Corgi to auction archive

Log onto Corgi’s official ebay website to bag yourself a piece of model history.  As of 9 February the company, famous for making the great small, will launch a series of auctions that will run throughout 2007 and will feature specially selected items from the Corgi Archive.

The sales follow Corgi’s recent merger with Master Replicas and acquisition of Cards Inc.   They will encompass hand picked motoring, aviation, truck and steam models, retained since the late 1990s and will include both limited edition and non-limited edition releases.

Highlights will range from a 1998 Diamond T Wrecker, as operated by British Road Services, to a more recent 2000 Beatles Psychedelic Mini, while there’ll also be a highly sought after Scania R Series Topline Fridge Trailer in Scott Trawlers livery.  Around 25 lots will be offered at each sale.

The first auction will kick off at 8pm on Friday 9 February and will run for one week.   It can be found at http://stores.ebay.co.uk/corgiclassicsltd or follow the link from the Corgi website at www.corgi.co.uk

Tuesday 30 January 2007

CONFIRMED RELEASE COMMISSIONED MODEL FROM RAMBLERS HOLIDAYS
I am grateful to Paul Fishwick for advising me that he has today received the below model. Mine has not yet arrived.
ME-004 AEC Merlin LT Green

CORGI CC25907 1/50TH SCALE ROUTEMASTER - MISSING FLEET NUMBER
I am also grateful to Paul Fishwick for advising me that the above model has been issued missing the fleet number below the drivers cab window. If you contact Corgi they will send you the missing transfer.

Britbus/Irbus
AN1-01 Leyland AN68 Atlantean (Park Royal) Southdown (NBC) CLICK HERE to view
AN2-01 Leyland AN68 Atlantean (Park Royal) London Country CLICK HERE to view
AS2-13 AEC Swift NBC London Country CLICK HERE to view
ES-03 East Lancs Scania Omnidekka Reading Buses CLICK HERE to view
ME-03 AEC Merlin London Transport CLICK HERE to view
MRL-08 MCW Metrorider London Links CLICK HERE to view
R 704 Alexander Belfast 2 door RH Olympian Dublin Buses CLICK HERE to view
R 704X Alexander Belfast 2 door RH Olympian BUS Eireann (On loan from Dublin Buses) CLICK HERE to view
R832 Alexander RH First Leeds CLICK HERE to view

Corgi OOC
OM41308 Wright Solar Fusion First Bath CLICK HERE to view
OM43913A Guy Arab Utility Ribble CLICK HERE to view
OM44112B Optare Solo Pullman Coaches Ltd - Gower Explorer CLICK HERE to view
OM45909 Van Hool T9 Shearings WA, Wigan CLICK HERE to view

Saturday 27 January 2007

CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD - PRESS RELEASE
The below press release and photographs have been received this morning from CMNL:

UKBUS7004 Scania OmniCity

First Hampshire & Dorset

Creative Master Northcord Limited is proud to release the first First Bus coloured bus replica on its popular Scania OmniCity model tooling. It is UKBUS7004 with famous ZIP branding service livery.

UKBUS7004 represents fleet number 65023 (YN54 NZX).

The ZIP Bus Priority corridor is part of Hampshire County Council’s Local Transport Plan 2001-2006. Bus route 41 has been branded ‘ZIP’ with the logo used on bus stops and shelters on the route between Portsdown Hill, on the northern outskirts of Portsmouth and the village of Clanfield. The improvements to public transport along the A3 trunk road are intended to make an attractive alternative to the car. As part of the improvement, the bus operator First Hampshire & Dorset Ltd purchased a new fleet of buses complete with white, purple and lime green ZIP livery. Since February 2005, the branded Scania OmniCity buses have been operating a frequent daytime service between Gunwharf Quay and Clanfield.

65023 (YN54 NZX) is one of a batch of twenty with ZIP-branding. Each ZIP branded bus has been named after a wild flower which grows in the local chalk soil of Portsmouth Hill – 65023 bears the name ‘Eyebright’ on a nearside window.

