Model Bus Zone News
May 2024
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Friday 31 May
Model Bus Federation April & May 2024 Journal Reviews
It time to catch up on the latest issues of Model Bus Federation's Model Bus Journal for April & May 2024. These are the first issues to feature a brand new design layout that is very pleasing to eye.
This is the only publication solely dedicated to model bus news & other related articles in the UK.
If the contents below are of interest, you may wish to consider becoming a member of the MBF, the annual subscription starts at £25.00 with special reduced rates available for younger members aged 14-18.
For further details please visit the https://www.model-bus-federation.org.uk.
Back issues of the Journals are also available to members where stock permits.

The Model Bus Journal - Issue 636 April 2024 - 32 pages - ISSN 0953-435

  • Diary & Events - Upcoming MBF members only area meetings & net forum.
  • Shows & Exhibitions - MBF Events & other public events
  • Editorial
  • Cover Story - Brain Bennett restored Trystco Southdown Leyland Royal Tiger / East Lancs model. (see next article)
  • Southdown Restoration by Brian Bennett - Brain acquired a poorly painted & damaged Trystco Southdown Leyland Royal Tiger / East Lancs single decker for a fiver at the MBF National Show in 2022. He explains how he stripped & repaired model before restoring in the traditional Southdown livery.
  • Product News - The master for the next Paul Ellender Kit NK17, the MB Sprinter EVM Cityline.
  • Burlingham Seagull Conversion by Martin Hare - Martin has converted a Corgi OOC/Atlas Burlingham Seagull coach into a Southdown Commer TS Baby Burlingham.
  • Photographs for the Journal by Dave Jessop - In light of the new Journal design, a reminder of some general guidelines for those submitting photographs for inclusion in future issues.
  • Wood's Yard by Brian Groombridge - Brain's diorama depicts Wood's Yard, a former coach building and repair business which closed down many years ago. Nature has since taken over the abandon vehicles & buildings.
  • Review: Brekina Routemaster by Brian Rowney - Brain reviews the 1:87th scale Routemaster which doesn't seem to have had the expected success in either Germany or UK. Examples are already be cleared at half price. What went wrong?
  • Sprinter Update. Following last month article about the Mercedes Benz Sprinter, a few more examples have come to light from JoyCity & Hongwell Cararama.
  • Footnote - Members model photographs required for filling small spaces on Journal pages.
  • The RMS6L (The Return of The Scooter?) by Nick Barnett - Nick has modelled the little known six wheeled AEC Routemaster produced as an experimental vehicle by London Transport. This vehicle & the unique 30ft RTWL were sadly scrapped on 1 April 1963.
  • Stafford Extravaganza 2024 - Details for those wishing to attend the event that took place on the 20th April.
  • CARS Workshop 12m Metrobus Demonstrator by Paul Tattam - Paul takes a close look at this 1:64 scale remote control model and the history three real Demonstrator vehicles which were trailed in Hong Kong in 1981.
  • Shop Update - Some feedback is requested from members about which kits they would most like re-introduced from the ABS range.
  • Welcome Aboard - A welcome to three new members & one returnee's.
  • Plan of the Month by Martin Jarvis - 1966 Leyland Atlantean / Roe H43/34F - Oldham Corporation 136-147, GBU136-147D
  • Area News - Ten pages of reports & 63 colour photographs covering recent MBF meetings in the East Anglia, West, London, North Midlands, Kent, & Greater Manchester areas.
  • MBF Shop - The MBF Streetscene,& Paragon range of white metal/resin parts & accessories, plus the MBF Streetscene 2K resin model kits that are exclusively available to MBF members.
  • MBF Streetscene White metal Bus & Coach Kits - The former ABS white metal bus kits added to the MBF Streetscene range. These are available exclusively to members at low cost (from £10.00 to £35.00 - see the MBF page for a list of these model kits)



