Model Bus Zone News
September 2011
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Wednesday 28 September - 2nd posting
Three Confirmed EFE Releases
The following models have now been released by EFE.

14406 Southern Vectis - Short Leyland National Mark I
35005 British Steel Corporation - AEC Mark V Articulated Flatbed
35305 Southdown - Long BET 6 Bay Single Deck Bus

Wednesday 28 September
Confirmed LT Museum Release
The following EFE Gift Set is now being mailed out to customers by the London Transport Museum.

Bus Set 15A Green Line Prototypes.

The set contains the following pair of models which are individually packaged in standard EFE boxes, these are in turn packaged in a special card box with artwork & vehicles histories relating to the models.

35902 Green Line (route 715) - Prototype Routemaster Coach CRL4

35703 Green Line (route 711) - AEC Reliance Willowbrook 4 Bay BET Coach

The Museum is still awaiting stock of the second set "Green Line Routemasters" (15B) containing the same RMC prototype & a RCL model.

Monday 26 September
New 1/72 Scale Atlas Editions RTW
Atlas Editions have released a London Transport RTW model in Germany, like the Great British Buses Partwork available here in the UK, this German model is part of a similar series of models.

What's surprising however is that this latest RTW is in fact a completely new 1/72nd scale model rather than the existing OOC tooling.
It has to be said that both models appear vary similar at first glance although the German model is slightly larger and on closer inspection has a number of minor differences such a wider window pillars on the front.
A different construction method sees the rear and off-side front mudguards combined into the main body casting rather than the baseplate as per the OOC version. It also appears to be more detailed with extra features such as cast running number and garage code holders on the sides and brackets for a slip board in the front near-side window. Finally Unlike the UK Atlas versions this model has both front indicators and driving mirrors.

Barrie Davis has supplied the following photographs of the model, it should be noted that all the models appear to have been produced with red mudguards instead of black and that the models in this partwork series are only currently being offered to German citizens by Atlas Editions.

Friday 23 September
Confirmed Base Toys Releases
The following Base Toys items have now been released to retailers in the UK.

D-96 National Benzole - Leyland Super Comet Twin Axle Tanker


L09 Folded Wagon Sheets


L10 Steel Rods Load

Thursday 22 September
New Diecast Model Range
Derek Perry has contacted with details of a new range of Birmingham City Transport models which he is developing and which will be marketed by his new company Forward Models.
Two different castings are currently being tooled and five models based on these are set for release towards the end of this year.
Both models will feature the famous Birmingham Standard double deck body, one will depict a Crossley vehicle with traditional exposed radiator while the second will be based on a "New Look" concealed radiator Guy Arab.

      NGS-xx - New Look Guy Arab Standard

The first pair of models are being produced for the Aston Manor & Wythall Transport Museums and proceeds from the sale of these will help to fund the restoration the real Standards kept at each Museum.

The remaining three examples will go on general sale and will be available from both Forward Models & selected retailers. The models have a RRP of £36.50 however Forward Models are offering £100 bonds to collectors, these will help fund the development of the models. In return the bond holders will receive a £10 model discount voucher per bond and be entitled to claim a 10% discount on future releases.
Further details can be found at www.forwardmodels.net.

CLICK HERE to view the model order form. (PDF format)

The identity of five vehicles to be modelled has been decided but route details have yet to be finalised.
Cat No. Fleet Name (Operator Legal Name) Fleet No. Registration Notes
NGS Series - New Look Guy Arab (Tin Front)
EC Series - Crossley Exposed Radiator

Wednesday 21 September
Details of Eight New EFE Models Announced
EFE have released details and photographs of eight new models which have been briefly mentioned in recent Subscriber's newsletters.

