging in age from about 30 to 110 years old, and built by the Germans, Russians, Japanese, Ukrainians, Swiss, Austrians, etc etc. I never thought I'd enjoy it as much as I have so far.

My favorite one is the one I used just about everyday until I got my RV, and thats the old Soviet Union era Shmel-2, and the 8R clone stove. Built like tanks. Built to LAST. When I serviced the Clone 8R, all I needed was three common hardware store O-rings, and a bit of string from a floor mop. You cant beat that!

I just picked up a MAAS stove (Build in the Soviet Union, about 1979) and its also built like a tank. I can see why these things last for generations.

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

I can totally see doing this. I have a slight obsession with camp stoves, not sure why but always liked cooking at camp. Share some pics of the collection!

 

[skyl4rk]

Post some pics? Which fuel do you prefer?

 

[steamjam1]

Post some pics?  Which fuel do you prefer?

I'll post some pics here soon. As for fuel, I personally love low test gasoline stoves. They are the cheapest to run, and contrary to popular belief, if used correctly they give off no more fumes then a coleman stove. In fact I sold off just about all of my vintage Coleman stuff after I saw how much better the gasoline stoves were. Ive cooked many a meal on my old Russian 8R and I swear by it.

 

[steamjam1]

I didn't know Thermos ever made one, but this is a gasoline two burner stove I picked up at a 2nd hand store. [img=270x253]http://oi64.tinypic.com/20gcxzp.jpg[/img]
It runs on regular unleaded. It took me a while to figure out how to start it,but once it lights up, its pretty powerful. Its old world sturdy, and heavy...

 

[cyndi]

Love this, Steamjam!

 

[highdesertranger]

yeah that's cool. looks like it's in great shape too. highdesertranger

 

[gargoyle]

Yeah, more pics! Always cool to see different gear.

 

[ArtW]

Major Cool!

 

[steamjam1]

The old Russian 8R clone:

I have a silent cap on it, and it's quieter then the Coleman 533 it replaced. Even at full pelt, you can barely hear it. For the first two years of van dwelling, this is what I used. Day in and day out. It runs on regular unleaded.

 

[ArtW]

nice!

 

[MikeRuth]

I didn't know Thermos ever made one, but this is a gasoline two burner stove I picked up at a 2nd hand store. [img=270x253]http://oi64.tinypic.com/20gcxzp.jpg[/img]
It runs on regular unleaded. It took me a while to figure out how to start it,but once it lights up, its pretty powerful. Its old world sturdy, and heavy...

I bet that was built by Coleman for Thermos. That valve assembly is a dead ringer for Coleman. 
Amazing the excellent condition of the stove.