The Scania OmniCity UKBUS7004 is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the square-mounted, double-glazed windows and the livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. Other main features on the UKBUS7004 model include the brand new rear lights. They are all round and have appeared on the tooling for the first time.

As key features of the UKBUS7000 series, UKBUS7004 has an extensive portrayal of handrails and the headlight / indicator units at the front are made of individual, translucent components to look more realistic

The brand new Scania OmniCity bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Transit Graphics (Australia), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), cnmycar.com (P. R. of China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The UKBUS7004 model is limited to 1800 pieces worldwide.

Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE to view

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)

------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

Friday 26 January 2007

1:24th Scale Routemaster - The Final Chapter

For 2007, Sun Star will offer three new models, a 1964 re-furbished RMC with revised front wings and grille, wider "via" box and revised Green Line livery, an "out-of-town" RM from the GLC years, and RM2217 as it ran on Route 159 between Streatham and Marble Arch on December 9th 2005, the last Routemaster. These three models will constitute the final chapter of the Sun Star Routemaster story and then, like the real vehicle, the moulds will be "retired".

2912 RMC1486 - 486 CLT : Green Line
CLICK HERE to view
In 1964, less than two years after their introduction, it was decided to give a face-lift to the RMC's. The main changes were at the front where the wings were revised to give a smoother, deeper line, the brake vents were omitted and the registration plate was attached beneath the lower edge of the body. The "via" box was widened to match the main destination blind box and the lower half of the front ventilation grille was covered to form a continuous band between the two decks. The main livery changes included the disappearance of the main Green Line wording on the side of the lower decks and the use of decals for a revised roundel which was moved forward on the sides to below the first window of the upper deck.

2913 RM21 - VLT 21 : The GLC years
CLICK HERE to view
On January 1st 1970, London Transport was transferred from state to municipal control. The main external changes related to the change from gold to white for the central band between the two decks and fleet names, and the adoption of the plain white roundel as the logo for the new operator. RM21 was one of the original batch of Routemasters and still maintained its original front upper deck windows without the quarter-drop upper part which was introduced from RM254 onwards.

2914 RM2217 - CUV 217C : The Last Routemaster
CLICK HERE to view
On December 9th 2005, the Routemaster finally disappeared from regular service in London, after more than 50 years of active service. Although several vehicles were in service that day, the officially designated "last" Routemaster was RM2217 which operated on Route 159 between Streatham and Marble Arch. Sun Star model 2914 replicates RM2217 exactly as it ran its last journey. A limited number of Routemasters continues to operate on so-called Heritage Routes as can be seen from the advertisements on RM2217.

1:24th scale Bedford OB Duple Vista

The first three 1:24 scale models of the Bedford OB Duple Vista coach were all 1947 models with the original "angled" destination and operator blind boxes and four-spoked steering wheel. These will be the last 1947 models, since Sun Star has now modified the moulds in order to offer a 1948 model with rounded blind boxes and a three-spoked steering wheel but without the front bumper over-riders and characteristic chrome "flash" on the sides, which were omitted due to material shortages at that time. This will be followed by an early 1949 model with rounded blind boxes where the over-riders and chrome "flashes" have been restored.
5004 1948 Bedford OB Coach - Hants & Sussex
CLICK HERE to view
5006 1949 Bedford OB Coach - Grey Cars
CLICK HERE to view

1:24th scale AEC Regent III

Even before RT1 entered service, the first orders for full scale production were placed in July and November 1938 for a total of 338 chassis and 341 bodies. Changes were made to both the chassis and body design of the RT1, the most visible being the omission of the off-side, staircase window and the projection of the roof over the front, upper-deck windows, and the curious re-location of the off-side headlight to the chassis, below the cab body. The revised specification was classified as 2RT2. Construction of the initial order of 150 chassis started at AEC's Southall factory in summer 1939, and on 20th May 1940, the last one was delivered to LPTB's Chiswick factory, where the bodies were made. Body manufacture was so slow that the second order for 188 chassis had already been suspended by then, and in fact this last chassis was not completed until January 14th 1942, entering service on February 1st. In total, only 150 2RT2's were made.