Click the thumbnails to view high-res pictures or the ref no. link for normal sized versions.
Cat No. 13917
Vehicle Bristol FLF Lodekka
Operator Fife Scottish
Fleet No. FRD 154
Registration 7402 SP
Route 314 Ballingry
Expected October
Cat No. 15110
Vehicle Long Leyland National Mk I (2 Door)
Operator SELNEC P.T.E.
Fleet No. EX 30
Registration TXJ507K
Route 94 Piccadilly
Expected October
Cat No. 16227
Vehicle Bristol MW/LS Coach
Operator Royal Blue (Southern National)
Fleet No. 2213
Registration VDV 776
Route Torquay Salisbury Exeter
Expected October
Cat No. 17227
Vehicle Long Leyland National Mk I (1 Door)
Operator Hants & Dorset N.B.C.
Fleet No. 3643
Registration GLJ 679N
Route X70 Gosport
Expected October
Cat No. 20452
Vehicle Bristol VR Series III
Operator Ribble N.B.C.
Fleet No. 2010
Registration CBV 10S
Cargo 215 Bolton Astley Bridge
Expected November
Cat No. 28820
Vehicle Leyland Titan
Operator Blue Triangle
Fleet No. T908
Registration A908 SYE
Route 474 East Beckton Asda
Expected November
Cat No. 29627
Vehicle Leyland Olympian Bus
Operator Devon General
Fleet No. 1804
Registration A680 KDV
Cargo X80 Plymouth
Expected November
Cat No. 35207
Vehicle 36' 6 Bay BET Bus (Single Lamps)
Operator Stratford Blue
Fleet No. 60
Registration CWD 33C
Route 90A Stratford Upon Avon via Snitterfield
Expected November
You can view the trade release sheet at


Monday 19 September
Next EFE Releases
The following three models are due to be released during the week ending the 1st October.

14406 Southern Vectis - Short Leyland National Mark I
35005 British Steel Corporation - AEC Mark V Articulated Flatbed
35305 Southdown - Long BET 6 Bay Single Deck Bus
Release Information kindly supplied by


Friday 16 September
Confirmed Atlas Editions Release
Atlas Editions has been dispatching the following model to customers in the past week.

GBB19 Leeds City Transport - Crossley DD42 Double Deck Bus

Friday 16 September
OOC Shillibeer Routemasters Due in October
Corgi has announced that the pair of Shillibeer Routemaster models are scheduled to be released during the week ending the 15 October.

OM46305A London Transport (Shillibeer/route 2B Crystal Palace) - AEC Routemaster - 600 Pieces
OM46305B London Transport (Shillibeer/route 2B Victoria) - AEC Routemaster - 600 Pieces

Wednesday 14 September
Confirmed Base Toys Releases
The following models have now been released to retailers in UK.

DA17 British Railways - Leyland FG Box Van.


DA20 BRS - Guildford - Dodge Kew Articulated Flatbed


DA21 Wilkinsons - Leyland Boxer Van


DA23 BRS - Dixon Bool, Cardiff - Leyland Beaver Articulated Flatbed

Wednesday 14 September
Five Confirmed EFE Releases
& A Showbus Rally Reminder
EFE have now released the following four models.

26411 S.H.M.D. Board - Daimler Utility Double Deck Bus
26624 Brighton & Hove - Plaxton Paramount 3500 Coach
33702 Steventon / Royal Venton - ERF KV 2 Axle Boxvan Lorry
34106 London Transport (Green / route 803) - AEC RT Double Deck Bus

The London Transport Museum is now dispatching the latest EFE commission to customers who place an order for the model. The RLH model is still available to order via the Museum's recently launched Collectors Club section on their website.

34205A London Transport (Green / route 336) - AEC RLH Double Deck Bus

TTC Showbus International Rally
A reminder that the annual Showbus International Rally takes place at Duxford this coming Sunday (18th September), EFE are no longer sponsoring the event and as a result they won't be attending or have their display marque present this year.

New Showbus sponsors TTC Diecasts are expected to announced details of eight new resin models which they plan to bring to the market during 2011/2, they hope to have at least two pre-production samples on display at the event and will also be selling a special version of the Jotus resin London Transport FRM with side advertisements marking relating to the event.

Unfortunately due family commitments I'm unable to attend the event this year, the first one I've missed since 1980!
If anyone is able to supply details &/or photographs relating to the new resin models, or any other model related items at the event, they'd be very much appreciated.

Finally here hoping the weather will be kind to the organisers and all those attending Duxford on Sunday.

Tuesday 13 September
Confirmed OOC Releases
Corgi have now released the following models.

