Urbis ZX2 Lantern Installations
The Urbis ZX2 is the most popular lantern in the ZX series by Urbis. It's the third largest in the series, past the ZX4 and ZX3. They were designed for SON lamps between 100W and 250W, but metal halide versions are littered about. It's two-part (hinged) canopy makes it easy to service, with the bowl being available in: deep polycarbonate, zebra-striped deep polycarbonate, curved-tempered-glass and flat glass.
Lichfield
The ZX2 is one of the most widely-used lanterns in the UK. While out photographing Lichfield, I spotted these ZX2s on Grange Lane. They are mounted on short outreach brackets and all are using the deep polycarbonate bowl.
Tamworth
These ZX2s are pictured lining a roundabout in Northern Amington. They run 100W or 150W SON-T lamps.
A closer view of the next column visible in the background of the above image.
A tarnished ZX2 is situated slightly opposite that column. It looks like something has been thrown at it, or a bird has pecked it's way inside to try and find a nesting spot. The lantern no longer works, succumbing to the elements shortly after the gear became exposed. The ballast is likely a Philips DynaDimmer electronic ballast. Thank you to AgentHalogen_87 for this information.
Column T12 on the roundabout leading to Brindley Drive is completed with a 100W Urbis ZX2. It replaced a failed Thorn Pilote T1.
When talking about these lanterns, I always reference Kettlebrook Road, Tamworth, where every single example is a ZX2 with a deep plastic bowl. (All apart from one Holophane R-Line at the very end)
They appear to have Zodion SS6s fitted on top. I plan to try and save one of these when they're replaced.
The next images are of these installations at night!
This ZX2 on the same road has what appears to be the remains of an old lamp if you look closely toward the left of the bowl.
These types of lanterns are also commonly used as replacements on main roads. Here is an example on Tamworth Road, Two Gates, brought in to replace a failed REVO Hyperion B lantern. The ZX2s on this road have curved tempered glass bowls.
A close up of the lantern reveals the 100W SON lamp inside.
A close up of the lantern's bracket, originally from the late 60s.
More ZX2s can be seen along Coton Lane, Gillway. These all have deep plastic bowls, much like the examples on Kettlebrook Road. They run 150W SON-T lamps.
This brand-new Urbis ZX2 recently replaced a damaged 8m Stanton & Staveley (concrete) Column on Mariner, Tamworth which supported an integral-geared Philips MA50. The MA50 was removed and an emergency crew was called to cut the damaged column down. In April 2024, this column was installed to replace it.
A closer-look at the 100W SON-T ZX2.