The Model Bus Journal - Issue 637 May 2024 - 36 pages - ISSN 0953-435

  • Diary & Events - Upcoming MBF members only area meetings & net forum.
  • Shows & Exhibitions - MBF Events & other public events
  • Editorial
  • Cover Story - An ex East Kent Leyland TD with Park Royal body in Dick Lindsay's Forest Travel fleet. A 2004 LBC kit which has recently had a re-run.
  • The Long and Short Of It by Martin Hare - Maidstone & District were among numerous other companies to operate BET style Marshall & Willowbrook Short Leyland Leopards. Martin describes how he converted a longer Green Line RC type diecast produced by EFE into a shorter M&D version.
  • Luton Corporation Transport by Peter Roe - Peter's life long interest in Luton Corporation & 15 years of research lead to his book "Luton Corporation Transport" detailing the history of the operator. Not content, Peter has decided to make at least one model of every vehicle type operated by the undertaking.
  • More LT Services Vehicles by Michael Whent - A further selection models from Michael's extensive collection of LT Service vehicles.
  • London Area Show - A review of the annual London Area MBF show which was attended by 104 members & 17 members of the public.
  • Welcome Aboard - A welcome to seven new members & two returnee's.
  • Kit Review 1: Three Peaks Models Albion Victor by Dick Lindsay. - Dick reviews the 3D printed resin kit from Three Peaks Models that is based on vehicles operated in Guernsey.
  • Product News UK - Midland Bus Kits next kit will be Nottingham Leyland Atlantean / Northern Counties, and a major update from Marsden Models on recent releases & upcoming new kits.
  • Over To You - Some feedback on the "The Way Ahead in 1949" article from the March issue concerning the Green Line RT97/RTC1 experimental vehicle.
  • From the Archive by Brian Bennett. Scratch built Brighton Buses Dennis Dominator C718 NCD with East Lancs body.
  • Kit Review 2: Marsden Models Roe Dalesman by Ken Johnson - Dick reviews the resin kit from Marsden Models and finishes the model in his Kenborough & District coach fleet livery.
  • 2024 Events - The following MBF Events are open to the public.
    North West: The North West Area Show, Saturday 6th July at Cornerstone Church, Netherfield Road, Nelson, Lancs BB9 9AW. 10:00am to 3:30pm, Admission £3.00 and accompanied children £1.50.
    Kent: The MBF Kent Area Transport Event, Saturday 31st August at Northfleet School for Girls, Hall Road, Northfleet, Kent DA11 8AQ. 10:00am to 4:00pm. Adults £3.00, accompanied children (under 16) free. Also has other stands featuring model railways, ships, planes & cars.
    Chester: The 2024 Chester Model Bus Show, Saturday 5th October at St Columba's Church Hall, Plas Newton Lane, Newton, Cheshire CH2 1SA. 10:00am to 3:00pm. Admission £4.00 accompanied children free
  • Plan of the Month by David Evans - 1923 Foden Steam Bus - Horsham & District M 6359
  • Area News - Thirteen pages of reports & 85 colour photographs covering recent MBF meetings in the North West, East Anglia, Yorkshire x2, North Midlands, North Wales & Cheshire, West Midlands & London areas.
  • MBF Shop - The MBF Streetscene,& Paragon range of white metal/resin parts & accessories, plus the MBF Streetscene 2K resin model kits that are exclusively available to MBF members.
  • MBF Streetscene White metal Bus & Coach Kits - The former ABS white metal bus kits added to the MBF Streetscene range. These are available exclusively to members at low cost (from £10.00 to £35.00 - see the MBF page for a list of these model kits)

Thursday 30 May
Rapido Trains' Second Batch of Fleetlines UK Bound
The latest email newsletter (Vol.44) from Rapido Trains contains an update of the forthcoming second batch of Birmingham Fleetlines & the new Bedford OB Duple Vista coach models.

Production has now been completed on the second batch of Fleetlines, these includes a mix of further West Midland liveries/routes & a number of later second user provincial operators liveries, there are also two unpainted versions.
The models are currently awaiting shipping to the UK and the exact arrival date hasn't been determined yet.


Painted samples of the new Bedford OB Duple Vista models has now been received and production is underway in China. The Rapido Trains UK online store has already sold out of all but one of the OB models, they are still available from several other model retailers.

