Saturday 4th April 2020

UKBUS0063 ADL Enviro400 MMC - Ensign Bus

Following the significant success in launching the brand new casting of the Alexander Dennis Enviro400 MMC model in the liveries of Go-Ahead London, National Express West Midlands, Stagecoach London, Stagecoach in Oxfordshire, Reading Buses, First Bristol, Bluestar, Abellio, Yellow Buses, Stagecoach West Scotland, Southern Vectis, Stagecoach South, Metroline and First Glasgow, Northcord Model Company is releasing the twentieth version – UKBUS0063 in the livery of Ensign Bus.

UKBUS0063 represents fleet number 132 (YX66WLH), utilising the 10.9 metre, single door casting (the actual bus has 11.5 metre long body, H49/37F-seated), that was new to Go Goodwins Coaches of Eccles, Greater Manchester in January 2017. Ensignbus had acquired and numbered it 132 in early 2019. 132 is portrayed carrying Ensignbus’ full, standard livery. UKBUS0063 also carries the very special UK Bus Awards commemorative strapline below the fleetname on both sides, that reads, “UK BUS TOP INDEPENDENT OPERATOR”.

Further details carried by the model include the additional marker lights above the upper deck windows on both sides, and on the front and rear bumper. Furthermore, the model replicates the rear advertising to promote the private hire service that is carried on the rear engine access door and which reinforces the message that is carried in all 3 destination apertures.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro400 MMC UKBUS0063 is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the square, gasket-mounted windows and the livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. Another main feature on the UKBUS0063 models is twin tree protectors 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 Enviro400 MMC, such as the extensive portrayal of handrails on upper deck and lower deck, etc.

The brand new 10.9 metre Enviro400 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 UKBUS0063 model is limited to 1008 pieces worldwide.

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

Monday 23rd March 2020

UKBUS6516 ADL Enviro400 MMC - Stagecoach South Gold 

Following the significant success in launching the brand new casting of the Alexander Dennis Enviro400 MMC model in the liveries of National Express West Midlands, Stagecoach in Oxfordshire, Bluestar, Stagecoach West Scotland and Southern Vectis, Northcord Model Company is now releasing the eighth livery on the 10.9 metre long, single-door casting – UKBUS6516 in the livery of Stagecoach South with full Gold branding for the famous route 1.

UKBUS6516 represents fleet number 10770 (SN66VYR) that has 10.9 metre, single door bodywork and was new to Stagecoach South in 2017. 10770 carries a full Gold branded livery for route 1, showing the destination to Aldershot. The special, comprehensive livery and branding are 100% reproduced onto the UKBUS6516 model. The stand-out features of the branding are : “stagecoach gold’ on all sides; the regal route between Aldershot, Farnborough, Camberley & Old Dean”, and “every 30 mins mon-sat daytime” frequency with the prominent route number “1” on both sides and at the rear.

Further additional details carried by the model include the free wifi and USB charging logos on both sides. 

Stagecoach Gold is a luxury bus sub-brand used by various Stagecoach bus subsidiaries in the United Kingdom. Stagecoach Gold (originally Goldline) was launched in 2007 and was designed to attract more middle-class passengers to choose bus travel as a method of transport as well as to reward passengers on some busy and popular routes. Gold routes have a luxury specification. Buses have stitched leather seats, metallic paint, special flooring and free WiFi.

In 2015, all brand-new Stagecoach Gold vehicles came equipped with USB charging facilities underneath every seat which enabled passengers to charge their mobile devices whilst onboard.

In the following year, Stagecoach took the delivery of the first Stagecoach Gold branded Alexander Dennis Enviro400 MMC and Enviro200 MMC vehicles. The liveries on the new buses remained the same as the previous model however Stagecoach slightly modified the interior with new wood effect flooring and updated the upholstery with new style leather seats that incorporate a cream coloured headrest.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro400 MMC UKBUS6516 is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the square, gasket-mounted windows and the livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. Another main feature on the UKBUS6516 model is its single 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 Enviro400 MMC, such as the extensive portrayal of handrails on upper deck and lower deck, etc.

The brand new 10.9 metre Enviro400 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 UKBUS6516 model is limited to 1008 pieces worldwide.

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

Tuesday 10th March 2020

Corgi OOC
OM46316A AEC RM - London Transport
Fleet number: RM2050
Registration number: ALM50B
Route number: 15
Destination: Tower Hill
Quantity: 600 (Total run 1200 pieces split between the A and B version of this model).

