5g - Slack Lane, Darley Abbey

5g. Slack Lane, Darley Abbey Situated within the compound of an electricity substation is an Atlas (or Thorn) Gamma 5 post-top lantern attached to an Abacus base-hinged column, which is likely to be contemporary to the age of the substation. Owing to collaboration between Atlas/Thorn and Abacus at the time, the lantern forms part of the column, rather than requiring a separate spigot, as most post-tops would - the column features a flared top that matches the lower contours of the lantern - two bolts located within the lantern secure it to the column shaft. Despite having known this installation for many years (what was my secondary school is situated on adjacent land), I cannot recall ever seeing it lit, and so I assume that the installation may be switched manually from inside the substation, on occasions when engineers are working there after nightfall.

The column is situated towards the rear of the compound and overlooks the substation transformer.

A length of barbed wire is wrapped around the column; presumably, its proximity to the fence surrounding the transformer was considered a risk - someone could have climbed the column and then jumped over the fence.

The flared top to the column, along with the matching contour of the lantern, is evident here. This version of the Gamma 5 employs two clips as a means of securing the canopy (one of these acts as a retention hinge). Later versions saw the design revised to two slotted screws located on top of the canopy.

See also: Survivor 8C and 77C.