June 2006 - News

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FOR SALE

To view surplus items from my collection for sale CLICK HERE

 


 

TWO PRESS RELEASES FROM CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD
The following two press releases have been received today from Creative Master:

Alexander Dennis Mini Pointer-bodied Dart

UKBUS3024 Travel London

There is a great deal to celebrate about London’s buses today. All low-floor buses are icons on the streets of London. CMNL is releasing a further London low-floor bus model. This is UKBUS3024 carrying Travel London colours.

The UKBUS3024 Travel London MPD replica carries the fleet number DP32  and registration number BU05 HFM.

Travel London is part of the National Express Group and operates fleet number DP32 from its Battersea depot. It is one of 9 single door 8.8m Mini Pointer Darts introduced during 2005 on route C1 running between Victoria and High Street Kensington via Sloane Square, when they displaced Optare Solos. Route C1 has seen several reroutings over the years, and has also had several changes of operator – including an earlier period of operation by a previous incarnation of Travel London.

UKBUS3024 carries all specifications requested by Transport for London. One of them includes the fleet number DP32 carried on the roof. It is related to the CentreComm, London Buses’ 24hr communication centre. CentreComm is currently able to communicate with individual buses, groups of buses or the entire fleet, and police officers work alongside CentreComm staff, who also have access to the London CCTV network, to improve police response times in an emergency. CentreComm staff are able to communicate directly with a driver when they see a problem on the CCTV system.

This 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 model also features excellent detailing, inside and out, including an opening engine door, showing the detailed, environmentally friendly 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 headlamp is transparent and indicator is translucent.

The brand new UKBUS3024 Travel London MPD bus models are limited to 1500 pieces produced. It will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively.

 

Click here for a higher resolution image

This photograph shows the production version of UKBUS3024 Alexander Dennis Mini Pointer-bodied Dart Travel London

Photograph © Creative Master Northcord Ltd

NEW CASTING

UKBUS7001 Scania OmniCity Newport Transport

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of UKBUS7001, the first model of the new casting announced in 2005. The first livery to be carried on the brand new model is Newport Transport.

UKBUS7001 represents fleet number 42 (YN54 AOB) that was new in 2004. The Scania OmniCity was first introduced to Newport Transport Limited in 2002 which now has eighteen of them in full operation. Newport Transport is owned by Newport City Council and the majority of the bus services run by the company are in and around Newport, South Wales.

Part of the Omni range, the Scania OmniCity places high emphasis on driver and passenger comfort and is equipped with air suspension for superb ride comfort and effective sound insulation of the floor together with curved side windows ensure that the noise level inside the bus is kept at pleasant level. There are 42 seats plus space for wheelchairs and the flat floor is virtually free from obstructing platforms, allowing passengers to move quickly and conveniently through the entire bus. The boarding and exit heights, although already low, can be further lowered by the kneeling function.

The Scania OmniCity UKBUS7001 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 UKBUS7001 model is its extensive portrayal of handrails. The headlight / indicator units at the front are made of individual components to look more realistic.

The brand new Scania OmniCity bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The UKBUS7001 model is limited to 1800 pieces worldwide.

 

Click here for a higher resolution image

This photograph shows the production version of UKBUS7001 Scania OmniCity Newport Transport

Photograph © Creative Master Northcord Ltd

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)

------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

ORIGINAL CLASSICS RELEASE UPDATE
I can confirm that the following model has now been released and is on sale:
OCLBOB2 Bedford OB Coach Crosville

The anticipated release dates for other previously announced models are as follows:
OCLBOB3 Bedford OB Coach West Yorkshire - July/August 2006
OCLBOB4 Bedford OB Coach Southdown - September 2006
OCLBOB5 Bedford OB Coach British Railways - November 2006

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM BRITBUS
I can confirm that the following model has now been released and is on sale:
R905 Alexander Belfast RH Olympian London United

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM EFE
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:
20438 Bristol VR3 Southdown NBC Coastline
22714 Alexander Y type Northern Scottish
30704 AEC Renown Crosville - This model was not released this week

