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August - October 2024
 August 2024  Model Bus Zone News Index September 2024 
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Sunday 13 October
Oxford Diecast issue Routemaster Model Photographs
Oxford Diecast has uploaded photographs of its currently last outstanding 1:76 scale Omnibus range model.


76RM115 Vintage Tea Trips Dublin - AEC Routemaster RM Class Double Deck Bus

The full set of photographs can be viewed on the Oxford Diecast site.

There's no confirmed release date as yet, but the appearance of the model photographs usually indicates a release is likely in the next month or two.
The only other outstanding Omnibus range model is the N scale (NNR009) New Routemaster in traditional London Transport Country Area livery. It has been over a year since Oxford Diecast announced the last catalogue & update on their future new model plans.

Saturday 12 October
Six New EFE Road Bedford OB Models Announced
Bachmann Europe PLC has today released the following press release covering the planned EFE Road Releases for the Winter quarter.




Further information can be found on the Bachmann Europe News site.

The photographs below show pre-production decorated samples of the new models. Please note that certain colours or details may vary slightly on the final productiuon models.


E20141 – Bedford OB Coach LLW837 Margo’s of Bexleyheath


E20142 – Bedford OB Coach ACC712 Whiteway of Waenfawr


E20142 – Bedford OB Coach 1949MN Tours (Isle of Man), Douglas


E20144– Bedford OB Coach PV9371 Mulleys Motorways, Ixworth


E20145 – Bedford OB Coach SS7486 Stark’s of Dunbar


E20146 – Bedford OB Coach LRO296 The Mountain Goat, Windermere

Brenda Joyce
It's very sad to learn of the passing of Brenda Joyce. I'm sure many of you will have met both Brenda & Frank during their many visits to various events, & in particular the annual Showbus Rallies that EFE sponsored during 1990's & 2000's.
My condolences go to all of the Joyce family in light of this very sad news.

Tuesday 8 October
New Model Announced By Omnidekka Models
Omnidekka Models have announced a further model based on their earlier Go Ahead Docklands Buses Scania Omnidekka. This model is a limited edition of 120 models of which only 102 will be available for public sale.

The models were left-over items produced by Britbus at the same time as the original ES2-04A & ES2-04B versions, Britbus offered these to Omnidekka Models and they've been modified to produce a third version, ES2-04C depicts SO5 (BV55 UCY) on route 474 to Manor Park.


Pre-orders for the model can be placed on the Transport Nostalgia site. The model is priced £55.00 plus delivery.

Saturday 28 September
TTC Diecast Announce Plain white Wright Streetdeck Models
TTC Diecast has announced the forthcoming release of a pair of plain white Wright Streetdeck models produced by 80M. The 1:76 scale models are about to be shipped from Hong Kong & should ready for release in 4-6 weeks in the UK. These modela are exclusive commissions for TTC Diecast.

There's a choice of either single of dual door, the models will be £69.99 each plus p&p once in stock, but a special pre-order price £64.99 plus p&p is being offered. No payments will be taken until the models are ready for dispatch.



80M UKW76001 Wright Streetdeck, Single Door, Plain White, TTCDIECAST EXCLUSIVE- 1:76 Scale

80M UKW76002 Wright Streetdeck, Dual Door, Plain White, TTCDIECAST EXCLUSIVE - 1:76 Scale

Further details can be found at TTC Diecast.com.

Thursday 26 September (Updated)
EFE Road RMC Routemaster Model Photographs
This second set of photographs covers the four EFE Road AEC Routemaster RMC class models which were released at the same time as the four RM class models covered in Tuesday's news article.

Once again thanks are extended to Bachmann Europe for supplying the final production samples of the four models. The vehicle & route X15 & 15 descriptions were compiled using information found on Ian Smith's Ian's Bus Stop & Ian Armstrong's London Bus Route Histories sites.


Like the RM class models, the RMC has been retooled to add all the previously missing beading on the lower side & between deck panels.
The models also features better detailed front turn indicators and appear to have more refined driving mirrors compared the original (317 series) version.

Apologises if you viewed this article earlier today (26 Sep), the draft version was mistakenly posted.
Photographs of the four RM models E41701-E41704 can be found in yesterday's post below.

E41901 London Country Bus Services Green line RMC1502 (502 CLT) Route 370 Tilbury Ferry - AEC Routemaster RMC Class Double Deck Coach

RMC1502 entered service on Green Line route 719 in November 62 and was allocated to Garston Garage. After its first Aldenham overhaul in 1967 it was dispatched to Grays Garage where it remained for the next ten years.
# During the Grays' tenure, it spent several periods in store and was also repainted in October 1970 following its transfer from London Transport to the newly formed London Country Bus Services NBC subsidy. The vehicle received a second overhaul in January 1975.

In March 77 the vehicle moved to Hemel Hempstead, with a short interlude at back at Garston in June 1977. RMC1502 ended its LCBS service life in June 78, it went into store at Garston & then Grays.
London Transport brought the vehicle in February 79 and it was put to work as a driver trainer, still in the NBC green colour livery at Clapton Garage the same month.
In November 1980 it was sent to Aldenham Works for a red repaint, it ended its driver trainer life at New Cross Garage in December 87.
It was sold in April 1988 & scrapped two months later.

The model depicts the vehicle in the LT style Green Line livery applied after its first overhaul in 1967, it is working on local bus route 370 between Romford Station & the Tilbury Ferry. GY codes are carried for Grays Garage, where this RMC spent the majority of its green country area service life.

Updated 4 October - The particular model pictured has a factory error whereby the wrong open hub style rear wheel has been fitted, it should be the same as that fitted on the nearside. This appears to be an isolated issue.
Thanks are extended to Brendan Clive Charles for pointing this out, I totally missed it!


E41902 London Country Bus Services RMC1508 (508 CLT) Route 341 Hatfield Station - AEC Routemaster RMC Class Double Deck Coach

RMC1508 was delivered to Aldenham works in November 1962, and allocated to Addlestone Garage in December, after a month of driver training work in entered service on the depot's Green Line services 716 & 716A.
Following overhaul in November 67, it transferred to Hemel Hempstead for use on Green Line route 708 & moved to Hatfield Garage in February 69.

