Herewith we itemise an update on likely release dates and status for announced models in the ukbus 1500 and ukbus 6500 range. In addition, nine further future releases are announced.

Production delays due to shortage of appropriate labour in all factories in southern China are affecting many manufacturers and it is appropriate that NMC should advise you accordingly. Furthermore, the usual delays will be accommodated due to the return of factory staff to their provinces during Lunar New Year and the resultant need to recruit staff to replace those who do not return to the factories.

The pre-production samples of both items for checking are in the course of being prepared with an anticipated production slot being available during early April 2020.

Following the significant success in launching the brand new casting of the Alexander Dennis Enviro400 MMC model in the livery of National Express West Midlands, Stagecoach in Oxfordshire, Bluestar, Stagecoach West Scotland and Stagecoach South, Northcord Model Company is now releasing the seventh livery on the 10.9 metre long, single-door casting – ukbus 6512 in the livery of Southern Vectis with full decoration to promote the “Go Green Go Clean” bus on the Isle of Wight on the famous route 3.

ukbus 6512 represents fleet number 1660 (HW67 AHY) that has 10.9 metre, single door bodywork and was new to Southern Vectis in 2018. 1660 carries a full, green livery for route 3, showing the destination to Ryde. The stand-out features of the branding are : “GO GREEN GO CLEAN” and “PROTECTING YOUR ISLAND” on the nearside, “1 FULL BUS CAN TAKE 75 CARS OFF THE ROAD” and “GO GREEN GO CLEAN” on the offside, and “GO GREEN GO CLEAN” at the rear.

Further additional details carried by the model include the destination board with ‘3 Sandown, Ryde’ on both sides.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro400 MMC ukbus 6512 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 6512 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 Enviro400 MMC, such as the extensive portrayal of handrails on upper deck and lower deck, etc.

The ukbus 6512 model models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), 80M Bus Model Shop and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The ukbus 6512 model is limited tois limited to 1200 pieces worldwide.