Yes, now that was a pleasant surprise! I'm sure the Evolo can do high-wattage MH just as the Vectra can but it does seem strange a different lantern has been used. Also, I haven't noticed any radio antennas on top of the Vectras like I have on the Evolos, will have another look next time I'm in the area (probably tomorrow).That is strange then. With regards to why SON has been used on Albert Road, Central Drive and Dickson Road, perhaps these are only trial columns or 'in-fill' columns. I think this because they have only been installed down part of each of those roads, leading me to think that maybe they aren't directly part of the PFI to do list, rather done out of necessity? Who knows, not me that's for sure!
Talking of Tyldesley Road, on Wednesday I was passing the junction with Rigby Road when I saw the lighting contractors attempting to remove this Stanton 8B column. They were having great difficulty getting the sturdy old column out of the ground and it just didn't want to break free! I even heard one of the contractors shouting and swearing at it! (Which is no way to treat such a grand old lady!
). In the end though it was finally removed along with it's contemporaries and 60 years of history was wiped away
It is indeed a shame, and it comes as no surprise that they were having such difficulty getting it out, they're huge! I'd imagine they'd struggle even more with those round-bottomed versions! I wonder what they do with old columns once they're removed, the sheer size and weight of them must make them quite troublesome. It'd be easier if they just left them in-situ
Next group A road to be done is Rigby Road, let's see what lanterns are used along there!More Evolos, as of yesterday. These aren't yet connected though. Also Highfield Road is in the process of having new columns installed and they too are fitted with Evolos (also not yet running). Makes the Vectras appearance seem even more strange!
They do look good but it's such a shame that in a few years there will be barely anything else! I'm sorry to say but I think if streetlighting had been like that when I was a child then I would have probably never developed an interest in streetlighting at all
This PFI has really opened my eyes to appreciating all the lovely old concretes we still have left and I'm so glad Google SV came along before the PFI started.
I agree with all of this. Streetlighting is becoming much more functional and uniform. At least when the whole of Blackpool looks much the same we'll hopefully still be surrounded by the concretes, MRL6s etc of Lancashire. It certainly will be quite a contrast between Blackpool Borough and the surrounding areas when the PFI's done. Strange to think that in years to come these new PFI columns could be seen as in much the same light as the concretes now when they themselves are old and being replaced. Vectras and Evolos could become collectors items
I also find it a bizarre thought that 2600s will likely be extinct in Blackpool before too long. I might even start missing them! Unless of course they remain on the 1990s hockeysticks.
To add to the above post I visited Blackpool today and a lot of the side roads off South Promenade have now got Evolos installed. They were all dayburning today (which is common with new installations of remote-monitored lighting) and were burning a white light. From looking at the optic I suspect strongly now that the Evolos run CPO (Cosmo) lamps.Thanks for that. What makes CPOs different to other MH? Is it the colour it gives off, as these new lanterns seem a warmer white than say the MH Stratums which seem a colder blue-white.
For saying these lanterns are remote-monitored I have yet to spot a lantern with a control node (or 'pigeon') on top. I don't think they would look very good on an Evolo and would probably spoil it's sleek design somewhat!I have seen one (on a side road off Lytham Road) and you're right about them not looking good, far to big and bulky. However at least the vast majority won't have pigeons on them, as they do look, like you say really sleek otherwise.
I was surprised to see this ten year old 8m Stainton column with 100w SON Vectra 2 is being replaced by a 6m Nedal column with (presumably) 45w CPO Evolo! I am surprised at how young some of the columns are that are being replaced. I previously mentioned the Staintons on Dickson Road being replaced (some of which are only four years old). As well as these the Stainton highway hockeysticks at the start of Rigby Road which date back to about 2003 are also being replaced. This to me is madness! I can see the point in replacing all the old concrete columns around town but to replace metal columns which have plenty of life left in them just seems wrong to me. Couldn't the lanterns just be swapped over?I'm guessing (and hoping) that they are only replacing newer columns that are casual replacements or form just a small handful of columns on a road of concretes. I would imagine this is to keep the road uniform in appearance, and that roads that are already uniform with newer columns (Bispham, Road, North Drive et al) will be kept as they are, or have new lanterns retrofitted. This will make far more sense than simply replacing every single column regardless of age.