195. Radius Aerospace, Station Road, Halfway, Sheffield The car park for this engineering company is home to two 20 ft (6.096 m) Stanton 7 concrete columns supporting 'B'-type brackets and lanterns from British Thomson-Houston's SL6## range (either, the SL612, SL615, SL622, SL623, SL624 or SL625, depending on the size of the lanterns, the type of lamps that they accommodate, and whether there is an internal refractor, in addition to the refractor bowl). The British Thomson-Houston (BTH) name disappeared at the end of 1959, with the 1st January 1960 being the first day of trading of the consolidated BTH and Metropolitan-Vickers, under the AEI banner. Thus, the installations were (at least) sixty years old at the time of photographing in late November 2019. Although their operational status is unknown, both appeared to retain lamps when photographed, although more modern floodlighting surrounding the car park suggests that they may be disused.
With thanks to the (rather bemused!) security guard for allowing me to take these pictures.
The two columns are positioned in line, on a roadway between the car park and the main factory building. A rather imposing water tower occupies a prominent visual position in the background.
The SL600 range is similar in appearance to GEC's 'Clearmain' and 'Clearside' range of lanterns.
These installations are likely to date from the mid-late 1950s; earlier versions of the Stanton 7 column featured a wider base - a necessity, owing to the size of lamp control gear when the original design was launched.
Sadly, the bracket joint above the column is cracking and spalling on both examples.
Apart from a small amount of gathered detritus in the lowest point of the bowl, the lanterns are in excellent condition.
Looking at the lantern from the other direction allowed the design of its refractor bowl to be appreciated, thanks to the sunlight shining through it.
The water tower 'towered' over the other column!
Notice the amount of collision protection surrounding the liquid argon cylinder that is installed alongside the second column.
The 'B' type bracket is characterised by its distinctive rear fin - as well as having a decorative purpose, the fin provides a means of counterbalancing the weight of whatever lantern is fitted.
Some internal glassware is visible within this lantern - either, the lamp, the secondary refractor, or both of these.
The lantern bowl hinges forwards for maintenance, and appears to be secured by a cheese head bolt at the back of the lantern.
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