January to March 2024 - News
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Do you have any news or information not listed here, if so please e-mail me

 
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PHOTOGRAPHS OF OXFORD DIECAST 120TH (TT SCALE) BEDFORD OB’S
Please see photographs of the first two releases of Oxford Diecasts 120th (TT) scale Bedford OB casting:

120OB001 Bedford OB - British Rail 
Fleet number: 1203W
Registration number: HWO881
Route number: -
Destination: Special Service
Quantity: Not applicable
Release date: August 2023

120OB002 Bedford OB - Southdown 
Fleet number: -
Registration number: JCD370
Route number: -
Destination: London
Quantity: Not applicable
Release date: February 2024

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Tuesday 26th March 2024

PHOTOGRAPHS OF OMNIDEKKA MODELS MODEL
Please see photographs of one of the four variations the Corgi OOC commissioned Caetano Levante in National Express (Edwards Coaches) Welsh Dragon livery, which was released by Omnidekka Models during November 2023. This photograph shows the B version of the model:

CP46401B Caetano Levante – National Express (Edwards Coaches)
Fleet number: -
Registration number: FJ12FXZ
Route number: 509
Destination: Cardiff
Quantity: 250 pieces.

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2nd posting Tuesday 19th March 2024

PHOTOGRAPHS OF OXFORD DIECAST MODEL
Please see photographs of the second release on Oxford Diecasts Alexander M Type casting which was released during November 2023:

76AMT002 Alexander M Type "Western Scottish"
Fleet number: KV2536
Registration number: HSD707N
Route number: - 
Destination: Glasgow via Motorway, Coach 2

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Tuesday 19th March 2024

PHOTOGRAPHS OF RECENTLY RELEASED OXFORD DIECAST MODEL
Please see photographs of a recently released Oxford Diecast model:

76AMT003 Alexander M Type - Eastern Scottish
Fleet number: -
Registration number: HSG564N
Route number: - 
Destination: Edinburgh from London Coach 5

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Sunday 17th March 2024

PHOTOGRAPHS OF RECENTLY RELEASED EFE CRAVENS RT GIFT SET
Please see photographs of EFE Roads recently released Cravens RT Gift set:

EFE Stock code 99943

Bus A
Cravens RT – Ensignbus (Red)
Fleet number: RT1431
Registration number: JXC194
Route number: X81
Destination: Grays

Bus B
Cravens RT – Ensignbus (Green)
Fleet number: RT1499
Registration number: KGK758
Route number: X81
Destination: Shenfield Station

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Saturday 16th March 2024

NORTHCORD MODEL COMPANY - PRESS RELEASE
Please see the below press release, received this morning from The Northcord Model Company:

Herewith we itemise an update on likely release dates and status for announced models in the UKBUS6200, UKBUS6500, UKBUS8500 and UKBUS9500 range. In addition, more future releases are announced. Production delays due to shortage of appropriate labour in all factories in southern China continue to affect many manufacturers and it is appropriate that NMC should advise you accordingly. Furthermore, deliveries are experiencing delays worldwide. Importing, and now a war in Europe and the Red Sea conflict have each impacted shipping badly.

UKBUS6200 Range (Alexander Dennis Enviro400)
UKBUS6201 – All Plain White: models are now available in the UK.
UKBUS6202 – Stagecoach Bluebird (19377 – OO05BLU): models are now available in the UK.
UKBUS6203 – Stagecoach London (12144 – LX61DDZ): models are on the way to the UK.
UKBUS0073 – Ensignbus (123 – SN59AWV): production will be concluded by early May 2024.
UKBUS6205 - National Express West Midlands (Heritage Livery) (4722 – BU07LGY): pre-production samples will be prepared with an anticipated production slot being available by late June 2024.
UKBUS6206 – Reading Buses - Green Express (1208 – GO11LDN): pre-production samples will be prepared with an anticipated production slot being available by late August 2024.

KBUS6500 Range (Alexander Dennis Enviro400MMC)
UKBUS6532 – Stagecoach South – Sussex Brain Bus (10945 – SN18KNJ): models are now available in the UK.
UKBUS6531 – Stagecoach Manchester (11523 – SK20AVY): production will be concluded by late April 2024.
UKBUS6533 – Brighton & Hove (301 – YX69NVL): pre-production samples will be prepared with an anticipated production slot being available by late July 2024.
UKBUS0074 – Reading Buses – Greenline (782 – SN66WRD): pre-production samples will be prepared with an anticipated production slot being available by early September 2024.
UKBUS6535 – Hampshire Bus (10700 – YEL4T): pre-production samples will be prepared with an anticipated production slot being available by early October 2024.

