R802 Scania/Alexander R - Stagecoach East Kent
Click on the links below to view new higher resolution photographs of an early pre-production sample of this model:
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE
Photograph 3 CLICK HERE

Wednesday 31 August 2005

AS2-06 AEC Swift London Transport Super Bus (yellow/blue) Approx release date mid October CLICK HERE and CLICK HERE and CLICK HERE

MRL01 MCW Midibus - Westlink Approx release date mid October CLICK HERE

N6214 MCW Metropolitan - Demonstration Livery Approx release mid October onwards CLICK HERE and CLICK HERE

R802 Scania/Alexander R - Stagecoach East Kent Approx release mid October onwards

R803 Scania/Alexander R - Maidstone Boroline Approx release date mid October CLICK HERE and CLICK HERE

R830 Scania/Alexander R - West Midlands (single door, but different nose). Approx release date October CLICK HERE and CLICK HERE

R902 Olympian/Alexander - Sovereign Buses Approx release late September/October CLICK HERE and CLICK HERE

Tuesday 30 August 2005

I am grateful to Robin Clare for advising me that his model came in just the clear plastic case (no box) and shrink wrapped in cellophane. He states that Corgi have said that it is not possible to rectify this problem although they did indicate in the correspondence that I received that bar codes to affix to the outside of the white box to assist retailers are available should the retailers request them.

Sunday 28 August 2005

New shop:
It is hoped that the new temporary shop at Unit 26 Covent Garden Market will open at 10.00 Thursday 8 September.
Bus Set 13:
It had been hoped to launch the bus set 13 on Saturday 10th September, but it will now be launched on Saturday 17th instead. On the same date the Museum will also release the remaining stock of green STL on Route 455. The STL costs £22.99 and Bus Set 13 £39.95. Mail Order (except for credit card queries) have been despatched for both items.
Great Northern Routemaster:
The Great Northern Routemaster is expected soon and it is hoped to release this in November.
Acton 22/23 October:
The next Acton Special for 22/23 October will be a Leyland Titan on Route 69 to North Woolwich. This will ONLY be available to personal visitors at Acton, and if there are residue stocks, orders may be taken from 24th October.
Next Standing Order Customer newsletter:
The next newsletter is currently in the course of preparation it is hoped to announce details during September.

Saturday 27 August 2005

CORGI OOC MODEL SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE NEXT WEEK
The following model is scheduled for release week commencing 26th August 2005:
OM41210 Wright Eclipse Gemini Travel Dundee

2nd Posting 26 August 2005

CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD - PRESS RELEASE

‘Second New Casting for 2006’

In its brief history of producing the OmniCity bus for the UK market, Scania has obtained a high market share since the launch in 2002. Furthermore, the OmniCity buses have entered service with some very high profile customers.

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL) has recently received authorisation to commence preparation work to develop its second new casting for the year 2006 and this will be the Scania OmniCity single-deck bus. On this occasion CMNL will develop only the rigid version of the bus and will not develop the bendy version of the chassis.

One of Scania’s longest-term customers will be the focus of the launch livery of the new casting that will be developed in the early part of 2006.

Stretching back to its first Scania deliveries in 1972, Newport Transport has been a regular customer ever since, taking both single and double-deck buses as well as Scania coaches.

The restrained green and cream livery of Newport Transport has already featured on a CMNL casting and both companies have much pleasure in teaming up again to launch the new Scania OmniCity casting.

CMNL has already obtained expressions of interest from other UK operators to feature their livery on the new OmniCity model bus, so collectors can look forward to having a wide range of models to decorate their model shelves.

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)

------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

08.45 Friday 26 August 2005

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD
I can confirm that the following model has now been released:
UKBUS4003 The Alexander Royale/Volvo Olympian Metroline

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM EFE
I can confirm that the following models have now been released:
10133 AEC RT Greenline
16126 Leyland PD2 Highbridge CIE Dublin
25515 Routemaster RML London Transport
25808 Daimler DMS OK Motor Services

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM
I can confirm that the following model has now been released. Many thanks to everyone who has advised me of this. I have been sent a number of photographs which I hope to publish later this week:
EFE AEC STL
27810A
London Transport (Green)
Fleet number: STL2411
Registration number: EGO 473
Route number: -
Destination: High Wycombe, Gerrards and Beaconsfield

DETAILS OF PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED BRITBUS MODEL
Details for model R902 Olympian/Alexander - Sovereign Buses are as follows:
Fleet number: VA17
Registration number: XDZ 5917
Route number: 114
Destination: Ruislip Station

NEW MODELS ANNOUNCED BY CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD
I am grateful to Time Tunnel Models for advising me that CMNL have announced the following two new models including for the first time one in kit form:
UKBUS0008
Plaxton President Open Top - Stratford-upon-Avon Sightseeing Tour
HKBUS1005
Volvo Super Olympian/Alexander ALX500 Kit - (Plain White, No Transfers)

Wednesday 24th August 2005

CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD - PRESS RELEASE

Twin Models for Brighton & Hove

UKBUS2013 - Plaxton President-Bodied Dennis Trident

UKBUS3017 - Dennis Mini Pointer Dart

Following the great success of its Plaxton President bodied Dennis Trident replica UKBUS2006 with Brighton & Hove colours in January 2004, Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL) has proudly released a pair of Brighton & Hove bus models. They are UKBUS2013 Plaxton President–bodied Dennis Trident and UKBUS3017 Dennis Mini Pointer Dart. They will again be the focus of attention from bus model collectors as well as from bus enthusiasts.

UKBUS2013 features fleet number 853 (Y853 GCD), which showcases the new Brighton & Hove livery of cream with red applied in a wavy style. The livery is enhanced with an orange ‘swoosh’ that denotes its allocation to route 5: Hangleton to Patcham or Hollingbury.

UKBUS2013 is based on the previous UKBUS2006 replica. It 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 replica has significant features representing the special requirements of Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company, e.g. the long, sideways-facing seats on the lower saloon, big destination blind at the rear, etc.

The replica proudly carries the name William Marsh on the front panel. William Marsh was appointed general manager and engineer of Brighton Corporation’s electric tram system in 1905, four years after the system opened. Under his guidance, the tram system of nearly ten miles was used to run regular, efficient and cheap public transport.

The rear panel of UKBUS2013 carries Brighton & Hove’s in-house advertising that incorporates a reference to the nickname of the local Football League club, Brighton & Hove Albion. The reference to seagulls is also appropriate to a seaside location.

UKBUS3017 features Brighton & Hove 247 (X347 YGU) is one of pair of Mini Pointer Darts purchased in 2003 from Go-Ahead sister company Metrobus of Orpington to whom it was new in 2000.

UKBUS3017 carries traditional post-privatisation Brighton & Hove colours. It will create a certain interest to collectors if they compare UKBUS3017 a with UKBUS2006 as well as with UKBUS2013.

The Mini Pointer Dart 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 headlamps is transparent and indicator is translucent.

Both brand new UKBUS2013 and UKBUS3017 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.

This photograph shows the production version of UKBUS2013

Photograph © Creative Master Northcord Ltd

This photograph shows the production version of UKBUS3017

Photograph © Creative Master Northcord Ltd

09.00am Tuesday 23 August 2005

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM CORGI OOC
I can confirm that the following models have now been released:
OM42511 E Lancs Vyking Lincs Road Car
OM44108 Optare Solo Burton
OM45310 Bova Futura Kings, Colchester

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM EFE
I can confirm that the following models have now been released:
28810 Leyland Titan 2 Door Go Whippet
29608 Leyland Olympian Riverside
30003 AEC 10T10 Neath and Cardiff

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM
I can confirm that Museum Gift Set 13 EFE stock code 99928 has now been released. Details of the models being as follows:
Guy Special GS
Fleet number: GS17
Registration number: MXX 317
Route number: 336A
Destination: Loudwater Estate Office via Chorleywood Road

AEC RF
Fleet number: RF553
Registration number: NLE 553
Route number: 336
Destination: Rickmansworth via Chenles

NEW CASTING AND NEW MODELS ANNOUNCED BY BRITBUS
Britbus have announced the following new models including a new casting. Further details will be given when available:
MRL01 MCW Midibus - Westlink
N6214 MCW Metropolitan - Demonstration Livery
R802 Scania/Alexander R - Stagecoach East Kent
R902 Olympian/Alexander - Sovereign Buses

NEW MODELS ANNOUNCED BY EFE
EFE have announced the following new models including one new casting::
12118 Harrington Cavalier Royal Blue CLICK HERE to view
Fleet number: 404
Registration number: 541 CFJ
Route number: -
Destination: London

16322 Bristol LS Bath Services CLICK HERE to view
Fleet number: 2830
Registration number: PHW 920
Route number: 59
Destination: Paulton Central Garage

26616 Plaxton Paramount Greenline Southend CLICK HERE to view
Fleet number: 4331/566
Registration number: H566 MPD
Route number: 722
Destination: London Victoria Coach Station

31101 Leyland PD2 (Roof Box) Silver Star CLICK HERE to view
Fleet number: 18
Registration number: GWV 360
Route number: -
Destination: Porton Camp and Winterbourne

EFE MODELS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE THIS WEEK
The following models are scheduled for release later this week:
10133 AEC RT Greenline
16126 Leyland PD2 Highbridge CIE Dublin
25515 Routemaster RML London Transport
25808 Daimler DMS OK Motor Services

EFE 6TH SUBSCRIBER NEWSLETTER 2005
The latest subscriber newsletter has a number of items which I felt would be of interest and these are copied below. Also announced is the latest Subscriber offer model this being an Australian special model details of which are also given below:

"Within the model releases scheduled for July and August we have experienced a few hiccups and an explanation of what has caused the slippage of some models might be of interest to subscribers. Firstly the exceptionally bad weather and heavy rainfall in China during the last few months has had its effect by disrupting and generally slowing down production at the various factories we use to produce our models. To prevent gaps from appearing in our release programme we decided to release a standard RML Routemaster from models that we already had in our reserve stock in the U.K. The model that we chose to feature was RML898, that had been dressed up and taken to New Orleans for a 'British Week' at a departmental store. Because the markings on the bus were fictitious and not those of an' in service' bus we thought that the interest in the model would be marginal, but we were wrong and the orders exceeded the quantity produced. To avoid disappointing our collectors we decided to delay the release while a larger quantity of models was produced to better meet the orders that we had received.

Two other models were also affected by the disruption to production, E10133 AEC RT Greenline missed its shipping date and has moved to the late August release but from a different factory the reverse happened and E30003 AEC Regal 10T10 Neath & Cardiff was shipped early and is being released with the early August models. Unfortunately this model had completely missed our last newsletter and subscribers might like some information on this unique and interesting vehicle. When London Transport decided to sell off its AEC Regal 10T10 buses it was decided that they would all be sold overseas and not within the U.K. However, two of them escaped and these were the only 10T10's to appear in the livery of a U.K. bus company making them very special. Both of these buses became' Brown Bombers' operating along the South Wales coast for the Neath & Cardiff bus company.

Exclusive First Editions Showbus Rally 2005

Planning for this years EFE Showbus Rally is now well underway and all the staff are engrossed in the tasks they have chosen to undertake for this years event. Please note that this years rally is a week earlier on Sunday 18th September. (not a week later as stated in the Model Collector magazine).

Australian Special Models

We have been commissioned to produce another new model of an Australian bus which this time features our Leyland PD 2 highbridge in Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways livery. Details and illustration of this model are on the rear of Issue 7 Release Sheet enclosed with an Order Form in this mailing. A swift response is recommended to make sure that you catch this attractive bus."

