My Collection: Thorn Alpha 8 (1)

Thank you to Mike Barford for gifting me this lantern. This is the newer style of Alpha 8, with the one-part canopy. It was later sold by WRTL as the MRL8 lantern. The lantern itself is in good condition overall; it was subject to a brief wipe-down and the canopy was scrubbed clear of any lichen.

The lantern features an opening mechanism similar to Philips' SGS204. While the bowl can hinge open on it's own, the canopy and bowl are connected to a hinge which grants access to the gear compartment as-and-when it's needed. The optic in this lantern consists of three textured reflector panels, two either-side of the lamp, and one convex reflector above it.

The identification-sticker also is located inside this compartment. It reveals that this version of the Alpha 8 is the Mk.16. A 07/06/2000 date-code is present inside.

This date-code (and the Thorn logo) contrasts the aluminium-base, which carries the Thorn EMI logo, which would date to 1984-1987. Upon further research, it appears Thorn never changed this detail, leaving it to carry on the EMI legacy until the sale of the Alpha 8 to WRTL.

Neither of the grub-screws are seized on this lantern.

The cell-socket on this lantern dates to 2000.

An Atlas GSHP 250.34 ballast is installed inside. The "070" stamp on the side (I believe) dates the ballast to 1970. This lantern seems to be a combination of older and newer parts, as the ballast appears original.

A 30µF Cambridge Capacitors Capacitor is present next to the ballast.

The "1400" dates the capacitor to the 14th week of 2000.

The ignitor is positioned beneath the capacitor, so it was moved to gain a better view of the label.

On the underside of the canopy is the base of the NEMA socket. Notice the chain to prevent the lantern opening too far which could result in damage to the bowl. This chain would also keep the canopy and bowl attached in the event of the hinges becoming damaged.

With power supplied, the lantern spluttered into life!