MBF Introduction
Established in 1968, the Model Bus Federation is the oldest and best known society for bus modelling across the world.

The MBF caters for all model buses, no matter what scale, or whether they are kits, scratch built or ready-built models. Indeed, its members' models come in just about every shape, size and colour imaginable. However, they all have one thing in common - they are models which appeal to the modellers themselves.

The Model Bus Journal and Fictional Fleet Operator’s Supplement
All members receive a monthly 32-page glossy, professionally produced colour magazine 'The Model Bus Journal', containing a wide variety of member articles covering models & model collections, reviews of both kits & ready assembled models along with news of newly announced models & recent releases.

Reports from the latest area meet ups & shows are also included in each issue. Articles by members explaining modelling techniques/tips cover everything from scratch building to model conversions and painting. Each issue of the Journal usually includes a vehicle plan and these have covered a diverse range of both current & heritage vehicles.

Members can also sign up for the optional Fleet Supplement which is a quarterly, full colour magazine listing vehicle additions & movements between the members who have their own model fleets, It really is a model version of the 'Fleet News' section found in the long running 'Buses' magazine.

Local Meetings, regional and National Shows
The society organizes regular local area meets across the UK where members can meet up to exchange modelling tips & display their latest model projects. These will re-start again once, once we are permitted to meet in groups again, but many areas have switched to virtual meets ups using the online Zoom platform as an alternative. In addition to the meet ups the society also organizes larger area shows & an annual national show. However, like the local face to face meet ups these have unfortunately also been suspended until further notice.

Model Bus and Coach Facebook Group
With over 2000 active members, our Model Bus and Coach Group is THE place to visit, if you are on Facebook. The same variety of news, views, photos and inspiration for your bus modelling that is seen in the Journal, but on the world’s favourite social media platform.
Averaging over 2500 posts per month, we also have monthly and weekly themes, based around specific operators, vehicle types or geographic areas (and not just the UK either) – there really is something for everyone! If you are already on Facebook – just click on this link www.facebook.com/groups/modelbusandcoach or search for ‘Model Bus and Coach’

MBF website and online Forum – www.model-bus-federation.org.uk
Not everyone wants to use Facebook, so the MBF has a great website too. Much of the website is accessible to non-members, including regularly-updated events calendar, member galleries and links to similar, like-minded organisations who support the hobby. There is also our member-only Forum, widely regarded as the Wiki of the model bus world, which has answers to virtually every question you would wish to ask when it comes to bus and coach modelling…plus answers to some questions you thought would never be asked. A real model bus information bank, at your fingertips. Of course, you can also join the MBF online too, just visit www.model-bus-federation.org.uk/join-renew

MBF Shop
The MBF Shop, via the MBF website, has been supplying members with various model bus building accessories for 50 years, but more recently it has started to offer a range of resin 1/76 scale kits. The kits are exclusive to members and the range is focussed on producing kits of models that wouldn’t usually be offered by other kit producers or diecast manufacturers.

In the Spring of 2020 the MBF completed the purchase of the ABS (including Streetscene) range of Model bus and coach kits. This incorporates all the ranges of superior white metal kits, parts and accessories, which have now been re-launched as MBF Streetscene. As a result, the shop has now expanded to offer over 200 different parts & accessories, plus accessories from other suppliers, to MBF members. In addition, the first batch of white metal kits were made available to members at the beginning of 2021 (some bus and coach kits are priced from as little as £5.00!), with further kits being added to the range over the coming months.

Model Bus Federation Press Release – 16th April 2021

The Model Bus Federation is delighted to announce their next resin kit has just gone for casting.

Announced at the end of 2020, MBF2K-09 is a model of the Alexander Enviro 300 with gasket glazing. This model, designed and cast exclusively for the MBF in the U.K., will come complete with conversion parts enabling the modeller to create a model of either a Dennis or MAN as a chassis. CNC machined, this beautifully detailed original kit comes complete with cast white metal wheels, screen-printed glazing and also a brass fret with both mirrors and wipers. Paint and glue is all that is required to complete the model, which will also come with assembly instructions. We anticipate it being released to members during the summer.

MBF member kits have always been keenly priced, with any profits from kit sales being reinvested into making masters for new kits for our members. Advance orders have, unsurprisingly, been very strong. So, if you are a member and haven’t yet pre-ordered, please get in contact with the MBF shop now to reserve your kit.

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The Model Bus Federation - supporting YOUR hobby for over 50 years. Online, on Facebook and in print. For further information or to join the MBF, visit www.model-bus-federation.org.uk, visit our Facebook Page, join our Model Bus and Coach Facebook Group or email or write to us at Publicity Officer, 21 Plough Close, Aylesbury, Bucks HP21 9AD.