Thorn Alpha 4 Lantern Installations

The Alpha 4 was quite common throughout the UK from the late 1970s to the early 2000s. While they weren't as common as the award-winning Philips MA series, they still stood their ground! Both 90W and 135W SOX versions were available, but these were both the same size. In the 90W version, the gear was mounted behind the lamp, whereas in the 135W version the gear (if it was integral) was in the lantern's shoe.

Birmingham

Just off Cornwall Road are five privately-owned Alpha 4s, all integral-geared 135W versions.

A close-up of the first Alpha 4:

The next Alpha 4 has had a newer, steel bracket as a replacement for a concrete one. This was the second time I'd ever seen this scenario before. The next two are damaged, with the third one missing a bowl and the fourth one being installed on a newer column. Despite the newer column, it has suffered some-kind of impact damage.

Kerry, Wales

The last Alpha 4 in the village of Kerry, Wales is pictured below. It's on a 6m column with a large outreach bracket extending the installations height to around 8m.

This is the 90W, integral version of the lantern. If you look closely toward the rear of the bowl, you can just-about make out the gear.