The Alpha 8 was designed as a replacement for the popular Alpha 3, retaining some of its lines (including the unpainted gear shoe) and even keeping the infamous white spot in the bowl refractor.

The old style Alpha 8s were made entirely out of metal, the canopy being painted white. This accentuated the canopy/gear shoe piecemeal design of the old Alpha 3s. The design would be eventually smoothed out.

The lantern is fitted with 150W SON.

The original location of the lantern is unknown, being obtained by swapping with another collector.