CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD - CMNL UK RELEASE UPDATE

Update on planned releases for Period 1 (January - April 2005)

1. UKBUS3000 range : The Plaxton Dennis Dart MPD

UKBUS3014 : Arriva Twin Pack (PDL 85 – LF52 USC/1608 – GN04 UCY) -
Currently in production

2. UKBUS4000 range : The Alexander Royale/Volvo Olympian

UKBUS4002 : Yorkshire Coastliner (437 – W437 CWX) – Currently in production

3. UKBUS5000 range : The Mercedes-Benz/Citaro

UKBUS5001 : First London (ES64002 - LT02 NTX) – anticipate June 2005

4. UKBUS5100 range : The Mercedes-Benz/Citaro G

UKBUS5101 : Mercedes-Benz Demonstrator (BU53 ZWV) – anticipate July 2005

UKBUS5102 : Stagecoach London (23059 - LX04 LBP) – anticipate August 2005

Future planned releases for Period 2 (May - August 2005)

1. UKBUS0000 range : The Plaxton President Open Top/Dennis Trident

UKBUS0007 : City Sightseeing Cambridge Tour – June 2005

2. UKBUS1000 range : The Alexander ALX400/Dennis Trident

UKBUS1020 : London United (TLA26 – SN53 KJE) : June 2005

3. UKBUS2000 range : The Plaxton President/Dennis Trident

UKBUS2013 : Brighton & Hove (853 – Y853 GCD) : August 2005

4. UKBUS3000 range : The Plaxton Dennis Dart MPD

UKBUS3015 : Bus Eireann  (DPC 110 - 02-D-18257) – June 2005

UKBUS3016 : Metrobus (287 – SN03 YCL) - June 2005

UKBUS3017 : Brighton & Hove (247 – X347 YGU) - July 2005

5. UKBUS4000 range : The Alexander Royale/Volvo Olympian

UKBUS4003 : Metroline (AV39 – M650 ELA) – July 2005

UKBUS4004 : Travel West Midlands (3125 - N125 YRW) - August 2005

6. UKBUS5000 range : The Mercedes-Benz/Citaro

UKBUS5002 : City of Oxford Motor Services Park & Ride (823 – MB52 OXF)
– August 2005

7. UKBUS5100 range : The Mercedes-Benz/Citaro G

No new releases are planned for the current period for this casting

8. HKBUS2000 range : The Alexander RX-type/Leyland Olympian

No new UK releases are planned for the current period for this casting

Please note that the release dates quoted above are anticipated completion dates, not necessarily when the models will be on sale at your retailer.

10.00am Saturday 30 April 2005

SUNSTAR RMC GREENLINE - DELAYED
I am informed that due to tooling problems model 2904 AEC Routemaster RMC The Original Green Line Routemaster Coach has been delayed until mid to late June.

CORGI CLASSICS LTD AND CORGI OOC OFFICIAL MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHS
Click on the links below to view the high quality official Corgi media photographs from the second half catalogue:

CORGI CLASSICS BUSES IN BRITAIN 1:50
CC25502 Daimler CWA6 - Aberdeen - JUL
CC26001 Bedford Val - North Norfolk Coach Hire - SEP
CC25906 Routemaster - London Transport - NOV

ORIGINAL OMNIBUS

OM41209 Wright Eclipse Gemini - Coastliner - JUL
OM41305 Wright Eclipse Fusion - Dublin Bus - JUL
OM44108 Optare Solo - Burton - JUL
OM42511 E Lancs Vyking - Lincs Road Car - AUG
OM99172 Metrobus Set - SLF & Lolyne - AUG
OM45310 Bova Futura - Kings, Colchester - AUG
OM41210 Wright Eclipse Gemini - Travel Dundee - SEP
OM44705 Dart SLF - Scottish Citylink - SEP
OM45901 Van Hool T9 - Shearings - SEP
OM42411 Plaxton Panorama - Barton - OCT
OM40904 Leyland PD2/Orion - Exeter - OCT
OM45902 Van Hool T9 - National Express - NOV
OM42512 East Lancs Lowlander - Bus Eireann - NOV
OM41211 Wright Eclipse Gemini - First London DEC
OM44109 Optare Solo - Strathtay - DEC

Friday 29 May 2005

This model is not packaged in the usual Corgi Cardboard sleeve and does not have shrink wrap around the plastic box either.

