| Model Bus Zone News October 2011 |
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| September 2011 | Model Bus Zone News Index | November 2011 |
| Click the links to view the further details related to the News item. |
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| Filter Content: Atlas Editions B-T Models Britbus CMNL EFE OOC Other |
Friday 28 October |
| Three Future Atlas Edition Models |
| John Bennett has sent me details of three more of the planned models in the Atlas Editions Great British Buses Collection. GBB22 Hants & Dorset NBC (poppy red & white livery) - Bedford VAL with Plaxton Panorama Coach Fleet No.: 2051 - Registration: CCG 704C - Destination: Excursion GBB23 Blackpool (1930's livery) - Blackpool Brush Railcoach Tram Fleet No.: 284 - Destination: Pleasure Beach / Promenade GBB24 St Helens Corporation Transport (red & cream livery) - AEC Regent V East Lancs Double Deck Bus Fleet No.: X199 - Registration: KDJ 399 - Destination: 309 Southport via Burtonwood & Winwick Road |
Friday 28 October |
| Four Confirmed EFE Releases |
The following standard issue models have now been released by EFE and should be available from the normal outlets.   13917 Fife Scottish - Bristol Lodekka FLF Double Deck Bus 15110 SELNEC P.T.E. - Long Leyland National Mark I Dual Door 26807 Barton Transport - Leyland Tiger Duple Half Cab Coach EFE have also posted out the second of the two special models to members of their subscription service who order it.  18614 Cornish Fairways NBC - Bristol VR Series III Open Top Bus |
Tuesday 25 October |
| Two EFE Model Releases |
The following EFE models have now been released.
The London Bus Preservation Trust released it's planned commissioned RF model at it's first special event at the new Brooklands Museum last Sunday. 23320A London Transport (RF505 / route 215) - AEC RF Single Deck Bus The first of the two EFE Subscriber models is now being posted out to members who placed orders.  30512A Nostalgiabus (7 / route 416) - Guy GS Single Deck Bus |
Monday 24 October |
| Commissioned EFE Tube Train Set |
| The London Transport Museum is now taking orders for a four carriage 1938 Tube Stock set which depicts the Museum's own preserved & operational 4 car set. The models will wear a the maroon & grey livery and carry Metropolitan Line destinations for Amersham.  The individually boxed models will be supplied in a special decorative sleeve and are priced £150.00 per set plus post & packaging. You can place orders by visiting the Museum's on-line Shop. This set was originally announced by the Museum back in 2009 but has been delayed until now. |
Thursday 20 October |
| Confirmed Release Of Two B-T Models |
The following pair of B-T Models have now been released and should be available from retailers. DA25 BRS Airdale - Albion CX5 Three Axle Flatbed  DA26 BRS Parcels Bradford - Bristol HG Four Axle Box Van A pre-production photograph of the recently announced Duple Dominant coach (B004) in Brighton & Hove National White livery has been released by John Ayrey.  B004 Brighton & Hove / National - Leyland Leopard Duple Dominant II Coach |
Thursday 20 October |
| CMNL: UK Release Update |
News Release: CMNL UK Release Update Details of production CMNL has now released its ALX400 model ukbus 1049 in the livery of Stagecoach Manchester MagicBus and, by the time this appears in print, the models should be available at UK retailers. The next model that should be available during October is the 2011 Lathalmodel model ukbus 0037 in the Tayway livery of Stagecoach Strathtay. During September 6 different models have been released in pre-production form for approval by operators. This represents an equal number to those made available in the previous 8 months of 2011. Factory staff shortages The factories used by CMNL are still facing the dual problems of having many orders awaiting completion and a backlog of orders combined with a difficulty of recruiting sufficient workers meeting the skill standards required to assemble the many small parts of the models. It is likely to be late in November before a clearer picture of the release order and possible dates for final production can be provided for the many models that have been approved for production, with the exception of the three that are expected for production during December. Models with expected December release dates Details of three models that are expected to be completed in December are as follows : ukbus 1053 is an ALX400 in the attractive blue and silver livery of Ensignbus. This will feature bus number 103 (V479 KJN) and the model will carry destination Belhus Lakeside via Grays Bus Station on service 22. Both ukbus 9009 and ukbus 9010 are Scania OmniCity double-deckers. ukbus 9009 is a single door version working in the National Express West Midlands fleet and the replica will portray the blue, red and white livery. The model will represent fleet number 4780 (BU08 EHZ) on route 115 to Sutton Coldfield via Walmley. ukbus 9010 is a dual-door model which will carry Stagecoach London colour with special `Scania 100 Years' special decorations. The all-red London bus model will represent fleet number 15174 (LX10 AUJ) on route 48 to London Bridge. The World's Miniature Bus Co. |
Tuesday 18 October |
| Photographs Of Future B-T Models |
