Model Bus Zone News
May 2015
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Sunday 31 May
Oxford Diecast Announced New Models
Oxford Diecast have announced a number of new bus & coach related models including a new 1/76 scale coach tooling and a Leyland Royal Tiger Coach for the N scale range.

1/76 Scale

76DR001 Duple Roadmaster Coach - Belle Vue Coaches - New Tooling - Due Q3/2015
Photographs of the real vehicle on flickr


76IRZ006 Irizar PB Coach - Bullocks - Due Q3/2015


76LRT007 Leyland Royal Tiger Coach - North Western - Due Q1/2016


76PAN003 Plaxton Panorama Coach - Cotters - Due Q1/2016


76WFA004 Weymann Fanfare AEC - Bartons - Due Q4/2015

N Scale

NBL006 Bristol Lodekka LD Bus - Eastern National - Due Q2/2016


NIRZ004 Scania Irizar PB Coach - Eddie Stobart - Due Q3/2015


NLRT001 Leyland Royal Tiger Coach - Ribble - New Tooling - Due Q3/2015


NOWB006 Bedford OWB Utility Bus - British Railways - Due Q3/2015

Friday 29 May
Ten B-T Model Released
The following items have now been released by B-T Models in the UK.
Note that two of the models, N043 & N046, have not been illustrated until now.

N Scale Models


N10 British Road Services - Albion CX3 2 Axle Flatbed & Trailer
N13 Wynns - Foden DG 3 Axle Flatbed
N16 BRS Airedale - Albion CX7 3 Axle Flatbed
N43 BR Railfreight - Leyland FG Van
N46 British Rail (green) - Leyland FG Crewbus
N50 British Rail (yellow) - Leyland FG Crewbus
N55 British Railways (red & cream) - Leyland FG Integral Van
N59 British Rail (Rail Express Parcels) - Leyland FG Integral Van

1/76 Scale Models

B113A Bristol Lodekka LD6G (Long radiator & open platform) - Wilts & Dorset (614 / Reg'n: MMW 411 / 76 Andover Basingstoke)
B113B Bristol Lodekka LD6G (Short radiator & closed platform) - Wilts & Dorset (618 / Reg'n: NHR 845 / 3 Salisbury)

Site Problems
Apologies for the problem that took down the home pages on the Modelbuszone & The Model Bus sites, on Thursday evening & for much of Friday, this was caused by yesterday's update corrupting one of the site files.

Thursday 28 May
More OOC Model Release Dates Announced By Corgi
The following pair of OOC models are scheduled to be released during the week ending the 4th July.

OM46611A London United RATP Group (route 10 Hammersmith) - New Routemaster Double Deck Bus
OM46611B London United RATP Group (route 10 King's Cross) - New Routemaster Double Deck Bus

Next Corgi Catalogue
Corgi will publish details of the models in the July to December 2015 catalogue at 3pm on Monday the 1st June via the www.corgi.co.uk site.
Information kindly supplied by


Wednesday 27 May
Confirmed EFE Releases
Ace Model Buses have confirmed that the following EFE models have been released in the UK.

15718 C.I.E. Coach Tours - Plaxton Panorama Elite Coach
20140 Southdown - Bedford OB Duple Vista Coach
36710 Lothian Buses - Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer II Bus
Information kindly supplied by


Monday 25 May
Kingsway Models Kit Update
John Howe has sent details of some of the latest developments in his Kingsway Models range of card building kits.

A fully revised deeper version of the London Transport Barking Garage (kit ref: BK) kit is now available.
The model is half relief being approximately 28" wide and 9" deep. The roof over the garage parking area can be left fully removable to allow access inside.
The kit is priced £16


BK garage kit incorporated into a larger depot diorama

WNH Helston Depot, Western National - a full (all round model) of this now closed depot in Cornwall. Signs are provided for different periods in it's history - 1950s, 1960s and NBC.
The model measures approximately 14" x 11" and may be built with the roof sections left removable to give access to the interior.
The design of the depot is such that it could easily be renamed to represent any other bus company.
(Freely downloadable NBC style titles are available from the Kingsway Models site.)
The kit is priced £16


A large number of other model buildings suitable for 4mm scale (OO gauge) layouts have been released this year.
Perhaps of special interest to model vehicle collectors (eg. Oxford Diecast , Classix etc.) is the SHC Second Hand Car dealership kit. This represents a High Road car dealership with a choice of different brandings. It's a half relief model with accommodation for a umber of models. It includes paving and even windscreen price tickets. The kit is priced £14


All kits are available from the Kingsway Models website at http://www.kingswaymodels.com/index.htm - first class postage to UK addresses is included in the price.

Friday 22 May
Photographs of Three Future B-T Models & Next Releases
John Ayrey Diecasts have published photographs showing three forthcoming B-T 1/76 scale models.