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM EFE
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:
13916 Bristol Lodekka FLH Stagecoach
18007 Daimler Fleetline Belfast Corporation
20436 Bristol VR3 Yorkshire Rider Bradford

EFE MODELS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE WEEK COMMENCING 9TH MAY
The following models are scheduled for release week commencing 9th May:
24904 Mercedes Minibus South Wales Transport
20633 Plaxton Pointer Dart Western National

EFE MODELS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE WEEK COMMENCING 23RD MAY
The following models are scheduled for release week commencing 23rd May:
VE Day 60th Anniversary series 99200 AEC Regal 10T10 London Transport
VE Day 60th Anniversary series 99201 AEC Regal 10T10
VE Day 60th Anniversary series 99202 Daimler Utility London Transport
VE Day 60th Anniversary series 99203 Guy Arab II Utility London Transport

NEWS FROM THE LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM
The following information has been received from the Museum:

"We are launching our Special Corgi Wrights Gemini Bus model at the Museum on Wednesday 1 June at 10.00. There is no limit to the number purchased by each customer. Please see the attached press release for details.

In addition, after the Mail Order EFE GS models have been despatched, we have a number of them spare (due to customers buying them elsewhere etc). These will also be released at 10.00 Wednesday 1 June. There is a limit of one per customer on these models, and they are priced at £19.99 (the recommended retail price.

Our special model for Acton Depot weekend on 4 and 5 June is an EFE 10T10 on Green Line Route E from Hemel Hempstead to Edenbridge. This bus is limited to 500 pieces, and will ONLY be available to customers who visit Acton. No mail order will be accepted. The price is £22.99 and to give the fairest possible chance to all visitors, a limit of two per customer will be in force. We are often asked whether we keep stocks for the Sunday if the model is really popular, and I am pleased to confirm that there is always an allocation for both days.

The depot is open both days from 11.00 to 17.00 (last admission 16.00).

Finally Transport for London have indicated that they no longer have a need for a 'reserve' of Routemaster models, and consequently we have released the last 400 of the individually boxed EFE Routemaster model that was represented in the Millennium Bus Set. The code for this model is 15628 (no suffix) and is RM 2000 on Route 102. The Model retails for £17.99 and is available now".

London’s Transport Museum Back the Bid -

Launch of limited edition bus model

London’s Transport Museum are launching a new model bus to celebrate London’s bid to host the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012.

The 40 Back the Bid buses were officially launched in September 2004 as part of a publicity campaign demonstrating TfL and the Mayor’s total commitment to bring the Games to London in 2012. The model is based on the ‘wrapped’ buses you may see on Arriva operated route 29.

The model, packaged in a special Olympic Bid box, is manufactured to 1:76 scale (00 scale) which is compatible with most model railway layouts.

Only 2000 Back the Bid models have been commissioned by the Museum. They will be available to purchase from 1 June at the Museum’s shop in The Piazza, Covent Garden at £24.99.

Sebastian Coe, Chairman of London 2012 said:  "We are very grateful for the support of TfL for our campaign to bring the Games to London.  The branded buses have been highly visible and are seen all over the capital.  They have been a fantastic way to urge the public to get behind the bid and register their support for our campaign.

Make Britain Proud and register your support for the London bid at www.london2012.com or text LONDON to 82012.

Thursday 28 April 2005

The above photograph shows an early pre-production sample

Photograph © Britbus

Photograph © John Ayrey Ltd

Wednesday 27th April 2005

Unfortunately when preparing the article I misread and then typed the wrong model number. I apologise for any confusion this error may have caused. I have amended last nights article to save any further confusion. I am very grateful to Steve Edmonds for bringing the mistake to my attention.

Tuesday 26th April 2005

GS04 Guy Arab MK3 Newport Corporation Transport left Hong Kong by air on Sunday evening so should be in the shops later this week.

This week it is hoped that the following models will be dispatched to the UK:
GL01 Guy Arab 3 Southampton City Council
AS2-03 AEC Swift SMS Class London Transport 

AS2-03 AEC SWIFT SMS Class London Transport details are as follows:
Fleet number: SMS 160
Registration number: EGN 160J
Route number: 227
Destination: Penge
Quantity: 1008 pieces
The model will be represented with a yellow door.

BRITBUS COMMISSIONED MODEL GS002 GUY ARAB 3 WESTERN SMT
Further to my news article of 16th April 2005, Britbus have advised me that the model commissioned to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum moving to Lathalmond will carry registration number XS6558 and fleet number JY2296 rather than XS6557 & JY2295 as previously been reported. The destination will now be "Howe Street" rather than "City Boundary". The advertising panels will be, as previously reported for Western S.M.T.'s Glasgow - London service and for the museum anniversary running day on 15th May and 2005 open weekend being held on 20 -21st. August.

