170C. Aylestone Road, Aylestone Park, Leicester Attached to the gateposts that formed the original access into the gasworks (part of which is occupied by the National Gas Museum) are the remains of two GEC Z5640 lanterns. One is nothing more than a base casting, while the other is a rather sorry-looking assortment of components lying sideways on the gatepost. Needless to say, this lantern does not work any longer, and probably hasn't for many years.
The forlorn canopy overhangs the top plinth of the gatepost, while the Gas Museum's majestic building and clock tower (not visible here) provide a background.
The canopy and support rods are completely separate from this base casting too - in fact, the only thing that holds them together is the supply cable.
Amazingly, despite the vandalism, the glass refractor dome appears to be fully intact.
The canopy reveals at least three different colours that it has been painted over the years.
Two cast iron columns supporting (far more intact) gas lanterns are situated nearby.
This Windsor-type lantern looks to be quite old, and the top part of the decorative copper finial is missing. The gas mantles are switched using a modern electronic controller, however.
The second lantern is a SUGG Grosvenor, or a similar product to this.
Further into the gasworks site, two Thorn Alpha 5s are attached to the structure of the former Engine House - these were spotted by fellow collector Leo Conway. There is also a Benjamin 'Duoflux' shovel-type floodlight fitted to the apex at the far end of this building that is fitted with an elliptical lamp (probably, an MBF (mercury vapour) type.
The foreground example is damaged, and its canopy is misaligned on the wall bracket.
These Alpha 5s were designed for running 140 - 200 Watt SLI/H (linear low pressure sodium) lamps, as my own is.
The front bi-pin lampholder has detached from is mounting within the lantern, and now hangs by its wire. Although NEMA photocell sockets are not fitted to these lanterns, the position of where one would be installed is cast into the canopy.
A lamp remains in the second lantern; however, it has worked loose from its lampholders, and now sits on the bottom of the (partially waterlogged) bowl.
A relatively short high mast supporting six WRTL HML400s (the descendent of the GEC Z3430 lantern) is located towards the rear of the complex.
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