Well not literally, but the familiar internal chrome retaining poles, which have been used on EFE models since their birth in 1989, now seem to have been replaced by matt black finished versions. This change appears to make theses fittings less visible from the side of the models at least.
It is believed that this feature first appeared on models released in May.
The North Weald Rally today saw the release of the London Transport STD 20203A with appropriate advertisements for the event.
The London Omnibus Traction Society stall also had supplies of their 40th Anniversary Routemaster 15635A, however the RM was only available to LOTS members bearing proof of their membership, and then on a strict one per member basis. Whether any will be made available to non-members in the future is still unclear at present.
Pictures of both models will be added to the site in the next few days.
The following 5 models have now been released and should be available from your normal retailers.
25403 - Manchester Fleetline MCW Double Decker - City of Cardiff
27505DR - Scania Wright Single Deck Bus - Midland Bluebird
27613DR - Wright Renown Volvo B10B Single Decker - Brighton & Hove
29603DR - Leyland Olympian Type B Double Decker - Solent Blue Line
99645GRC - Leyland TD1 Enclosed Staircase Double Decker - Todmorden L.M.S.
I will add pictures of the above models to the site early next week.
These Commissioned models are now both expected to be available at the North Weald Bus Rally on Sunday 27th.
20203A - London STD Double Decker - London Transport - For North Weald Rally
15635A - Routemaster - London Transport (Commissioned by LOTS for its members)
The LOTS RM will only be available to members of the Society on a strict one model per member basis. This model should also be available from the LOTS stall at the Metroline Holloway Garage Open Day on Saturday 26th.
The following 5 models should be available from normal retail outlets in the coming week.
25403 - Manchester Fleetline MCW Double Decker - City of Cardiff
27505DR - Scania Wright Single Deck Bus - Midland Bluebird
27613DR - Wright Renown Volvo B10B Single Decker - Brighton & Hove
29603DR - Leyland Olympian Type B Double Decker - Solent Blue Line
99645GRC - Leyland TD1 Enclosed Staircase Double Decker - Todmorden L.M.S.
This week should also see the release of these commissioned models
20203A - London STD Double Decker - London Transport - For North Weald Rally
15635A - Routemaster - London Transport (Commissioned by LOTS for its members)
The first pictures of the two forthcoming version of the Prototype Routemasters 30201and 30301GS have been released by EFE.
The scans above were taken from the latest release sheet.
EFE reports in the latest newsletter that it still has a limited quantity of recent pair of Leyland TD1 buses 27212 and 27213 which were both produced for the Australian Trux range.
EFE subscribers are encouraged to make a 'swift response' if they still want an example of either.
The latest EFE Subscribers newsletter gives brief details of three new models.
24813 - Northumbria - Mercedes Benz Minibus
29604 - Preston Bus - Leyland Olympian
27309 - Samuel Ledgard - Leyland TD1 Enclosed Staircase
There are also details of a Routemaster (15635A) which has been commissioned by The London Omnibus Traction Society for it members. The model is being produced to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Society.
The first of the TD1's produced for the Trux Range in Australia are now being dispatched to UK members of the EFE Subscribers Service who placed orders.
I received 27212 this morning and will hopefully add pictures of the model tomorrow.
The long awaited green RT 10132B, and red STL 27808B have finally been released by the museum. Both of these models are already sold out, with almost all stock going to existing standing order customers.
The second version of the AEC Regal 10T10 29901A has now been released by the London Bus Preservation Trust, who commissioned a limited edition of 746 models, based on their own preserved example T504. Customers who ordered the model at the April 2004 Open Day should be receiving their models via the post shortly.
The EFE Zone web site begins a test run period, I will attempt to run the site as live for a few weeks to see if the system or layouts cause any major update problems. I will also hopefully add the few remaining bits and bobs to get the site to a public launch state.