Model Bus Zone News
January 2020
 December 2019  Model Bus Zone News Index February 2020 
Click the links to view the further details related to the News item.
Filter Content:    Britbus    Kits    Northcord    OOC    Oxford    Rapido    Resin Models    Other   

Thursday 30 January
Confirmed UK Northcord Models Release
The following Northcord model has now been released in the UK.


UKBUS6512 Southern Vectis Go Green Go Clean livery (1660 / HW67 AHY - Route 3 Shanklin Sandown Ryde) - ADL Enviro400 MMC 10.9m Double Deck Bus

Information kindly supplied by


Wednesday 29 January
New HO Scale Old Bill Bus Announced by Artitec
Dutch model producer Artitec has announced a new resin HO scale version of the Old Bill London General B type bus.
The model depicts B340 which is preserved in London Transport Museum Collection.
Artitec is producing the model in ready built civilian & military versions. The London General version will also be available as a kit.


Artitec 387.462 Type B Omnibus (London General) - UK RRP £57.99


Artitec 6870414 Type B Omnibus (WWI military version) - UK RRP £49.99



Artitec 10.385 Type B Omnibus (London General) Kit version - UK RRP £19.99


Tuesday 28 January
New 1/43rd Scale Abrex Buses & IXO Releases
Wholesaler John Ayrey Diecast will shorly be importing the following new 1/43rd scale Škoda706 RTO bus models to the UK. These can be ordered through your model retailer.


143001 Municipal Transportation Company Prague (202 / BZ-45-46) - Škoda 706 RTO Bus


143002 Municipal Transportation Company Brno (4344 / AB-59-09) - Škoda 706 RTO Bus


143003 Czechoslovak Bus Transportation ( - / AX 13-72) - Škoda 706 RTO Bus

The above models are from Czech company Abrex and are made of plastic. The UK suggested price is £25.99.

The latest IXO 1/43rd model releases to reach the UK are:

BUS013 GMC New Look Fishbowl Green/Beige 1969 (Quebec destination)


BUS022 Ikarus 66 White/Light Blue 1972

The IXO models have a suggested UK price of £53.99

Tuesday 21 January
New Resin Specialists Leyland Atlantean Mancunian Double Deck Bus
TTC Diecast are now accepting pre-orders for the new Resin Specialists' Leyland Atlantean PDR1/1 Park Royal Mancunian double deck bus. The 1/76th scale model has been produced exclusively for TTC Diecast and will initially be available in two different liveries.

The models are expected to be released later this year, the final price will depend on the exchange rate abd some other factors, but is expected to be between £120-130 plus P&P.

Pre-production samples of both models have now been produced and furthr photographs can be viewed on the TTC Diecast site.


RES10001 Manchester City Transport 1001/ HVM 901F (Red/cream livery) Leyland Atlantean Park Royal Mancunian Double Deck Bus - Limited edition 125 pieces


RES10002 Greater Manchester Transport 1007/ HVM 907F (Orange/cream livery) Leyland Atlantean Park Royal Mancunian Double Deck Bus - Limited edition 125 pieces

TTC Diecast have also secured a limited quantity of the four Jotus Magic Bus Dennis Dragon models mentioned in my news posting on the 14th January, TTC Diecast expect their stock to arrive towards the end of January. Pre-orders are being accepted for the models which are priced £99.99 plus delivery.

For further details about all the above models, please visit the TTC Diecast.com website.


Monday 20 January & Updated 24 January
New 1:87th (HO) Scale AEC Routemaster Bus Model
German model producer Brekina is to produce an new HO scale model of the London AEC Routemaster Bus in 2020. The first two releases will see the model produced in London Transport red on route 15 and a less convincing Green Line livery depicting the RM type vehicle on route 721.



n 61100 Routemaster Double Decker - London Red - Expected July 2020

n 61101 Routemaster Double Decker - London Green - Expected July 2020

The suggested price for these model is €34.90 which is around £30.00.

Brekina already have a number of left hand drive 1:87th (HO) scale bus & coach models in there range and are also adding a Neoplan Skyliner NH 22 DD double deck coach model in 2020.

The 2020 catalogue can in PDF format can be downloaded at: http://www.modafo.de/katalog/Brekina-2020-Messe.pdf
The full range of HO bus & coach models can be found on the http://www.www.brekina.de website.

Update 24th January
An open top version of this model will also be produced, the first release is an exclusive item for Stadt-im-Modell and is based on the livery applied to buses used on the Stadtrundfahrt Hamburg City Tour.


10180 Stadtrundfahrt - AEC Routemaster Open Top €34.99. - Due 2020

Monday 20 January & Updated 25 January
Oxford Diecast Announce New Bus & Coach Models
Oxford Diecast have announced three new Omnibus range models & another Commer Postbus in their new Feb-May 2020 catalogue.
There are no new bus or coach toolings in this catalogue.


