Local Atlas/Thorn Alpha 3s

 The Alpha 3 first appeared here in the 1960s under the Atlas badge (also known as the AEI Optispec One at the time). Another batch (this time with Thorn branding) appeared in the 1970s and were used as replacements for twin-lamp Atlas Alpha 8s. The 1980s saw yet more appear on the City's streets; although the majority of these were of the gear-in-head version and used SON lamps as oppose to the MBF used in the past. When the lantern was discontinued in the early 1990s, the Thorn Alpha 8 and GEC Z8600 (WRTL MRL 6) were used as the standard main-road SON lanterns for a time; however both had a maximum wattage of 250w, whilst many of the Alpha 3s were running 400w lamps.

The photographs on this page were all taken along Derby's Morledge unless otherwise specified.

This Thorn Alpha 3 was photographed from on top of the Cock Pitt car park.

This double-armed installation consists Alpha 3s from two eras - on the left, an Atlas example. On the right, a newer Thorn example. Originally Atlas Alpha 8s were fitted so the Atlas Alpha 3 may have originally been fitted elsewhere - or it may simply be that a Thorn bowl has been exchanged for an Atlas one at some point. The building to the right of the picture is Derby's 1930s bus station - I am glad I took these photographs as the old buildings were being demolished at the time. As the site is being redeveloped, it is possible that new columns may be fitted in the future - I will keep an eye on things!

More Thorn Alpha 3s. Philips Trafficvisions are can be seen three columns down - these were installed when the pedestrian crossing was widened; replacing a double-arm column supporting (what I believe were) two very rare Alpha 30 lanterns.

The bowl on this Atlas example on Cathedral Road appears to have been damaged. Fortunately the lamp is still intact so at least the lantern hopefully still works. The next Alpha 3 along was removed on the day I took these photographs so this one was incredibly lucky.

This 8m Stewart and Lloyd column in St Peter's Churchyard has always supported an Alpha 3 of some repute.

As has this one just up the road - except that a gear-in-head version is now fitted.

© 2002-2008 Mike Barford