Philips MI26 Lantern Installations

The Philips MI26 (later sold as the XGS103) is perhaps the most widely-used 26W/35W SOX lantern in the UK. They can be spotted in all-kinds of locations, usually between mounting heights of 4m and 6m. The MI26 was designed for use on minor roads, hence the MI prefix. the 26 comes from the wattage of SOX-E lamps these were manufactured to run, though most accept 35W SOX too. Their small size and distinctive shape makes them easily identifiable.

Amington, Tamworth

This one is located on Juniper, Tamworth on a 5m hinged column, and looks remarkably clean for it's age. You can also see the Zodion SS6 photocell unit on the top. The faint features of a 26W SOX-E lamp can be seen inside the lantern.

The same lantern at night:

The eagle-eyed among you may spot another MI26 in the background, this one too is on a 5m column, however it is not hinged as access with an MEWP van is available here. This one doesn't look as glamorous as the previous example, lichen can be seen covering most of it's canopy.

The same lantern at night:

A recent example of an MI26 replaced a failed Simplex Aries (55W lantern with a 35W lamp) on Jasmin Road. It runs 26W SOX-E, evident by the black ring around the base of the lamp which can just barely be seen through the bowl. An interesting fact about Jasmin Road is that it's a Google copyright trap street! While the street signs say "Jasmin Road", Google Earth & Maps spells it "Jasmine". This is to catch anyone attempting to copy Google Maps and claim it as their own authentic work. This MI26 was clearly in service before being installed here, evident by the lichen on the GRP canopy.

Abelia supports a rather awesome-looking installation; a Philips MI26 on a sleeved Stanton 1405 column, running 26W SOX-E (column T26).

Silica Road was home to a 26W SOX-E MI26 on old column T11. This was removed in June 2024. This column also acted as a feeder-pillar for this section of road.

Belgrave, Tamworth

This next lantern is a privately owned, and is wall mounted on a short, corner outreach bracket, on the entrance to Seaton, Belgrave. I hope this stays in service for a long time! Given the increasing price of SOX lamps, the owner may be unwilling to replace the lamp once it kicks the bucket. Let's hope the lantern isn't thrown away, or better yet, I catch them removing it to save!

Two Gates, Tamworth

Located in the "SOX neighbourhood" (Blackwood Rd, Two Gates) is this MI26. It exists on a 5m column with a relatively short outreach bracket, and does work. It runs 26W SOX-E. Based on the condition of the signs attached to this column, I'm surprised the lantern hasn't been smashed to pieces yet.

There also exists a version of this lantern with an altered canopy (which now includes a large mounting spigot), meaning it can be mounted post-top as the version seen above is side-entry only! While not as common, I can think of a few examples of these lanterns, such as this one (Column T10 on Belvoir):

The post top spigot simply slides and screws on where the side-entry version's spigot cover attaches, leaving the main canopy identical to the side-entry version's.

This night-time image was taken of the 26W SOX-E MI26 on column T2 at the end of Tutbury, Tamworth.

Daytime images followed several months later.

Fazeley, Tamworth

The following (grubby) examples are located on side streets lining County Drive, Tamworth. They run a mix of 26W SOX-E and 35W SOX lamps.

Tamworth Town Centre

More MI26s exist on Alexander Mews, Tamworth. They run 26W SOX-E.

These installations were replaced in early 2024. The columns now support Holophane S-Lines.

Whittington

A couple of installations exist about the nearby village of Whittington. The first one was spotted on column E7 of Back Lane.

Column E8 also supports an MI26. Damage to this one's outreach bracket is apparent.

I followed Chapel Lane to column E3 which supported a 26W SOX-E MI26. This replaced a 35W SOX Thorn Beta 5 in 2012.

Whittington Barracks

This MI26 is located on a short footpath in Whittington Barracks.

Long Eaton

A privately owned Philips MI26 exists on Darley Drive, Long Eaton. The canopy looks to have suffered at the hands of the elements for too long.

The bowl has taken in some water, resulting in a dismal discolouration of the bowl.

This next MI26 is a privately-owned lantern located just off Lows Lane. Judging by the state of the lamp, it is very-much EOL. There was also a small flood mounted just-below on the column.