View the 2020 Feb-May catalogue (PDF)


1/76th Scale Omnibus Range Models

76LRT010 Leyland Royal Tiger Coach - Mexborough & Swinton {107/LUF 637 - Private} - Q4/2020


76MW6006 Bristol MW6G ECW Coach - West Yorkshire {1077/797 CWU - Blackpool} - Q4/2020

Other bus coach related 1/76th scale models

76PB010 Commer PB Postbus - Royal Mail (Scotland) {UGS706R - Elgol} - Q4/2020

N Scale Omnibus Range Models

NMW6003 Bristol MW6G - Eastern Counties NBC White {LS804/3804PW - 499 Ely}- Q3/2020

1/43 Omnibus Range Models
No releases announced

A preview of the new catalogue was announced on the "Oxford Diecast Collectors" Facebook group on Monday evening where you can find further details of models in the other Oxford Diecast ranges. The annual trade toy fair kicks off in London on Tuesday morning and this is when details of all the new products will be officially released to the model trade.

Update 22 January
Wholesaler John Ayrey Diecast has today posted details of all the new models included in the Feb-May 2020 catalogue on their website.
New Feb-May Oxford Diecast Model Announcements

Saturday 18 January
Next Oxford Diecast Omnibus Range Release
The next batch of model releases from Oxford Diecast will include the following Omnibus range item according to the first Globe magazine of the year.


76DC003 Neath & Cardiff (HTG 602D / Tour) - Duple Commander II Coach

Oxford Diecast are expected to announce details of their Feb-May 2020 catalogue early next week at the annual London Toy Fair.

Friday 17 January
New Commissioned Britbus Model
Adrian Lemon has commissioned Britbus to produce another Dublin Bus model which can now be obtained from him at most Irish swapmeets in person £49/€55.
It is also available by mail order for an extra payment of extra 5£/€ to cover post & packing. Please send payments of 54£/60€ via PayPal friends and family to lemon1970@eircom.net.
The model is a limited edition of 480 pieces which are supplied with numbered certificates.

Adrian's previous pair of commissioned Olympains WD0001 Wedding Bus & MOLLY2 The Dublin Ghost Bus Tour are also still available.



R708 Dublin Bus RV514 (99-D-514) / route 747 "Airlink Airport Express" livery - Volvo Olympian Alexander RH Double Deck Bus

Thursday 16 January
TiNY Kits Update
An update of TiNY's first kit developed using CAD/3D printing.
The 3D printed master was illustrated in the last update, I've now received a photograph showing the first test casting of the kit for which reservations are now being accepted.


TK71F CIE, ex GNR(I) AEC RGIV - PRV B45F - Reserve Now

For contact details and a list of the other current & future kits, please visit the TiNY kits page.

Thursday 16 January
Next Corgi OOC Release
The following Corgi OOC model is expected to be released to UK model retailers in the next few days.


OM46623 London United RATP Group 'Coca Cola' livery route 10 - New Routemaster Bus

Tuesday 14 January & updated 21 January
Four New UK Models Released By Jotus
Jotus released the following Resin Specialists 1/76 scale models yesterday. Thanks are extended to Graham White at Oriental Model Buses for bringing these to my attention.
You can find more photographs of the models along with details of the subtle variations between each on Graham's www.orientalmodelbuses.co.uk site.
The models are available to order from the Jotus.com site in Hong Kong and each is limited to 50 pieces. They are priced $99.90 (around £77.00 at the time of posting) plus delivery.

Update 21st January
A limited quantity of these models are also being imported to the UK by TTC Diecast, pre-orders are now being accepted for the models which are priced £99.99. The model are expected to be available towards the end on January.


RS76515A Stagecoach Manchester Magic Bus 681 (M681 TDB) route 142 East Didsbury - Dennis Dragon 11m Duple Metsec


RS76515B Stagecoach Manchester Magic Bus 685 (M685 TDB) route 143 Piccadilly - Dennis Dragon 11m Duple Metsec


RS76515C Stagecoach Manchester Magic Bus 686 (M686 TDB) route 143 West Didsbury - Dennis Dragon 11m Duple Metsec


RS76515D Stagecoach Manchester Magic Bus 691 (M691TDB) route 86 Chorlton - Dennis Dragon 11m Duple Metsec

Tuesday 14 January
Another 1/43rd Scale Bus Release
Model trade wholesaler John Ayrey Diecasts have secured stock of a number of new Pegaso Commercials models, among the various truck based models is one further bus model.
The model is 1/43rd scale & has a UK RRP of £29.99. If you wish to buy the model, ask your model retailer if they can order in the model from John Ayrey.


