Thorn-EMI Alpha 9 Deep-Bowled 90w SOX Semi Cut-off lantern. The Deep-bowled Alpha 9 is a geared version of the remote-geared Thorn Alpha 9 and can still be found in general use in some parts of the UK. Using the same aluminium canopy as the remote version, the control-gear is mounted directly to the underside of the canopy and does not employ the use of a gear-tray on which to mount the gear, nor does it have a reflector plate above the lamp, so the control-gear is clearly visible through the bowl. A longer lampholder bracket is used to mount the sodium lamp at a lower level within the lantern, so that it hangs clear of the control-gear above it; the deeper bowl allows for this.

The deep-bowled Alpha 9 after being thoroughly cleaned and reassembled. The low-slung lamp mounting is necessary to avoid contact with the ballast.

 As with all the Alpha 9's family, access to the lantern's interior is gained by releasing a large spring-clip under the rear canopy of the lantern, which allows the plastic bowl to hinge downwards on its front mounted hinge.

The spring-clip release to open the bowl allowing access to the interior of the lantern.

The example in the collection stood above a road junction in Long Eaton, Derbyshire until 2004, when it was removed following a road improvement scheme outside a newly constructed Tesco superstore in the Town. The lantern is in very good condition and has cleaned up like new; however, the control-gear makes such a loud 'buzzing' noise when in operation that it's only ever run-up on odd occasions.

Control-gear layout of the deep-bowled Alpha-9 lantern showing the Thorn self-start ballast and capacitor.

Deep-bowled Alpha-9 lantern seen during 'warm-up'.

Close up of the lantern's Osram 90-watt SOX lamp, as it reaches its full operating temperature.

Thorn deep bowled Alpha 9 with its characteristic low-slung lamp seen on the side of a factory in Bushbury, Wolverhampton.

At first glance this looks to be a deep-bowled Alpha 9, but it is in fact a remote-geared version that has been retro fitted with a deep-bowl; note that the lamp is situated too high up in the lantern to be the proper deep-bowled geared version.

Please take a look at the Alpha 9 shallow-bowled 'remote-geared' lantern and the Alpha-9 shallow bowled 'geared' lantern in the collection as a comparison.