Atlas FJQ2081 end view with diffuser

Identified as a Atlas FJQ/2081 dating to around 1952, this highly unusual Atlas fitting was acquired to the collection with help from a fellow collector.

Originally wired for Quickstart BC tubes, at some point in around 1968 it had been crudely regeared with Transtar gear to take bi pin tubes. Whilst in a way I can understand the move, it just seems unnecessary to replace the gear as well, seeing as the lamp holders shown here are simply screw terminals rather than push connectors.

To replace tubes in service, you have to remove both end caps and either slide the diffuser off the fitting, or disconnect the tubes and slide them out the diffuser, a very poor design really, especially if its fitted in an area where space is at a premium. Despite this, I really love the design, its got to be one of the most unusual fittings I've ever seen.

The thing that immediately stands out is the crazy shape of the diffuser, and the very unusual white bands at each end. Its unlike anything I've ever seen before. Thankfully its intact and undamaged, but owing to how its designed, its of a shape where it can be very very easily cracked, hence why it'll spend its time in storage away from anything else that has the potential to damage it.