Model Bus Zone News
July 2013
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Tuesday 30 July
Latest EFE Subscriber's Newsletter
The sixth newsletter & release sheet of 2013 arrived today.

Frank Joyce gives some more details regarding the arrangement with Bachmann Europe PLC to use their sales representatives to distribute the EFE range of models.
By doing this there should be a wider availability of the models in shops where collectors can see and buy them.
This will not affect the existing EFE sales office which will continue selling in all the existing ways to retailers, wholesale & direct to customers. Nothing will change apart from you seeing the models in a greater number of model shops which should make buying models easier.

The Subscriber's exclusive Coronation London Transport RT (34101B) is currently being prepared and should be ready for release in the third week of August.
The model is now almost sold out.

A couple of previously unannounced models are listed in the forthcoming releases section, there are no other details at this time.
16536 Hants & Dorset N.B.C. - Leyland Atlantean MCW Double Deck Bus
35901 Green Line - CRL4 Routemaster Prototype (This casting was previously exclusive to LT Museum sets)

Another model is listed as future release in the Brighton Hove & District Fleet Focus feature on the rear of the release sheet.
Cat No. 38109
Vehicle Bristol VRT Series I Double Deck Bus
Operator Brighton Hove & District
Fleet No. 2094
Registration OCD 764G
Route 44A Black Rock
Expected To be announced
 
Courtesy of EFE, a PDF version of the latest Release Sheet along with some smaller scans of the latest release sheet.
Release Sheet Issue 6 2013 Scan  Brighton Hove & District Fleet Focus Part 2
Click Here for PDF Version (3.5mb approx)

Monday 29 July
Northcord Press Release: UKBUS6039 & UKBUS6043
The following press release has been issued today.

NORTHCORD MODEL COMPANY - PRESS RELEASE

Date: 29th July 2013.
ukbus 6039 & ukbus 6043 Alexander-Dennis Enviro400

Stagecoach London and First London

Northcord Model Company is proud to release its first two London bus models on the former CMNL Enviro400 tooling.

This is launched on ukbus 6039, Stagecoach London, and ukbus 6043, First London. Both models feature the latest specifications requested by Transport for London and include the current, modern version of London “Buses” Roundel.


ukbus 6039 depicts Stagecoach London ADL Enviro400 19729, LX11 AZR. This vehicle, which was new in March 2011, is one of 31 identical Enviro400s based at Stagecoach London’s Rainham Garage for use on Transport for London contracted route 174 (Dagenham–Harold Hill) and 287 (Barking–Rainham). The ADL Enviro400 has become the Stagecoach London standard bus for new double deck deliveries and a total of 235 are now operated by the company including 26 E400H hybrid versions.


ukbus 6043 features First London DN33638 (SN11 BPO) carrying the standard Transport for London all-red livery, working on route 26 bound for Waterloo in Central London.

The replicas feature 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.

The brand new ukbus 6039 and ukbus 6043 models are each based on a Limited Edition of only 504 pieces produced.

Sunday 28 July Updated 04 August
Another OOC Release Date Announced
The following OOC model will be released during the week ending August 10th August 17th.

OM46607 Arriva London (LT4 - Top Hat advertising) - New Bus for London - 2250 Pieces

A reminder that the following models are due to be released in the coming week.

OM40819A West Yorkshire (Route 43 Scarborough) - Bristol Lodekka FS - 500 Pieces
OM40819B West Yorkshire (Route 36 Leeds) - Bristol Lodekka FS - 500 Pieces

Information kindly supplied by

Sunday 28 July
New Northcord Models Announced
Two new Northcord models have been announced, both are due for release in September.