The key features which distinguish the 2RT2 from its successors are the front and rear roof-mounted Route number boxes, the sloping lower edge of the side and front windows of the driver's cab, the 6-louvred vent, the curious positioning of the off-side headlight, and the 2-bay blind box with the main destination above the via box.
2920 1939 AEC Regent III - RT113 FXT288
CLICK HERE to view

Courtesy of Ian Kirby
EFE
25710 Daimler DMS London Transport
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE
26618 Plaxton Paramount Ulsterbus Tours
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE
27103 BET Weymann Aldershot & District
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE
27618 Wright Volvo Renown Blackburn Transport
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE
28605 GM Atlantean North Birmingham Busways
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE
29613 Leyland Olympian Eastern Counties
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE
30604 AEC Renown Northern NBC
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE
31701 RMC Routemaster Coach Greenline
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE
31801 RMA Airport Coach London Transport
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE
Photograph 3 CLICK HERE
31902 RML Routemaster Arriva (Last day of service)
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE
32101 RMF Front Entrance London Transport
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE
Photograph 3 CLICK HERE

Creative Master Northcord Ltd
UKBUS6002 Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 Metroline
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE
Photograph 3 CLICK HERE
Photograph 4 CLICK HERE

2nd posting Thursday 25 January 2007

Thursday 25 January 2007

OM41216A Wright Gemini Go North East
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE to view
Fleet number: 3942
Registration number: NK05 GZP
Route number: X10
Destination: Newcastle via Gateshead

To view a photograph showing the packaging for the two versions CLICK HERE

Monday 22 January 2007

CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD - PRESS RELEASE
The below press release and photographs have been received this morning from CMNL:

UKBUS6003 Alexander Dennis Enviro400

London General

Following the great success of the launch models of the Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 in two different overall lengths, UKBUS6001, with “Spirit of London” decoration, and UKBUS6002, Metroline, Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of UKBUS6003, the second dual-door, short-wheelbase Alexander Dennis Enviro400 model, on this occasion in London General standard livery.

UKBUS6003 represents fleet number E4 (SN06 BNE) that was new to Go-Ahead London General in early 2006.

The bus is running on service 196 bound for Tooting Broadway in Central London onto which route London General introduced its batch of 15 Enviro400s early in 2006.

During the preparation process for UKBUS6003, a bus was made available for photography and this carried Tooting Broadway in its destination display. During the checking process of the pre-production model, none of the staff involved noted that Tooting Broadway is not part of route 196, so the model has been released with this destination in error. CMNL apologises unreservedly for this unfortunate oversight.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro400 UKBUS6003 is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the square-mounted, gasket windows and the livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. Another main feature on the UKBUS6003 model is its dual individual tree protectors at the front. The front dome on the model is also significant, with its curved windscreen on the upper deck.

Creative Master Northcord is creating new design standards in the layout of the interior of both saloons. These features inside the compartments represent the really outstanding layout of the Enviro400, such as an additional seat behind the driving cab, additional ventilation equipment on the upper deck ceiling, and extensive portrayal of handrails on the upper and lower deck, etc. The headlights at the front are made of individual components to look more realistic.

The brand new Enviro400 bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Transit Graphics (Australia), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), cnmycar.com (P. R. China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The UKBUS6003 model is limited to 1800 pieces worldwide.

Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE to view

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)

------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

Saturday 20 January 2007

15806 Leyland PD1 Lowbridge - Western
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

17306 Leyland National MK1 Long - Midland Red
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

20440 Bristol VR3 - Crosville NBC
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

26319 Guy Arab 2 Utility - Burton Corporation
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

32203 Bristol RELH Coach - Crosville
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

32302 Bristol RELH Coach - Eastern Counties
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

SUNDAY, 1st JULY -  NORTH WEALD BUS RALLY.

At North Weald Airfield, near Epping, via A414 from junction 7 on M11. This event is being organized in association with Blue Triangle Buses and the Harlow Lions.

200+ Buses and Coaches on display

Transport Bazaar with wide variety of stands. Real Ale Beer Tent. Refreshments provided by Kate’s Kitchen

Vintage Bus Services to & from Epping Central Line Station, Ongar for Epping Ongar Railway and Stapleford Tawney Moletrap p.h. First bus from Epping Station at 10.10, then every 10 minutes until 10.50, then every 20 minutes until 15.50.

Rally open 10.30 to 17.00. Admission £7.00 (includes travel on route 339 to and from Epping Station), accompanied children free.

Booking forms – S.A.E. – NLTS EVENTS, 132, Moorfield, Harlow, Essex, CM18 7QQ or from website

Friday 19 January 2007

Thursday 18 January 2007

15806 Leyland PD1 Lowbridge - Western CLICK HERE to view
Fleet number: MD353
Registration number: BCS 314
Route number: -
Destination: Eaglesham
Anticipated release date: March 2007

17306 Leyland National MK1 Long - Midland Red CLICK HERE to view
Fleet number: 101
Registration number: HHA 101L
Route number: 121
Destination: Birmingham
Anticipated release date: March 2007

20440 Bristol VR3 - Crosville NBC CLICK HERE to view
Fleet number: DVL 435
Registration number: RMA 435V
Route number: B X1
Destination: Mold
Anticipated release date: March 2007

26319 Guy Arab 2 Utility - Burton Corporation CLICK HERE to view
Fleet number: 70
Registration number: HGC 130
Route number: -
Destination: Museum
Anticipated release date: March 2007

32203 Bristol RELH Coach - Crosville CLICK HERE to view
Fleet number: CRG 106
Registration number: AFM 106G
Route number: X2
Destination: London (Motorway Express)
Anticipated release date: March 2007

32302 Bristol RELH Coach - Eastern Counties CLICK HERE to view
Fleet number: RE 880
Registration number: GNG 92C
Route number: E
Destination: Norwich
Anticipated release date: March 2007

2nd posting Wednesday 17 January 2007

CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD - PRESS RELEASE
The below press release has been received from Creative Master Northcord Ltd:

Mercedes-Benz Citaro

UKBUS5010  First Manchester

Creative Master Northcord Limited is proud to release another brand new livery on its well known Mercedes-Benz Citaro casting, UKBUS5010 First Manchester. 

This model represents First Manchester Citaro 60283 (W179 BVP).

First Manchester was the first operator in the UK to order and operate this type of vehicle. These Citaros were the first right-hand drive models manufactured at Mercedes-benz Mannheim plant. A fleet of 61 Mercedes-Benz Citaro vehicles operated out of the company’s Oldham depot on busy Overground services 58/59, 82/83 and 409. The vehicle is powered by a 6.37 litre EURO-2 engine and ZF transmission and has a technically advanced electrical system.

Mercedes-Benz Citaro UKBUS5010 model is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the square-mounted, double-glazed windows and the livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. Another main feature on the model is the extensive portrayal of handrails. The headlight / indicator units at the front and indicator / tail light units at the rear are made of individual components to look more realistic.

The brand new single-door Mercedes-Benz Citaro bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), Transit Graphics (Australia), cnmycar.com (P. R. of China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The UKBUS5010 models are limited to 1700 pieces worldwide respectively.

Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE to view

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)

------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

Wednesday 17 January 2007

Tuesday 16 January 2007

New models:
H2912 RMC 1486 - 486 CLT - Greenline (Approx June)
H2913 RM 21 - VLT21 - The GLC Years (Approx Sept)
H2914 RM 2217 - CUV 217C - The Last Routemaster (Approx Dec)

New casting:
H2920 1939 AEC Regent III - RT113 FXT288 (Approx Oct)

Monday 15 January 2007

Saturday 13 January 2007

This year's model commemorating the 2007 Annual Bus & Coach gathering on 1 April will be RML 2700 (reg. no. SMK700F) on route 207A to Chelsea with "Cobham 2007" advertisements.

Also released on 1 April will be the latest model from the "Cobham Collection" (all based on real buses at Cobham) comprising Green Line Coach RMC 1461 (reg. no. 461 CLT) on route 715 to Guildford.

Both models will be released on 1 April and available exclusively at the Cobham Annual Bus & Coach Gathering which will be held this year at Longcross Test Track on Chobham (not Cobham!) Common in Surrey. Entrance to the site is from Chobham Lane, off the B386.

The Modelzone destination will be: ‘Gravesend’ and via points -  ‘Bluewater, Greenhithe Stn’ (same route number as standard release), (Modelzone have a store in Bluewater!).  500 models will be released which will include Modelzone certificates. Should you wish to order, pre orders can be made at Modelzone's mail order address:

Modelzone
17c Marston Business Park
Tockwith
YO26 7QF

Tel: 08707 455011

I understand that Modelzone hope to commission a third model featuring an exclusive Modelzone livery to be released later in the year. Details will be announced as soon as they are available.

Friday 12 January 2007

Thursday 11 January 2007

OM41216 Wright Gemini Go North East (Version B)
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 3 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 4 CLICK HERE to view
Model details:
Fleet number: 3942
Registration number: NK05 GZP
Route number: X10
Destination: Middlesbrough via Stockton

OM43403 Plaxton Beaver 2 Western Greyhound (Version A)
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Model details:
Registration number: S501 SRL
Route: 526
Destination: Heligan Gardens

Wednesday 10 January 2007

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM BRITBUS
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:

AS2-13 AEC Swift NBC Green - Special Livery
ME-03 AEC Merlin London Transport CLICK HERE to view
MRL08 MCW Metrorider London Links CLICK HERE to view

Tuesday 9 January 2007

CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD - PRESS RELEASES
The two below press releases and photographs have been received this morning from CMNL:

UKBUS5011 Mercedes-Benz Citaro

Wilts & Dorset

Creative Master Northcord Limited is proud to release another brand new livery on its well known Mercedes-Benz Citaro casting, UKBUS5011 Wilts & Dorset.

UKBUS5011 represents fleet number 172 (HF06 FTP).

Wilts & Dorset Bus Company fleet number 172 is one of a number of Mercedes-Benz Citaro buses placed in service by the Company in 2006. Fully accessible for wheelchair users, these Citaros are also air-conditioned and offer a spacious and comfortable travelling environment. Bus 172 carries the standard Wilts & Dorset livery designed by Samantha Beeley and is shown working on route 3 from Poole to Wimborne. Introduced in June 2006, route 3 (the Wimborne Flyer) gives a bus every 15 minutes on a fast direct route between Poole and Wimborne and is proving popular with customers.

UKBUS5009 features the smooth, curved windscreen with the destination display set behind the windscreen glass. This feature is one of the standard specifications on other Citaros that the Go-Ahead Group has purchased. In addition to the curved windscreen, the seating plan in the saloon had been modified, in order to give 100% accuracy on the replica. Moreover, UKBUS5011 has an additional route destination LED blind behind the second window at the offside, which is shown on this type of replica for the first time.

Mercedes-Benz Citaro UKBUS5011 model is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the square-mounted, double-glazed windows and the livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. Another main feature on both models is the extensive portrayal of handrails. The headlight / indicator units at the front and indicator / tail light units at the rear are made of individual components to look more realistic.

The brand new single-door Mercedes-Benz Citaro bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), Transit Graphics (Australia), cnmycar.com (P. R. of China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The UKBUS5011 models are limited to 1800 pieces worldwide respectively.

Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE to view

UKBUS7005 Scania OmniCity 

Metrobus – Route X26

Creative Master Northcord Limited is proud to release the first London Red bus replica on its popular Scania OmniCity model tooling. It is UKBUS7005 with Metrobus’ Transport for London operation livery.

UKBUS7005 represents fleet number 543 (YN05 HFG).

In October 2004, London Buses awarded Metrobus the contract to operate route X26, with effect from the following April. A limited stopping service between Croydon and Heathrow Airport, this replaced most of route 726, one of the last former Green Line services to operate across South London, which had most recently been operated by Tellings Golden Miller.

With 28 Scania OmniCities already in the Metrobus fleet for Fastway services in Crawley and also for Orpington route 358, this type of vehicle was an obvious choice. Fleet number 543 represents the batch of five purchased, which differ from the other batches in being single door and have additional luggage racks to cater for the high number of tourists / air passengers using the route.

This batch of vehicles was the first to be delivered new in all over red and with the now familiar silver logos, as had already been seen on the latest repaints for TfL contracts. The batch moved from the former East Surrey depot at South Godstone, to the new depot in Croydon, in February 2006.

The Scania OmniCity UKBUS7005 is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the square-mounted, double-glazed windows and the livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. Other main features on the UKBUS7005 model include the additional luggage racks inside the bus.

As key features of the UKBUS7000 series, UKBUS7005 has an extensive portrayal of handrails, the headlight / indicator units at the front are made of individual, translucent components to look more realistic and the red lights at the rear are made similarly, with the indicator and reversing light colours tampo-printed on top.

The brand new Scania OmniCity bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Transit Graphics (Australia), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), cnmycar.com (P. R. of China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The UKBUS7005 model is limited to 1800 pieces worldwide.

Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE to view

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)

------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

Saturday 6 January 2007

MODEL SURVEY
You will recall in November I ran a poll of suggestions for a new casting for one of the major manufacturers. I know that many of you are eager to know the result and I have received lots of emails to this effect. Many vehicles and variants were suggested (over 80) and there did not appear to me to be a clear winner. I have forwarded your suggestions to the manufacturer concerned. As many of you will be aware I have been unwell recently and have therefore not yet carried out my own analysis of the results. I am hoping to do so in the near future and will publish details as soon as I am able.

Friday 5 January 2007

EFE MODELS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE NEXT WEEK
The below models are scheduled for release week commencing 8 January 2007:

27103 BET Weymann Aldershot & District CLICK HERE
28605 GM Atlantean North Birmingham Busways CLICK HERE
29613 Leyland Olympian Eastern Counties CLICK HERE

CORGI MERGER ANNOUNCEMENT
The below has been received today from Corgi. Whilst it does not mention their bus ranges I felt some visitors to the site might find it interesting:

Welcome to the new Corgi International

2007 promises to be an exciting year at Corgi International. 

With the completion of our recent merger, three separate collectables companies with similar ideals – Corgi Classics, Master Replicas, and Cards Inc. – have come together to form the industry’s first Master Collectables company!

The new Group has great licensed products from the top 10 licensed properties of all time (including Star Wars, Harry Potter, Spider-Man, Pirates of the Caribbean, and many more) and will have the knowledge and expertise to produce a wide array of products – from die cast vehicles and action figures, to statues and authentic prop replicas – and everything in between! The merger means that we have the ability to create products ranging from 99p to £999 and beyond, and to effectively meet the needs of all of our consumers – from casual fans to die-hard enthusiasts. It means that we will utilise technology and innovation to bring new types of products to the marketplace. In short, it means that Corgi International will be your one-stop-shop for all things collectable in 2007 and beyond!

2007 is just the first step in what is sure to be a long and exciting journey for Corgi International.....

