EFE Zone - News - September 2004
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New Releases Due Next Week30 September
The following models are expected to be released around the 6th October.
    16525 - MCW Leyland Atlantean - Great Yarmouth
    16606 - Leyland National - London Transport (Route 227)
    20131 - Bedford OB Duple Vista Coach - Wallace Arnold
Source : Jim's Diecast Model Buses

Showbus - A Pictorial Review27 September
Firstly sorry about the quality of some of the pictures, the combination of plate glass and a moving target has produced some less than perfect results.
Although no new castings were unveiled at Showbus, all of the models shown in resin form at the Toy Fair earlier this year, were displayed in an un-decorated form.

The London Transport GS is shown in the pictures below, the front mudguards are part of the plastic base.
The GS Bus Casting
Offside view of the GS casting


The AEC Renown was shown in two versions, the difference appears to relate to the cab door and the staircase panel immediately behind this.
The AEC Renown castingsA side view of the AEC Renown casting

The trucks cabs were shown combined with different chassis types, 2 axle, 3 axle, four axle and as a articulated tractor, none were shown with any actual rear bodywork in place.

The AEC Mark V Truck which now has the addition of a front bumper
The AEC Mark V Truck Cab

The ERF KV Truck
The ERF KV truck casting

The Foden S24 Truck
The Foden S24 Truck Casting

The Ford Thames Truck
The Ford Thames Trader Truck Casting

The pre-production version of the first AEC Mammoth Major Mark III Truck - Marston Brick Co
The pre-production version of the AEC Mark III Mammoth Major Truck

The following images show the pre-production versions of some of the forthcoming releases that have not previously been pictured on the EFE Zone.

16217 - West Yorkshire Bristol MW
16217 - West Yorkshire Bristol MW Coach

26314 - Stockport Corporation Guy Arab II Utility Bus
26314 - Stockport Corporation Guy Arab II Utility

15805 - Central S.M.T. - Leyland PD1 Lowbridge
15805 - Central S.M.T. - Leyland PD1 Lowbridge

99646 - Western National (G.W.R.) Gilbow Railway Series 99646 - Western National (G.W.R.) Gilbow Railway Series

29006DR - Yorkshire Rider Halifax -GM Standard Fleetline
29006DR - Yorkshire Rider Halifax - GM Standard Fleetline

27810 - London Transport STL (Green - Route 405)
27810 - London Transport STL (Green -Route 405)

29504 - Royal Blue - Plaxton Panorama Coach with Bristol Dome (Fleet No. 2392 is carried
29504 - Royal Blue - Plaxton Panorama Coach with Bristol Dome

22513 - SELNEC Cheshire - Alexander Y Type
22513 - SELNEC Cheshire - Alexander Y Type

25806DL - Midland Fox Single Door DMS Fleetline in the new style De-Luxe Series Box
25806DL - Midland Fox Single Door DMS Fleetline in the new style De-Luxe Series Box

And finally a picture of the large scale AEC Renown Resin Master
The large scale AEC Renown Resin Master

Showbus - First Report
26 September
Well for once the rain stayed away at Duxford, this years bumper rally entry was even treated to some sunshine!
The EFE Marquee was the main focal point for the many collectors who attended the event, the London Transport AEC 10T10 Bus was in plentiful supply and at 4 PM there was still a large unclaimed pile of bagged up models, so those who have ordered by post look unlikely to have to worry about supply shortages.
So what surprises were to be found in the tent you ask? Well sadly the answer is not much, there were no brand new model castings to be found however bare castings of the four new truck cabs, the GS and two versions of the AEC Renown were all on display, and it must be said that these all looked excellent.
Preproduction versions of many of the forthcoming models were also to be found in the display cabinets. Among these were two previously un-announced First Group models.

    20632DR Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer
       Operator       : First Borders
       Registration  : N614XJM
       Fleet No.       : 277
       Route            : 73
       Destination   : Galashiels
       Livery           : Fawn with dark blue skirt, roof and pink relief
       Adverts         : None (this is to be confirmed)
Preproduction Sample of First Borders Dennis Dart bus

    24814DR Mercedes Benz Reeve Burgess Minibus (Large Destination)
       Operator       : First Eastern Counties
       Registration  :J615UTW
       Fleet No.       : 900
       Route            : 607
       Destination   : Belton
       Livery           : Fawn with dark blue skirt, roof and pink relief
       Adverts         : JPHopper branding
Preproduction Sample of First Eastern Counties Mercedes Benz Minibus

I will endeavor to bring you more news and pictures regarding the new castings tomorrow, unfortunately all the new bus castings were displayed on revolving turntables making close up photography somewhat difficult, I'll have to try and tidy the pictures up a bit before I post them tomorrow.

Tube Train Set
I can now confirm that this set was released earlier this week.
    
99626GS  - 1962 Tube Stock (4 Car Set) - Central Line

25 Sept
This Weeks Releases
I can now confirm that the following bus models have been released.
    
24813DR - Mercedes Benz Reeve Burgess Minibus - Northumbria
    27309       - Leyland Titan TD1 with Enclosed Staircase - Samuel Ledgard
    29604DR  - Leyland Olympian Type B - Preston Bus
I also believe that the long expected tube train set has been released, although I won't be able to confirm this until Saturday.
    99626GS  - 1962 Tube Stock (4 Car Set) - Central Line

24 Sept
New Model Announced
A West Yorkshire Bristol MW (16217) is another new model briefly listed in the latest EFE Subscribers Newsletter.