London Transport's Country area operations were taken over by the newly formed National Bus Company division, London Country Bus Services, in January 1970. A repaint was done in October of that year and then after a second repaint in to NBC green livery in December 75 it went in to store at various garages.
It returned for brief period of passenger service at St Albans in June 76, but went back in to store in November 77.
London Transport acquired the bus the following month and it was used in its former owner's livery as a driver trainer, initially at Stockwell and then various other garages during the 13 years it served in this roll. It was also repainted in LT red livery at some point. The bus was sold for scrap in November 1992.

Route 341 was operated by Hertford Garage and was a long standing trunk route linking St Albans, Hertford & Hatfield.
The model depicts the bus in the period between 1971 & 1974 after it was repainted into the somewhat short lived London Country green & yellow "Flying Polo" livery, this scheme was initially adopted by LCBS, however the National Bus Company soon introduced a standard company wide livery & fleetname style directive. This specified a rather bland green or red bus livery for all its various subsidies across the UK, thus sweeping away many long standing traditional liveries & fleet name styles.



E41903 London Buses RMC1490 (490 CLT) Route X15 East Beckton Cyprus - AEC Routemaster RMC Class Double Deck Coach

RMC1490 entered service at Epping Garage on Green Line routes 718/720 & 720A in October 62. Upon the closure of Epping Garage in May 63 it was transferred to Harlow. It moved on to Hertford Garage in November 64 for use on route 717, after a overhaul in 1967, seven months were spent at Garston before moving on to Guildford in December 67.
RMC1490 left Guildford in April 72 and went to Swanley, then in March 73 it received a white based all over advert livery for London & Manchester Assurance, after this the vehicle spent short periods at large selection of LCBS depots until its repaint back into standard NBC livery in April 77.
Its next home was Leatherhead were it stayed until its transfer to its final LCBS garaged, Chelsham, in August 78. It was withdrawn from service in February 79.

Like the other RMC vehicles it was acquired by LT in 1979 for use as a driver trainer, initially retaining NBC green colours with white roundels, it was allocated to Shepherds Bush Garage and was eventually repainted in standard LT red livery.

The vehicle was refurbished in March 1989 along with RMC1456/8/61/85/96/513, luggage racks were removed, seats reupholstered & RM three aperture blinds fitted. All seven buses received a red livery with gold window lining & between deck band, similar in style to their original 1960s Green Line scheme.
They were allocated to Upton Park Garage & used on the newly the introduced X15 Beckton Express route between East Beckton & Aldwych. This route was extended to Oxford Circus in June 89 and the model reproduces RMC1513 during this X15 period.
The X15 was converted Leyland Titan one person operation in November 1991.

RMC1490 moved on to Leyton where acted as a driver trainer for 13 months, it then went to Plumstead Garage in November 93 for use as a private hire vehicle, the gold lining was removed, a cream band & traditional London Transport fleetnames added.
The bus was transferred to Stagecoach Bluebird (Perth) in October 94, but its red livery was retained.
Stagecoach sold the vehicle for private preservation in March 99, following restoration the bus regained the red & gold East London livery. In October 2017 RMC1490 was bought by Regional Transport, Shrewsbury who are still the current owners.



E41904 East London Bus & Coach Co RMC1513 (513 CLT) Oxford Circus via Tower - AEC Routemaster RMC Class Double Deck Coach

RMC1513 entered LT ownership in December 1962 and was allocated to Stevenage for use on 716/716A Green Line services, after its first overhaul in 1967 it was allocated to High Wycombe Garage & remained there until 1972.
In 1975 it underwent a second overhaul, and over the next two years spent short spells at Hemel Hempstead, Tring & Hatfield before moving to Windsor Garage in July 77 ehere it ended it service life with LCBS in March 79.

After a period in store the vehicle was purchased by London Transport in September 79, it was adapted for use as a driver trainer & allocated to Walthamstow Garage from September 79, it moved on to North Street, Romford in May 81, & by 1985 had been repainted in LT red livery.

This RMC, like RMC1490 above was refurbished in 1989 and put to work on the X15 Beckton Express route. The model relates to this period of RMC1513 life and is here seen covering a duty on route 15. RMC1513 carries the name Queen Victoria, this may be a reference to the pub featured in the BBC Soap Eastenders, it also has gold headlamp surrounds in stead of the standard chrome ones featured on the model of sister vehicle RMC1490.

In December 1993 the bus was transferred to London Buses Metroline district and received a cream band, it was mainly used for private hires & special events and continued to do this after the privatisation of Metroline Travel in October 94.
RMC1513 was sold to Ensignbus in June 2012, the vehicle is still active & now part of the Ensignbus Heritage fleet.



Tuesday 24 September
EFE Road AEC Routemaster Model Photographs
The photographs below show the latest EFE Road AEC Routemaster RM class models which have recently been released by Bachmann Europe in the UK.

Thanks are extended to Bachmann Europe for supplying final production samples the four models. The vehicle & route descriptions were compiled using the original information sheets produced by Bachmann, and material found on Ian Smith's Ian's Bus Stop & Ian Armstrong's London Bus Route Histories sites.


These are the first releases of the newly retooled model, the main difference to the previous version (315xx series) is the addition of all the previously missing beading on the lower side & between deck panels.
The models also features better detailed front turn indicators and appear to have more refined driving mirrors.
Other improvements over previous EFE Routemasters includes a mesh effect for the radiator, more advertisements, and internal signage on the platform partition panel.

Photographs of the four RMC models E41901-E41904 will follow on Wednesday Thursday.

E41701 London Transport RM8 (VLT 8) Route 21 Sidcup Garage - AEC Routemaster RM Class Double Deck Bus

RM8 was the first production vehicle built in 1958 and was exhibited at the Commercial Motor that year, however it spent the first 18 years of its life with London Transport at the Chiswick Works Experimental Shop. The vehicle finally entered passenger service at Sidcup Depot in 1976 and the model recreates this period in its life.

RM8 became a "Showbus" at Sidcup Garage and was repainted in older style London Transport livery with Gold fleetnames in the early 1980s, it was also fitted with the original style deep vent below the front destination, and brake cooling grilles below the head lamps.