UKBUS6039 Stagecoach in London (19729 / LX11 AZR - route 174 Dagenham) - ADL Enviro400 Double Deck Bus
UKBUS6043 First London (DN33836 / SN11 BPO - route 26 Waterloo) - ADL Enviro400 Double Deck Bus

Also due for release in UK during September are the three Singapore SBS Transit Volvo Olympian Alexander Royale models announced last month by Northcord. (see 10th of June news item)

UKBUS0039 SBS Transit (route 93) - Volvo Olympian Alexander Royale Double Deck Bus
UKBUS0040 SBS Transit (route 182M) - Volvo Olympian Alexander Royale Double Deck Bus
UKBUS0041 SBS Transit (route 257) - Volvo Olympian Alexander Royale Double Deck Bus

Information kindly supplied by

Saturday 27 July
Two Confirmed EFE Releases
The following models have now been released by EFE.

24328 Isle of Man Road Services - 1950's BET Style Willowbrook Single Deck Bus
31510 London Transport (route 11) - AEC RM Class Routemaster
Information kindly supplied by

Bachmann Start To Distribute EFE Models
Gilbow (Holdings) have appointed Bachmann to distribute the EFE model range. EFE will continue to supply to its existing trade customers but it is hoped that availability of the range will increase and also gain a higher profile as a result of Bachmann's involvement.
More details can be found on the Bachmann site.

Wednesday 24 July
Two New EFE Commissions For Arriva London
Arriva London have commissioned two EFE Routemaster models to mark Tottenham Garages Centenary. The models feature two of the Arriva Heritage fleet vehicles, RML901 & RMC1464, both models are limited editions of 350 pieces and carry side advertisements marking this event.

These models were released at the Tottenham Garage Open Day held on Saturday 20th July, but can now be mail ordered via the Arriva London's website for £29.99 each plus P&P.

31908B Arriva London (RML901 / route 76 Tottenham) - AEC RML Class Routemaster
33103C Arriva London (RMC 1464 / route 76 Waterloo) - Open Top AEC RMC Class Routemaster

Tuesday 23 July
More Forward Model Releases Planned
Forward Models are working on five more versions of the Birmingham Standard Double Deck Bus model although full details & release dates have yet to be confirmed.
EDE-11 Edinburgh City Transport (madder and white livery) - Daimler CVD6 Birmingham Standard
EDN-12 Newcastle (yellow livery) -Daimler CVD6 Birmingham Standard
EDH-13 Hull Corporation Transport (blue livery) - Daimler CVD6 Birmingham Standard
EDB-14 Birmingham City Transport - Daimler CVD6 Birmingham Standard
EDC-15 Coventry Transport (maroon livery) - Daimler CVD6 Birmingham Standard

Tuesday 23 July
Two Forthcoming Promotional Corgi OOC Models
Brian Collins Enterprises have commissioned two Volvo Wright Eclipse Gemini models in Dublin Bus livery.

These are expected to be released in August and will be available at the following Collectables Toy Fairs and model railway exhibitions that the commissioner will be organising or attending over the next few months in Ireland.
  • MRSI & Dun Laoghaire Rathdown CC Model Railway Exhibition - 24 & 25 August at Dun Laoghaire Rathdown CC Offices
  • Collectables Toy Fair - 6 October at The Clarion Hotel (in the Pegasus Suite), Liffey Valley, Dublin 22
  • SDMRC Model Railway Exhibition - 26 to 28 October at Blackrock College, Dublin
The models will be limited to 1000 certificated pieces across both versions and will also be available by mail order for those unable to get to any of the above events. The models are priced 45 Euros each plus postage & packing.
Further details and photographs of the pre-production sample models can be found on the www.briancollinsenterprises.ie site.

