134DA. Off Papyrus Way, New Hythe, Tonbridge and Malling, Kent With thanks to Dwight for informing me of these Survivors. Located within the compound for an electrical substation are three 25 ft (8 m) columns - two of which are the 'Avenue 3D' type with side-entry Arc 2 brackets, made by Concrete Utilities, and support Atlas Alpha 3 lanterns for 250 - 400 Watt MBF (mercury vapour) lamps; the other is a base-hinged tubular steel type made by Abacus, and supports a GEC Z8426. The columns, and the substation itself, appear to be left over from when the Aylesford Paper Mills occupied much of the surrounding land, with the substation being situated in the centre of the works. Much of site (this part included) began to close in the early 1980s, although the remainder continued to operate until 2015. Prior to the closure, more Avenue 3D columns existed around the site, but appeared to be fitted with lanterns from British Thomson-Houston's SL600 range, which were probably the original lanterns to be fitted to these columns in the 1950s, with the Alpha 3s being 1960s' replacements. Sadly, all had gone by 2015.
The two concrete columns are seen from the far side of the roundabout that splits Papyrus Way in two.
These are the "Mk 2" version of the Alpha 3, with four bowl clips attaching to points around the canopy.
The rearmost lantern has a slightly more grubby bowl than the foreground lantern does.
The columns are spaced quite closely together, suggesting that high light levels were required in this area in the past.
Curiously, yet another version of the painted diffusing spot exists on the bowls on these Alpha 3s - the spots on these are much smaller, and more elliptical than the one on mine is. I suspect that these must be early versions to feature the diffusing spot, with this being found to be too small to reduce glare sufficiently, and a more substantial spot being painted on later examples. Judging by the lamp's size, these are probably 250 Watt.
The Atlas logo and "ALPHA THREE" are cast into the rear section.
The bracket of the second column is slightly damaged at its rear counterbalancing fin. Fortunately, the Alpha 3 is not a heavy lantern (apart from when the lamp control gear is housed within it, which is not the case with these), and so will not be placing undue strain on the weakened bracket.
How this much dirt has managed to gather within the bowl is a mystery, given that all four clips are secured, and the bowl itself is undamaged.
The heavily-faded 'Pedestrian Crossing' sign attached to the column shaft is also likely to date back to the area's previous use, as historical maps indicate a staggered crossroads used to exist within the factory at this point.
The smaller diffusion spot is seen again from below.
The same historical maps indicate the presence of railway lines near to where the Z8426 is situated, and so it is likely to have provided illumination for them.
The Z8426 is the type where the bowl is fixed to the canopy, and the whole assembly hinges down from a central over-shoe when maintenance is required.
With new(ish)-build properties existing only metres from this column, I am surprised that it was left, especially given its rusty, unloved appearance.
This also looks to be fitted with a 250 Watt lamp.
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