Among the latest upcoming models are five commissioned items produced exclusively for TTC Diecast (2 OBs & 4 Fleetlines) & Rails of Sheffield (1 Fleetline).
The latest email newsletter which contains several additional photographs of the models hasn't been posted on the Rapido Trains UK site at the time of writing.

Wednesday 29 May
Sunstar Announce Two New 1:24th Scale Routemaster Models
Sunstar has announced two new releases of their 1:24th scale Routemaster. Both models are expected to be available Q1/2025 and have a UK RRP of £279.99.
The photographs are of the real vehicles & it isn't confirmed whether the routes ilustrated will be those applied to the actual models.


H2943
London Transport RM1000 (100 BXL) - AEC Routemaster Bus 1:24th Scale - Due Feb 2025 Limited edition of 1000 pieces


H2944
London Transport RM16 (VLT 16) - AEC Routemaster Bus 1:24th Scale - Due Feb 2025 Limited edition of 800 pieces

Wednesday 29 May
Model Buses Creation Summer of Scania Update
MBC has posted an update via Facenook regarding the four Scania Omnicity models planned for release this Summer. It includes updated design cells for all four models.

Model Buses Creations Production Update May 2024

Hello,

Last month we announced our first four 2024 MBC releases. We made the announcements online and to the public at the London Bus Museum spring gathering at Brooklands. We have received lots of messages about these models, from people who are very much looking forward to adding these to the collection. We are pleased to share these updated design cell images from the factory which shows extra details and some changes made. These have now been sent to the factory for samples to be produced.

For those who missed our announcement, here is a quick update.

Our first four model releases are in partnership with Northcord Model Company and they are all Scania Omnicity Double Deckers. After the successful sell out release of our dealer white Scania Omnicity Ukbus 0069, we wanted to release some more and especially some London versions. We promised a London Scania in our 2023 range and here it is in the 2024 range with a slight change, which we hope you will all like.

Stagecoach had 174 Scania Omnicities - all delivered during the period that they were known as East London Bus Group - the first arrived at Rainham Garage in November 2008 and entered service on route 248. Subsequent deliveries went to West Ham, Plumstead, Bow & Leyton Garages. They've been progressively withdrawn with the last route scheduled to be operated by them, the 97, converting to Wrightbus Streetdecks from 30th March 2024. A handful remain in service at Plumstead and West Ham Garages as spare vehicles but are planned to be withdrawn within the next month or so.

Ukbus 0075 Scania Omnicity Double Decker Stagecoach London 15041.
- 15041 Will be shown on route 97 to Stratford City and feature the new Stagecoach logos, one of only a few of these Scania to feature these. This models will be limited to 504 units worldwide.

Ukbus 0076 Scania Omnicity Double Decker South East 15037 Driver Training Bus
15037 Will be shown in driver training livery with Stagecoach South East after leaving service in London. This model be limited to 504 units worldwide.

Ukbus 0077 Scania Omnicity Double Decker Stagecoach London 15042.
- 15042 Will be shown on route 97 to Chingford Station and feature the old Stagecoach logos, which these buses ran with for most of there lives in service. This models will be limited to 504 units worldwide.

Ukbus 0078 Scania Omnicity Double Decker Plain London Red
The all red livery shows how these vehicles looked before entering service as well as after they departed there lives in London. Many of these vehicles now exist outside of London in plain red. This model will be limited to 108 units worldwide.

We will be making further updates on these models over the next month with updates on pre order dates and delivery dates, currently we estimate these to arrive in Q3 of 2024, but this is subject to change.

We would like to thank Kevin Cooper of Stagecoach London, Matthew Arnold of Stagecoach South East and Danny Chan of Northcord Model Company for making these vehicles come to life in 1:76 models.

To keep up to date with these releases, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and on our website, at www.modelbus.uk. Also just arrived is our GoAhead London King Charles III New business for London, available online now!

Many Thanks
Iwan Jones
MBC Production Manager.