MAG LW18 Pegaso 6035 ANO Bus (1974)

Also still available from the same range:

MAG LW06 Pegaso Comet 5061 Seida Iberia (1963)

Monday 13 January
Confirmed UK IXO Release
The following IXO 1/43rd scale bus model has now been released in the UK according to wholesaler John Ayrey Diecasts.


BUS021 Greyhound White/silver livery - GMC Scenicruiser B 1956

Monday 13 January
New Humbrol Acrylic Paint Dropper Bottles
Humbrol has announced that it is to introduce a new range of paint in Dropper Bottles, around 80 Acrylic colours from the existing range will be available in this new form. The existing pot versions will also continue to be available.


The dropper bottles are expected to be available from April and each 14ml bottle has an RRP of £1.79.
This new range will be officially launched at the London Toy Fair later this month, and has been added after many requests from modelers & crafters according to Humbrol.

Monday 6 January
New Northcord Models Announced
The Northcord Model Company has published the following press release today listing nine new models and an update on the production schedule.

NORTHCORD MODEL COMPANY - PRESS RELEASE

Production update
To our valued retailers and collectors :

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.


ukbus 1500 Range
NMC will relaunch the model based on the casting of the Alexander ALX400 – bodied Dennis Trident opentop in 2020.


ukbus 1501 – megasightseeing.com (18496 – LX06 AHC)


ukbus 1502 – Stagecoach North West “the White Lady” (17012 – S812 BWC)

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.


ukbus 6500 Range
ukbus 6516 – Stagecoach South Gold (10770 – SN66 VYR) : production is scheduled for completion by early January 2020.


ukbus 0063 – Ensign Bus (132 – YX66 WLH) : production is scheduled for completion by the end of January 2020.

ukbus 6519 – Stagecoach Oxford Gold (10786 – SN66 VZH) : production is scheduled for completion by early March 2020.

ukbus 6520 – Stagecoach South 700 Coastliner (10942 – SN18 KNF) : pre-production samples for checking are in the course of being prepared with an anticipated production slot being available during early June 2020.

ukbus 6521 – Xplore Dundee (6695 – SK68 MBO) : pre-production samples for checking are in the course of being prepared with an anticipated production slot being available during early May 2020.

iebus 0005 – Dublin Bus (AH1 – 191-D-44403) : pre-production samples for checking are in the course of being prepared with an anticipated production slot being available during late June 2020.

ukbus 6524 – Stagecoach North West 555 Lakes Connection (10555 – SN16 ONX) : pre-production samples for checking are in the course of being prepared with an anticipated production slot being available during early July 2020.

ukbus 6526 – National Express West Midlands (6937 – SK68 MJE) : pre-production samples for checking are in the course of being prepared with an anticipated production slot being available during early August 2020.

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

Monday 6 January & updated 21 January
New Corgi 2020 Catalogue OOC Bus Models
Corgi has this morning published details of the models planned for release during 2020.


2020 Corgi Catalogue


The good news is that OOC models have returned to this years programme following their absence from the 2019 catalogue.
Although there is no new OOC tooling to report, there are six new liveries for existing models in the range. There a strong basis towards London with five of models having a related theme.
Note: The pre-production model photographs of OM46315A/B show them with incorrect registrations CLT 359, it should be 359 CLT which is correctly referenced to in the accompanying model description.

Proposed quantities for the OOC models issued with certificates are: OM46315A/B - 500, OM46316A/B - 600, OM46516A/B - 600, OM46623 - 1500, OM46624A/B - 1000, CC02741 - Not certificated.

There are also six Routemaster bus models from the toy range which are in either Paddington, Beatles or Best of British related liveries.

You can find the full list of all 118 126 new models for 2020 on the Corgi website