OM46211A Greyhound ‘Sweet Caroline’ (Swansea) - Scania Irizar PB Coach (500 pieces)
OM46211B Greyhound ‘Sweet Caroline’ (Cardiff) - Scania Irizar PB Coach (500 pieces)

Monday 12 September
Details of Future Atlas Editions Models
John Bennett has kindly passed on details of several future models planned for the Atlas Editions Great British Bus Series.
It must be stressed that the details shown below are described as work in progress by Atlas and may be subject to change.

The release of the Balloon Tram GBB13 has been deferred due to technical difficulties.
Ref No.
Thumbnail
Vehicle Operator Fleet No. Registration Route & Destination
No further details have been given for models GBB22-24 in the series and another Blackpool Balloon Tram (Corgi Ref: CP43514) has recently appeared on the Premium Models page on the Corgi website. 2000 pieces have been produced and it is described by Corgi as a Atlas Editions Partworks test product for UK territory. This version carries a different livery to that intended for GBB13 listed above.
It's not yet known what Atlas intend to use these models for or how examples can be obtained by collectors.

CP43514

Saturday 10 September
Latest EFE Newsletter
The 7th newsletter & release sheet of the year arrived this morning.

Tooling Update
Mould tooling is now underway and the next shots expected to be received by EFE are those for the Alexander Y type bus with alternative entrance door and bus style seats. The Multi windowed version of the Y type and Bristol RE coach version will follow as this involves a more difficult tooling change.
The first shots of the Bristol VR I & flat fronted VR II are expected in two weeks time and it's hoped images will be available in time for the next newsletter mailing.

Unfortunately much to EFE's frustration the production of the Single Deck Routemaster has slipped and it looks like they will now dock at the end of October.

Forthcoming Models
There are six new models listed in the latest newsletter but no further details are provided.
16227 Bristol MW/LS - Royal Blue Southern National
13917 Bristol FLF Lodekka - Fife Scottish
17227 Leyland National Mark I Long (Single Door)- Hants & Dorset
35207 BET 36ft 6 Bay Coach - Stratford Blue
29627 Leyland Olympian - Devon General
15110 Leyland National Mark I Long (Dual Door) - SELNEC P.T.E.

Subscriber Specials
EFE is to produce two specials for it's subscriber members, order forms and photographs are to be included with the next newsletter.
18614 Bristol VRT III Open Top - Cornish Fairways N.B.C.
  Fleet no. 943 named Ark Royal, Registration VDV143S on route 569 to Pendennis Point.
30512A Guy GS Special - NostalgiaBus
  Fleet No. 7, Registration MXX 367 on route 416 to Polesden Lacey.

Metrobus 98004
EFE are offering their subscribers the chance to purchase a special version of the 1/24 scale MCW Metrobus Mark I in Metroline livery. The model 98004 features a bus from Willesden Garage and carries blinds for routes 6 to Aldwych, 52 to Victoria, 266 to Hammersmith and 302 to Notting Hill Gate. A batch of these models were produced exclusively for Metroline and have never been offered to the public before. EFE have just 12 models left and have asked subscriber's to contact them if they are interested in purchasing an example.

Details of how to join the EFE Subscription Service can be found on the official Exclusive First Editions Site.

Proposed Late September Releases
The following models are expected to be released towards the end of this month.

14406 Southern Vectis - Short Leyland National Mark I
26807 Barton Transport - Leyland Tiger Duple Half Cab Coach
35005 British Stell Corporation - AEC Mark V Articulated Flatbed Lorry
35305 Southdown - BET 36ft 6 Bay Dual Purpose Coach
Courtesy of EFE, a PDF version of the latest Release Sheet plus smaller Scans of the latest release sheets
Release Sheet Issue 7 2011 Scan  East Yorkshire Fleet Focus Part 2
Click Here for PDF Version (4.4mb)

Friday 9 September
Base Toys Releases
John Ayrey Die-casts are indicating that the following Base Toys models are due for imminent release.

DA17 British Railways - Leyland FG Box Van.