It was a regular attendee at bus rallies during this period, in 1983 a special 1933 style LT red, white & silver livery was applied to mark the operators Golden Jubilee year.

RM8 was withdrawn in 1985 after only nine years of passenger service and is now in the care of the RM8 Club.

Route 21 in period illustrated by the model, was a joint operation with New Cross Garage, the route ran between Sidcup Garage & either Moorgate (Mon-Fri), London Bridge (Sat) or New Cross Garage (Sun). Routemaster operation continued until One Person Operation was introduced using Leyland Titans in February 86. New Cross took full control of the route upon the closure Sidcup Garage in January 88.



E41702 London Transport RM1127 (127 CLT) Route 90B Fulwell Garage - AEC Routemaster RM Class Double Deck Bus

RM1127 was delivered to Fulwell Garage in February 1962 & officially entered service the following May, working on routes 267, 281 & 285.
Its first overhaul at Aldenham Works was in February 67 & returned to Fulwell. In June 1970 it received a repaint and continued to operate from Fulwell until its second overhaul in February 74.

The vehicle then operated from Holloway Garage until its third & final overhaul in 1979. Its next garage was Mortlake where it spent 22 months working route 9. In April 81 it went back to Fulwell for four months before moving on to its final garage in Brixton. The vehicle was withdrawn in September 82 & scrapped at Aldenham Works by Vic Berry in January 83.

The model depicts the vehicle after its repaint in 1970 working on route 90B bound for its then home, Fulwell Garage.
Route 90B operated between Northolt Station & Kew Gardens and was converted from RT to RM operation on Sundays in July 70, the Mon-Sat operations followed in September 71. The Routemasters only lasted until January 1973 when the route was converted to One Person Operation with Daimler Fleetline DMS class vehicles.
This model carries the relatively short lived "Outline Style" London Transport roundel and flake grey between decks band livery, this was only used briefly in early 1970s before the introduction of the soild white roundel.



E41703 London Transport RM1546 (546 CLT) Route N82 Woolworth Arsenal Stn - AEC Routemaster RM Class Double Deck Bus

RM1546 entered service in April 1963 and spent its first five years working route 36 out of Peckham Garage.
Following its first overhaul, its next home was Mortlake Garage where spent most of the next seven years, bar a short period of store at Bexleyheath in 1971.
After the third overhaul in May 75, it returned back to South East London, spending the next five years working services out of New Cross Garage.

The vehicle underwent its fourth & final Aldenham overhaul in May 1980 and was allocated to Clapton Garage in North London, it remained there until withdrawal from service in July 84. The next three years were spent in store at its brith place, the former AEC Works in Southall.
RM1546 was purchased by Southampton City Transport in June 1987 for spares, however it was re-purchased by LT three months later, but not used. The vehicle was bought by Southampton City Transport again in January 88 along with four others & entered service in a simpler red & white livery to that used on 12 earlier RM purchases. It gained fleet number 419 during its short working life in the City, it was sold in October 89 and exported to Japan.

The model depicts the vehicle during its mid's 1970s spell at New Cross Garage and shows it at work on one of the capital's Night Bus Routes, these services have rarely been depicted on models.
Route N82 operated between New Cross & Woolwich, it was officially an RML operated service, but New Cross' shorter RM buses sometimes substituted as "odd man workings".



E41704 Confidence Bus And Coach, Leicester 15 (formerly RM655 - WLT 655) Special Service 00 Shuttle Bus - AEC Routemaster RM Class Double Deck Bus

RM655 went in to service at Wood Green Garage in April 1961, it remained there working routes 127, 259 & 269 until its second overhaul in July 72. The bus then moved on to nearby Edmonton Garage & in March 74 was transferred to Enfield.
After the third overhaul in April 74 it moved to Sidcup Garage and remained there until its fourth overhaul in November 81. It spent its final years in the capital at West Ham Garage and was withdrawn from service in July 84.

Confidence Bus of Leiecster purchased WLT 655 in August 1985, the vehicle was repainted into the operators black & sky blue livery, and used until 2003 on factory works contracts & Leicester school services.
WLT 655 is still with Confidence and is now mainly used for private hire & society weddings etc.

The model depicts the vehicle in its current (2024) condition.



Sunday 22 September
Berrys Superfast Plaxton Panorama Models Announced
The Buckie Model centre has announced the latest pair of new liveries for its exclusive 1:76 scale Holland & Otto Plaxton Panorama model.

Pre-orders have now opened for a pair of Berrys of Taunton models in the company's Superfast livery.

There are two destination options with either SF101 London via Taunton or SF1R1 Tiverton via Bridgwater, both models are limited to 106 pieces & are priced £57.00 each plus delivery. These are expected to be in stock in early October.

More details about these latest models, the nine previous Scottish liveries & the plain white version can be found on the Buckie Models website.

The latest addition to the Buckie Model Centre's exclusive range of English operator liveries is an Aston Manor Coaches VDL Futura depicting the operators latest AC24 AMC vehicle. This 1:87 scale Holland & Otto model is a limited run of 104 pieces & is priced £42.00 plus delivery.

The model is available to order from the Buckie Models online store.

Sunday 22 September
Model Bus Scotland New Kit & Annual Show
Model Bus Scotland have announced a forthcoming kit of First Glasgow spec single door Volvo Olympian Northern Counties Palatine 2.
Kit 23 is expected to be ready for release this November & pre-orders are now being accepted.


Model Bus Scotland's Annual Model Show takes place on the 2 November in Glasgow and is a free event open to all.

Contact details and a list of the other resin model kits can be found on the Model Bus Scotland Page.

Saturday 14 September
LT Museum EFE Road RM1 Model Photographs
Below are photographs of the final production version of one of the pair of commissioned EFE Road AEC Routemaster models. These depict the London Transport Museum's preserved RM1 vehicle in its current condition.

The models are exclusive to the Museum's Shop and appear to have sold out on their online shop, whether any of the stock reserved for sale in he actual Shop within the Convent Garden Museum remains is unknown.