Oxford Diecast
76SB005 - Saro Bus - Ulster Transport Authority
Fleet number: H301
Registration number: PZ4874
Route number: 108
Destination: Aldergrove

Tuesday 25th February 2020

Enviro400 MMC - Stagecoach South Gold
Fleet number: 10770
Registratiopn number: SN66VYR
Route number: 1
Destination: Aldershot
Release date: Not yet confirmed

Thursday 13th February  2020

Corgi OOC
OM46623 New Routemaster - London United
Fleet number: LT148
Registration number: LTZ1148
Route: 10
Destination: Kings Cross
Quantity: 1500 pieces

Oxford Diecast
76DC003 Duple Commander II - Neath & Cardiff
Fleet number: -
Registration number: HTG602D
Route: -
Destination: TOUR

Monday 10th February  2020

Thursday 6th February  2020

CC82331 Paddington™ London Bus and Figurine - Due: Summer 2020
CC82333 The Beatles - London Bus - 'Yellow Submarine' - Due: Spring 2020
CC82334 The Beatles - London Bus - 'A Hard Days Night' - Due: Spring 2020
CC82335 The Beatles - London Bus - 'Help!' - Due: Spring 2020
GS82336 Best of British London Bus - Union Jack - Due: Winter 2019/2020
GS82337 London Bus - Rainbow - Due: Spring 2020

Yesterday, Hornby advised me that two of the models  are scheduled for release week commencing 10th February to 23rd February:
GS82336 Best of British London Bus - Union Jack
GS82337 London Bus - Rainbow

Thursday 6th February  2020

NEW CASTING

UKBUS6800 ADL Enviro400City on the Trident 2 & BYD Chassis

Northcord Model Company is now pleased to announce that the company has successfully concluded its licensing negotiations with Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) and has been authorised to model the Enviro400 “City” body based on both the Dennis Trident 2 chassis and the BYD chassis, the latter named as the Enviro400EV.

#Northcord Model Company had developed the ADL Enviro400MMC models (UKBUS6500 series) since January 2018, and during the two years since then, more than 15,000 units of UKBUS6500 bus models have been produced. All UKBUS6500 series models have gained excellent success and reputation worldwide, and especially in both the Hong Kong and UK markets.

The first production model of the brand-new casting should be available in the United Kingdom by the end of the fourth quarter in 2020. As the Enviro400City is developed from the former Enviro400 series, Northcord Model Company will put the new products into a new sub-series categorised UKBUS6800 et seq, as a continuation from the current UKBUS6500 model range, and the UKBUS6000 range before that. The collectors will therefore recognise these models as the follow up version within the ADL Enviro400 double deck bus family.

The newly developed comprehensive casting will initially include the following versions of Britain’s best-selling double-deck buses:

1. 10.8 metre 1 & 2 door BYD-chassised Enviro400 City
2. 10.9 metre 1 & 2 door Enviro400 City Trident 2-chassised to follow as a continuation of the previous Enviro400 MMC Licence Agreement.
Northcord Model Company will make an announcement in detail about planned liveries and model dimensions nearer to its launch date. The range will be expanded with the shorter versions of each type in due course.

NMC is currently engaged in researching and negotiating licensing with Scania for the possibility of utilising the Trident 2 Enviro400City body as the basis for a Scania N280UD derivation that will, of course, be listed within the UKBUS00xx range due to the different wheelbase and front and rear overhang dimensions compared to the Trident 2 variant. Whilst the metal parts of the body will be those of the Trident 2, the glazing will be to the discrete design as applied to the Scania. These buses are being taken by a number of high-profile fleets such as Nottingham, in its variety of route branding colours, and various First fleets, and production of all NMC models is subject to end user agreement, of course.

NB : As a footnote to the previously advised plans and dates for 2020 model releases, NMC wishes to advise retailers and collectors that, due to some severe travel restrictions to and within Mainland China in order to attempt to slow down the spread of the Coronavirus, the factory will not resume manufacture for at least a further week following the traditional LNY holiday period. This will have a knock-on effect, delaying when the models will be released following production.

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

Wednesday 4th February 2020

Wednesday 29th January 2020

Sunday 26th January 2020

NMW6003 - Bristol MW6G Eastern Counties NBC
Fleet number: LS804
Registration number: 3804PW
Route number: 499
Destination: ELY

76LRT010 - Mexborough & Swinton Leyland Royal Tiger
Fleet number: 107
Registration number: LUF637
Route number: -
Destination: PRIVATE

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

76PB010 - Royal Mail (Scotland) Commer PB Postbus
Fleet number: -
Registration number: USG706R
Route number: -
Destination: ELGOL

Thursday 23rd January 2020

Monday 20th January 2020

Thursday 16th January 2020

Also shown are photographs highlighting the differences between the models which are show in purple colour lines.

Jotus will be taking delivery of the models on Saturday this week and will be available for sale from the Jotus.com website on Monday 13th January:

Stagecoach Dennis Dragon Duple Metsec 11M - Magic Bus
Fleet No.: 681 (M681TDB)
Route No.: 142 EAST DIDSBURY
Limited Edition: 50
Manufacturer: RESIN SPECIALIST
Product Code: RS76515A
Scale: 1/76
Type: DIE CAST + RESIN MODEL

Stagecoach Dennis Dragon Duple Metsec 11M - Magic Bus
Fleet No.: 685 (M685TDB)
Route No.: 143 PICCADILLY
Limited Edition: 50
Manufacturer: RESIN SPECIALIST
Product Code: RS76515B
Scale: 1/76
Type: DIE CAST + RESIN MODEL

