EFE Zone News
September 2007
 August 2007 News Archive Index October 2007 
Use the links below to view the further details related to the News items.
If anyone can supply reliable news stories about EFE or Gilbow models,
then please feel free to drop me an email. 
Friday 28 September
LT Museum Models Due Shortly
The LT Museum have advised that the following two models are expected to be available during October.
99706   Alexander Y Type Coach - Eastern Scottish
31703* Short AEC Routemaster Coach - Arriva London (route 159) (* Catalogue number has yet to be confirmed)
Thursday 27 September
Confirmed Model Releases
The following models have now been released by EFE.
25305 AEC Regal Duple Half Cab Coach - Wilts & Dorset
31702 AEC Routemaster RMC Coach - London Country N.B.C.
32303 AEC Renown Double Deck Bus - Scottish Omnibus
99105 1/24th Daimler Fleetline DMS - Metrobus
Wednesday 26 September
Release Dates Announced For Some Future Models
EFE have published some expected release dates for a number of the new models announced at the Showbus Rally. The release sheet sent to dealers gives details of eight models and can be viewed at Jim's Diecast Buses.
Friday 21 September
Expected Late September Model Releases
The following models are expected to be released during the week ending the 29th September
25305 AEC Regal Duple Half Cab Coach - Wilts & Dorset
31702 AEC Routemaster RMC Coach - London Country N.B.C.
32303 AEC Renown Double Deck Bus - Scottish Omnibus
99105 1/24th Daimler Fleetline DMS - Metrobus
Source: Jim's Diecast Buses
Thursday 20 September
One More Showbus Model Picture

This picture of the Bristol LS in London Transport green livery was unfortunately omitted from the Showbus Report posted earlier this week.


16323 Bristol LS Bus - London Transport
Reg: PHW 918 - Route 208 Bromley By Bow
Sunday 16 September
Special Showbus Report

Here's a brief early report of what was on show today at the Showbus Rally.

Firstly the new modern double deck model is confirmed as an East Lancs Olympus and the first releases are expected in 2008. EFE were unable to confirm at present when the single deck version will follow.

The 1:24th Metrobus was shown fully decorated in Metroline livery and carrying destinations for routes operated by Cricklewood Garage. The models dual passenger doors open, as does the rear off-side emergency exit, upper deck rear window and engine cover. Like the DMS the model has working blinds which contain several route different displays.

The 1:24th single deck model is confirmed as an RF it appears from the posters inside the marquee that both standard and modernized versions are planned although no actual models were on view.

Fully decorated versions of the new RLH and pre-war 2RT2 were present, the good news is that both models look very good, it nice to see that EFE have improved the mirrors on these, the RLH has detailed indicator storks which are similar to those found on the recent OOC RTW.

Finally here's a list of all the new models announced at today's event, release dates for these are yet to be confirmed by EFE.
14604 Leyland National Series 2 - West Yorkshire N.B.C.
16323 Bristol LS Bus - London Transport (route 208) Green / Demonstrator PHW 918)
17220 Leyland National Mark I - Barrow In Furness
19709 AEC Regent MCW Orion Double Deck Bus - Merseyside PTE
22514 Alexander Y Type Coach - Hants & Dorset N.B.C.
24325 BET Weymann Single Deck Bus - South Wales
29203 Leyland Titan Double Deck Bus - Merseybus
29616 Leyland Olympian Double Deck Bus - Chester City Transport
30509 Guy GS Bus - London Transport (route 388)
33201 Thames Trader Articulated Flatbed Truck - London Transport
33301 AEC Ergo Cab Articulated Tanker Truck - Leathers Chemicals
33401 Bedford TK Articulated Tanker - Texaco
33701 ERF 2 Axle Boxvan - Gestetner
33801 Bristol RELH Coach (type C) - Eastern National
33901 Thames Trader Articulated Transporter Truck - Toleman
34001 AEC 2RT2 Double Deck Bus - London Transport Red (route 22)
34201 AEC RLH Double Deck Bus - London Transport Red (route 230)
98001 1:24th MCW Metrobus Mk I - Metroline Travel

Click the picture below to view individual model photographs of the new castings and forthcoming releases announced by EFE at todays Showbus International Rally.

click the efe marquee picture to reveal it's contents
Click the marquee is see what was inside

Dial up users please note this links to a page with a very large graphics content
Thursday 13 September
Details Of New 1/24th Models
Bus & Coach Buyer magazine has a section covering this weekends EFE Showbus Rally (Sunday 16 September at Duxford Imperial War Museum) this includes a page about EFE which states that after the release of the 1/24th DMS in Metrobus livery, a Metroline MCW Metrobus will be released followed in 2008 by the new 1/24th single deck London Transport RF bus.

On the 1/76th front the same article states that the new RLH, 2RT2 and revised RT3 are all expected to feature as pre Christmas releases.

Confirmed Model Releases
The following models have now been released by EFE and should be with your local supplier in the near future
27506 Wright Scania Axcess - First Eastern Counties
29905 AEC Regal 10T10 Coach - London Transport (Green/Route 715)
32303 Bristol RELH Coach - Red & White
Saturday 8 September
Next Weeks Planned Model Releases
The following models are expected to be released during the week ending the 15th September
27506 Wright Scania Axcess - First Eastern Counties
29905 AEC Regal 10T10 Coach - London Transport (Green/Route 715)
32303 Bristol RELH Coach - Red & White
Source: Jim's Diecast Buses
Friday 7 September
Auction Of Exclusive EFE Models
The Friends of the London Transport Museum are holding another Charity Auction on Ebay, among the various items being offered are 5 examples of a special limited edition EFE model.

The model of a post war STD (20203C) has been produced especially for the Museum and is a limited edition of just 76 models.
70 of the models were used at a fund raising dinner hosted by Peter Hendy and London Mayor Ken Livingstone on the 6th September. One bus was auctioned per table at the dinner, one is in the Museum's collection, leaving just these five examples for collectors.

The model depicts STD156 on route 24 bound for Camden Town and carries special advertisements featuring a digital reproduction of Peter Hendy's signature on the near side and a commemorative slogan referring to charity dinner and auction on the off-side.

A number of other items and various special one of a kind offers can also be viewed on Ebay the funds raised from the auction will go towards supporting the Museum.

No Discounted Showbus Tickets
Several people have contacted me to say that they've phoned Duxford Imperial War Museum in regards to purchasing discounted pre-booked tickets for the Showbus Rally. They have been advised however that these are not in fact generally available for the Showbus event contrary to what was reported in the recent EFE Subscriber's Newsletter and in my news item posted on the 31st August.
A discounted ticket offer is however being run in association with Ian Allan Publishing who printed details of this exclusive "reader offer" in the September issue of "Buses".
 August 2007 News Archive Index October 2007