Hi, Lee,

The older burners did not have a cap. No big deal, but I prefer the newer design where if there's alcohol left over after a burn, I just let things cool down, put on the cap, and I'm on my way. No screwing around with trying to get the alcohol out or having to waste fuel just because I can't retrieve it. With a modern burner, if you're going for a day hike, just add fuel to the burner and stick it in your pocket or pack. No need to carry a separate fuel bottle.

The simmer ring on the older burners was permanently attached by a hinge. The ring just flipped up out of the way when not in use. The simmer ring only covered the jets but did not have a "door" like today's simmer ring -- the center of the stove was still wide open. With the old simmer ring, you could reduce the output of the stove, but you had far less control over the flame than you do with today's burners.

Here's a photo of my vintage 1960's Trangia, still going strong. You can see that the simmer ring is flipped up. I apologize for the low photo quality. I think this is a cell phone photo.


HJ