Hello; We always took at least three light sources. Some sort of battery light, Some candles and a carbide lamp. Back in the 1960's battery lights were no where near as good as the modern lights so the carbide lamp was a main light.
For those not familiar with carbide. It was a dry material that when drops of water were added it would off gas actelyene (sp).The gas would burn with a flame and had fairly bright light. The carbide lamps were made of brass and clipped onto the mining helmets so our hands were free. A small amount of carbide in the bottom chamber could burn for hours. When the gas stopped we could recharge with some more dry carbide and have light for days.
Another thing we used carbide for was with a metal gallon paint can. Poke a small hole in the bottom of the can with a nail. Throw a small amount of carbide in the paint can with a little water. Put the metal can lid back on and make it snug.
Lay the can on its side and put your foot on it. Have a lit match ready after a little while and hold it to the nail hole. Makes a nice loud boom and blows the lid off the can. I use to think it was fun.