There are two versions of the model, E41603Y has running number W 6 & Victoria destination while E41603Z has a Crystal Palace destination and running number W 16, otherwise both models are identical and carry adverts for the LT Museum.

The models come in the standard EFE Road display case with a special black & fawn "RM1 Routemaster 70th Anniversary Model" outer card box. An exclusive 1960s style Bus Map leaflet in also included in the box, this showcases the development & history of RM1 since 1954.

The models are priced £49.95 plus delivery

The model illustrated below is E41603Z with the Crystal Palace destination. Like the eight standard issue RM & RMC models released in the last week by EFE Road, these models have been retooled to add the previously omitted areas of side panel bead detailing.


Thursday 12 September
Brilliant Buses Announces Singapore Enviro500 Model
I usually leave Singapore & Hong Kong operator models in the capable hands of www.orientalmodelbuses.co.uk, but Brilliant Buses has announced three Singapore Enviro500 models which follow the six UK Wright Fushion Articulated Volvo B10LA announced recently. (see Sep 4th News posting)



Prior orders are can be made on the PMP shop at www.pmpfilms.com.
No payment is required at this stage, invoices will be sent out from the manufacturer.
Price to UK is £105 plus secure delivery. Post from China has proved more efficient than within the UK.

The models are expected to be completed before Christmas 2024.


Thursday 12 September
Commissioned LT Museum EFE Road Models Released

London Transport Museum has released its commissioned pair of EFE Road AEC Routemaster models.

The models based on the latest re-tooled version of EFE Road's RM Class tooling.

E41603Y London Transport RM1 (SLT 56) Route 2 Victoria - AEC Routemaster RM Class Double Deck Bus (without AEC Badge on radiator)
E41603Z London Transport RM1 (SLT 56) Route 2 Crystal Palace - AEC Routemaster RM Class Double Deck Bus (without AEC Badge on radiator)

The models are supplied in the standard EFE Road display cases & have bespoke Routemaster 70th Anniversary card boxes, each model comes with an exclusive 1960s style bus map leaflet showcasing the history and development of the RM1 bus over the years since its beginnings in 1954.
The models are still listed as pre-order items on the LT Museum's Shop site, however both are currently shown as out of stock.

Monday 9 September
Rapido Trains Bedford OB Model Photographs (Part 3)
This is the third set of photographs showing the new Rapido Trains Bedford OB Duple Vista Coach. This time we focus on the Southern National (920003) model which like the Pearce & Crump model featured in yesterdays post is based on the later 1949-51 body, the only difference between the tooling used for both models is the addition of the quarterlight windows.
The quarterlight windows only feature on two of the first 12 issues, and are restricted to the later version of the body.

920003: Southern National 596 (HOD 75) Newquay destination - Fitted with fog lamp & quarterlight windows. The optional mirrors have not been fitted.
Click a picture to open a larger version in the viewer window.


A detailed review covering all three different variants of the model is being prepared and will be published later this week.

Monday 9 September
Midland Bus Kits Latest Kit Announcement
Midland Bus Kits have announced a new kit of a Leyland Leopard PSU3B/4R Duple Dominant E C53F, pre-orders are now open for the kit MBK014, they are priced £50.00 plus £4.80 postage.



Pre-orders can be placed via the www.midlandbuskits.co.uk.

The latest free monthly issue of the Midland Bus Kits Magazine covering the latest news from the world of model buses, along model galleries, hints & tips & product updates is now available.


You can read the latest issue & back issues on the Midland Bus Kits Site.

Sunday 8 September
Rapido Trains Bedford OB Model Photographs (Part 2)
This is the second set of photographs showing the new Rapido Trains Bedford OB Duple Vista Coach. This time we focus on the Pearce & Crump (920001) a model produced to tie in with a number model rail items produced to mark the 70th Anniversary of release of the Titifield Thunderbolt film in 1952. The model has the later 1949-51 style body with deeper rear skirt and Bedford-Duple badge. The packaging & instructions leaflet are both different to the other 11 models in this first batch of releases. This model has been officially licensed from Studicanal and depicts the vehicle that featured in the film.

The Pearce & Crump (920001) version featured below is a standard issue item from Rapido Trains and appears to proved popular.

920001: Pearce & Crump GAM 338 Private destination - Fitted with fog lamp & roof mounted radio aerial. The optional mirrors have not been fitted.
Click a picture to open a larger version in the viewer window.


Additional photographs showing the packaging & 'Owners Manual' leaflet can be found on the Pearce & Crump model's page.
I'll post the final selection of photographs showing the Western National version tomorrow, this model again depicts the later 1949-51 body style but has Quarterlight Windows.

A detailed review covering all three different model variants of the model is being prepared and will be published in the coming week.

Saturday 7 September
Rapido Trains Bedford OB Model Photographs (Part 1)
Some photographs showing the new Rapido Trains Bedford OB Duple Vista Coach. This first set shows the Southdown version with the earlier 1947-9 style body with shallower rear skirt.

The Southdown (920011) version featured below was exclusivly produced for TTCDiecast.com along with the East Yorkshire (920012) model.

920011: Southdown Motor Services 71 (JCD 371) Hayling Island destination - Fitted with fog lamp & roof mounted radio aerial. The optional mirrors have not been fitted.
Click a picture to open a larger version in the viewer window.


Additional photographs showing the packaging & 'Owners Manual' leaflet can be found on the Southdown model's page.
I'll post a selection of photographs showing the Pearce & Crump version tomorrow, this model depicts the later 1949-51 with the deeper rear skirt and no Quarterlight Windows.

I've managed to source a couple of photographs showing each of the other 11 final production models, and these can be found on the pages for each model in the Rapido Trains section.

A detailed review covering all three different model variants of the model is being prepared and will be published in the coming week.

Friday 6 September
EFE Road Routemaster Models Released
Bachmann Europe as just announced that the eight EFE Road AEC Routemaster RM & RMC models have been released, these will likely be with retailers next week.


E41701 London Transport RM8 (VLT 8) Route 21 to Sidcup Garage. - AEC Routemaster RM Class
RM 8 was the first production vehicle built & was used for many years as an experimental vehicle at Chiswick Works. It finally enetered passenger service at Sidcup Garage in 1976, and became the garages Showbus, and was a common sight at many bus rallies in the 1980s.
The model depict the the vehicle circa 1976.