Stagecoach Dennis Dragon Duple Metsec 11M - Magic Bus
Fleet No.: 686 (M686TDB)
Route No.: 142 WEST DIDSBURY
Limited Edition: 50
Manufacturer: RESIN SPECIALIST
Product Code: RS76515C
Scale: 1/76
Type: DIE CAST + RESIN MODEL

Stagecoach Dennis Dragon Duple Metsec 11M - Magic Bus
Fleet No.: 691 (M691TDB)
Route No.: 86 CHORLTON
Limited Edition: 50
Manufacturer: RESIN SPECIALIST
Product Code: RS76515D
Scale: 1/76
Type: DIE CAST + RESIN MODEL

Version A

Version B

Version C

Version D

Differences between the models

Packaging

Thursday 9th January 2020

OM46516A Wright Eclipse Gemini 2, Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company, BK13OAU, Route 5 Patcham, The Snowman - Due Autumn
OM46516B Wright Eclipse Gemini 2, Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company, BK13OAU, Route 5 Hangleton, The Snowman - Due Autumn
OM46623 New Routemaster - London United - LTZ1148 - Route 10 - Kings Cross - Coca Cola® 1:76 – Due January (Available now)
OM46624A New Routemaster - Arriva London - LTZ1192 - Route 38 Hackney Central, ‘Release the Kraken’ - Due Summer
OM46624B New Routemaster - Arriva London - LTZ1192 - Route 38 Victoria - ‘Release the Kraken’ - Due Summer
OM46315A AEC Type RM - London Transport - CLT359- Route 88 Acton Green - ‘Boulogne, The motorway to Europe’ - Due Autumn - Correct registration number for this model is: 359CLT (RM1359). Not CLT359 as shown on the PP model.
OM46315B AEC Type RM - London Transport - CLT359 - Route 88 Mitcham Cricketers - ‘Boulogne, The motorway to Europe’ - Due Autumn - Correct registration number for this model is: 359CLT (RM1359). Not CLT359 as shown on the PP model.
OM46316A AEC Type RM, ALM50B, Heritage Route 15 Tower Hill, 'Mamma Mia!' - Due February
OM46316BAEC Type RM, ALM50B, Heritage Route 15 Trafalgar Square, 'Mamma Mia!' - Due February
CC02741 Only Fools and Horses - 'The Jolly Boys Outing' - Plaxton Panorama - Percy's Luxury Tours of Peckham - Due Autumn

2nd posting Monday 6th January 2020

Herewith we itemise an update on likely release dates and status for announced models in the UKBUS1500 and UKBUS6500 range. In addition, nine further future releases are announced.

Production delays due to shortage of appropriate labour in all factories in southern China are affecting many manufacturers and it is appropriate that NMC should advise you accordingly. Furthermore, the usual delays will be accommodated due to the return of factory staff to their provinces during Lunar New Year and the resultant need to recruit staff to replace those who do not return to the factories.

UKBUS1500 Range

NMC will relaunch the model based on the casting of the Alexander ALX400 – bodied Dennis Trident opentop in 2020.

UKBUS1501 – megasightseeing.com (18496 – LX06AHC)

UKBUS1502 – Stagecoach North West “the White Lady” (17012 – S812BWC)

The pre-production samples of both items for checking are in the course of being prepared with an anticipated production slot being available during early April 2020.

UKBUS6500 Range

UKBUS6516 – Stagecoach South Gold (10770 – SN66VYR): production is scheduled for completion by early January 2020.

UKBUS0063 – Ensign Bus (132 – YX66WLH): production is scheduled for completion by the end of January 2020.

UKBUS6519 – Stagecoach Oxford Gold (10786 – SN66VZH): production is scheduled for completion by early March 2020.

UKBUS6520 – Stagecoach South 700 Coastliner (10942 – SN18KNF): pre-production samples for checking are in the course of being prepared with an anticipated production slot being available during early June 2020.

KBUS6521 – Xplore Dundee (6695 – SK68MBO) pre-production samples for checking are in the course of being prepared with an anticipated production slot being available during early May 2020.

IEBUS0005 – Dublin Bus (AH1 – 191-D-44403) pre-production samples for checking are in the course of being prepared with an anticipated production slot being available during late June 2020.

UKBUS6524 – Stagecoach North West 555 Lakes Connection (10555 – SN16ONX): pre-production samples for checking are in the course of being prepared with an anticipated production slot being available during early July 2020.

UKBUS6526 – National Express West Midlands (6937 – SK68MJE) pre-production samples for checking are in the course of being prepared with an anticipated production slot being available during early August 2020.

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

Monday 6th January 2020

To order please email Adrian at ajlemon1970@gmail.com

Sunday 5th January 2020

I am looking forward to Corgi announcing their 2020 models on Monday 6th January. After the last Corgi catalogue, we will see how many buses feature, which might give an indication of Corgi's intentions to continue their OOC range. Lets hoping they will not disappoint and we will have a good number of models to look forward to.

Friday 3rd January 2020

January to March 2020 - News

This page last updated Saturday, 04 April 2020