PHOTOGRAPHS OF RECENTLY RELEASED EFE ROAD ROUTEMASTER RM MODELS
Please see photographs of the production versions of EFE Road’s recently released Routemaster RM models, which were announced in April this year at the London Bus Museum Spring Gathering:

1701 Routemaster RM – London Transport
Fleet number: RM8
Registration number: VLT8
Route number: 21
Destination: Sidcup

41702 Routemaster RM – London Transport
Fleet number: RM1127
Registration number: 127CLT
Route number: 90B
Destination: Fulwell Garage

41703 Routemaster RM – London Transport
Fleet number: RM1546
Registration number: 546CLT
Route number: N82
Destination: Woolwich Arsenal Station

41704 Routemaster RM – Confidence Bus, Leicester
Fleet number: 15
Registration number: WLT655
Route number: 00
Destination: Special service, Shuttle

Monday 30th September 2024

Plaxton Panorama - Berry's of Taunton - BU20VYB. Two destinations are being released:
Model 1: Front Destination blind: Route: SF1R1, Destination: Tiverton via Bridgewater. Side Destination blind: Tiverton via Bridgwater
Model 2: Front Destination blind: Route: SF101, Destination: London via Taunton. Side Destination blind: London via Taunton.
106 pieces of each model will be released, and The Buckie Model Centre are due to receive stock on 6th October. The models will be priced at £57. 00 each plus postage. Orders can now be placed directly with the Buckie Model Centre and via their website https://buckiemodelcentre.com

Plaxton Panorama - Oxford Tube - Royal British Legion Poppy livery.
Three variations of the model will be released:
Fleet number: 50452
Registration number: YX21NNP
Model 1 Destination: “Sorry, Coach Full”
Model 2 Destination: “Lest We Forget”
Model 3 Destination: Witney & Carterton via Marble Arch & Nottinghill.
These models are due just before Christmas and the order line will open as soon as the boat leaves China There will be a donation to the British Legion for each model sold, price reflects this £59.00 plus postage. https://buckiemodelcentre.com/.

Courtesy of Peter Edgar, please see photographs of Oxford Tube Plaxton Panorama YX21NNP in Royal British Legion Poppy livery as being modelled.

Monday 23rd September 2024

76AMT004 Alexander M type – Northern Scottish
Fleet number: NPE31
Registration number: GSO531N
Route number: Coach 1
Destination: Aberdeen
Quantity: Not applicable

Friday 13th September 2024

Plaxton Panorama – Oxford Tube - Remembrance livery “Poppy”
Fleet number: 50452
Registration number: YX21NNP
Model 1 Destination: “Sorry, Coach Full”
Model 2 Destination: “Lest We Forget”
Model 3 Destination: Witney & Carterton via Marble Arch & Nottinghill

Plaxton Panorama – Oxford Tube – Model 1
Fleet number: 50431
Registration number: YX70LUT
Destination: Oxford via Lewknor & Thornhill P&R

Plaxton Panorama – Oxford Tube – Model 2
Fleet number: 50442
Registration number: YX70LVH
Destination: High Wycombe & London via Marble Arch

Plaxton Panorama – Oxford Tube – Model 3
Fleet number: 50433
Registration number: YX70LUY
Destination: London Victoria via Lewknor Turn

Plaxton Panorama – Citylink 900 – Model 1
Fleet number: 50417
Registration number: YX69LBU
Destination: Edinburgh via Bailieston 900

Plaxton Panorama – Citylink 900 – Model 2
Fleet number: 50412
Registration number: YX69LBK
Destination: London via Newcastle M20

Plaxton Panorama – Citylink 900 – Model 3
Fleet number: 50414
Registration number: YX69LBN
Destination: Glasgow via Bailieston 900

Plaxton Panorama – Stagecoach West Scotland – Model 1
Fleet number: 50401
Registration number: YX18LKK
Destination: Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station X76

Plaxton Panorama – Stagecoach West Scotland – Model 2
Fleet number: 50403
Registration number: YX18LKW
Destination: Glasgow University via Fenwick X76

Plaxton Panorama – Stagecoach West Scotland – Model 3
Fleet number: 50405
Registration number: YX18LKO
Destination: Kilmarnock X76

Tuesday 10th September 2024

41701 Routemaster RM – London Transport
Fleet number: RM8
Registration number: VLT8
Route number: 21
Destination: Sidcup

41702 Routemaster RM – London Transport
Fleet number: RM1127
Registration number: 127CLT
Route number: 90B
Destination: Fulwell Garage

41703 Routemaster RM – London Transport
Fleet number: RM1546
Registration number: 546CLT
Route number: N82

Destination: Woolwich Arsenal Station
41704 Routemaster RM – Confidence Bus, Leicester
Fleet number: 15
Registration number: WLT655
Route number: 00
Destination: Special service, Shuttle

41901 AEC Routemaster RMC – Green Line
Fleet number: RMC1502
Registration number: 502CLT
Route number: 370
Destination: Tilbury Ferry

41902 AEC Routemaster RMC – London Country
Fleet number: RMC1508
Registration number: 508CLT
Route number: 341
Destination: Hatfield Station

41903 AEC Routemaster RMC – East London
Fleet number: RMC1490
Registration number: 490CLT
Route number: X15
Destination: East Beckton

41904 AEC Routemaster RMC – East London
Fleet number: RMC1513
Registration number: 513CLT
Route number: 15
Destination: Oxford Circus

Friday 6th September 2024

UKBUS6205 ADL Enviro400 – National Express West Midlands (Heritage)
Fleet number: 4722
Registration number: BU07LGY
Route number: 18
Destination: Yardley Wood via Cotteridge
Quantity: 1008
Expected release date UK: September/October 24 (approximate)

2nd posting Wednesday 4th September 2024

UKBUS6205 Alexander Dennis Enviro400 -National Express West Midlands

Northcord Model Company is proud to release its third model of the UKBUS6200 range on the former CMNL long wheelbase Enviro400 tooling.
This is UKBUS6205, carrying the vintage Birmingham City Transport livery with National Express West Midlands fleetname on the front panel below the windscreen and on the lower rear window. 

The model as replicated is National Express West Midlands 4722 (BU07LGY) on route 18 to Yardley Wood with ‘via Cotteridge’ carried in the front destination. 4722 was new to Perry Barr garage in July 2007. It was repainted into retro Birmingham City Transport livery, including trademark khaki roof, in July 2020 quickly acquiring the Birmingham coat of arms on the side panels along with the gold pinstripe through the blue stripe below the lower saloon windows by the August and named ‘Abigail’ by September 2020.

This is the second NMC model carrying a classic West Midlands livery. The previous one is UKBUS9501 Scania OmniCity double-deck model that replicated 4780 (BU08EHZ) in West Midlands PTE livery on route to Birmingham. The UKBUS9501 model was launched in August 2023.

UKBUS6205 features excellent detailing, inside and out, such as realistic-looking handpoles and handrails. The Enviro400 model is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. 

Another main feature on the UKBUS6205 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 UKBUS6205 model replicates all items at the engine room correctly. The headlights at the front are made of individual components to look more realistic.

The brand new UKBUS6205 bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), 80M Bus Model Shop (HK) respectively. The UKBUS6205 is based on a Limited Edition of only 1008 pieces produced.

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

Wednesday 4th September 2024

CC89206 Paddington 3 - New Routemaster (Corgi state this is 1:76th scale) and is due Winter 2024/2024
CC82345 The Beatles London Bus, Rubber Soul (1:64th scale) and is due Autumn 2024
CC82346 The Beatles London Bus, The White Album Soul (1:64th scale) and is due Autumn 2024
CC82347 The Beatles London Bus, Abbey Road (1:64th scale) and is due Autumn 2024

These models are now available to pre-order on the Time Tunnel Model website at: https://www.timetunnelmodels.com/

76AMT004 Alexander M type - Alexander Northern.

