EFE Zone - News - June 2005
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Confirmed new releases 30 June
   These model have now been released by EFE and should be available from all the usual suppliers.
       12307 - Harrington Grenadier Coach (no roof dome) - North Western
       15002 - Long dual door Leyland National Mark I - Brighton & Hove
       30503 - Guy GS single deck bus - London Transport route 471

Another EFE model for the Trax Range 26 June
   The Trax Topgear site is now carrying details of the latest model produced by EFE for the Australian Trux range.
The model appears to be based on the highbridge Leyland PD2 casting (161) although Trax describes it as a TD5.
The model is now available from Trax and if past practices are repeated the model is also likely to be offered to EFE Subscribers at some point in the future.

    16125 - Leyland PD2 Highbridge Double Deck Bus
       Operator         : Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board
       Registration    : AT-245
       Fleet No.         : 245
       Route No.       : --
       Destination     : Clifton Hill
       Adverts           : None
       Livery             : Green with cream window surrounds, grey roof and dark green mudguards
       Notes              : Produced for the Australian Trax Trux range (cat no. TX13). May also be offered to EFE subscribers.
       Release          : Trax (Australia) June / EFE (UK) unknown.

Model Releases due next week 23 June
   First apologises for the error, these models were always due for release in the week commencing the 27th June and not this week as previously reported.
       12307 - Harrington Grenadier Coach (no roof dome) - North Western
       15002 - Long dual door Leyland National Mark I - Brighton & Hove
       30503 - Guy GS single deck bus - London Transport route 471
Source : Jim's Diecast Model Buses

Model Buses Magazine 23 June
   I've just received the Summer edition of the quarterly "Model Buses" magazine, there had been some speculation about the future of the magazine, however the publication has now been taken over by Julian Bowden and it seems the future of the UK's only full colour magazine dedicated to model buses is secure. The editorial also mentions that it is hoped that the Model Buses website and email address will be back on line soon.

The latest edition contains a couple of EFE related items including a review of the GS bus and an article on enhancing a PD2 double decker. There are also numerous other articles covering various diecast and kit models as well has the real vehicles themselves.

Postal subscriptions are now available from :
Model Buses,
21 Forde Avenue,
Bromley,
Kent BR1 3EU

Subscription rates for 4 issues :
UK £12.00
Europe £15.00
Rest of world (Air Mail) £18.40
Rest of world (surface mail) £14.00

Cheques and postal orders should be made payable to "MODEL BUSES".

EFE & Corgi OOC Model Buses Collectors Guide 23 June
   I've been advised by Nigel Mitchell that Anne Letch's 2005 model buses guide has now been printed and copies dispatched to various traders from whom they should now be available.

He has also advised that a limited quantity still remain if anyone wishes to order direct from him, ordering details were given in the previous news item (17th May), and can also be found by visting www.lbrt.me.uk.

Six new models announced by EFE 18 June
   EFE has released details of six new models. There's a strong southern flavor to these with no less than half being London related. All are expected to be released during July and August.

    20132 - Bedford OB Duple Vista Coach
       Operator        : King Alfred
       Registration   : FOT 215
       Fleet No.        : --
       Route No.       : --
       Destination     : Salisbury
       Adverts           : None
       Livery             : Green with dark green roof, mudguards, side flash and skirt.
        Release          : Expected July 2005

    20433DL - Bristol VRT Series III Double Deck Bus
       Operator        : Alder Valley
       Registration   : WJM832T
       Fleet No.        : 972
       Route No.       : 292
       Destination     : Guildford & Godalming
       Adverts           : Moorland Original side others to be confirmed
       Livery             : Green with dark green skirt and yellow window surrounds
        Release          : Expected July 2005 (De-Luxe Series)

    25515 - Long AEC Routemaster Double Deck Bus
       Operator        : London Transport
       Registration   : WLT 898
       Fleet No.        : RML 898
       Route No.       : 11
       Destination     : Shepherds Bush (Wells Road)
       Adverts           : BOAC side, others to be confirmed
       Livery             : Red with beige between decks band and gold fleet names
        Release          : Expected July 2005

    10133 - AEC RT Double Deck Bus
       Operator        : London Transport Green Line
       Registration   : KYY 953
       Fleet No.        : RT3224
       Route No.       : 722
       Destination     : London (Aldgate)
       Adverts           : None
       Livery             : Dark Green with light green between decks band
        Release          : Expected August 2005

    16126 - Leyland PD2 Highbridge Double Deck Bus
       Operator        : CIE Dublin
       Registration   : ZJ 1388
       Fleet No.        : R428
       Route No.       : 10
       Destination     : Phoenix Park
       Adverts           : Amicaido side advert, others to be confirmed
       Livery             : Cream with dark blue lower panels
        Release          : Expected August 2005

    29608DR - Leyland Olympian Double Deck Bus
       Operator        : London Buses (Riverside)
       Registration   : G305UYK
       Fleet No.        : L305
       Route No.       : 237
       Destination     : Sunbury Village
       Adverts           : None
       Livery             : Red with grey skirt
        Release          : Expected August 2005

Thanks goes to Jim for these details, pictures of the pre-production models can be found on his site
Jim's Diecast Model Buses

Confirmed Model Releases 9 June
   The remaining model in the "War Time Buses" series have now been released by EFE and should be available from all normal outlets.

       99204 - AEC STL Bus with Roof Box - London Transport - Red & cream with silver roof - Route 19)
       99205 - Guy Arab II Utility Bus - Southdown Motor Services - Apple green and grey - Route 12
       99206 - Daimler Utility Bus - Birmingham City Transport - Grey - Route 11
       99207 - Leyland TD1 Enclosed Staircase - Plymouth City Transport - Grey - Destination Theatre

Kowloon Motor Bus Daimler Fleetline DMS Released in Hong Kong 7 June
   This model which was mentioned back in April has now been released in Hong Kong, The model is based on the EFE DMS casting, as expected but has been released under the Drumwell branding, whether any will be subsequently offered to EFE subscription members is at present still unclear. Full details and pictures can be found on Graham's White Oriental Model Buses site.

    EFE 29102 / Drumwell DW10601 - Dual door Daimler Fleetline DMS without rear engine shrouds
       Operator        : Kowloon Motor Bus
       Registration   : CN 4588
       Fleet No.        : 2D38
       Route No.       : 2C
       Destination     : Star Ferry
       Adverts           : Chinese slogan on sides
       Livery             : Red lower deck and cream upper deck
       Notes              : 2000 models commissioned by Kowloon Motor Bus
       Release          : May 2005 in Hong Kong


Acton Open Weekend AEC 10T10 Coach 7 June
   Last weekends open day at the Acton Depot saw as planned the release of a special limited edition model. The confirmed model details are shown below, whether any stock remained unsold at the end of the event is unknown.

    29903 - AEC 10T10 Coach
       Operator        : London Transport Green Line
       Registration   : EYK 317
       Fleet No.        : T682c
       Route No.       : Y1
       Destination     : Brentwood
       Livery             : Green with light green window surrounds.
       Notes              : Limited edition of 500 uncertificated models produced for London's Transport Museum
                               : and available at the June 2005 Acton Depot Open Weekend.
       Release          : June 2005


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