| B-T Models have released photographs showing another of the forthcoming OO scale lorries and the eight N scale lorries announced last week. OO Scale  DA28 - Mothers Pride - Leyland FG Van N Scale (Some of the photographs show the earlier OO versions)  N001 - British Railways - Leyland FG Flatbed  N002 - BRS Argyll Group - Albion CX7 Flatbed  N003 - British Railways - Karrier Bantam Articulated Flatbed  N004 - BRS - Bouts Tillotson - Foden DG Flatbed  N005 - James Spencer - Albion CX7 Flatbed  N006 - Kosset Carpets - Leyland FG Van  N007 - British Railways - Karrier Bantam Articulated Flatbed  N008 - Mothers Pride - Leyland FG Van |
Monday 17 October |
| Next EFE Releases |
| The following three models are scheduled for release during the week ending the 29th October. 13917 Fife Scottish - Bristol Lodekka FLF Double Deck Bus 15110 SELNEC P.T.E. - Long Leyland National Mark I Dual Door 26807 Barton Transport - Leyland Tiger Duple Half Cab Coach |
Release Information kindly supplied by  |
The following commissioned EFE model is due to be released on Sunday 23rd October at the first special event at the new London Bus Museum (formerly Cobham Bus Museum). Further details about the model and the open day can be found on the Museum's new website at www.londonbusmuseum.com. 23320A London Transport (RF505 / route 215) - AEC RF Single Deck Bus The Museum have announced that next year's annual Spring Bus & Coach Gathering will be returning to the Wisely Airfield venue but will be held later than normal on Sunday 29th April 2012. |
Friday 14 October |
| Ten New B-T Models Announced & New N Scale Range |
| John Ayrey Diecasts have announced another batch of models which includes three further liveries for the forthcoming Duple Dominant Coach and seven lorry models. There are no photographs or estimated release dates for any of the models as yet. B004 Brighton & Hove - Duple Dominant II Coach B005 Lothian Coaches - Duple Dominant II Coach B006 Crosville N.B.C. - Duple Dominant II Coach DA29 West Riding Library Service - Leyland FG Mobile Library DA30 Hovis Bread - Leyland Terrier Van DA31 British Railways Railfreight - Leyland FG Van DA32 Russell of Bathgate - Leyland Mastiff Articulated Flatbed DA33 Peter Slater - Leyland Albion Reiver Bulk Tipper DA34 BRS Parcels Service - Ford D Series Articulated Box Van DA35 Dalmore Distillery - Commer Flatbed John Ayrey have also indicated that the following pair of models are due for imminent release. DA25 BRS Airdale - Albion CX5 Three Axle Flatbed DA26 BRS Parcels Bradford - Bristol HG Four Axle Box Van B-T Models are also moving in to N Scale (1/148th) and have announced eight lorry models. These will have a SRP of £4.99 or £5.49 for the artics. N001 - British Railways - Leyland FG Flatbed N002 - BRS Argyll Group - Albion CX7 Flatbed N003 - British Railways - Karrier Bantam Articulated Flatbed N004 - BRS - Bouts Tillotson - Foden DG Flatbed N005 - James Spencer - Albion CX7 Flatbed N006 - Kosset Carpets - Leyland FG Van N007 - British Railways - Karrier Bantam Articulated Flatbed N008 - Mothers Pride - Leyland FG Van |
Thursday 13 October |
| Photographs of EFE Models Announced At Acton |
| EFE have kindly supplied photographs of the new models which they exhibited at the Acton Open Weekend. They have also supplied photographs of the first shots of the new Bristol VR I casting.   The following seven new models made their public debut at Acton, three of them were previously mentioned in the newsletter posted out to EFE subscribers earlier this month. Please bear in mind that the photographs & specification shown below relate to the early pre-production samples and may still be subject to change. |
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Wednesday 12 October |
| Confirmed EFE Releases |
The following models have now been released by EFE & Corgi.   16227 Royal Blue/Southern National - Bristol MW/LS Coach 17227 Hants & Dorset - Long Leyland National Mark I Single Door 30711 Greater Manchester PTE - AEC Renown Bus |
Wednesday 12 October |
| Confirmed OOC Releases |
 OM46305A London Transport (Shillibeer/route 2B Crystal Palace) - AEC Routemaster (600 Pieces) OM46305B London Transport (Shillibeer/route 2B Victoria) - AEC Routemaster (600 Pieces) |
Monday 10 October |
| EFE Announces New Models At Acton |
| EFE had a number of previously unannounced model samples on display at the Acton Depot Open Weekend. Barry Sullivan has sent details of the following models he spotted along with some photographs he took. First shots of the new flat fronted VR & Bristol RE Alexander Y Type were also on display.  15807 SMT (route 12 to Bathgate) - Leyland PD1 Lowbridge 16012 East Yorkshire (destination Hull) - Leyland PD2 Lowbridge  29011 Strathtay Scottish (SD 17 / LJA476P / route 74 to Invergowrie) - Daimler Fleetline / Northern Counties  31507 London Transport RM2105 (ALM105B) on route 3 to Camden Town - AEC Routemaster RM Barry has also provided more details for a couple of the models listed in the last subscribers newsletter. 18613 Arriva Wales (3992 / YMB512W / route 101 to Rhyl) - Bristol VRT Series III Open Top (the model can be seen in the background of the photograph of 29011 above) 31506 Strathtay (route 75 to Carnoustie / Similar blue & orange livery to 29011) - AEC Routemaster RM 35502 Russell of Bathgate with new load of three large pipe sections - ERF KV 4 Axle Flatbed The pair of commissioned Southdown 36' BET Single Deck Bus models, 35301A & 35301B, were both released by the Museum at the event as planned. (See my 4th October news item below for more details) Both models can now also be ordered via the Collectors Club section on the Museum's website. |
Thursday 6 October |