B114A Bristol Lodekka LD6G (Long radiator & closed platform) - Red & White (L153 / Reg'n: LAX 624 / 76 Beachley via Tutshill Chepstow)


B114B Bristol Lodekka LD6G (Short radiator & closed platform) - Red & White (L558 / Reg'n: TAX 237 / 147 Abergavenny via Badminton)


DA92 Foden DG Ballast & Lowloader Trailer - Pickfords (2486 / Reg'n: to be confirmed)

Next Model Releases
The following models are expected to be released during the week ending 30 May.

B113A Bristol Lodekka LD6G (Long radiator & open platform) - Wilts & Dorset (614 / Reg'n: MMW 411 / 76 Andover Basingstoke)


B113B Bristol Lodekka LD6G (Short radiator & closed platform) - Wilts & Dorset (618 / Reg'n: NHR 845 / 3 Salisbury)
Information kindly supplied by


Tuesday 19 May
Details Announced For Eight New EFE Models
EFE's latest trade release sheet contains details of eight new models including several that were exhibited at the recent South East Bus Festival. All the models are expected to be released during June & July. Note that the EFE's RRP for these models has been increased to £34.50.
Cat No. 16325
Vehicle Bristol LS ECW Single Deck Bus
Operator Bristol Tramways
Fleet No. 2832
Registration PHW 922
Route 125 Bristol
Expected July 2015
Cat No. 18017
Vehicle Daimler Fleetline Double Deck Bus
Operator Bournemouth Corporation
Fleet No. 40
Registration ALJ 340B
Route 6 Bournemouth Square
Expected June 2015
Cat No. 18617
Vehicle Open Top Bristol VR Series III
Operator Southdown East & Mid Sussex N.B.C.
Fleet No. 620
Registration UVW 620S
Route 197 Beachy Head
Expected July 2015
Cat No. 22402
Vehicle Alexander bodied Leyland Atlantean
Operator British Airways
Fleet No. --
Registration LYF 314D
Route --
Expected July 2015
Cat No. 25813
Vehicle Leyland Fleetline DMS 1 Door
Operator Wilts & Dorset
Fleet No. 1932
Registration KJD 14P
Route 133 Wimborne
Expected July 2015
Cat No. 27630
Vehicle Wright Volvo Renown Single Deck Bus
Operator Brighton & Hove (Metro 5 branding)
Fleet No. 222
Registration R322 HCD
Route 5 Patcham
Expected June 2015
Cat No. 29631 (Model details revised on 11 June 2015)
Vehicle Leyland Olympian Double Deck Bus
Operator Metrobus
Fleet No. 805 --
Registration G805 SMV K814 MHV
Route 161 Chislehurst
Expected June 2015
Cat No. 36609
Vehicle Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 2 (Dual Door)
Operator Arriva South London
Fleet No. PDL 25
Registration X475 GGO
Route 289 Purley
Expected June 2015
Courtesy of EFE, scans & a PDF of the Trade Order Form for May 2015
Trade Order Form May 2015 Scan
You can view a PDF version of the trade order form HERE (2.7mb).
EFE Release Sheet Archive

Monday 18 May
New Resin Specialist Model Announced
TTC Diecast have contacted me today with news & images of another new Resin Specialist model which follows the recently announced BEA AEC Regal 4RF4 Airport coach. TTC Diecast are accepting pre-orders for both models for the special price of £69.99 each


RS76601 London Transport (V1 - route 170 to Roehampton) - Volvo Alisa B55 MK III Alexander Double Deck Bus (2 Door) - Expected June 2015

Information kindly supplied by


Monday 18 May
The Shakespeare Express Bachman Train Set Released
Further to my report on Saturday I can now confirm The Shakespeare Express" train set (ref: 30-525) has been released to Bachmann appointed stockists today.

This set contains a specially commission EFE model depicting an open top series III Bristol VRT series in Guide Friday's Stratford Tour livery. (EFE model no.:18615). Unfortunately for bus centered collectors the set also contains a G.W.R. locomotive and three carriages and thus has a recommended price of £229.95!


18615 Guide Friday - Bristol VRT Series III Open Top Bus

Sunday 17 May
B-T Announced Six More 1/76 Models
Four new Bristol buses & another pair DA series lorries have been listed on the John Ayrey Diecast site. Expected release dates are "2015". There are no images of any of the models at the present time and I'm guessing the numbers in barckets refer to the routes depicted.

B114A Bristol Lodekka LD6G - Red & White (76)
B114B Bristol Lodekka LD6G - Red & White (147)
B205A Bristol MW5G - Ribble (Tilling Red) (334)
B205B Bristol MW5G - Ribble (Ribble Red) (623)
DA93 Ford D Series Artic Van - Green Shield Stamps
DA94 Leyland Octopus Tipper - Charringtons

Saturday 16 May
The Shakespeare Express Bachman Train Set Due For Release
The Bachmann website is now showing "The Shakespeare Express" train set (ref: 30-525) as in stock and it will likely be available from Bachmann stockists shortly.

