An interesting comparison between the Beta 3 and a later GEC Z9532 is made at the start of the access road, thanks to there being two columns installed opposite each other here.
The Beta 3 is (largely) of plastic construction, with a characteristic canopy that extends over the bowl.
Earlier Z9532s had an aluminium canopy and Perspex bowl; these materials were replaced with Glass-Reinforced-Polymer and Polycarbonate respectively, by the time that this lantern was produced.
Unlike the transparent Z9532 bowl, the Beta 3's is deliberately translucent.
A small chunk is missing from the front of this lantern's canopy.
This column is situated just in front of the gates leading into the compound. When pictured in August 2023, the door was missing.
The front portion of this lantern's bowl was pressed in slightly, as if it hadn't quite located correctly when closed on a previous occasion.
The missing door revealed a cast iron BILL cut-out in the base. The steel wire armoured supply cabling seemed far newer than the installation itself was, which was what made me think that the lights may still be in use. No lamp control gear is situated here, as the Beta 3 was equipped with its own integral gear.
More rusty columns were to be found within the car park.
Two stainless steel clips secure the bowl ordinarily, although one of these is fixed, and serves as a hinge.
With the Beta 3 not featuring in the 1969/70 Atlas / Thorn catalogue, it would have only been in production for a few years, which adds to its rarity. Ironically, the sister Beta 5 lantern remained in production until 2008, and became a common sight on roads across the UK.
A small break was present in this Beta 3's bowl.
The damage allowed a SOX lamp to be glimpsed within the lantern.
Sadly, both the bowl and lamp were missing from this example.
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