Wednesday 29 May
Latest Commissioned Releases From MBC
Model Buses Creations have now taken delivery of their latest pair of Corgi OOC commissions, orders are now being processed for those who placed pre-orders for the following models. Orders are still open for both models which are priced £46.90 each, or £85.00 for the pair. 500 pieces of each destination were produced and the models come in the usual OOC style display cases with MBC/Corgi card outer sleeve.


CP46601A Wright New Routemaster - Go-Ahead London LT511 (LTZ 1511) / 87 Aldwych - King Charles III Coronation livery
CP46601B Wright New Routemaster - Go-Ahead London LT511 (LTZ 1511) / 87 Wandsworth - King Charles III Coronation livery

For further details please visit the Model Buses Collection online store at www.modelbus.uk.

Monday 20 May
Buckie Model Centre Plaxton Panorama Models Released

The nine 1:76 scale Plaxton Panorama coaches in Citylink & Megabus liveries have been released & the Buckie Model Centre is currently processing the 800 plus orders received for these.
This new right-drive model tooling has been produced exclusively for the Buckie Model Centre by Holland-Oto, and each model is priced £57.00 plus delivery.

The blank white version is currently out of stock, but more examples are due later this year.
The models can be ordered online via the Buckie Model Centre online store.

Also now is stock are the latest commissions for Buckie's 1:87 (HO) scale Scottish & English Coach Collection series.

Sottish Coach Collection Issue 16: Megabus (Mclean's of Airdire) VDL Futura


English Coach Collection Issue 12: Flixbus (Stanley Travel) VDL Furura

A full list of the Buckie UK models, can be found in the Buckie Model Centre model section

Monday 6 May Updated 7 May
Omnidekka Models Release Update & Model Cancellation
Chris Cotton has today sent me an update on his release schedule for a number of planned Omnidekka commissioned Models.

Sadly due to a license issue, the planned ADL Enviro200 MMC model (MMC2) in Abellio London red livery has been cancelled.
Anyone who has placed a pre-order, should email Transport Nostalgia to arrange a refund.
Note: The new www.omnidekka.co.uk online store & Transport Nostalgia Facebook page have not been updated at the time of posting
.
Updated 7 May with correct livery/operator details for the OM3 model.
Current expected release dates for other planned Omnidekka models are:
OM3 - Stagecoach South (Cancer Research Livery) Dennis Enviro400 - Due August 2024
OM1 - Lancashire United Optare Versa - Due Q3/2024
WSD2 - Stagecoach London Wright Streetdeck - Due Q4/2024 or Q1/2025
GNE - Go North East Optare Solo SR - Due Q4/2024
TNBUS1 - Dealer White ADL Enviro200 MMC - Due Q1/2025
ES22 - First Midland Bluebird Scania Omnidekka - Due 2025

Pre-orders for the above future models can be placed via the re-launched www.omnidekka.co.uk online store

Saturday 4 May Updated 7 May
Model Buses Creations Latest Releases
Model Buses Creations has released the commissioned Northcord models below, all three sold out prior to release.

Update 7 May: MBC still have a quantity of the UKBUS0070 & UKBUS0072 models available for sale on their website.

UKBUS0070
Stagecoach Ambassador (Route 180) - Alexander Dennis Enviro400


UKBUS0071
Stagecoach Ambassador (Selkent Ambassador) - Alexander Dennis Enviro400


UKBUS0072
Go Ahead London Driver Trainer - Alexander Dennis Enviro400

Visit the MBC online store to pre-order for the latest exclusive commissioned models at Modelbus.uk.