E41702 London Transport RM1127 (127 CLT) Route 90B to Fulwell Garage. - AEC Routemaster RM Class
RM 1127 was delievered to Fulwell Garage in 1962. After it's first overhaul at Aldenham Works it recieved the fairly short lived open roundel livery used during the early 1970 it was allocated once again to Fulwell Garage again. The model depicts the vehicle circa 1972 on route 90B bound for its home garage.


E41703 London Transport RM1546 (546 CLT) Route N82 to Woolwich Arsenal Stn - AEC Routemaster RM Class
RM546 entered service at Peckham Garage in April 1963 and was used on route 36. It was transfered to Mortlake Garage in 1968 and spent much of it time there in store. It was sent for overhaul in 1975 and was re-allocated to New Cross Garage where it operated route 53 and as depicted on the model Night route N82.


E41704 Confidence Bus, Leicester 15 (WLT 655) Route 00 Special Service / Shuttle Bus. - AEC Routemaster RM Class
RM655 was bought by Confidence Bus in 1985 and has now spent 40 years with the Leicester operator. The model depicts the vehicle in it's current condition, it is now used for private hires & society Wedding duties.


E41901 depicts RMC1502 in the London Country version of the Green Line livery without advertisements. It carries blinds for local bus service 370 to Tilbury Ferry & has garage codes for Grays depot (GY).
The model depict the vehicle circa early 1970s.


E41902 depicts RMC1508 in the short lived London Country bus livery with Yellow flying polo logos & fleet names, this scheme was replaced by the standard National Bus Company green livery in the mid 1970s. It carries period advertisements for Mac's Ale & various LCBS/Green Line services. The model carries blinds for route 341 to Hatfield Station & has HF codes for the town's LCBS garage.
The model depict the the vehicle circa early 1970s.


E41903 depicts RMC1490 in the red & gold East London livery with London Buses roundels, this scheme was used on the RMC's that operated on routes 15 & X15. This model features the bus working route X15 to East Beckton and has the white on blue blinds used for Express limited stop services.


E41904 depicts RMC1513 in a similar the red & gold East London livery to RMC1490 above, however this models also features the original gold headlamp surrounds and carries the name Queen Victoria. The model has standard white on black blinds for route 15 & is bound for Oxford Circus via City.

Also released is the latest EFE Rail Motorised London Underground Tube Train set. The set features the first release of the newly motorised 1962 stock carriages.

E99942 1962 Stock Tube Train Set (4 models) Central Line (1990's livery) Train No.32 West Ruislip

Thurday 5 September
Northcord Models Press Release: National Express West Midlands ADL Enviro400
The latest press release from Northcord Models.

NORTHCORD MODEL COMPANY - PRESS RELEASE

UKBus 6205 Alexander Dennis Enviro400
National Express West Midlands

Northcord Model Company is proud to release its third model of the ukbus 6200 range on the former CMNL long wheelbase Enviro400 tooling.

This is ukbus 6205, carrying the vintage Birmingham City Transport livery with National Express West Midlands fleetname on the front panel below the windscreen and on the lower rear window.

The model as replicated is National Express West Midlands 4722 (BU07 LGY) on route 18 to Yardley Wood with ‘via Cotteridge’ carried in the front destination.

4722 was new to Perry Barr garage in July 2007. It was repainted into retro Birmingham City Transport livery, including trademark khaki roof, in July 2020 quickly acquiring the Birmingham coat of arms on the side panels along with the gold pinstripe through the blue stripe below the lower saloon windows by the August and named ‘Abigail’ by September 2020.

This is the second NMC model carrying a classic West Midlands livery. The previous one is ukbus 9501 Scania OmniCity double-deck model that replicated 4780 (BU08 EHZ) in West Midlands PTE livery on route to Birmingham. The ukbus 9501 model was launched in August 2023.

ukbus 6205 features excellent detailing, inside and out, such as realistic-looking handpoles and handrails. The Enviro400 model is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible.

Another main features on the ukbus 6205 is its dual individual tree protectors at the front. The front dome on the model is significant, with its curved windscreens on both upper and lower deck. The ukbus 6205 model replicates all items at the engine room correctly. The headlights at the front are made of individual components to look more realistic.

The brand new ukbus 6205 bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), 80M Bus Model Shop (HK) respectively. The UKBUS6533 model is limited to 1008 pieces worldwide.

Northcord Model Company (NMC)------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

Thursday 5 September
Manchester Mancunian Atlanteans Released By TTC Diecast
TTC Diecast's exclusive resin Leyland Atlantean with Park Royal Mancunian bodywork were released earlier this week. Both versions of the highly detailed & hand assembled models totally sold out following the opening of preorders several years ago.

Below are a selection of photographs of the final production models, 150 pieces of each version have been produced.
Chris Tipping at TTC Diecast has advised that although the models are made by Jotus, they carry no manufacturers marks, as these were supposed to be OEM Products.



RES10001: Leyland Atlantean PDR1/1 Park Royal 'Mancunian' Double Deck Bus
Operator: Manchester City Transport
Fleet No.: 1001 / Registration: HVM 901F
Route No.: 169 / Destination: West Didsbury
Livery: Red & cream - Adverts: None
Notes: Model produced exclusively for TTC Diecast by Jotus
Issued: 4 September 2024
Total Issued: 150
Box Type: Plastic case & TTC Diecast blue card presentation box



RES10002: Leyland Atlantean PDR1/1 Park Royal 'Mancunian' Double Deck Bus
Operator: Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive
Fleet No.: 1007 / Registration: HVM 907F
Route No.: 170 / Destination: Droylsden Station
Livery: Orange & cream - Adverts: None
Notes: Model produced exclusively for TTC Diecast by Jotus
Issued: 4 September 2024
Total Issued: 150
Box Type: Plastic case & TTC Diecast blue card presentation box

Wednesday 4 September
Brilliant Buses Announces Six UK Models
Brilliant Buses has announced six UK 1:76 scale resin models of the Wright Fushion Articulated Volvo B10LA.