Friday 30th August 2024

On Saturday 20th July 2024 during the Routemaster Association’s ‘Routemaster 70’ event at Chiswick Park, London, Bachmann Europe Plc unveiled four new 1:76 scale RMC Routemaster coaches as part of its expanding EFE Road range of diecast collectables.

The new models come hot on the heels of EFE Road’s four standard AEC Routemaster models announced in April, and continue this year’s celebrations marking 70 years since the very first Routemaster prototype, RM1, was unveiled to the world in 1954.

The RMCs were introduced in 1962 to work on London Transport’s Green Line cross-London and suburban services, following trials with the prototype, CRL4 (later RMC4). They were a direct development of the standard RM, and while visually very similar, they differed in having twin headlamps, electrically operated platform doors, more comfortable seats with increased legroom, and the addition of luggage racks. A higher rear axle ratio, rear air suspension, and increased fuel capacity also set the RMCs apart from the RMs.

A total of 68 were built, seeing service with Green Line and later London Country, before all were bought back by London Transport. Many ended up as driver trainers, but seven were reinstated as passenger carriers in 1989 for the new X15 route; the latter remaining in traffic until the early 1990s, although some continued in use well into the 2000s.

The four new EFE Road models represent examples of RMCs during various stages of their London careers. Like the RM models, they have been produced using EFE Road’s refined Routemaster tooling, and now feature such enhancements as bodyside panel lines, plus highly detailed liveries and advertisements where appropriate.

The four new models are:

E41901 - AEC Routemaster RMC1502 LCBS Green Line Route 370 Tilbury Ferry

E41902 - AEC Routemaster RMC1508 LCBS Route 341 Hatfield Station

E41903 - AEC Routemaster RMC1490 East London Route X15 East Beckton

E41904 - AEC Routemaster RMC1513 East London Route 15 Oxford Circus

EFE Road spokesman, Gary Boyd-Hope, said: “We are delighted to add the RMCs to EFE Road’s growing range as we continue to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Routemaster. For this announcement we have selected RMCs that offer something a little different from what has come before, and have included the preserved RMC1490, which continues to see active service in Shropshire and North Wales.”

The four models are expected to reach retailers during August 2024, with an RRP of £44.95 each.

Wednesday 28th August 2024

The model represents Berry's Coaches, Plaxton Panorama, BU20VYB.

The model will be issued in two variations with 100 pieces of each being released.
Model 1: Front Destination blind: Route: SF1R1, Destination: Tiverton via Bridgewater. Side Destination blind: Tiverton via Bridgwater
Model 2: Front Destination blind: Route: SF101, Destination: London via Taunton. Side Destination blind: London via Taunton.

The date for opening of orders and cost has not been announced yet, I will post details when I receive them.

The Buckie Model Centre website can be found at: https://buckiemodelcentre.com/

Second posting Monday 26th August 2024

UKBUS6533 ADL Enviro400ER - Brighton & Hove

Northcord Model Company is pleased to announce the release of UKBUS6533, the seventh release of the 10.3 metre, dual-door casting of this distinctive, modern, double-decker in the United Kingdom. The first UK livery to be carried on the brand-new Alexander Dennis Enviro400ER model, is Brighton & Hove, produced in unique ‘Live & Breathe’ livery.

UKBUS6533 represents fleet number 301 (YX69NVL) that has 10.3 metre, dual-door bodywork and was new to Brighton in 2019. 301 is the first of 30 new Enviro400 extended range hybrid electric buses acquired by Brighton & Hove and entered into service in the fourth quarter in 2019. The new buses would deliver 133,104 emission-free miles driven in the ULEZ each year. The new extended range hybrid electric buses achieve zero emissions day and night through the centre of Brighton because they don’t need to recharge in the middle of the day. This keeps buses in service and eliminates the need for the city to have expensive and intrusive roadside charging stations. When it comes to improving air quality and congestion buses are a crucial part of the solution.

