Simplex Lighting 'Gemini' lantern for 70w SON lamps
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Simplex Lighting 'Gemini
for 70w SON lamps. This little lantern uses
the same canopy and bowl as the Simplex Gemini LPS
lantern for 35w SOX lamps, and is externally
identical to it. However,
this version is geared for 70w SON lamps. Like the SOX versions,
the lantern is designed for use
in minor roads and was
available for either top-entry or side-entry mounting.
This example came from the Tettenhall area of Wolverhampton,
West Midlands, where many of the type still remain
in service.
The Simplex 'Gemini' lantern for 70w SON lamps is seen in acquired condition in March 2006. Based on the LPS version of the Gemini lantern, these lanterns were of a straight-forward design and of rugged construction. The isolated 'yellowing' mid way along the bowl is a give away to the fact that it is the SON version. The pencil gives an idea of how small these lanterns are.
Access to this gear-in-head lantern is made by releasing the two stainless steel spring clips that clip on to the rim of the canopy, allowing the bowl to swing down on its side-mounted hinges. Loosening the 4 x gear tray fixing screws then allows the gear tray to be slid back and released from the canopy, giving access the control gear. The label inside the lantern warns against the use of SON lamps with internal ignitors. The IP54 rating for dirt and moisture ingress seems quite good for a luminaire of this out-dated design, and as can be seen from the picture above, the lantern was very clean inside. However, it's a different story for the poor in-service lantern below.
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Copyright(c) 2005 Claire Pendrous. All rights reserved.
Please note that all pictures are by Claire Pendrous, or are part of the Claire Pendrous photographic collection unless otherwise stated; none of these images can be copied without obtaining prior permission.