Thorn Beta 5 Comparisons

From left-to-right, we have the 1983, 1989 and 1999 versions of the Beta 5. The deep bowl of the lantern is really the only part that has stayed the same over the years.

With the bowls removed, the differences in lantern design are starting to show. Probably the most obvious of these is that the 1983 version has a much shorter gear tray than the other two. Both this and the 1989 version have a grommet in the gear tray to protect the cables for the lampholder, whereas the 1999 version doesn't have one. The labels also change through time.

The gear has stayed more or less the same though the positions of the capacitor and ignitor have been switched in the 1999 version.

The gaskets on the 1983 and 89 versions are the same - although the latter looks to be different due to a plant growing in it!

The canopy has clearly been reshaped over the years - with the very chunky one of the 1983 version being changed for the flatter and more curved one of the 1999 version. It is odd that the shape of the bracket entry was cut down in the 1989 version, but was reintroduced in the 1999 version.

© 2002-2008 Mike Barford