Wow. This is an old thread. And the question regarding my propane tank makes me feel even older.
The propane tank is a Manchester ASME horizontal propane tank, 11 or 12# if I recall correctly.
These tanks used to be common on saltwater power boats during the 1940s and early 1950s (before someone figured out that storing propane where fumes would sink into the bilge is a dangerous practice). When I restored my Bantam trailer in 2006 I wanted to replace the 20# BBQ tank I already had with something compact that would fit on the trailer tongue. I remembered seeing horizontal propane tanks on "vintage" trailers and boats when I was a kid, and also remembered some vintage wooden boats being restored in the 1970's (when I was in my 20's) that eliminated these in favor of more modern arrangements. My research indicated that the ASME horizontal propane tanks manufactured before 10/1/98 were exempt from being retrofitted with the OPD (overfill prevention device), so a horizontal tank seemed like the perfect solution if I could find one.
I searched old trailer repair shops and marine chandleries for several years before I stumbled across my tank gathering dust in a
corner of a trailer repair shop in Costa Mesa CA. I think I paid $25 for it, and another $25 to have it de-scaled, pressure tested, painted and refilled. Unfortunately, when I did a google search this morning the only photos I could find of the particular Manchester tank I own are photos of my trailer. Surely there must be more of these tanks still out there.
Plumbing is very simple. I use a "vintage" propane stove and lanterns that run off a manifold connected to a dual-stage low pressure regulator. I've thought about switching to a high pressure system (Partner Steel and Camp Chef stoves as well as most "modern" propane lanterns use high pressure), but my existing equipment is still going strong so there is no reason to change it.