Plastimo 101 compass

[bretonbrit]

The liquid in my plastimo 101 compass has gone cloudy,is it easily repairable?
What does the abreviation IMHO stand for,it's frazzling my tiny brain!













I thought I saw a light at the end of the tunnel,but it was a train coming the other way!

 

[ProDave]

Can't answer first question.

But IMHO = In My Humble Opinion.

 

[saltylegs]

my plastimo 100 contests were cloudy and had an air bubble, the cloudly turned out to be oxidation and crazing on the perspex, this was brought up not too badly with 3M fibreglass restorer and then grp polish.
to repair the air bubble I removed the perspex globe from the frame and found a small screw (covered by black sealant) I removed this and topped up the fluid using purified kerosene (clear lamp oil from barotine) added to the globe with a syringe and needle and then resealed the grub screw with a small fibre washer and ptfe tape and finally a dab of epoxy.
I did not take photos as I went along but if the link below works you will see a before and after shot of both compass'es.
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n630/saltylegs/0013.jpg

 

[bretonbrit]

Bretonbrit

Thanks for that ProDave,I'll have a go at that and use it as a spare as I have already ordered one from the uk as they are less than half price over there compared to here,and I have two on my cat.
Thanks for the info Saltylegs,it was obviously the 'humble"bit that threw me,I dont think I have had a humble opinion in my life!













I thought I saw a light at the end of the tunnel,but it was a train coming the other way!

 

[VicS]

Plastimo compasses I believe used to be filled with one of Esso's "Bayol" fluids.

It is not now available but a compass repairer eg Sirs Navigation or BSPC marine should have an alternative.

However other forumites, like saltylegs, have found that kerosene or similar makes a suitable substitute
Lamp oil is mentioned.
I'd use barbecue lighting fluid, which I had tested by the analytical chemists who reckoned it was nothing other than a more highly refined kerosene.

Normally I'd caution against using anything other than the correct fluid or an approved substitute but in this instance I'd happily go along with the suggestion