Prior orders are can be made on the PMP shop at www.pmpfilms.com although this is purely to advise Brilliant Buses of demand.
No payment is required at this stage, invoices will be sent out from the manufacturer.
Price to UK is likely to be £96 plus secure delivery. Post from China has proved more efficient than within the UK.
Please pre-order early, it will enable Brilliant Buses to assess demand for a sufficient production run size.

The models are expected to be complete and ready to send out later in 2025.

Here's a summary of the six models:
Note: I've added the First Group subsidy based on the route & vehicle registration, the livery is based on photo's of the pre-production samples models where available.

BB014: First Glasgow (First Barbie livery)
No :AV7 license plate number :V607 GGB
Route :62 BAILLIESION CALEDONIA RD

BB015: First Leeds (Livery to be announced)
No :10023 license plate number :T106 VWU (Corrected Registration)
Route :1 Holt Park

BB016: First Manchester (Livery to be announced)
No :10000 license plate number :S111 FML
Route :8 Manchester Corporation st

BB017: First Manchester (First Barbie livery)
No :2001 license plate number :S111 FML
Route :135 MANCHESTER CHORLTON ST

BB018: First Somerset (First Barbie livery)
No :10105 license plate number :V605 GGB
Route :18 Bus Station

BB019: First Somerset (First "Bright Orange" livery)
No :2003 license plate number :V608 GGB
Route :418 University via Bus station


Tuesday 3 September
Confirmed Release From Omnidekka Models
Omnidekka Models has released the following model and orders have been dispatched and delivered. Chris Cotton has advised that s number of people ordered these models and another item that is not in stock currently, these orders will be dispatched when all the items within the order are in stock.


OM3A Stagecoach South Cancer Research Livery (19063 / MX56 FSP - Dest'n Cancer Research UK) - Alexander Dennis Enviro400 Double Deck Bus (80M)
OM3B Stagecoach South Cancer Research Livery (19063 / MX56 FSP - Dest'n 21 Gunwharf Quays) - Alexander Dennis Enviro400 Double Deck Bus (80M)

Cancer Research still has a number of models for sale in their shops, but have asked that if anyone would like one to please email: omnidekkamodels@outlook.com to place an order. The models are price £70 each.

The next release will be the Lancashire United Optare Versa (OM1) due around October/November.

Tuesday 3 September
Model Bus Federation August 2024 Journal Review.
A quick review of the contents of the Model Bus Federation's monthly Model Bus Journal for August 2024. Sorry its a bit late, I'm still catching up after my recent holiday.

This publication is solely dedicated to model bus news & other related articles with a focus on 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 640 August 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 - Bill Day's Leyland Leopard scratch built in SDO livery, voted lst in the North East Area Model Competition (see next article)
  • North East Model Competition by Gordon Wigham - A report from the event along with gallery of the models entered in this year's competition.
  • MBF Name Badges- A new batch of name badges are being produced and members who would like one can now place an order.
  • Welcome Aboard - A welcome to four new members & one returnee.
  • Nothing Changes by Stephen Barber - Stephen recently purchased some Dinky 29e half cabs bearing the fleetname Newtown. These came from a fleet of 274 models owned by B Lowry in 1961. Stephen wonders if anyone has knowledge of this fleet or if any of the other 270 models still exist?
  • CMAC Harrington Legionnaire by Adam Floyd - Adam's build review of this 3D printed 1:76 scale kit by EBay based CMAC Models.
  • South Shields 2024 by Gordon Wigham - A report & gallery covering the exhibits annual at the South Shields Show held in early May.
  • Three Peaks 1T1 by Alan Kingett - Further to the product News in issue 634, Alan purchased two of the AEC Regal 1T1 kits and has supplied photographs of the his completed models in London Transport liveries.
  • Rietze 1:87 ADL Enviro 500 by David Cole - The latest issue of this Rietze model that was new to the range in Spring 2023.
  • Wythall 2024 by David Jessop - A look back at this year's event held on Spring Bank Holiday Monday at the Wythall Transport Museum.
  • Product News - The latest kits news from Tiny & the Little Bus Co.
  • The Sunshine of Bournemouth by Martin Hare - Conversion of an Oxford Diecast Bedford OWB Utility bus into an open top OB vehicle used by Bournemouth Corporation in the early 1950s on the Chines route.
  • Southdown's Last by Brian Bennett - F312 MYJ was the very last vehicle delivered in traditional Southdown livery. Brian has produced scratch built model of this Northern Counties Palatine bodied Volvo B10M.
  • Plan of the Month by Alan Johnson - East Lancs Lowheight Fleetline. As delivered to Sheffield Transport KWJ 162-81D (162-81) during 1966.
  • Area News - Eleven pages of reports & over 60 colour photographs covering recent MBF meetings in the North West, Kent,, Greater Manchester, London, West, East Anglia & Yorkshire areas.
  • Shop News - Kit R238 the Duple Dominant 11m with grant doors is now in stock with just 25 examples available. A new mould will need to be produced if further examples are to be cast.
  • 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)

Monday 2 September
New Kit Announced By Model Bus Scotland
Model Bus Scotland are working on a kit based on a First Glasgow Volvo B7TL with Wright Eclipse Gemini single door body. The master (shown below) is still in build, but should be ready and cast for the end of November.
Pre-orders for the model are now being accepted.


Kit 22 Volvo B7TL Wright Eclipse Gemini (First Glsgow)

A full list of the other current & future kits, along with contact details can be found on the Model Bus Scotland page.

Saturday 31 August
Two Releases From Oxford Diecast
The latest batch of releases from Oxford Diecast includes two public Transport related models. These are now in stock on the Oxford Diecast online store and should be with model retailers shortly.

The TT (1:120) scale AEC Routemaster makes its debut in the range with the first release depicting London Transport's first production vehicle RM8, it depicts as delivered with Routemaster Your New London Bus adverts. This duplicates the previously released N scale version NRM001.
The second model is the fourth issue of the 1:76 scale Alexander M type coach. This latest version comes in the yellow & cream livery of Alexander Northern.

Also making its first apperance in the Oxford 1:76 range is a Mark II Ford Transit van which comes in plain white livery, an ideal base model for conversion into a support vehicle for your bus & coach models of that era.