DA20 BRS - Guildford - Dodge Kew Articulated Flatbed


DA21 Wilkinsons - Leyland Boxer Van


DA23 BRS - Dixon Bool, Cardiff - Leyland Beaver Articulated Flatbed

A photograph has now been released of the following model that was announced last month.

DA27 Pickfords - Leyland Mastiff Lowloader with Forklift cargo (circ 1971-1981)

Friday 9 September
Confirmed OOC Releases
Corgi released the following models this week.

OM41225A National Express West Midlands (5 Birmingham) - Wright Gemini Eclipse (600 pieces #)
OM41225B National Express West Midlands (5 Solihull Station) - Wright Gemini Eclipse (600 pieces #)


OM42412A Western Welsh (Brighton & Teignmouth) - Plaxton Panorama Mark I Coach (340 pieces #)
OM42412B Western Welsh (Royal Ascot) - Plaxton Panorama Mark I Coach (460 pieces)

Corgi has announced that the following OOC models are due to be released during the week ending 8th October.

OM45122A London Transport Wandle (109 Croydon) - MCW Metrobus Mark I (500 pieces #)
OM45122B London Transport Wandle (109 Trafalgar Square) - MCW Metrobus Mark I (500 pieces #)
(# these models are reported as sold out by Corgi with all stock now allocated to retailers)

Monday 5 September
OOC Releases Update
Corgi released the following model last week.

OM46112 Shearings Holidays - Plaxton Panther Coach

A reminder of the other OOC releases expected this month:
Week Ending September 10th

OM41225A National Express West Midlands (5 Birmingham) - Wright Gemini Eclipse (600 pieces #)
OM41225B National Express West Midlands (5 Solihull Station) - Wright Gemini Eclipse (600 pieces #)


OM42412A Western Welsh (Brighton & Teignmouth) - Plaxton Panorama Mark I Coach (340 pieces #)
OM42412B Western Welsh (Royal Ascot) - Plaxton Panorama Mark I Coach (460 pieces)

Week Ending September 17th

OM46211A Greyhound ‘Sweet Caroline’ (Swansea) - Scania Irizar PB Coach (500 pieces #)
OM46211B Greyhound ‘Sweet Caroline’ (Cardiff) - Scania Irizar PB Coach (500 pieces #)
(# these models are reported as sold out by Corgi with all stock now allocated to retailers)

EFE Models For Acton Depot Open Weekend
Details of the next open weekend at the London Transport Museum's Acton Depot have been published on the Museum's website. Among the various attractions planned are two special EFE commissions which will be launched at the event.

The models in question will feature a pair of BET 36ft single deck buses in Southdown apple & cream livery, one will be on route 79 to Crawley while the other will be on route 76 to Gossops Green. The models will be priced £33.99 and will be available at the event which takes place over the weekend of the 8 & 9 October.

Any surplus models left after the event are likely to be offered to members of the Museum Shop's recently lunched Collectors Club.

Friday 2 September
CMNL Press Release: UKBUS1049
CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD - PRESS RELEASE

ukbus 1049 Alexander Dennis ALX400-bodied Trident
Stagecoach Manchester – Magic Bus

CMNL is proud to release another brand new livery on its well-known casting – the Alexander Dennis ALX400-bodied Trident. This is ukbus 1049 carrying Magic Bus livery.

This model features Stagecoach Manchester 17647 (W647 RND) in Magic Bus livery.
“LOW FARES” and “GREAT VALUE” were the slogans of the Magic Bus services operated by Stagecoach. ukbus 1049 is the second Magic Bus model produced by CMNL. The first one is hkbus 2006, a 11-metre tri-axle Leyland Olympian / Alexander R-type coach model, produced in November 2005.

Having operated in service with Stagecoach Manchester for many years, 17647 was repainted to Magic Bus colours in early 2010 representing the Magic Bus service entering into a new achievement by using all low-floor buses in the city.

The replica features excellent detailing, inside and out. This is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. The model has no unnecessary metal poles to hold it together.

The brand new ukbus 1049 model is based on a Limited Edition of 804 pieces produced. They will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Transit Graphics (Australia), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), cnmycar.com (P.R. China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively.

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)
------
The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

 August 2011  Model Bus Zone News Index October 2011