Saturday 4 May
Northcord Models Press Release UKBUS6531
This press release was issued by Northcord Models on the 18th April
NORTHCORD MODEL COMPANY - PRESS RELEASE
ADL Enviro400 MMC
ukbus 6531 Stagecoach Manchester

Following the significant success in launching the brand new casting of the Alexander Dennis Enviro400 MMC model in the liveries of National Express West Midlands, Stagecoach in Oxfordshire, Bluestar, Stagecoach West Scotland, Southern Vectis, Stagecoach South, Ensign Bus, Xplore Dundee, Stagecoach North West, Go North East, Stagecoach North Scotland and Go South Coast Stagecoach MacMillan and Spirit of London releases Northcord Model Company is now releasing the twentieth livery on the 10.9 metre long, single-door casting – ukbus 6531 in the livery of Stagecoach Manchester with full, new, standard local livery.

ukbus 6531 features Stagecoach Manchester 11523 (SK20 AVY) working on route 192 to Piccadilly. 11523 was new to Stagecoach Manchester in 2020 as one of the earliest factory-painted examples in this new, standard, ‘local livery’.

Other than the Royal Jubilee model, ukbus 6529, with its royal-associated colours, this is the first representation by Northcord Model Company of the newest standard livery, termed “local livery”.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro400 MMC ukbus 6531 is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the square, gasket-mounted windows and the livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. Another main feature on the ukbus 6531 model is its single tree protector at the front. The front dome on the model is significant, with curved windscreens on both upper deck and lower deck.

Northcord Model Company is also creating new design standards within the interior of both saloons. These features, inside the compartments, will represent the real, outstanding layout of the Enviro400 MMC, such as the extensive portrayal of handrails on upper deck and lower deck, etc.

The brand new 10.9 metre Enviro400 MMC bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), 80M Bus Model Shop (HK) respectively. The UKBUS6531 model is limited to 1008 pieces worldwide.


Saturday 4 May
Model Bus News Roundup
Apologies for the lack of posts over the past three weeks, I've had some technical issues in regards to posting updates to the site hosting service, I believe the problem has now been identified & resolved.

What follows is a catch up on some of the developments in regards to model bus news. Some further items will follow over the coming days.


Buckie Model Centre
The latest VDL Futura 2 additions in the 1:87 (HO) scale for the Scottish Coach (McLeans/Megabus) & British Coach Collections (Stanley Travel/Flixbus) are expected in stock imminently, the new 1:76 scale Plaxton Panorama coaches in Scottish Citylink & Megabus liveries are due in stock on the 10 May.

Corgi(OOC) May-August Catalogue

View new Corgi May-August 2024 model releases

Corgi has released their second Catalogue of 2024 covering the period between May to August.
As expected there are no new models to report for the OOC range, the catalogue contains a number of new items for the Aviation & Vanguard ranges as well as several "Pop Culture" items.
A number of OOC models are however being produced exclusively for Model Buses Creations.


View the Corgi YouTube May-August announcement video

Corgi has also launched a range of Retro Corgi models from the 1960s/70s period, the models are available individually or as a collection through the new "Corgi Model Club", this offers members a model release each month in a similar vain to the partwork collections previously produced by Atlas Editions.
Currently there are 38 models listed on the Corgi site, although none are bus or coach related.

EFE Road/EFE Rail Summer 2024 Release
Bachmann announced their British Railways products for the Summer 2024 period on the 1st May, the EFE Road vehicle range releases will be the four AEC Routemasters announced at the London Bus Museum event in mid April.
The YouTube Bachmann video below, starts with a piece covering the EFE Road models

The full list of model railway products from the various Bachmann ranges can be viewed HERE.

The EFE Rail range will see five further releases of the OO scale Adams O2 steam locomotive, some of which feature a new tooling variation. There are also two new OO scale toolings for the range, these being a Plasser 12T YOB Diesel-Hydraulic Crane (3 versions) and GWR 10T 'Bloater' Fish Van (5 versions).

Oxford Diecast
Still no date as yet regarding the announcement of the next batch of planned new model toolings & further colour options for existing models.

Rapido Trains UK
The second batch of Birmingham Leyland Fleetlines are in the final stages of production and are expected to be ready for shipping to the UK towards the middle of this month. They are expected to arrive in the UK in early July.
Likewise, the Bedford OB Duple Vista coaches are progressing through the factory and are about three weeks behind the Fleetlines, so these will likely to be released late July or early August.
The latest Rapido Trains Newsletter contains a couple of pictures showing some of the Fleetline sample models.

 April 2024  Model Bus Zone News Index June 2024