120RM001 London Transport RM8 (VLT8) Routemaster - Try Out Your New London Bus adverts - AEC Routemaster Double Dec Bus (1:120 scale)


76AMT004 Alexander Northern NPE31 (GSO 531N) Aberdeen Coach 1 - Alexander M Type Coach (1:76 scale)


76FT2001 Plain White (C332 OYJ) - Ford Transit Mk2 Van (1:76 scale)

Friday 30 August
Corgi Announce Four New Pop Culture Bus Models
Corgi has released details of its September to December 2024 model releases, as expected there are no OOC range models scheduled for this period.
The Corgi Toys range, however features four new bus releases in the "Pop Culture" genre. These models appear to have the pre-warned price increases applied, these will take effect on existing products from the 1 September.

All the models below have a UK RRP of £24.99, compared to last releases of similar models, that's a £1.00 increase on the AEC Routemasters. The New Routemaster increases are larger with a £5.00 increase over the previous 2018 Paddington Bear issue & £10.00 or striking 66% increase when compared to last year's King's Coronation version! Granted these models are officially licensed products, which means Corgi has to pay a fee to the licensee, & will be reflected in the higer retail price.

AEC Routemaster Bus (1:64 scale) - All expected Autumn 2024

CC82345 The Beatles London Bus, Rubber Soul


CC82346 The Beatles London Bus, The White Album


CC82347 The Beatles London Bus, Abbey Road

New Bus for London (apx 1:72 scale) - Expected Winter 2024-2025

CC89206 Paddington 3 - New Routemaster

Friday 30 August
Tiny City Transport for London Sprinter Van Released
A Tiny City recent UK model release (Ref: UK11 / 64006) is a 1:76 scale Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van depicting Transport for London's Incident Response Unit (Bus Operation) vehicle LX15 BDO.
The model features a working nearside cargo door, and the UK RRP is £14.99 according to UK Wholesaler John Ayrey Diecasts.

Friday 30 August
Northcord Models Press Release: Brighton & Hove ADL Enviro400ER
The latest press release from Northcord Models issued earlier this week.

NORTHCORD MODEL COMPANY - PRESS RELEASE

ADL Enviro400ER
ukbus 6533 Brighton & Hove

Northcord Model Company is pleased to announce the release of ukbus 6533, the seventh release of the 10.3 metre, dual-door casting of this distinctive, modern, double-decker in the United Kingdom.

The first UK livery to be carried on the brand-new Alexander Dennis Enviro400ER model, is Brighton & Hove, produced in unique ‘Live & Breathe’ livery.

ukbus 6533 represents fleet number 301 (YX69 NVL) that has 10.3 metre, dual-door bodywork and was new to Brighton in 2019. 301 is the first of 30 new Enviro400 extended range hybrid electric buses acquired by Brighton & Hove and entered into service in the fourth quarter in 2019. The new buses would deliver 133,104 emission-free miles driven in the ULEZ each year.

The new extended range hybrid electric buses achieve zero emissions day and night through the centre of Brighton because they don’t need to recharge in the middle of the day. This keeps buses in service and eliminates the need for the city to have expensive and intrusive roadside charging stations. When it comes to improving air quality and congestion buses are a crucial part of the solution.

In addition to being the first to have the innovative SmartVision camera mirrors bus in the fleet, 301 carries a full and colourful ‘Live & Breathe’ livery for route 5 / 5A, heading to Patcham. Such unique features, and the special, comprehensive livery are 100% reproduced onto the ukbus 6533 models.

The stand-out features on the branding are : “BE THE CHANGE”, “WALK. CYCLE. BUS.” on both sides and rear; the big “LIVE & BREATHE” on both sides. Furthermore, a full-width destination display is carried on both sides, with the offside one mounted amidships.

The model also correctly portrays the name “CAROL BARNES” that is carried on the front, below the windscreen.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro400ER ukbus 6533 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 6533 model is its twin tree protectors 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 Enviro400ER, such as the extensive portrayal of handrails on upper deck and lower deck, etc.

This ukbus 6533 model release is the third to feature on the route 5 family following Plaxton President models ukbus 2006 (5B - Hangleton) and ukbus 2013 (5B - Hollingbury) produced by Creative Master Northcord and Northcord Model Company respectively.

The brand new 10.3 metre Enviro400ER bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), 80M Bus Model Shop (HK) respectively. The UKBUS6533 model is limited to 1008 pieces worldwide.

Northcord Model Company (NMC)------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

Friday 30 August
New Dublin Bus Enviro500 Model Announced
The following press release has recently been published on Facebook.





*** NEW PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT ***

Model Buses Creations, MBC, and Brian Collins Enterprises, BCE, Announce their first joint venture Model Release.

After working together over the past years, BCE have Managed the International Sales for MBC, developing a wide range of product release promotions and sales Exclusively Serving MBC's International Customers. BCE have commissioned and released a wide range of service and Public Transport Vehicles for the Irish market, BCE have been listening to customers and collectors, finding out what people would like, and after a considerable period of research and Product Development...

MBC & BCE announce the release of Dublin Bus!

Dublin Bus initially purchased 20 Alexander Dennis Enviro 500's on the Volvo B9TL chassis with the first of these entering service in December 2005. These were based at Donnybrook Garage and were staples of the 46A (Dún Laoghaire to Mountjoy Sq). These were the first tri-axle double deckers to hit the streets of Dublin.

2007 saw the placement of an order for another 50 Alexander Dennis Enviro 500's, which entered service with Dublin Bus from December 2007. Initially these could be found on routes 10 (Belfield to Phoenix Park) and 39 (Clonsilla to City Centre) predominately.

The 2005 registered vehicles (20) have since left the Dublin Bus fleet, with the majority finding second lives in the UK.

Some 2007 registered vehicles still remain in traffic with Dublin Bus serving the Blanchardstown Corridor routes (39, 39A, 38), however they are possibly to be displaced soon and confined to the history book with the introduction of the Wrightbus Electroliners.

The Enviro 500's proved to be true workhorses on the streets of Dublin and the high capacity routes.

