Beech Way / Hilly Fields, Maidensgrave, Woodbridge, East Suffolk With thanks to Dwight for informing me of these Survivors. Installed on both of these roads that are in relatively close proximity are examples of 15 ft (5 m) ELECO 'Silverline' aluminium columns supporting (mostly) PT-908 (known originally as the HW-908 instead). Unlike other ELECO post-top lanterns, the PT-908s feature distinctive narrow base castings, which enables them to blend in with the 76 mm (3 inch) diameter of the column spigots rather seamlessly. The lamp types and wattages fitted in these examples are unknown; the translucent bowls employed from new, preventing the lamps from being seen clearly.
This is one of the two examples to be seen on Hilly Fields.
The lantern (as the HW-908) appeared in the late 1950s, with production (as the PT-908) continuing into the 1970s.
The aerial part of a Telensa Telecell is seen emerging from the lantern's canopy.
The use of aluminium for the column ensures that the base still looks relatively new, despite probably being between 50 and 60 years old (if not slightly older still) when photographed.
A painted example is seen further up Hilly Fields.
Such was the modular nature of the ELECO post-top range that the bowl design, including the hinge and clips, are shared with the HW-898.
The ELECO logo is visible on the base casting. Incidentally, the narrow spigots on these lanterns are 11/4" BSP (42 mm) in diameter.
Two further examples are seen on Beech Way.
The slightly more transparent bowl on this example allows an internal lamp support to be seen, with the lamp appearing to be a 35 Watt SOX (low pressure sodium) type.
The background lantern is actually a later Davis PT1180. Its original canopy locking thumbscrew is missing, and a bolt has been used to hold the canopy in place.
The ancestor of the PT1180, the ELECO PT1031 (or a similar lantern), appears twice on the adjoining Ash Close.
Although very similar in design, the ELECO versions employ a slightly different design of base casting.
The canopies to both types, along with the bowls, are a much closer match, however. Along with the Telecell, the now disused two-part photocell detector is also visible on this canopy.
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