My Collection: Simplex Aries 55 (4)

The Simplex Aries comes in two versions, 35W SOX and 55W SOX. The easiest way to identify them is by the length of the lantern. The 55W version is noticeably longer than the 35W version, owing to the larger size of the SOX lamps. This lantern can come in either remote-geared or integral-geared versions, though the integral-geared version is quite rare. The canopy is made from GRP (fibreglass) with the bowl being composed from polycarbonate. Finding one of these in good condition is extremely unlikely. Due to the materials they are made of, the GRP canopy is almost always tarnished, and the bowl yellowed. These lanterns are side-entry only and often accommodate 26W or 35W lamps, despite being made for the longer 55W ones. This one was no exception to that rule, running 26W SOX-E when in-service. It now runs 55W SOX in the collection.

The top of the lantern is simplistic in shape, with the photocell and two clips being the main features of the rectangular canopy

The Zodion SS6 photocell has started to age, as it was installed over 11 years ago!

The bowl is slightly yellowed, but has otherwise kept it's structural integrity.

The short concrete outreach bracket is seized into the lantern's spigot. What looks like an 11 or 17/11/1979 date code is present on the bracket's internal pipe. This bracket would have probably been fitted with a GEC Z8896 before the Aries was installed.

Due to there being no gear, the lantern only hosts the photocell and lamp, of which all the wiring can be seen towards the back of the lantern.

The lantern was fired up on 18/08/2024: