News_April 2021

April to June 2021 - News

This page displays news for the current month. To view a previous months news Click her e

Do you have any news or information not listed here, if so please e-mail me

HACHETTE PARTWORKS BUILD YOUR OWN ROUTEMASTER - FOLLOW MY PROGRESS CONSTRUCTING THE MODEL BY CLICKING HERE

NEW UK MODEL ANNOUNCED BY TINY BUS HONG KONG
Tiny have announced a 1/76th scale diecast Mercedes Sprinter in TFL livery and are now taking pre-orders, the model is due for release in Q4/21 and is priced at HK$89.

Tiny City UK11 - Mercedes-Benz Sprinter - Transport for London
Registration number: LX15BDO
Features:
- Movable
- Openable sliding door
- Mercedes-Benz & Transport for London approved design
- With Roof light design
- With shock absorber

I regularly order Hong Kong model buses from Tiny. I joined their VIP Club which gives 10% off every model I order and the membership pack included a free model. When selecting postage, I select the e-Express Service: @ HK$98 (This gives fully tracked postage from HK to UK). The model will cost (without the 10% ) approx. £20 (subject to exchange rate movements) including the postage.
I have just ordered one of the model and with my VIP discount and e-express postage, PayPal are debiting me £17.29.

To order the model, follow the link from their Facebook page or website https://www.tiny.com.hk/shop?series1=13

Click here for a higher resolution image

LATEST EDITION OF THE MODEL BUS FEDERATION JOURNAL
The July edition of the Model Bus Federations "Model Bus Journal has now been released:
This months journal features articles on:
London's first hybrid buses
Seddon Electric buses
Scania Fencer unveiled
National Show and AGM
Several articles on members made models
Book reviews
Area news
MBF Shop.

To find out more about the Model Bus Federation, please visit their website at: https://www.model-bus-federation.org.uk/

Wednesday 30th June 2021

NEWS FROM OMNIDEKKA MODELS
Omnidekka Models have advised me that they have commissioned a Scania Omnidekka kit using the Britbus casting and is limited to 100 pieces. The stock is expected on Monday 5th July and will available from The Omnidekka Models website https://omnidekkamodels.com/. Pre-orders are now being taken. They are priced at £30 each with P&P included in the UK only.

Wednesday 23rd June 2021

PHOTOGRAPHS OF A CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD PRE-PRODUCTION MODEL
Many thanks to Jake, for sending me these photographs of a pre-production sample of UKBUS1051 which he purchased from eBay a couple of months ago.

UKBUS1051 was announced by the then named Creative Master Northcord Ltd model company on 1st September 2010, as Dennis Trident ALX400 in Stagecoach North East Coastliner 68 livery, but was never released. The model clearly does not represent Stagecoach North East, but instead Stagecoach North West.

Thursday 17th June 2021

PHOTOGRAPHS OF RECENTLY RELEASED CORGI OOC MODEL
Please see photographs of the production version of this model which was released last week. I heard an unconfirmed rumour that there were quality issues with this model and this appears to be borne out by the finish around the destination box on this example of the model:

OM46632B Wrightbus New Routemaster - Arriva London - "Sehba Basras Our Hillingdon"
Fleet number: LT230
Registration number: LTZ1230
Route number: 38
Destination: Victoria
Quantity: 500

Tuesday 15th June 2021

CONFIRMED RELEASE OF CORGI OOC MODEL
I can confirm that the following model has now been released and is on sale, many thanks to Time Tunnel Models for advising me:
OM46632B Wrightbus New Routemaster - Arriva London - "Sehba Basras Our Hillingdon"
Fleet number: LT230
Registration number: LTZ1230
Route number: 38
Destination: Victoria
Quantity: 500

Thursday 10th June 2021

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM OXFORD DIECAST
I can confirm that the following model has now been released and is on sale:
76PB010 Commer PB - Royal Mail Scotland Post Bus
Fleet number: -
Registration number: USG706R
Route number: -
Destination: Elgol

Wednesday 9th June 2021

PHOTOGRAPHS ADDED TO THE GALLERY PAGES
Further to my news over the past couple of days, please see photographs of two of the vehicles I mentioned:
Scania Omnidekka - Metrobus 6939 (YN56FDP) and VDL Futura 2 – Marbill Coaches of Beith SF66NPA.

Click on the thumbnails to be taken to the Gallery pages and read more about each vehicle.

Tuesday 8th June 2021

NEWS FROM THE BUCKIE MODEL CENTRE
The Buckie Model centre have announced that the latest addition to their Scottish Coach collection will feature Marbill Coach Services of Beith VDL Futura 2, registration number SF66NPA. It is hoped the model will be in stock next week, subject to any customs delays.

Please email The Buckie Model Centre at: info@buckiemodelcentre.com to reserve one or more of the models.

Monday 7th June 2021

RAPIDO TRAINS INC LIST UPDATED
I have updated my listing to forthcoming Guy Arab and Fleetline models which are due for release during the summer. CLICK HERE to go to the Rapido page.

I realised when compiling the page that I did not have any photographs of the first batch of Guy Arab models that were released during November 2019. If anyone has good quality photographs of any of these models and would be willing to send them to me to include in the listing, please CLICK HERE. Your copyright will be clearly acknowledged on each photograph.

Sunday 6th June 2021

NEWS FROM OMNIDEKKA MODELS
The following news has been received from Omnidekka Models:
“YN56FDO - At the request of Metrobus I have had to change the bus I am doing, I am now doing YN56FDP but every else is the same. This is the new image with the fleet number and registration changed, I will be opening for pre-ordering in November with a planned late April/ Early May release in 2022”.

Can anyone please email me a photograph of YN56FDP for inclusion in the Gallery pages? CLICK HERE to email.

Saturday 5th June 2021

CONFIRMED RELEASE IN THE UK FROM NORTHCORD MODEL COMPANY
I can confirm that the following model has now been released in the UK and is on sale:

IEBUS0007 ADL Enviro400H MMC Dublin Bus
Fleet number: AH1
Registration number: 191-D-44403
Route: 25B
Destination: Adamstown Station
Quantity: 1200

Friday 4th June 2021

PHOTOGRAPH ADDED TO THE GALLERY PAGES
This photograph shows NIBSbuses of Wickford, Essex Scania N94UD OmniDekka, fleet number 628 (BIL4710) and was taken by me at Grays Bus Station on Thursday 20th May 2021. Earlier in her life, 628 was registered as YN04YJT and fitted with two doors. As YN04YJT, she was the actual bus represented in "Uni Link" Southampton livery as Britbus model ES2-02. Click on the thumbnail to be taken to the Gallery page

Wednesday 26th May 2021

PHOTOGRAPHS OF RECENTLY RELEASED CORGI OOC MODEL
Please see photographs of the model which was released mid-May:

OM46632A Wrightbus New Routemaster - Arriva London - "Sehba Basras Our Hillingdon"
Fleet number: LT230
Registration number: LTZ1230
Route number: 38
Destination: Hackney Central
Quantity: 500

Sunday 23rd May 2021

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM CORGI OOC
I can confirm that the following model has now been released and is on sale:

OM46632A Wrightbus New Routemaster - Arriva London - "Sehba Basras Our Hillingdon"
Fleet number: LT230
Registration number: LTZ1230
Route number: 38
Destination: Hackney Central
Quantity: To be confirmed

I understand that the B version has not been released at this time and will follow in due course. The reason for the delay is not known.

Friday 14th May 2021

NEW MODEL LIST PAGE ADDED
I have added a new page to the website which allows you to view in alphabetical order, model lists by Bus Manufacturer rather than via Model Manufacturer. CLICK HERE to view the page or access it from the "Model Lists By Bus Manufacturer" on the Frame to the left of this page.

Please note: I am still working on this page, so if you find any errors or omissions, please email me at garethjones@britishmodelbuses.com and let me know.

Sunday 9th May 2021

NEW PAGE CREATED FOR OMNIDEKKA MODELS
With the assistance of John Bennett, I have compiled a page for Omnidekka Models based on models announced to date. If you notice any errors or omissions, please email me and let me know.

CLICK HERE to access the page or go via the "Model Lists By Manufacturer" link to the left of this page.

Saturday 8th May 2021

NEW ROUTEMASTER MODELS ANNOUNCED BY BREKINA
Brekina have announced five new Routemaster models in HO (1/87th scale). No further details are known at this time:
BRE-61102 - London Premium Tours red - open top
BRE-61104 - City Sightseeing Berlin red - open top
BRE-61105 - London Transport - "Queen's Silver Jubilee 1977" silver
BRE-61106 - Arriva London - "Queen's Golden Jubilee 2002" gold
BRE-61109 - London Transport red

IMMINENT RELEASE FROM THE BUCKIE MODEL CENTRE
Further to my news of mid-March, I can confirm that the latest model in the Buckie Model Centre, British Coach collection will be released later this week. The model features Hexham, Northumberland based company Primrose Coaches. Chris from The Buckie Model Centre hopes to list the models on the website on Saturday. If you want to pre-order, please contact Chris via the contact form on their website https://buckiemodelcentre.com/ or contact via https://buckiemodelcentre.com/contact/ :

Manufacturer: Holland Oto
Scale: 1:87th
VDL Bova 2 – Primrose Coaches
Registration number: YD19GPV
Quantity: 100 pieces.

Tuesday 4th May 2021

NEW SCOTTISH COACH FROM THE BUCKIE MODEL CENTRE
The Buckie Model Centre have announced their next Scottish VDL Futura 2 model. This time the model features H&S Coaches of Blantyre registration number B8HNS. The model is 1:87th scale can be purchased directly from The Buckie Model Centre website at https://buckiemodelcentre.com/ or contact via https://buckiemodelcentre.com/contact/

Sunday 2nd May 2021

NEWS UPDATE FROM OMNIDEKKA MODELS
Chris Cotton has kindly sent me pre-production sample photographs of the two commissioned Epsom Coaches Optare Solo’s. Chris advises “. I am in the process of designing the boxes and limited cards. Please note I have asked for the back logos to be straight on the production batch. 1030 (515 of each route) will be made because Optare would like 30 so I could use their logo on the back of the bus. They are due for end of July beginning of August delivery to me and dispatched soon after. Corgi have stated to me these are one of the most small writing details they have ever done for a commission”.

Chris has confirmed that the Corgi stock codes for the models will be CP44101A & B

Update on models ES17 – “ I am due delivery next week of these models and will begin dispatch soon after delivery. It will take me 3 weeks to dispatch all orders”.

Saturday 1st May 2021

PHOTOGRAPHS OF CORGI NEW ROUTEMASTER COMMISSIONED MODEL
Further to my news of 26th April, please see further photographs of the model. The model is based on LT324 (LTZ1324) which carried this livery in the summer of 2019. The model is a private commission by The Quattro Group to celebrate their 30th anniversary and the exact release date and quantity of models is unknown. The model carries the stock code CP89201.

Friday 30th April 2021

PHOTOGRAPHS ADDED TO GALLERY PAGE
Courtesy of Elliott Waters, I have added three photographs of Arriva North East Dennis Dart ALX200 to the Gallery pages. This bus appeared on the list of proposed ALX200 models published by Omnidekka Models during March. Click on the thumb nail below to visit the page.

Tuesday 27th April 2021

NEWS OF A CORGI NEW ROUTEMASTER COMMISSIONED MODEL
Many thanks to Peter Edgar for advising me that the Quattro Group have commissioned a New Routemaster Corgi model to celebrate their 30th anniversary. The model is based on the Corgi Toy casting so is slightly larger than the 76th scale OOC model. Peter has sent me the two photographs of the model and a photograph of LT324 on which the model is based.

Monday 26th April 2021

NEW GALLERY PAGE FOR OPTARE OLYMPUS CREATED
Following the announcement of a 10.6M Optare Olympus by Omnidekka Models last month, I have created a new Gallery page showing the three proposed models. Click on the thumb nail below to visit the page.