Details of the Australian model mentioned above are as follows:
16125 Leyland PD2 Highbridge CLICK HERE to view
Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board
Fleet number: 245
Registration number: AT-245
Route number: -
Destination: City to Clifton Hill

PRESS RELEASE FROM CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD
the below press release has been received from CMNL announcing a new casting. No other details of models are available at this time:

‘New Casting for 2006’

In its short history of producing 1:76 scale diecast replica buses, Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL) has developed a very happy relationship with Alexanders in Falkirk and with Dennis in Guildford. Fortunately this relationship has continued as the companies developed into Transbus and, more recently, into Alexander Dennis Limited. Many of CMNL’s product ranges have featured either Alexander bodywork or Dennis chassis, and often both.

Creative Master Northcord Limited is now very pleased to announce that the company has successfully concluded negotiations with Alexander Dennis Limited and has been authorised to model the newly announced Enviro 400.

Developed from the familiar Alexander Dennis Limited Trident chassis and ALX400 body, the Enviro 400 features futuristic styling combined with an interior layout that exceeds existing capacity within a similar length.

Creative Master Limited, the parent company of CMNL, has a long and distinguished history of working with car manufacturers who often commission CML to make model versions of their new cars for simultaneous launch. CMNL is therefore making history by developing its new model bus casting alongside the developing project of the full-size Enviro 400.

Once the ADL product has been fully developed beyond the current prototype bodies, CMNL will make an announcement in detail about planned liveries and model dimensions nearer to its launch date.

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)

------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

HOW TO ORDER THE STAGECOACH IN DEVON CMNL COMMISSIONED MODEL
A number of people have written asking for the contact address to purchase the above. I am grateful to Dave Eddy for sending me details:

To order your model please send a cheque for £30.00 made payable to "Stagecoach Devon Limited" to:

Janice Seabrook
C/O Stagecoach Devon Limited
Bellgrave Road
Exeter
EX1 2LB

Monday 22 August 2005

Die-cast model market leader Corgi is experiencing an upsurge in sales in response to changes it has made this year to increase the collectable value of products across all its key categories.

The move to limit quotas of second half releases came after in-depth consultation with retailers during the Spring previews. As a result, Corgi is experiencing high levels of sell-in with retail and wholesale partners on a significant number of new products with key lines yet to be released this year already sold out.

All categories have sold through to retail very strongly with 90 percent of Road Transport; 85 percent of Public Transport and 82 percent of Aviation snapped up so far.

The new, deluxe working 1:32 scale Spitfire (RSP £150) released in July was over-subscribed by 30 percent demonstrating Corgi's commitment to bringing new innovation to the world of collecting and the demand for added value products. Corgi is urging retailers and collectors to place their orders for the second highly limited release from the Aviation Archive Deluxe working range now to avoid missing out.

Corgi's marketing director David Wootliff said: "Our successful launch of second half releases is a great result and paves the way for our celebration of Corgi's 50th anniversary next year when we will have further new developments and innovation in the world of collecting appealing to new and existing audiences.

"We have worked hard to meet the needs of our customers and the feedback we have received has been very positive. Building scarcity into the ranges is a key factor in this success and welcomed by the collecting world. Our job at Corgi is to get the numbers right so those who want to buy a particular model are able to if they act promptly leaving little or no stock unsold as that can erode the collectable value of their purchase.

"With product selling through very quickly now, we are advising all of our customers and collectors to secure product as early as possible to avoid any disappointment on the remaining ranges through to December."

Some releases due out later this year that are heavily over-subscribed or sold out include three of the OOC models; the Van Hool T9 - National Express, the Wright Eclipse Gemini - First London and Volvo B7TL/East Lancs Vyking - Lincolnshire R.

The new Scania model has also proved a hit. The Scania Topline Curtainside of Mulgrew Haulage released in July sold through quickly while the Scania R Series Topline Fridge Trailer of Scott Trawlers due out in December is already more than 20 percent over subscribed.

Retailers should contact the Corgi sales office on 0116 282 8770 or their wholesaler while collectors are advised to pre-order releases with their local Corgi stockist. To view the current range, visit www.corgi.co.uk

CORGI OOC MODELS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE WEEK COMMENCING 15TH AUGUST 2005
The following models are scheduled for release next week:
OM42511 E Lancs Vyking Lincs Road Car
OM44108 Optare Solo Burton
OM45310 Bova Futura Kings, Colchester

STAFF HOLIDAYS
Due to staff holidays, the office will be closed next week and will reopen Monday 22 August 2005

Friday 12 August 2005

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:
UKBUS3014 Plaxton Dennis Dart MPD Arriva Twin Pack
UKBUS3015 The Plaxton Dennis Dart MPD Bus Eireann

CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD STAGECOACH IN DEVON MODEL ADDITIONAL DETAILS
I can confirm additional details for this model:
Stock code: UKBUS0009
Quantity: 1200

NEXT EFE MODELS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE
The next EFE models to be released are expected week commencing 22 August as follows:
10133 AEC RT Greenline
16126 Leyland PD2 Highbridge CIE Dublin
25515 Routemaster RML London Transport
25808 Daimler DMS OK Motor Services

Thursday 11 August 2005

I understand that the model is available from the Stagecoach travel shops at Exeter, Torquay and Paignton and is priced at £25.00 plus P&P £5.00

Wednesday 10 August 2005

Monday 8 August 2005

N6006 GUY Arab IV PRV body
Southdown:
Fleet number: 539 H
Registration number: PUF 639
Route number: 16
Destination: Hailsham and Eastbourne
Quantity: 1200 pieces

This model has local advertisements for the period and a new feature is the open rear platform doors (see photograph below).

This photographs shows a pre-production sample of N6006

Photograph © Britbus

R801 Scania N113 Alexander R London Northern
This model has now been shipped to the UK and will be available very soon. Details:
Fleet number: S2
Registration number: F422 GWG
Route number: 263
Destination: Potters Bar Garage
Quantity: 912 pieces

This will be followed  by N6006 Southdown which will in turn be closely followed by the following two models:

R 800X-BP Scania 113 Black Prince
Fleet number: 421
Registration number: F421 GWG
Route number: 88
Destination: Bradford
Quantity: 1008 pieces

N6202 Black Prince Scania Metropolitan
Fleet number: 54
Registration number: KJD 204P
Route number: -
Destination: Moor Grange
Quantity: 480 pieces

Saturday 6 August 2005

"Bus Models of Tridents to be produced"
"The company has commissioned with Northcord three bus models of Stagecoach Devon Tridents to be produced. The first one will be a Trident carrying the full Bayline branding, understood to represent 18065. These should be due at about the same time as this NL is posted through your letterbox. 1200 have been ordered and they are exclusive to Stagecoach Devon. A number will be given away to customers and stakeholders but most are for sale from Travel shops, with the price to be determined. The second model will be of a PR2 Trident specifically 17002 and Northcord are very keen this goes on general release. 1500 are expected with Stagecoach taking 500 for sale. A Culm Valley Trident will be produced nearer to Christmas, to the same output as the PR2 model."

NEWS FROM THE LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM
I am grateful to Stephen Martin for sending me the below quote from the latest Friend's of the LT Museum newsletter as follows:

"Our own Bus Set No 13 will be launched to the public from our new temporary shop in the Piazza on Saturday 10th September, as will the long awaited green STL. Mail order customers should have received both items long before then. A new special model will be available at Acton on the weekend of 22nd & 23rd October and three further unannounced special models from EFE will be available over the autumn and winter period. Details of these will be announced on 10th September and the order book will open to co-incide.

The Corgi OOC 'Back the Bid' bus has sold extremely well and, now that London has secured the Olympic Games for 2012, I am hoping to commission more special model buses if the opportunity arises.

We are working with Britbus on a number of new castings and have four special models booked for the next twelve months. Don Craggs, who owns Britbus, will have a stand near the shop at the October 22nd/23rd weekend at Acton, and hopes to be able to show some of his new products for 2006".

Monday 1 August 2005

August 2005 - News

This page last updated Monday, 25 February 2013