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM IRBUS
I can confirm that the following model has been released and is now on sale:
R702 Leyland Olympian RH class Dublin Buses

Monday 25 April 2005

EFE MODELS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE NEXT WEEK
A reminder from my news article of 15 April that the following models are scheduled for release next week:
13916 Bristol Lodekka FLH Stagecoach
18007 Daimler Fleetline Belfast Corporation
20436 Bristol VR3 Yorkshire Rider Bradford

TWO NEW MODELS ANNOUNCED BY CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD
Time Tunnel Models advise that CMNL have announced two new models as follows:
UKBUS1020 Alexander ALX400 - London United 'Back the Bid' (sky blue colour)
UKBUS0007 Plaxton President Open Top - Cambridge Sightseeing

Further details will be given as soon as they are known.

Friday 22 April 2005

If you would prefer to look at the smaller images then please click on the links in the news update of Wednesday 20th April below.

Corgi Classics "Buses in Britain"
Page 1 CLICK HERE to view
Page 2 CLICK HERE to view

Corgi OOC
Page 1 CLICK HERE to view
Page 2 CLICK HERE to view
Page 3 CLICK HERE to view
Page 4 CLICK HERE to view
Page 5 CLICK HERE to view
Page 6 CLICK HERE to view

Thursday 21 April 2005

Corgi Classics "Buses in Britain"
Page 1 CLICK HERE to view
Page 2 CLICK HERE to view

Corgi OOC
Page 1 CLICK HERE to view
Page 2 CLICK HERE to view
Page 3 CLICK HERE to view
Page 4 CLICK HERE to view
Page 5 CLICK HERE to view
Page 6 CLICK HERE to view

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD
I can confirm that the following model has been released and is on sale:
UKBUS3009 Plaxton Dennis Dart MPD Southern Vectis

Wednesday 20 September 2005

CORGI CLASSICS BUSES IN BRITAIN 1:50
CC25502 Daimler CWA6 - Aberdeen - JUL
CC26001 Bedford Val - North Norfolk Coach Hire - SEP
CC25906 Routemaster - London Transport - NOV

ORIGINAL OMNIBUS

OM41209 Wright Eclipse Gemini - Coastliner - JUL
OM41305 Wright Eclipse Fusion - Dublin Bus - JUL
OM44108 Optare Solo - Burton - JUL
OM42511 E Lancs Vyking - Lincs Road Car - AUG
OM99172 Metrobus Set - SLF & Lolyne - AUG
OM45310 Bova Futura - Kings, Colchester - AUG
OM41210 Wright Eclipse Gemini - Travel Dundee - SEP
OM44705 Dart SLF - Scottish Citylink - SEP
OM45901 Van Hool T9 - Shearings - SEP
OM42411 Plaxton Panorama - Barton - OCT
OM40904 Leyland PD2/Orion - Exeter - OCT
OM45902 Van Hool T9 - National Express - NOV
OM42512 East Lancs Lowlander - Bus Eireann - NOV
OM41211 Wright Eclipse Gemini - First London DEC
OM44109 Optare Solo - Strathtay - DEC

Monday 18 April 2005

The model is being produced to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum moving to its present home in Lathalmond. It will be available at the anniversary running day which is being held at the museum on 15th May 2005. Further details regarding availability are available from Lathalmondmodel@aol.com

The photographs below show a very early pre-production sample of the model.

This photograph shows a very early pre-production sample

Photograph © Britbus

This photograph shows a very early pre-production sample

Photograph © Britbus

Saturday 16 April 2005

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM EFE
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:
27901 Daimler DMS (open) Big Bus Company (Sightseeing Tour London)
29404 Bristol RELH Dual Purpose Coach East Midlands
29607 Leyland Olympian London United

NEWS FROM EFE
The next EFE models scheduled for release are as shown below and will be in the shops week commencing 25 April 2005:
13916 Bristol Lodekka FLH Stagecoach
18007 Daimler Fleetline Belfast Corporation
20436 Bristol VR3 Yorkshire Rider Bradford

99207 LEYLAND TD1 PLYMOUTH CITY TRANSPORT
EFE have advised me that this model will now display fleet number 124 NOT 340 as advertised.

99204 AEC STL LONDON TRANSPORT
EFE have advised me that the above model will now have a brown roof and NOT a silver one as previously advertised. Click on the hyperlink above to view a new photograph.