To further enhance and bring an Exclusive New Addition to how our New Models will be presented, each model will be packaged in a New Style Display Case. Included will be a Grass Style verge and proper style and scale Bus Stop. Also included will be our high quality packaging and Limited Edition Certificate. Another NEW addition will be the QR code on each box. Once scanned, the buyer will be taken to the MBC Production Suite, where facts and details about the bus and future releases will be displayed and discussed. The online content will be designed to give facts and information to accompany the purchase.

This release is Limited To 500 units worldwide.

Ireland & International Sales by BCE, UK Sales by Model Buses Collection.

Customer Pre Orders will be announced once delivery dates and retail price are confirmed.

Modelbus.uk

Wednesday 28 August
Rapido Trains Release Bedford OB & Leyland Fleetline Models
Rapido Trains UK has released the first batch of ten liveries of its new Bedford OB Duple Vista coach model (920001-10). Two further versions of the OB (920011 & 920012) have been exclusively produced for TTC Diecast in the liveries of Southdown & East Yorkshire.


Along with the new OB coaches are a second batch of the Birmingham style MCW bodied Leyland Fleetline models in a mix of West Midlands PTE/Travel & and several second user provincial operator liveries. In a edition to the ten standard issue models (901027-36), there are two unpainted versions (901042/3) and five further exclusive commissions. Four of these are for TTC Diecast (901037-41) who have two in Stagecoach United Counties livery, a West Midlands Driver Trainer (901041), and a plain white model (901040). The fifth model (901037) is an exclusive for Rails of Sheffield and depicts a second Andrews of Sheffield vehicle, this differs from the standard issue version.

A full list of the models with updated destination details for the OB coaches can be found in the Rapido Trains sections. Online store links to the commissioned versions can also be found there.

Sorry for the late posting of this news, I've just come back from a short break.
Will catch up on a few other news items over the next couple of days.

Sunday 18 August
Hornby Warning Price Rises Upcoming Across Their Main Ranges
Hornby Hobbies has sent emails to existing registered customers advising that they will be increasing product prices across their Hornby Railways, Scalextric, Airfix, & Corgi ranges from the 1 September. The size of increases will vary depending on the individual product according to Hornby, but retailers appear to be expecting around a 9% increase.
Existing pre-orders & any new orders placed on the various Hornby Hobbies official online stores before the 31 August will be guaranteed at the current lower price.

Hornby state this is the first major price increase since January 2022, they have absorbed raising manufacturing costs and inflation over the past two & half years. However they now need to increase prices to maintain the high-quality research, design & manufacturing process that they pride themselves on.

Obviously from the OOC range point of view, this doesn't really have much effect as Corgi don't have any OOC products in this years release programme. However this will likely have a knock on effect on any future commissioned OOC models from the likes of Model Buses Creations & Omnidekka Models.

It likely that existing older model releases currently listed on the Corgi Online Store will also be subject to these price increases, this happen with the previous increases in January 2022.

It not known if these price increases will also apply to the associated Oxford Diecast range, the Hornby email doesn't mention Oxford Diecast or Humbrol.

Thursday 15 August
Confirmed UK Release From Northcord Models
The following Northcord model has now arrived in the UK and should be with UK model retailers imminently.


UKBUS 0073
Ensignbus 123 (SN59 AWV / route X1 bBasildon Bus Station)- Alexander Dennis Enviro400 Double Deck Bus
Information kindly supplied by


Sunday 11 August
EFE Rail Autumn 2024 Products Announced.
Bachmann Europe have announced their British Railways Autumn 2024 product release schedule, the EFE Road models are now included in this announcement, and it's confirmed that the EFE Road releases for this quarter will consist of the four retooled RMC Routemaster Coach models announced last month to tie in with the Routemaster 70th Anniversary rally. (See 20 July news item below for full details).

Five EFE Rail OO scale products have also been announced, these include a new tooling of a NAA Propelling Control Vehicle, these were used in connection to Mail trains in the 1990's, and will compliment previous Bachmann mail train rolling stock.
The first four releases all carry the red & grey Rail Express Systems livery, there is a choice of original branded, later debanded, and also a weathered version.The models are non-motorised.

E86016 NAA Propelling Control Vehicle Rail Express Systems (Red/Grey branded Livery) No. 94344 / Royal Mail Insignia - UK RRP £74.95

E86017 NAA Propelling Control Vehicle Rail Express Systems (Red/Grey debranded Livery) No. 94308 / Royal Mail Insignia - UK RRP £74.95

E86018 NAA Propelling Control Vehicle Rail Express Systems (Red/Grey debranded Livery) No. 94320 / Without Royal Mail Insignia - UK RRP £74.95

E86020 NAA Propelling Control Vehicle Rail Express Systems (Red/Grey branded Livery) No. 94340 / Royal Mail Insignia [Weathered] - UK RRP £79.95

The fifth EFE Rail product is the first issue of a motorised version of the 1962 Stock Tube Train, this completes the upgrade of the original three EFE/Gilbow tube stock products to fully motorised form.
Like the previous EFE Rail motorised releases, these will come in a four carriage set containing two motorised driving carriages and two carriages. The set will depict a 1990's era Central Line train working as train No.32 bound for West Ruislip, it will carry the the final style silver & grey livery with Underground roundels.

E99942 1962 Stock Tube Train Set (4 models) Central Line (1990's livery) Train No.32 West Ruislip - UK RRP £399.95

All the EFE Rail products are currently expected to be available during August or September.

Other bus related items of interest are re-issues of the Scenecraft Concrete Bus Shelter & Straight Pavement sections, these are available in both OO & O (1:43) scales.

OO Scale
44-563 Straight Pavements (x4) - UK RRP £15.95 - Released
44-593 Concrete Bus Shelter - UK RRP £15.95 - Released

O (1:43) Scale
47-563 Straight Pavements (x4) - UK RRP £29.95 - Due Aug/Sep
47-593 Concrete Bus Shelter - UK RRP £27.95 - Due Aug/Sep

A full list of all the Autumn 2024 products for the various Bachmann Ranges can be viewed on the Bachmann website while the following video announcement has been posted on YouTube.

 August 2024  Model Bus Zone News Index September 2024