Sunday 25th April 2021

PHOTOGRAPHS OF FOUR RECENTLY RELEASED CORGI OOC MODELS AND ONE OXFORD DIECAST MODEL
Please see photographs of the following models which I reported as released on 5th April (Corgi) and 14th April (Oxford Diecast):

Corgi OOC
OM46625A New Routemaster, Stagecoach London - Supporting World Environment Day
Fleet number: LT406
Registration number: LTZ1406
Route number: N8
Destination: Tottenham Court Road
Quantity: 500

OM46625B New Routemaster, Stagecoach London - Supporting World Environment Day
Fleet number: LT406
Registration number: LTZ1406
Route number: N8
Destination: Hainault The Lowe
Quantity: 500

OM46627A Wrightbus New Routemaster GoAhead London - Royal Fusilliers
Fleet number: LT394
Registration number: LTZ1394
Route number: 15
Destination: Blackwall
Quantity: 500

OM46627B Wrightbus New Routemaster GoAhead London - Royal Fusilliers
Fleet number: LT394
Registration number: LTZ1394
Route number: 15
Destination: Stepney Arbour
Quantity: 500

Oxford Diecast
76MW6006 - Bristol MW6G West Yorkshire
Fleet number: 1077
Registration number: 797CWU
Route number: -
Destination: Yorkshire Blackpool/Blackpool

Thursday 22nd April 2021

NEW KIT FROM MODEL BUS SCOTLAND
Model Bus Scotland (MBS) have written advising me of their latest kit which they are currently taking pre-orders for. Kit 004 features Alexander Dennis Enviro300 MAN and comes with two chassis: Stagecoach high back seats and normal low back bus seats.

The kit is priced at £45.00 and can be pre-ordered by email at modelbusscotland@gmail.com. You will need to state the chassis you require at the time of ordering. Please also visit the MBS Facebook groups at: https://www.facebook.com/modelbusscotland/ and https://www.facebook.com/groups/968525219898871/

Saturday 17th April 2021

PHOTOGRAPH OF ADL ENVIRO400 MMC - XPLORE DUNDEE ADDED TO GALLERY PAGES
Four photographs of Xplore Dundee 6695 (SK68MBO) courtesy of Campbell Morrison and as represented by Northcord Model Company UKBUS6521 added to Gallery pages

2nd posting Friday 16th April 2021

MODEL BUS FEDERATION PRESS RELEASE
The following press release and photographs have been received this morning from the Model Bus Federation:

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.

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 publicity@model-bus-federation.org.uk or write to us at Publicity Officer, 21 Plough Close, Aylesbury, Bucks HP21 9AD.

Friday 16th April 2021

OMNIDEKKA MODELS PHOTOGRAPHS OF BRITBUS - BLUE STAR MODELS
Please see photographs of Omnidekka Models latest Britbus Scania Omnidekka Blue Star models ES-17A & B, which have been sent to Chris Cotton by the factory. Chris hopes to take delivery of the models in approximately 4 weeks.
Orders for the models can be placed via the Omnidekka Models website: https://omnidekkamodels.com/

ES-17A Scania Omnidekka – Blue Star
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE
Photograph 3 CLICK HERE
Photograph 4 CLICK HERE
Fleet number: 1004
Registration number: YN56FFK
Route number: 4
Destination: Romsey via North Baddesley
Quantity: 200

ES-17B Scania Omnidekka – Blue Star
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE
Photograph 3 CLICK HERE
Photograph 4 CLICK HERE
Fleet number: 1004
Registration number: YN56FFK
Route number: 4
Destination: Southampton via Lordshill & Shirley
Quantity: 200

2nd posting Thursday 15th April 2021

NORTHCORD MODEL COMPANY - PRESS RELEASE
The following press release and photographs have been received this morning from the Northcord Model Company:

IEBUS0007 ADL Enviro400H MMC Dublin Bus

Northcord Model Company is pleased to announce the release of IEBUS0007, the fifth release of the 10.3 metre, 2-door casting of this distinctive, modern, double-decker in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The fifth livery to be carried on the brand-new Alexander Dennis Enviro400H MMC model, is Dublin Bus, produced in yellow and green livery. IEBUS0007 represents fleet number AH1 (191-D-44403) that has 10.3 metre, dual-door bodywork and was new to Dublin Bus in 2019.

After a 2 year discussion, in 2019, Dublin Bus received 9 trial buses, 3 electric battery assisted Wrights, 3 Volvo Wright hybrids, and 3 Alexander Dennis Enviro400H MMCs (AH1-3). All 9 buses are in an attractive yellow and green version of the Dublin Bus livery and feature flowers and leaf patterns on the livery.