SLOUGH AND WINDSOR RUNNING DAY THIS WEEKEND - CORRECTION
Please note a correction to the date of the above from that listed in the Diary Page. The date of this event is Sunday 17th NOT Saturday 16th as previously listed. I apologise for this error which was due to a mistake in the source material.

Friday 15 April 2005

Wednesday 13 April 2005

Dennis / Plaxton Mini Pointer Dart

----UKBUS3013 East Yorkshire

Further to the previous successful release of the Mini Pointer Dart replicas with other operators’ colours, CMNL is releasing another MPD model. This is UKBUS3013 carrying East Yorkshire Motor Services livery.

The East Yorkshire MPD replica carries the fleet number 495 and registration number YX04 JVY. It was delivered from manufacturer’s stock in 2004 and initially operated in all white. Since then it has been repainted into fleet colours, has gained an LED destination screen yet retains a non-standard interior.

EYMS employs a fleet of Mini-Pointer Darts across its network of services in all areas that it serves, ranging from within the city of Hull to more rural areas in the Wolds and on the town network in Scarborough where ‘Scarborough and District’ fleetnames are carried.

These buses offer their customers the accessibility benefits of full-size buses whilst tailored to meet power levels of demand and easy manoeuvrability within narrow roads or housing estates.

This is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the gasket windows and livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. The model also features excellent detailing, inside and out, including an opening engine door, showing the detailed, environmentally friendly Euro 3 engine. All grab rails feature inside the replica and in their correct positions. The construction method of this replica permits realistic-looking front and rear lights – in particular the front headlamp / indicator assembly whose headlamp is transparent and indicator is translucent.

The brand new UKBUS3013 East Yorkshire MPD bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively.

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)

------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

Note from Gareth: This model is certificated at 1600 Pieces

This photograph shows UKBUS3013

Photograph © Creative Master Northcord Ltd

06.30am Thursday 7 Apr 2005

Wednesday 6 April 2005

Everything unfortunately takes time.  Collectors have been concerned that there has been a slowdown of NEW releases for the past month or so but things have still been getting done despite the apparent slowdowns…one of the more important items that has affected the BritbuS release schedule has been the redesign and greatly improved poseable steering on the GS (and ultimately the GL) series of models and the first model to feature this re- engineered improvement is the NEWPORT CORPORATION TRANSPORT (item GS 04) GUY ARAB III-Park Royal Vehicles  model as announced some months previously. - all part of the ongoing improvements for which BritbuS scale models have become renowned!

BritbuS will continue to pursue improvements and is always aiming to produce the most authentic liveries as possible –given the severe constraints inherent in producing well loved and remembered model replicas from long since past eras of bus transportation.

In addition to the improvements on the GUY ARAB GS and GL series of models BritbuS have been very actively overcoming other inherent difficulties to ensure that the Collectors will be able to add other body- styles of buses to their model fleets.  In the 2005 projected model release programme there are no less than four NEW castings planned and these will feature some new ideas and innovations that are going to please some of the avid model collecting bus enthusiasts.

The Month of April 2005 will see some previously announced models appearing.--- The mentioned NEWPORT CORPORATION TRANSPORT Guy Arab III in the early as delivered green & cream livery will be among these. The new casting of the SM class single door models is already on its way to the UK and should shortly be in the shops. Also new is the first release of the revised long nosed version of the GUY ARAB III chassis featuring its distinctive projecting radiator and longer curved front mudguards (or Wings!). The second of the “IrbuS” Leyland Olympians with the Alexander “R” type bodies will also be released this month.

MAY 2005 will see new liveries on other previous castings together with another new casting but details of this new model will be announced as the time for its pending release gets nearer.

Full details and further information can be obtained from the UK agents JOHN AYREY DIECASTS LTD. Or your favourite model retailer.

ASIANBUS PROPOSED RELEASE LIST - ASIANBUS MODELS – JAN 2005 to JUL 2005

Updated 01-04-2005

JANUARY

AS2-01 London Country AEC SWIFT SM class JAN 2005 1200 pieces
AS2-02 London Transport AEC SWIFT SMS class JAN 2005 1416 pieces

FEBRUARY

N 6213 London Transport Scania Metropolitan MD 141 FEB 2005 1008 pieces
N 6403A Hull Corporation Scania Metropolitan FEB 2005 504 pieces
N6403B Hull Corporation Scania Metropolitan FEB 2005 504 pieces

MARCH

GS06A Lincoln Corporation GUY ARAB III MAR 2005 504 pieces
GS06B Lincoln Corporation GUY ARAB III air cooled engine MAR 2005 504 pieces
L002 Southdown Motor Leyland Titan Beadle MAR 2005 1008 pieces
N6211 Guide Friday Scania Metropolitan MAR 2005 600 pieces