Both versions carry the standard Dublin Bus blue & yellow livery and feature vehicle VG33 (registration 09-D-2122)
The dual destination options and production quantities of each will be:
CP41231A Dublin Bus (Route 4 Harristown) - Volvo B9TL Wright Eclipse Gemini Double Deck Bus - 600 Pieces
CP41231B Dublin Bus (Route 83 Kimmage) - Volvo B9TL Wright Eclipse Gemini Double Deck Bus - 400 Pieces

Monday 22 July
Six New EFE Models Announced
EFE's latest trade release sheet lists four previously unannounced models along with the first photographs of two models previously mentioned in the subscriber's newsletter. All the models have projected release dates of either August or September.
Cat No. 16135
Vehicle Leyland PD2 Highbridge Double Deck Bus
Operator Accrington Corporation Transport
Fleet No. 127
Registration NTD 589
Route 4 Accrington
Expected September
Cat No. 20455
Vehicle Bristol VRT Series II Double Deck Bus
Operator Southern Vectis N.B.C.
Fleet No. 657
Registration ODL 657R
Route 16 Ryde Esplanade
Expected September
Cat No. 22518
Vehicle Alexander Y Type Coach
Operator West Riding N.B.C.
Fleet No. 269
Registration GHD 416G
Route X12 Manchester
Expected August
Cat No. 28907
Vehicle GM Standard Atlantean Double Decker
Operator Flyde Borough Transport
Fleet No. 88
Registration EBV 88S
Route 11A Blackpool via St Annes
Expected September
Cat No. 29509
Vehicle Plaxton Panorama Coach (Bristol Dome)
Operator Eastern Counties
Fleet No. RE 860
Registration CAH 860K
Route E London
Expected August
Cat No. 35804
Vehicle Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer I (1 Door)
Operator Badgerline
Fleet No. --
Registration P264 PAE
Route 352 Weston Super Mare
Expected August
Courtesy of EFE, a scan of the latest trade order sheet.
Trade Order Sheet July 2013 Scan

Thursday 18 July
Confirmed Britbus Release
This long outstanding Britbus model has finally been released today in the UK.

LLB10 East Midlands (red/white livery - route 1)- Leyland Lowlander Double Deck Bus
Thanks goes to both

and

for confirming this release.

Tuesday 16 July
Confirmed & Next OOC Releases
The following OOC models have now been released by Corgi.

OM46306A Blackpool Transport (Blackpool destination) - AEC RM Class Routemaster - 500 Pieces
OM46306B Blackpool Transport (St Annes destination) - AEC RM Class Routemaster - 500 Pieces

The Yardley Wood Bus Club report that the following models will be the next OOC releases and are due during the week ending August 3rd.

OM40819A West Yorkshire (Route 43 Scarborough) - Bristol Lodekka FS - 500 Pieces
OM40819B West Yorkshire (Route 36 Leeds) - Bristol Lodekka FS - 500 Pieces
Information kindly supplied by


Monday 15 July
Three Confirmed B-T Model Releases
The following B-T Models have now been released.

B105A West Riding (route 82 Hemsworth)- Bristol Lodekka LD1 Double Deck Bus
B105B West Riding (route 58 Wakefield)- Bristol Lodekka LD1 Double Deck Bus

Also released is this previously unannounced item which has RRP of £1.99.

T01 British Road Service - Drawbar Trailer
Information kindly supplied by


Sunday 14 July
Modelzone Stores Set To Close
Deloitte, who are handling the administration of Modelzone have announced they are now consulting staff and drawing up plans for the closure of all the chain's stores. Closing down sales are expected to be launched across the stores which are expected to shut over the coming weeks.

Although it was reported several parties had expressed an interest in buying the business, the administrators have been unable to find a buyer for the retail business.
Over 350 jobs are at risk unless a last minute rescue can be secured.

Wednesday 10 July
Two Albion Nimbus Kits From Little Bus Co
LBC Models t/a the Little Bus Company have advised that the following additional model kit will be added to this year's planned range.

Kit AN4 which will be released in the late Summer features a Willowbrook bodied Albion Nimbus which is based on six vehicles supplied to Devon General in 1958. (Fleet Nos: SN838-843 - Registration Nos: XTA 838-843).
However very similar vehicles were also used by Booth & Fisher, Great Yarmouth Transport etc.