Update 21 January
The latest Corgi Diecast Diaries posting on the Corgi website contains the following paragraph: "It is also interesting to note that the Corgi team have confirmed that although the 2020 range is now out there for all to see, their intention is to announce several additional new models during the year, so please keep an eye out for these range additions."
Cat No. OM46315A
Vehicle AEC Routemaster Double Deck Bus
Boulogne Livery
Operator London Transport
Fleet No. RM1359
Registration 359 CLT
Route 88 Mitcham Cricketers
Expected Autumn 2020
Cat No. OM46315B
Vehicle AEC Routemaster Double Deck Bus
Boulogne Livery
Operator London Transport
Fleet No. RM1359
Registration 359 CLT
Route 88 Acton Green
Expected Autumn 2020
Cat No. OM46316A
Vehicle AEC Routemaster Double Deck Bus
Mamma Mia! adverts
Operator Stagecoach East London
(London Transport Heritage Route livery)
Fleet No. RM2050
Registration ALM 50B
Route 15 Tower Hill
Expected Winter 2019/20
Cat No. OM46316B
Vehicle AEC Routemaster Double Deck Bus
Mamma Mia! adverts
Operator Stagecoach East London
(London Transport Heritage Route livery)
Fleet No. RM2050
Registration ALM 50B
Route 15 Trafalgar Square
Expected Winter 2019/20
Cat No. OM46516A
Vehicle Wright Gemini Eclipse 2 Double Deck Bus
Operator Brighton & Hove Bus & Coach Co
'The Snowman' livery
Fleet No. 472
Registration BK13 OAU
Route 5 Patcham
Expected Summer 2020
Cat No. OM46516B
Vehicle Wright Gemini Eclipse 2 Double Deck Bus
Operator Brighton & Hove Bus & Coach Co
'The Snowman' livery
Fleet No. 472
Registration BK13 OAU
Route 5 Hangleton
Expected Summer 2020
Cat No. CC02741
Vehicle Plaxton Panorama Coach
Operator Percy's Luxury Travel of Peckham
Only Fools & Horses 'The Jolly Boys Outing'
Fleet No. -
Registration PEL 915M
Route Jolly Boys Outing
Expected Autumn 2020
Cat No. OM46623
Vehicle New Routemaster Double Deck Bus
Operator London United RATP Group
'Coca Cola' livery
Fleet No. LT148
Registration LTZ 1148
Route 10 King's Cross
Expected Winter 2019/20
Cat No. OM46624A
Vehicle New Routemaster Double Deck Bus
Operator Arriva London 'Release The Kraken' livery
Fleet No. LT192
Registration LTZ 1192
Route 38 Hackney Central
Expected Summer 2020
Cat No. OM46624B
Vehicle New Routemaster Double Deck Bus
Operator Arriva London 'Release The Kraken' livery
Fleet No. LT192
Registration LTZ 1192
Route 38 Victoria
Expected Summer 2020
Cat No. CC82331
Vehicle AEC Routemaster Bus (Toy Range)
Operator London Bus Paddingdon Bear livery
(Bus & figurine)
Fleet No. --
Registration --
Route --
Expected Summer 2020
Cat No. CC82333
Vehicle AEC Routemaster Bus (Toy Range)
Operator The Beatles
Yellow Submarine livery
Fleet No. --
Registration --
Route 1 The Beatles
Expected Spring 2020
Cat No. CC82334
Vehicle AEC Routemaster Bus (Toy Range)
Operator The Beatles A Hard Days Night livery
Fleet No. --
Registration --
Route 1 The Beatles
Expected Spring 2020
Cat No. CC82335
Vehicle AEC Routemaster Bus (Toy Range)
Operator The Beatles Help! livery
Fleet No. --
Registration --
Route 1 The Beatles
Expected Spring 2020
Cat No. GS82336
Vehicle AEC Routemaster Bus (Toy Range)
Operator London Bus Union Jack livery
Fleet No. --
Registration COR GI
Route 53 Trafalgar Square
Expected Winter 2019/20
Cat No. GS82337
Vehicle AEC Routemaster Bus (Toy Range)
Operator London Bus Rainbow livery
Fleet No. --
Registration RA13 BOW
Route --
Expected Spring 2020

The Hornby 2020 catalogue contains six 1/76 scale Skale Auto models depicting vehicles from 1957, they which all appear to be based on existing Oxford Die-cast tooling. These models are all described as 'Centenary Year Limited Edition' although no actual quantities are indicated. with 1957 pieces each being produced.
A new Skalescence range stone bus stop has also been announced.


R7241 MG TC - Red - MKP 329 - Due Spring 2020


R7242 Morris J Van Grey - VKP 251 - Due Spring 2020


R7243 Austin K8 Van - Margate Hotel & Boarding Association - MKN 426 - Due Spring 2020


R7247 Fordson Tractor - Red - No registration - Due Spring 2020


R7248 VW T2 Van - Hornby Dublo Yellow - XKK 293A - Due Spring 2020


R7249 Scammell Mechanical Horse Van Trailer - Hornby Trains blue - No registration - Due Spring 2020


R7272 Stone Bus Stop - Due Autumn 2020

Sunday 5 January
Rapido New Look Bus Review
For my first post of 2020 I've done a detailed review of the recently released Birmingham New Look Guy Arab IV buses produced by Rapido Trains. Thirteen models were released during November and each is available with & without working lights.
The model is based on a laser scan of the real vehicle owned by Wythall Transport Museum and thus should be very accurate reproduction.
For the review I've looked at both the Birmingham City Transport & West Midland PTE models, one with & one without the deluxe lighting features.

Read the review here

Happy New Year

 December 2019  Model Bus Zone News Index Febuary 2020