APRIL

NEW CASTINGS
AS1-01 London Transport AEC SWIFT SM Class APR 2005 1800 pieces
GL01Southampton City Council GUY ARAB III APR 2005 1008 pieces

R702 Dublin Buses LEYLAND OLYMPIAN RH Class APR 2005 1008 pieces

MAY

GS 04 Newport Corporation GUY ARAB III MAY 2005 600 pieces
N6106 Trathens Tours Scania Metropolitan MAY 2005 600 pieces
AS2-03 London Transport AEC SWIFT SMS class MAY 2005 1200 pieces
NEW CASTING R801 TBA MAY 2005

JUNE

GL02 Grahams of Paisely GUY ARAB III JUN 2005 600 pieces

SPECIAL AND COMMISSIONED MODELS

AS2-001 London Transport AEC SWIFT SMS Class JUN 2005 1008 pieces
AS2-002 London Transport AEC SWIFT SMS Class MAY 2005 264 pieces
GS002 Western Guy Arab III APR 2005 240 pieces
GS06 GB Lincoln Guy Arab III MAR 2005 240 pieces
AS2-003 London Transport AEC SWIFT SMS Class MAY 2005 quantity TBA

06.20am Tuesday 5 April 2005

The Triangle – Stagecoach in East Kent

----UKBUS1019 Alexander Dennis Trident

The long awaited single-door Trident replica is coming back. CMNL has just released the replica with Stagecoach in East Kent “The Triangle” livery on its well-known casting – the Alexander ALX 400 bodied – Dennis Trident. The last replica on this casting was A1 Service produced in May 2004.

September 2004 saw the official launch of 17 new low floor, easy access Alexander Dennis Trident double-decker buses for the new Canterbury Triangle Service, operated by Stagecoach in East Kent. The 2.5 million Sterling Pounds investment by Stagecoach represented phase one of a series of bus improvements planned by the partners as part of a new Canterbury Quality Bus Partnership.

The Triangle (route 4 & 6) is an every 15-minute service between Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay using the special branded low floor double-decker buses.

The model replicates fleet number 18169 – GX54 DVM. The replica features excellent detailing, inside and out, including an opening engine door and engine detail. This is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible, including the LED lights at the back. The model has no ugly metal poles to hold it together. The most outstanding feature on the model is BIG TRIANGLE on both sides. The big RED triangle covers continuously from the roof to the windows on both upper deck and lower deck, until to the bottom of the bus.  The WHITE triangle is also seen at the back, indicating the outstanding service.

The brand new Stagecoach in East Kent model is based on a Limited Edition of 1700 pieces produced. They will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively.

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)

------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

This photograph shows UKBUS1019

Photograph © Creative Master Northcord Ltd

Monday 4 April 2005

20203B Leyland PD1
London Transport
Fleet number: STD140
Registration number: HLW 69
Route number:167
Destination: Ilford Station
Quantity: 459

26307B Guy Arab 2 Utility
London Transport
Fleet number: G351
Registration number: HGC 130
Route number: 175
Destination: Collier Row
Quantity: 556

I understand that the previously reported Museum EFE Guy Special (GS) model of GS34 will now be available at the Museums Fathers Day event in June.

Sunday 3 April 2005

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM EFE
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:
26805 Leyland Duple Ribble
28005 Daimler DMS (1 door) Western Scottish
30501 Guy Special (GS) London Transport (green)

BRITBUS MODEL ON THE WAY SOON
Britbus have advised me that production of their new short AEC Swift AS1-01 London Transport  has been completed and that supplies will leave Hong Kong by airfreight, probably on Sunday and so should be in the shops by the end of the coming week.

EFE SUBSCRIBER NEWSLETTER
The 3rd mailing 2005 of the subscriber newsletter arrived this morning and carries news that the two Leyland National Australian subscriber offer models have now been dispatched to those that ordered them.

The newsletter also gives details of two special models being produced for this coming Sundays Cobham bus rally as follows. The models will be on sale on the day:

20203B
Leyland STD - London Transport
Route: 167
Destination: Ilford

26307B
Guy Arab 2 Utility - London Transport
Fleet number: G351
Route: 175
Destination: Collier Row

EFE GUY SPECIAL (GS)
EFE have advised me that they hope to release the next GS model in June this year. Further details will be given as soon as they are known.

Friday 1st April 2005

April 2005 - News

This page last updated Monday, 25 February 2013