Kit AN4: Willowbrook bodied Albion Nimbus

LBC are currently taking pre-orders for this kit which will be priced £35.00 plus P&P (see below) when released, no payment is however required until the kit is available to dispatch. Final production numbers will be based on pre-orders received, so if this model is of interest to you then a pre-order is highly advisable.

Just released by LBC is the re-issue of the Harrington bodied Albion Nimbus, again this is based on a batch of vehicles supplied to Devon General in 1962. (Fleet Nos: SN957-9 - Registration Nos: 957-9 HTT) Similar vehicles were also used by Maidstone & District as well as a number of smaller independent operators.
The kit AN3 is available now for £35.00 plus P&P which is £3.50 for up to four kits or £7.00 for 5 kits & over.

Kit AN3: Harrington bodied Albion Nimbus

Cheques should be made payable to LBC Models Ltd and sent to:
LBC Models Ltd,
6 Appleyard,
Haworth Close,
Halifax,
West Yorkshire HX1 2NN


 website: www.little-bus.com
 Phone: 01422 301600

Devon General Transfers suitable for both of these models form part of the DG range which is available from Sunrise Transfers. Further details can be found at www.sunrisetransfers.com.

Wednesday 10 July Updated 12 July
Confirmed B-T Models Releases
The following B-T Models have now been released.

B016A Wallace Arnold (SWW 142R)- Leyland Leopard Duple Dominant II Coach
B016B Wallace Arnold/Evan Evans (SWW 130R) - Leyland Leopard Duple Dominant II Coach

Also released are the following 1/76 scale lorries>

DA59 Hine Brothers Ringwood - AEC Mercury Articulated Low Loader
DA62 British Rail (dark green) - Leyland FG Crewbus
Information kindly supplied by


Wednesday 10 July
Confirmed EFE Releases
The following EFE models have now been released.

17310 Southend Transport (route 23) - Long Leyland National Mark I
24820 First Hampshire & Dorset - Mercedes Benz 609 Plaxton Minibus


TTC Diecast have also advised that they have just taken delivery of the latest Resin Specialest model, the London Transport FRM1 on route 284 to Potters Bar Station and that these are selling extremely well.
Information kindly supplied by

Sunday 7 July
Next EFE Releases
The following EFE models are due to be released during the week ending the 13th July.

17310 Southend Transport (route 23) - Long Leyland National Mark I
24820 First Hampshire & Dorset - Mercedes Benz 609 Plaxton Minibus
Information kindly supplied by


Sunday 7 July
Model Complaints
I've received a couple of emails recently complaining about models they have purchased which have wheels that rub on model's body.
Firstly these complaints have been sent without an email reply address from the contact pages on the site. If an email address isn't entered in the box provided on these pages then I have no way of knowing where to send any reply! I run this site in my spare time & don't have time to make contact by phone in regards to these issues either unfortunately.
Secondly I'm not a model retailer or the manufacturer of any of the models featured on the site, it's clearly stated on the home pages for the four manufacturer dedicated sites that these are "unofficial sites".
If you are unhappy with the quality of a model purchased I would advise you either contact the retailer from whom you purchased it or the original model manufacturer. There are links to the manufacturer's official sites HERE which include contact details.

Thursday 4 July
New Irish Bus Kit Announced By Sunrise Models
Sunrise Models have announced they will be producing a new kit of a 1937/8 GNR Gardner single deck bus built by the Great Northern Railway of Ireland in it's Dundalk Works.


Sunrise have produced the following flyer for the kit which is due to be released later this year.


Further details about the Sunrise Model range can be found on the Sunrise Models Page.

Tuesday 2 July
Confirmed OOC Releases
The following OOC models have now been released by Corgi.

OM46407A National Express St Georges Flag (Bury destination) - Caetano Levante Coach - 900 Pieces
OM46407B National Express St Georges Flag (London destination) - Caetano Levante Coach - 900 Pieces

 June 2013  Model Bus Zone News Index August 2013