This set contains a specially commission EFE model depicting an open top series III Bristol VRT series in Guide Friday's Stratford Tour livery. (EFE model no.:18615). Unfortunately for bus centered collectors the set also contains a G.W.R. locomotive and three carriages and thus has a recommended price of £229.95!

A more detail review of the set has been posted on the MREMag Site.

18615 Guide Friday - Bristol VRT Series III Open Top Bus

Friday 15 May
EFE's Planned Releases For Late May
Ace Model Buses have confirmed that the three models mentioned in EFE's latest subscriber newsletter (See yesterday's news item below) will be released during the week should ending the 30th May.

15718 C.I.E. Coach Tours - Plaxton Panorama Elite Coach
20140 Southdown - Bedford OB Duple Vista Coach
36710 Lothian Buses - Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer II Bus
Information kindly supplied by


Thursday 14 May
Latest EFE Subscribers Newsletter & Release Sheet
Exclusive First Editions will be attending The Southdown 100 Group's Bus Rally on Southsea Common on Sunday 7th June. EFE will have a display of Southdown models they have produced over the years and will also have there popular model scrap yard for enthusiasts to runmage through.

One previously unannounced model is listed among the forthcoming models section.
29631 Metrobus - Leyland Olympian B Double Deck Bus

The newsletter suggests these models will be the next releases later this month.
15718 C.I.E. Coach Tours - Plaxton Panorama Elite Coach
20140 Southdown - Bedford OB Duple Vista Coach
36710 Lothian Buses - Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer II Bus

Two new subscriber exclusive models have been announced. The RT model is based on the original tooling and has a special low retro price of £18.00 while the Bristol VRT is £32.50.
Cat No. 10135
Vehicle AEC RT Bus
Operator Dundee Corporation
Fleet No. 220
Registration JXC 175
Route 20 Ninewells
Expected May/June
Cat No. 18616
Vehicle Bristol VRT III OPen Top Bus
Operator The Hampshire Pullman
Fleet No. VR2
Registration VDV 140S
Route --
Expected May/June
Courtesy of EFE, scans & a PDF of Release Sheet 3 2015 front & rear.
Releases Issue 3 2015 Scan Subscriber Models
You can view a PDF version of the release sheet HERE (5.9mb).
EFE Release Sheet Archive

Wednesday 13 May
Three Confirmed EFE Releases
The following models have now beend released by EFE in the UK.

25814 Western Scottish (route 605) - Daimler Fleetline DMS 1 Door Double Deck Bus
27629 C.M.T. Buses (route 79) - Volvo Wright Renown Single Deck Bus
29633 Go North East (route 1) - Leyland Olympian Double Deck Coach
Information kindly supplied by


Sunday 10 May
B-T Announce Two New Bristol MW Models
Two further B-T models have been announced on the John Ayrey website. These appear to show the modified tooling which has been tweaked to correct the height issue found on the first four releases.

B206A United Counties (Green with cream windows - fleet no. fleet no. 150 ~ 150 BRP / route 365 Princes Risborough) - Bristol MW ECW Single Deck Bus
B206B United Counties (Green with cream windows & roof - 155 ~ 155 BRP / route 1X London) - Bristol MW ECW Single Deck Bus

Friday 8 May
New Resin Specialist Model Announced
Allsorts Models have today announced details of a new Resin Specialists model.

The model which will be a standard issue item is similar to the one produced for the London Bus Museum last month. The BEA AEC Regal IV coach carries the same grey & off white livery, but depicts a different vehicle (MLL 713) and destination (Paris). It is expected to be release either later this month or in June.

RS76637 British European Airways (Grey & white livery) - AEC Regal IV 4RF4 Airport Coach

Further details can be found on the Allsorts Models site.
Information kindly supplied by
Allsorts Models


Thursday 7 May
Next Corgi OOC Releases
The following OOC models are scheduled to be released by Corgi during the week ending 13 June.

OM41416A Hartlepool Corporation (Hartlepool destination) - Roe bodied AEC Regent Double Deck Bus
OM41416B Hartlepool Corporation (Church Street destination) - Roe bodied AEC Regent Double Deck Bus
Information kindly supplied by


Monday 4 May
Scheduled EFE Releases For Early May
The following EFE models are scheduled to be released during the week ending 16 May.

25814 Western Scottish (route 605) - Daimler Fleetline DMS 1 Door Double Deck Bus
27629 C.M.T. Buses (route 79) - Volvo Wright Renown Single Deck Bus
29633 Go North East (route 1) - Leyland Olympian Double Deck Coach
Information kindly supplied by


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