Dublin Bus Conyngham Road depot operates the ADL hybrids on busy west Dublin route 25/25A/25B and the model is featured on its route 25B, heading to Adamstown Station. Route 25B runs every 10 minutes and is complimented by ADL Enviro500s operated by sister depot Broadstone to boost passenger capacity. The route starts in the affluent Merrion Square of D2, and travels along the River Liffey ‘Quays’, Heuston Rail Station, Chapolizod bypass, and into Adamstown where its terminus is located at another railway station, ‘Adamstown Station’. AH1 to 3 are the shortest double deckers operating with Dublin Bus and are, body wise, identical to London’s but with the difference being that the wheelchair ramp is at the front door.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro400H MMC IEBUS0007 is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the square-cornered, patented quick-release windows of the real bus and the livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. Another main feature on the IEBUS0007 model is its individual tree protector at the front. The front dome on the model is significant, with curved windscreens on both upper deck and lower deck.

Northcord Model Company is also creating new design standards within the interior of both saloons. These features, inside the compartments, will represent the real, outstanding layout of the Enviro400H MMC, such as the extensive portrayal of handrails on upper deck and lower deck, etc. Further additional detail carried by the model include the special sunlight protection shade on the top of the front upper windscreen.

The brand new Enviro400H MMC bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), 80M Bus Model Shop and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The IEBUS0007 model is limited to 1200 pieces worldwide

Northcord Model Company (NMC)
------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

Thursday 15th April 2021

INTERRUPTION TO SERVICE
Apologies for the lack of updates for the past 9 days, unfortunately Windows 10 on my laptop decided to totally corrupt. Luckily everything was backed up, but it was necessary to completely format the hard drive and reinstall everything from scratch.

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM OXFORD DIECAST
I can confirm that the following model has now been released and is on sale:

76MW6006 - Bristol MW6G West Yorkshire
Fleet number: 1077
Registration number: 797CWU
Route number:
Destination: YORKSHIRE BLACKPOOL/BLACKPOOL

Wednesday 14th April 2021

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM CORGI OOC
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale on the Corgi website so will be in the shops soon:
OM46625A New Routemaster, Stagecoach London, LTZ 1406/LT406, Route N8 Tottenham Court Road, Supporting World Environment Day
OM46625B New Routemaster, Stagecoach London, LTZ 1406/LT406, Route N8 Hainault: The Lowe, Supporting World Environment Day
OM46627A Wrightbus New Routemaster GoAhead London LT394/LTZ1394 Route 15 Blackwall Royal Fusilliers
OM46627B Wrightbus New Routemaster GoAhead London LT394/LTZ1394 Route 15 Stepney Arbour Square Royal Fusilliers

Monday 5th April 2021

NORTHCORD MODEL COMPANY UKBUS6520 - NEW PHOTOGRAPHS
Apologies that the set of photographs published on 27th March of this model were too dark, I did not have access to my usual lighting and had to improvise. New photographs taken today and now uploaded.

UKBUS6520 - ADL Enviro400 MMC - Stagecoach South - 700 Coastliner
Fleet number: 10942
Registration number: SN18KNF
Route number: 700
Destination: Brighton via Shoreham and Hove
Quantity:1008

Saturday 3rd April 2021

NEW GALLERY PAGE CREATED - DENNIS DART SLF ALX200
Many thanks to everyone who responded to my request for photographs to assist Chris Cotton from Omnidekka Models with his research for the new Britbus castings that he announced recently. In total I received 17 emails, with up to 5 photographs on each. I have now created a Gallery page for the Dennis Dart SLF ALX200 and added photographs courtesy of Kenneth Aveyard, Bob Belcher, John Bennett, Tony Hunter and David Oakley. I hope to create new Gallery page for the the Optare Olympus over the coming days. I will acknowledge the contributors of the Olympus photographs when I publish the new page.

CLICK HERE to visit the new Gallery page and see the photographs.

Thursday 1st April 2021

April to June 2021 - News

This page last updated Thursday, 01 July 2021