21 Sept
Showbus Rally Model Revealed
The annual Showbus Rally sponsored by Exclusive First Editions takes place at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford this coming Sunday.
This years Showbus Rally already has a record entry for over 450 real vehicles, and there is always a large selection of stalls selling models and all sorts of other transport related items.
The event more or less heralds the end of the rally season and offers a great day out for not just bus and model enthusiasts but also the whole family. Just don't forget your water proof clothing as tradition dictates it almost always rains!
For further rally details head to the official
www.showbus.com site.

EFE will be present at the event in their own marquee which is always well worth a visit. There will be an extensive display of some of the past models on the completely updated fleet boards, plus a chance to see many of the forthcoming releases and early examples of some of new castings announced earlier in the year. This event traditionally also sees the unveiling of at least one completely new EFE casting.

The marquee is also the place to head to pick up an example of the special rally model. The latest Subscribers Service newsletter has now disclosed details of this years model which will be available at a special low price on the day.
The Showbus Rally model for 2004
Picture scanned from official EFE publicity material

    30001 AEC 10T10 Bus
       Operator       : London Transport (Central Area)
       Registration  : ELP 263
       Fleet No.       : T539
       Route            : 211
       Destination   : Greenford
       Livery           : Red with black mudguards and beige lining
       Adverts         : None (this is to be confirmed)

This is the first release of a bus variate of the T class model, and the only obvious difference from the previous coach versions is the omission of the route boards on the sides.
For those who can't make it to Duxford an order form has been sent out with the subscribers newsletter, however the quantity reserved for this facility is preset prior to the rally, so an early order might be wise to guarantee supply of what looks set to be a very popular model.

21 Sept
The Next Releases
The following models are due to be released in the week commencing the 20th September.
    
24813DR - Mercedes Benz Reeve Burgess Minibus - Northumbria
    27309       - Leyland Titan TD1 with Enclosed Staircase - Samuel Ledgard
    29604DR  - Leyland Olympian Type B - Preston Bus
    99626GS  - 1962 Tube Stock (4 Car Set) - Central Line

14 Sept
Australian MCW Atlanteans Released in UK
The two Australian MCW Atlanteans (16526 and 16527) produced for the Trux range are now being posted to EFE Subscriber Service members who placed orders.

11 Sept
Site Off-Line during Sunday 12th September
Sometime during Sunday the bus and truck sections of this site will be off-line for a period time. This is to allow for up-load and testing of a around 250 amended model pages connected with the introduction of De-Luxe Series Model index. Apologizes in advance if this causes anyone any inconvenience. Normal service will hopefully be swiftly restored if all goes to plan!

10 Sept
Three New Releases
The following models have now been released by EFE and should be with retailers shortly.
    
20433DR - Bristol VRT Series III - Alder Valley
    30303       - Prototype Routemaster - London Transport Red RM2- Route 91
    30303SB  - Prototype Routemaster - London Transport Red RM2 - Showbus Adverts
Source : Jim's Diecast Model Buses

7 Sept
More New Models Announced
EFE have now revealed full details for five new and one previously announced model.

    
15805 Leyland PD1 Lowbridge
       Operator       : Central S.M.T.
       Registration  : FVD 644
       Fleet No.       : L444
       Route            : 62
       Destination   : Hamilton
       Livery           : Red with cream bands and black mudguards
       Adverts         : None

    29006DR GM Standard Leyland Fleetline
       Operator       : Yorkshire Rider Halifax
       Registration  : ANA 34T
       Fleet No.       : 7228
       Route            : 508
       Destination   : Leeds
       Livery           : Cream with green skirt, window surrounds and engine bustle
       Adverts         : TDK

    27810 AEC STL with Roof Box
       Operator       : London Transport
       Registration  : DYL 879
       Fleet No.       : STL2263
       Route            : 405
       Destination   : Crawley
       Livery           : Green with white window surrounds, black mudguards and light brown roof
       Adverts         : TBC

    26314 Guy Arab II Utility
       Operator       : Stockport Corporation
       Registration  : JA 7622
       Fleet No.       : 222
       Route            : 18
       Destination   : Stockport
       Livery           : Red with white window surrounds and roof. Black mudguards
       Adverts         : None

    30401 AEC Mark III 4 Axle Flatbed Truck
       Operator       : Marston Brick Co
       Registration  : NTM 259
       Fleet No.       : 267
       Livery           : Red with black chassis and mudguards
       Load              : Two stacks of bricks

    25806DL Daimler Fleetline DMS Single Door
       Operator       : Midland Fox
       Registration  : GHM790N
       Fleet No.       : 2790
       Route            : 166
       Destination   : Leicester via Anstey
       Livery           : Yellow front and red rear
       Adverts         : Jersey Royal
Source : Pictures of all these models can be found at Jim's Diecast Model Buses
 
07 Sept
The Next Releases
The following models are due to be released in the week commencing the 6th September.
    
20433DR - Bristol VRT Series III - Alder Valley
    30303       - Prototype Routemaster - London Transport Red RM2- Route 91
    30303SB  - Prototype Routemaster - London Transport Red RM2 - Showbus Adverts
Source : Jim's Diecast Model Buses
1 Sept

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