Thursday 4 January 2007

CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD PRESS RELEASES
The two below press releases and photographs have been received today from CMNL:

Mercedes-Benz Citaro

UKBUS5009 Solent Blue Line

Creative Master Northcord Limited is proud to release another brand new livery on its well known Mercedes-Benz Citaro casting, UKBUS5009 Solent Blue Line.

UKBUS5009 represents fleet number 402 (HX06 EZB).

Southampton-based Solent Blue Line was established in 1987 and operates around a hundred vehicles in Southern Hampshire serving Eastleigh, Winchester, Romsey & the Waterside.

It is for this latter area that 10 Mercedes-Benz Citaros were purchased in April 2006 to upgrade the previous services to become part of the Bluestar network. Offering increased frequency, air-conditioning and improved seating they give their customers an improved and comfortable travelling experience.

Fleet no. 402 carries the smart and contemporary Bluestar livery designed by Best Impressions, with additional elements highlighting their dedicated use on Waterside services.

UKBUS5009 features the smooth, curved windscreen with the destination display set behind the windscreen glass. This feature is one of the standard specifications on other Citaros that the Go-Ahead Group has purchased. In addition to the curved windscreen, the seating plan in the saloon had been modified, in order to give 100% accuracy on the replica.

Mercedes-Benz Citaro UKBUS5009 model is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the square-mounted, double-glazed windows and the livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. Another main feature on both models is the extensive portrayal of handrails. The headlight / indicator units at the front and indicator / tail light units at the rear are made of individual components to look more realistic.

The brand new single-door Mercedes-Benz Citaro bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), Transit Graphics (Australia, cnmycar.com (China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The UKBUS5009 models are limited to 1600 pieces worldwide respectively.

Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE to view

Mercedes-Benz Citaro G

UKBUS5108 University of East London

Creative Master Northcord Limited has proudly released its second livery of the popular wholly-wrapped University of East London advert on Mercedes-Benz Citaro G model.

UKBUS5108 carries the wholly-wrapped University of East London orange colour (Stratford Campus) advert livery. The bus itself was formerly owned by Stagecoach London. It represents fleet number 23034 (LX03 HEU).

The University of East London (UEL) is a modern, fast-growing university situated close to the heart of the UK's capital city.

Originally founded as a technical institute in 1898, UEL received its charter establishing it as a university in 1992. Since then it has undergone dramatic growth, and in 2005 was rated as London's leading modern university by the prestigious Guardian newspaper.

With over 20,000 students from more than 120 nationalities, UEL is also one of the UK's most diverse universities, with a vibrant and dynamic learning community. UEL now offers over 250 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across: Architecture and the Visual Arts, Business, Computing and Technology, Education, Health and Bioscience, Law, Psychology, and Social Science, Media and Cultural Studies.

UKBUS5108 Mercedes-Benz Citaro G depicts UEL's Stratford campus, situated in the London Borough of Stratford, home of the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games. The campus combines historic listed buildings with modern, state-of-the-art facilities, providing an outstanding learning and research environment.

The bus, one of two dressed in UEL livery, went into service on the Number 25 route between Ilford and Oxford Circus in the heart of London, in June 2005. The second bus depicts UEL’s Dockland Campus (UKBUS5104).

The Mercedes-Benz Citaro G UKBUS5108 model’s clean lines accentuate the square-mounted, double-glazed windows and the livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. Another main feature on the model is the extensive portrayal of handrails. The headlight / indicator units at the front and indicator / tail light units at the rear are made of individual components to look more realistic.

The brand new UKBUS5108 three-door Mercedes-Benz G bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), Transit Graphics (Australia), cnmycar.com (China), and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The UKBUS5108 is limited to 1800 pieces worldwide.

Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE to view

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)

------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

Wednesday 3 January 2007

Tuesday 2 January 2007

Monday 1 January 2007

January 2007 - News

This page last updated Monday, 25 February 2013