134C. Crete Hall Road, Northfleet, Kent With thanks to Dwight for informing me of this Survivor. Situated by the entrance to the Kimberly-Clark tissue factory is a 25 ft (8 m) Stanton 8K concrete column, supporting a rare 1950s' GEC Z8281 / Z8381 fluorescent lantern for 80 Watt 5 ft (1524 mm) linear fluorescent (MCF) lamps - the exact part code depending on whether the lantern accommodates two or three of these lamps. Indeed, the lanterns are also known as the "Two-Eighty" or "Three-Eighty" depending on the lamp quantity. Sadly, the installation lies disused, though the fact that it remains at all, at around 70 years old in 2024, is remarkable.
The enormous lantern is spotted immediately when approaching the adjacent roundabout on Crete Hall Road.
Ordinarily, these lanterns slide along the horizontal section of the bracket, where normally, there is no concrete, and clamp into place; however, this example appears to be bolted through the bracket, with the cable emerging from a purpose-made hole in the curve.
The lantern looks somewhat out of proportion, even at this mounting height.
The lantern's Perpsex bowl looks to be in good condition, with only a small hole existing towards the front.
A narrow strip exists in the underside of the bowl to diffuse the downward luminous flux. I am not certain that any fluorescent lamps remain installed within the lantern.
The K-type bracket has minimal outreach, and is designed particularly for these large fluorescent lanterns.
The mammoth lantern requires four bowl clips on either side to hold everything together under normal circumstances.
The column door was missing, allowing the base wiring to be glimpsed in all its glory. As the lantern features its own lamp control gear, the only equipment installed at ground level is an old steel fuse box, of which the front panel has fallen away through corrosion.
CLICK HERE TO MAKE A MONETARY DONATION
© 2002 - English Street Lights Online