In addition to being the first to have the innovative SmartVision camera mirrors bus in the fleet, 301 carries a full and colourful ‘Live & Breathe’ livery for route 5 / 5A, heading to Patcham. Such unique features, and the special, comprehensive livery are 100% reproduced onto the UKBUS6533 models. The stand-out features on the branding are : “BE THE CHANGE”, “WALK. CYCLE. BUS.” on both sides and rear; the big “LIVE & BREATHE” on both sides. Furthermore, a full-width destination display is carried on both sides, with the offside one mounted amidships. The model also correctly portrays the name “CAROL BARNES” that is carried on the front, below the windscreen.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro400ER UKBUS6533 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 UKBUS6533 model is its 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 Enviro400ER, such as the extensive portrayal of handrails on upper deck and lower deck, etc.

This UKBUS6533 model release is the third to feature on the route 5 family following Plaxton President models UKBUS2006 (5B - Hangleton) and UKBUS2013 (5B - Hollingbury) produced by Creative Master Northcord and Northcord Model Company respectively.

The brand new 10.3 metre Enviro400ER bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), 80M Bus Model Shop (HK) respectively. The UKBUS6533 model is limited to 1008 pieces worldwide.

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

Monday 26th August 2024

The Buckie Model Centre website can be found at: https://buckiemodelcentre.com/

Thursday 8th August 2024

The price will be advised in due course. The model is currently scheduled for an August release and will be limited to 100 pieces. 

Tuesday 30th July 2024

41901 AEC Routemaster RMC – Green Line
Fleet number: RMC1502
Registration number: 502CLT
Route number: 370
Destination: Tilbury Ferry

41902 AEC Routemaster RMC – London Country
Fleet number: RMC1508
Registration number: 508CLT
Route number: 341
Destination: Hatfield Station

41903 AEC Routemaster RMC – East London
Fleet number: RMC1490
Registration number: 490CLT
Route number: X15
Destination: East Beckton

Please note: The pre-production sample on display represented RMC1485 (485CLT). I have written to EFE Road asking for confirmation of which vehicle will be produced.
41904 AEC Routemaster RMC – East London
Fleet number: RMC1513
Registration number: 513CLT
Route number: 15
Destination: Oxford Circus

Monday 22nd July 2024

The Buckie Model Centre have advised that three models of each livery will be produced with 250 of each giving a total of total 3000 models across the four models. The exact registration and number plates, fleet numbers and Destinations are yet to be finalised.

The date for opening of pre-orders is to be advised. They have advised me that pre-ordering will be opened when the delivery date for the models is known. The models will only be available via the Buckie Model Centre website at: https://buckiemodelcentre.com 

"In celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Routemaster bus in 2024, two exclusive collectable diecast models of the London Transport Museum prototype RM1 Routemaster bus have been commissioned.

The models by EFE Road from Bachmann represent RM1 in its preserved condition at London Transport Museum. With accurately reproduced advertisements, the models of RM1 are depicted on route 2, the first bus service to be operated by a Routemaster bus.

Two versions of RM1 have been produced with different destinations; one displayed CRYSTAL PALACE on the front and rear, and the other has VICTORIA on the front and rear. The models come in clear display cases with a special anniversary wrapper and a mount to display the model on.

Please note these models are exclusive to London Transport Museum and are available currently for pre-order online only. Expected delivery and availability to purchase instore at Covent Garden in August 2024".

The model are priced at £49.95 each and only available from the LT Museum shop. To pre-order, please visit the Museums web shop at: https://www.ltmuseumshop.co.uk . 

UKBUS6531 ADL Enviro400 MMC Stagecoach Manchester
Fleet number: 11523
Registration number: SK20AVY
Route number: 192
Destination: Piccadilly via Stockport
Quantity: 1008

Saturday 13th July 2024

July to September 2024 - News

This page last updated Monday, 30 September 2024