Friday 30 June 2006


CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM BRITBUS
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:
R806 Scania/Alexander R East Kent (Red and Cream)
DL-03 Dennis Loline III Aldershot & District

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:
UKBUS1025 Alexander ALX400/Dennis Trident Stagecoach Oxford
UKBUS5106 Mercedes-Benz/Citaro G First London

NEW 1/24TH SCALE MODEL ANNOUNCED BY EFE
Gilbow (Holdings) Ltd (EFE) have announced a further 1/24th scale DMS. Full details and photographs will be published when I receive them.
99104 DMS London Transport (Romford area routes)

Tuesday 27 June 2006


EFE ROUTEMASTER SERIES PHOTOGRAPHS
Click on the links below to view high resolution photographs of the first shot castings shown on the EFE Tooling Update sheet that I published yesterday.

Routemaster RM (standard Routemaster) CLICK HERE to view
Routemaster RCL CLICK HERE to view
Routemaster RMA CLICK HERE to view
Routemaster RMC CLICK HERE to view
Routemaster RMF CLICK HERE to view
Routemaster RML CLICK HERE to view

COBHAM BUS MUSEUM COMMISSIONED MODEL
Further to my recent news article, CLICK HERE to view a photograph of the model

NEW MODELS ANNOUNCED BY EFE
Also listed within the latest subscriber newsletter are brief details of 3 new models. Full details and photographs will be published when I receive them.
17218 Leyland National MK1 Eastern National
28809DL Leyland Titan Blackburn Transport
29612 Leyland Olympian Arriva Yorkshire

Sunday 25 June 2006


EFE TOOLING UPDATE ROUTEMASTER SERIES
The 5th EFE Subscriber Newsletter 2006 arrived today and gives additional details of the new Routemaster series of models.

The series will feature 8 models each will be available in either red or green livery as seen on the roads of London and will feature the 7 different versions of the Routemaster plus one of the last RML's to work on service. The models will feature:

RM1 (prototype), RM837, RMC1506, RMA9, RML2686, RCL2252, RMF1254 AND RML2575

Also included was a tooling update sheet showing the 1st shot castings of the new models CLICK HERE to view the sheet. I hope to publish high resolution photographs of each of these samples in the near future.

ASTON MANOR TRANSPORT MUSEUM COMMISSIONED MODEL
The Aston Manor Transport Museum have commissioned a fund raising model from EFE. I am grateful to Bill Cartmale from the Museum for sending me details of the model and how to order:

"....... our museum is having 500 WEST BROM GUY GS in this livery but having WMPTE legal lettering, I believe it will be REG No MXX 341 FLEET No 233H DESTINATION STONE CROSS. The museum should receive the models ready for our outer circle rally on July 9th, Price as at the moment is £24.00 from the Museum shop or £25.50 mail order if would be customers want to place an order they can e-mail me Bill on williamcartmale@hotmail.com Richard on richard.gray7@btinternet.com or the Museum`s on www.amrtm.org . All enquires will be called back if they leave there name and phone number, at the moment there is no plans for any other distributors for these EFE CODE 2 MODELS".

Saturday 24 June 2006


EFE MODELS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE NEXT WEEK
The following models are scheduled for release week commencing 26th June 2006:
Gilbow 1/24th 99101 DMS London Transport (Balance of stock)
20438 Bristol VR3 Southdown NBC Coastline
30704 AEC Renown Crosville

Friday 23 June 2006


COBHAM BUS MUSEUM  COMMISSIONED MODEL
Further to my news article of Sunday 18 June I am grateful to Alvin Hale at the Museum for sending me further details of the model and how to order:

"16407A: The Cobham Commissioned model of roof box RT1705 on route 66A to Romford North Street Garage faithfully replicates the vehicle owned by one of the Trust’s members. In 2004 this vehicle was awarded the Bill Cottrell “Best A.E.C” cup at Cobham’s Wisley Airfield Gathering event.