UKBUS8500 Range (Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart)
The castings are being fine-tuned in the factory. Some modifications will be applied due to the long silence on the toolings’ use.

UKBUS6800 Range (ADL Enviro400 City on Trident 2 and BYD ADL Enviro400EV City)
The preparation work for the new casting of the ADL Enviro400 City on Trident 2 and BYD ADL Enviro400EV City is suspended. No more development will be undertaken on the new casting.

UKBUS9500 Range (Scania OmniCity Double-Decker)
UKBUS9501 - National Express West Midlands (Heritage Livery) (4780 – BU08EHZ) : models are now available in the UK.

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

Monday 11th March 2024

PHOTOGRAPHS OF EFE ROADS FIRST FOUR CRAVENS RT MODELS
Please see photographs taken by me showing the first four models in EFE Roads new Cravens RT casting which were released just before Christmas. Apologies for the delay in publication. I have been unwell since the end of November and have only been able to get into my office to use the photographic studio in the past few days.

40301 Cravens RT - London Transport (Green & Cream)
Fleet No: RT1406
Registration No: JXC169
Route: 345
Destination: Kingswood 

40302 Cravens RT - London Transport Green Livery 
Fleet No: RT1414
Registration No: JXC177
Route No: 306
Destination: New Barnet Stn

40303 Cravens RT - London Transport (Red & Cream) 
Fleet No: RT1460
Registration No: JXC223
Route: 15
Destination: Aldgate LT Stn

40304 Cravens RT - London Transport (Red) 
Fleet No: RT1493
Registration No: KGK752
Route: 63
Destination: Honor Oak 

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Sunday 10th March 2024

TWO ITEMS OF NEWS FROM TRANSPORT NOSTALGIA
Please see the below press release received today from Transport Nostalgia advising that Omnidekka Models has now become part of their business. In addition please see the attached flyer announcing a new Abellio London Enviro200MMC model.

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2nd posting Wednesday 28th February 2024

NEW MODELS ANNOUNCED BY THE BUCKIE MODEL CENTRE
The Buckie Model Centre have announced two new models in their 1/87th scale British Bus Collection produced by Holland Oto:

Flixbus (Stanley Travel) VDL Futura 2 - DX21STX
Megabus (McLean’s of Airdrie) VDL Futura 2 - NX21MCL

Both models are scheduled for an April release, the same time as the new Plaxton Panorama castings. Please visit the Buckie Model Centre website for more details or to pre-order https://buckiemodelcentre.com

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Wednesday 28th February 2024

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM OXFORD DIECAST
I can confirm that the following model has now been released and will be in the shops in the near future:

76AMT003 Alexander M Type - Eastern Scottish, Coach 5
Fleet number: -
Registration number: HSG564N
Route number: - 
Destination: Edinburgh from London

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Monday 26th February 2024

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM EFE ROAD
I can confirm that the EFE Road Cravens RT Gift Set has now been released. I was talking to a trader today who has received his stock from Bachmann.

The set comprises the last two surviving Cravens RT Buses, both of which are part of the Ensignbus Preservation fleet. Both models are represented on route X81. The buses represent RT1431 (JXC194) (Red) and RT1499 (KGK758) (Green) are presented in a boxed set, which includes histories of both vehicles on the rear.

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Sunday 25th February 2024

PRE-ORDERING OPENS FOR MODELS BUSES COLLECTION MODELS
Model Buses Collection, opened pre-ordering for their latest Corgi OOC commissioned model at midday today.

The models Corgi stock codes CP46601A&B represent Go Ahead London New Routemaster LT511 (LTZ1511) in King Charles III Coronation livery. The A version on route 87 to Aldwych and the B version on route 87 to Wandsworth. CLICK HERE to visit the Model Buses Collection website for more details or to order one or both of the models.

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Friday 16th February 2024

NEW EFE ROAD GIFT SET ANNOUNCED BY BACHMANN
EFE Road have announced a Cravens RT Gift set with two RT models. The set will comprise the last two surviving Cravens RT Buses, both of which are part of the Ensignbus Preservation fleet. Both models are represented on route X81.

The buses represent RT1431 (JXC194) (Red) and RT1499 (KGK758) (Green) will; be presented in a boxed set, which includes histories of both vehicles on the rear, and will be available from Bachmann retailers in the coming weeks. 

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Thursday 8th February 2024

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM OXFORD DIECAST
I can confirm that Oxford Diecast have now released the second Bedford OB model in their 1:120th (TT) scale range. The model is on sale on the Oxford Diecast website and will be in the shops very soon:

Stock code: 120OB002
Fleet: Southdown
Fleet number: -
Registration number: JCD370
Route number: -
Destination: London

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Tuesday 6th February 2024

UKBUS6203 ADL ENVIRO400H - STAGECOACH LONDON – PHOTOGRAPHS
Further to the news published from Northcord Model Company that I published this morning, please see photographs of my model which has arrived from Hong Kong:

UKBUS6203 ADL Enviro400H - Stagecoach London
Fleet number: 12144
Registration number: LX61DDZ
Route number: 15
Destination: Regent Street
Quantity: 1008 pieces

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2nd posting Monday 5th February 2024

NORTHCORD MODEL COMPANY - PRESS RELEASE
The following news has been received this morning from the Northcord Model Company:

UKBUS6203 Alexander Dennis Enviro400H - Stagecoach London

Northcord Model Company is proud to release its first model of the UKBUS6200 range on the former CMNL 10.1 metre short wheelbase Enviro400 tooling.

This is UKBUS6203, replicated in the fleet of Stagecoach London carrying the unique Transport for London all-red with ‘hybrid Electric Technology’ livery. UKBUS6203 features Stagecoach London 12144 (LX61DDZ) working on the famous London route 15 to Regent Street. 12144 was new to Stagecoach London in 2011, representing the revolutionary modern double-decker in the capital. The Alexander Dennis Enviro400H Hybrid double-decker has taken the market by storm with its excellent reliability and fuel consumption saving of greater than 30%. The hybrid drive system also delivers improved emissions including reduced Particulate Matter and Oxides of Nitrogen. The ADL Enviro400H is fitted with Cummins ISBe Euro V, EEV engine fitted in conjunction with the BAE system Hybridrive equipment. The BAE-supplied batteries use Lithium Ion technology.

NMC retooled the ADL Enviro400 casting in early 2010 for the Enviro400H Hybrid version from its successful Enviro400 which launched with the UKBUS6001 with ‘Spirit of London’ decoration in 2006. Continuing from the E400 tooling, NMC 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 Enviro400H Hybrid in new specifications, such as, re-located destination blind at the rear, newly design ventilation grill above the lower-deck window at the back, and extensive portrayal of handrails on upper and lower deck, etc.

Another main feature on the UKBUS6203 model is its dual individual tree protectors at the front. The front dome on the model is significant, with its curved windscreens on both upper and lower deck. The re-tooled UKBUS6203 model replicates all new items at the engine room correctly. The headlights at the front are made of individual components to look more realistic. The Enviro400H model is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. 

The brand new UKBUS6203 bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), 80M Bus Model Shop (HK) respectively. The UKBUS6203 is based on a Limited Edition of only 1008 pieces produced.

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Monday 5th February 2024

NEW MODEL ANNOUNCED BY NORTHCORD MODEL COMPANY
The Northcord Model Company have announced a new model which is scheduled for release in the UK at the end of February.

UKBUS6203 Alexander Dennis Enviro400 - Stagecoach London
Fleet number:12144
Registration number: LX61DDZ
Route number: TBC
Destination: TBC
Quantity: 1008

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Monday 15th January 2024

HATTONS MODELS - CLOSURE
I was saddened to receive an email from Hattons Models today advising that they are closing down their business. I have bought many models from them over the past 20+ years, so will miss them.

Full details around the closure of the business can be read by following this link: https://www.hattons.co.uk/newsdetail?id=1498

Monday 8th January 2024

BUCKIE MODELS - PLAXTON PANORAMA UPDATE
I have been contacted by Chris from the Buckie Model Centre and advised of a delay to the arrival of the models. Chris writes:
“There is a further delay in shipping these models from China as the shipping company has started diverting the ship avoiding the trouble in the Red Sea. I am now informed it will be late February before I receive the models. Please accept my apologies but it is out of my hands”.

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Thursday 4th January 2024

January to March 2024 - News

This page last updated Tuesday, 26 March 2024

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