I have just found out the dreadful news about Urbis axing the wonderful ZX2
..... I have always loved the ZX2 due to its perfect proportions and aesthetic appeal on any bracket or column in relation to its rivals.
Not only am I completely and utterly gutted to see this happen, but I now cant stop feeling that Urbis have made a major mistake for many reasons
.
Firstly, the website still predominantly shows pics of the ZX2 instead, even in the brochures, whilst being unclear whether the ZXU1 has survived, or if the ZX1 moniker has risen from the dead
Secondly, I know that I am a huge fan of the ZX2, but without being biased, I am sure the ZX2 was far more popular than its smaller/bigger brothers...
e.g. If you look at London the popularity of the ZX3, ZXU1 and ZX2 are as follows:
London Councils that still use the ZX3
> Southwark (only for casual replacements)
> Barnet (no more than casual replacements)
> TFL red routes (occasional casual replacements)
London Councils that still use the ZXU1
> Wandsworth (staple side road)
> Hammersmith and Fulham (staple side road)
> Tower Hamlets (only for casual replacements)
> Southwark (only for casual replacements)
> Waltham Forest (only for casual replacements)
> Bexley (only for casual replacements)
Now to contrast this, London councils that still use the ZX2
> Hammersmith and Fulham (Staple Lantern)
> Wandsworth (Staple Lantern)
> Merton (Staple Lantern)
> Sutton (Staple Lantern)
> Bexley (Staple Lantern)
> Harrow (Staple Lantern, ZX12 Casual Side Road Replacement)
> Southwark (ZX12 Staple, ZX2 Casual replacements)
> Waltham Forest (Casual Replacements)
> Hillingdon (Possibly Staple Lantern, definitely Casual)
> TFL Red Routes (Occasional casual replacement)
So to prove the point above, I think Urbis have made a huge mistake doing this, because it is unlikely that these once loyal councils to the Urbis brand will still remain with Urbis (Harrow already have trialed the Iridium2, whilst Merton, Sutton and TFL use the older Iridiums).
For the rest of the boroughs, they may choose the evolo2/Saphire 2/3/ZX3 (Haringey, Ealing) or the common Iridium (Lewisham, Croydon, Islington), but personally I really hope they go for the WRTL Arc 80 (Camden) or the WRTL Luma range (Bromley) as their new staple lantern
............... unless of course Urbis decide resurect the ZX2
RIP Urbis ZX2 (1986/1988-2013)