| Two Confirmed OOC Releases |
The following models have now been released by Corgi. 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) |
Thursday 6 October |
| Next EFE Releases |
| The following three models are scheduled for release during the week ending the 15th October. 16227 Royal Blue/Southern National - Bristol MW/LS Coach 17227 Hants & Dorset - Long Leyland National Mark I Single Door 30711 Greater Manchester PTE - AEC Renown Bus |
| Release Information kindly supplied by |
Wednesday 5 October |
| Confirmed Base Toys Release |
The following model has now been released in the UK. DA24 Lincoln Shackleton & Sons - Leyland Comet 2 Axle Flatbed with Forklift Truck Load |
Tuesday 4 October |
| Latest EFE Subscriber's Newsletter |
| The 8th Subscriber Newsletter of 2011 arrived today from EFE. There is an interesting piece by Frank Joyce about some of the costs involved in producing the models. When talking with model collectors I am often asked questions about the mould tooling, the materials used in making our models and how the decoration is achieved. With the current situation of the World economy and the pressures on manufacturing and market sales it might be of interest for subscribers to know some of the ways we are affected. Advances in Computer Aided Design and manufacturing over the past years has slightly reduced lead times but hardly affected the mould tooling costs. To reduce tooling costs some model companies have come away from die cast and are producing models in plastic and resin and although this reduces tooling costs it creates its own problems and time will tell if these are as collectable. Manufacturers in China are under pressure implementing statutory welfare reforms, significantly reducing the workforce, and closing many factories resulting in a lack of manufacturing capacity, which has pushed prices up. On top of this the Pound has lost over a third of its value against the Hong Kong Dollar. At home, the pressure on personal finances has reduced model sales causing us to make smaller quantities and this seriously affects the unit cost. If for instance the cost of artworks, print plates and mask spray plates is £2500 and we make 2500 models it adds £1 to the manufacturing cost of each model if however we only make 1000 models it adds £2.50. To make our models of interest to the widest audience we like to include models of some small local and municipal operators, which obviously have less general appeal and if we make only 600 pieces then it could add over £4 to the cost of each model. In this environment it is not surprising that all companies are struggling to maintain product prices against spiralling costs and supply issues. Details & order forms for following pair of subscriber exclusive models have been included with this posting, the VR is priced £27 while the GS is £28. |
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| Frank & Brenda Joyce will be attending the London Transport Museum's Acton Depot Open Days this coming weekend (8 & 9 October). They will have a selection new & forthcoming model samples on display and if the first shots of the new flat fronted VR I & II arrive in time these will also be exhibited. A small scrap yard of models will also be available on each day of the event. The Museum's recently released Green Line Prototype Set 15A and the following pair of specially commissioned EFE models will be available from the Museum Shop during the event. |
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New Models Announced Briefly mentioned in the newsletter are these three new models. 18613 Arriva Wales - Bristol VR III Open Top 35502 Russell of Bathgate - ERF KV 4 Axle Flatbed 31506 Strathtay - AEC RM Class Routemaster |
Courtesy of EFE, a PDF version of the latest Release Sheet plus smaller scans of the latest release sheets  Click Here for PDF Version (4.3mb) |
Saturday 1 October |
| Revell London Bus Kit |
| Some photographs of the early pre-production sample of the kit have been published on the Revell Germany website. There is still some work to be done regarding the fit of some parts but the model looks quite promising and will include full engine detailing, vertical & seat back grab rails and a fully detailed drivers cab. The sample model also has the side advertising beading that was applied to buses during the final years of operation in the capital. Revell are also planning to release a 1/24 scale kit of a London FX4 Black Cab to compliment the Routemaster. The 1/24 scale RML kit is scheduled for release in November and has an RRP of around £35.  |
Saturday 1 October |
| OOC Release Update |
Corgi has announced the release date for another pair of OOC models. The following models are due to be released during the week ending the 12th November. OM41113A West Yorkshire PTE (Bradford Metro / Route 16) - Leyland PD3A East Lancs Double Deck Bus (500 Pieces #) OM41113B West Yorkshire PTE (Bradford Metro / Route 25) - Leyland PD3A East Lancs Double Deck Bus (500 Pieces) A reminder of the OOC models scheduled for release during October. 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 #) Week Ending 15th October. OM46305A London Transport (Shillibeer/route 2B Crystal Palace) - AEC Routemaster (600 Pieces #) OM46305B London Transport (Shillibeer/route 2B Victoria) - AEC Routemaster (600 Pieces #) (# these models are reported as sold out by Corgi with all stock now allocated to retailers) |
| September 2011 | Model Bus Zone News Index | November 2011 |