To purchase one of these models, of which only 501 pieces (certificate states 510) have been produced:

Models cost £25.00 each, this includes UK first class mail post & packing)

Cheques to be made out to: L B P T Limited and mailed to:
Alvin F Hale (RT), 15 The Fairway, Farnham, Surrey GU9 9BB 

Allow 28 days for delivery, and should you be planning a vacation in the near future, please advise when it would be convenient to mail your model(s).

In addition to this latest model, a limited number of previous Cobham models are still available:

27209B – Leyland TD1. The April 2006 special. TD153 on route to West Croydon with period advertisements for Road Racing at Brooklands.

28003B – Daimler DMS. With advertisements for Cobham 2006 Wisley Airfield Gathering. DF1682, in 1933 General livery, is on Special Service route 499.

30504A – Guy Special GS 34. This model, on route 397 to Tring LT Garage, was issued during 2005 replicating one of the Cobham Collection vehicles which is often out and about at rallies far & wide.

The cost of each of the above models is also £25.00 including UK p&p"

Wednesday 21 June 2006


NEWS OF A CODE 2 EFE RELEASE FROM COBHAM BUS MUSEUM
I am grateful to Anne Letch for advising me that the below model was released today:
16407A AEC RT (roofbox) London Transport
Fleet number: RT1705
Registration number: KYY 532
Route number: 66A
Running number: NS20.
Nearside advertisement: Had your daily pinta yet?
Offside advertisement: Ty-phoo Tea
Destination: ROMFORD, NORTH STREET GARAGE.

This model is certificated as being for the "Museums open days 2006" with the certificate indicating 510 pieces.

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM EFE
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:
16407 AEC RT (Roof Box) London Transport
27617
Wright Volvo Renown Sheffield Transport
28812 Leyland Titan West Coast Motors

Sunday 18 June 2006


CORGI OOC OM42514 TWO DESTINATION VARIATIONS
I am grateful to Alan Thompson at www.ryanbus.com for bringing to my attention two destination variations on OOC model OM42514 East Lancs Myllennium Blackpool Transport, making a total of 4 destination combinations for this particular model. CLICK HERE to view the models page, see the photographs and read details of the two additional destination variations.

Tuesday 13 June 2006


SIX NEW MODELS ANNOUNCED BY EFE
EFE have announced the following new models all scheduled for release during July, click on the links beside each photograph to view pre-production sample photographs of these models:

16220 Bristol MW Bristol Omnibus CLICK HERE to view photograph
Fleet number: 2878
Registration number: THY 952
Route number: -
Destination: City Tour

17217 Leyland National MK1 long Northern Tyne & Wear CLICK HERE to view photograph
Fleet number: 4609
Registration number: XBR 609R
Route number: 610
Destination: Blackhall Mill

18009 MCW Fleetline Rochdale Corporation CLICK HERE to view photograph
Fleet number: 326
Registration number: 6326 DK
Route number: 21T
Destination: Rochdale

26806 Leyland Duple Coach Bere Regis CLICK HERE to view photograph
Fleet number: -
Registration number: GCG 920
Route number: -
Destination: Horsham

29408 Bristol RELH Dual Purpose Coach Bristol Omnibus CLICK HERE to view photograph
Fleet number: 2070
Registration number: GHY 132K
Route number: 184
Destination: Frome

30704 AEC Renown Crosville CLICK HERE to view photograph
Fleet number: DAA 515
Registration number: VDB 980
Route number: E52
Destination: Rudheath

2nd posting Saturday 10 June 2006


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

Plaxton Mini Pointer-bodied Dennis Dart

UKBUS3023 First Devon & Cornwall

Further to the previous successful release of the Mini Pointer Dart replicas with other operators’ colours, CMNL is releasing a further MPD model. This is UKBUS3023 carrying the eye-catching Tamar Link colours.

The UKBUS3023 First Devon & Cornwall MPD replica carries the fleet number 40002 and registration number S764 RNE.

This Plaxton Pointer-bodied Super Low Floor Dennis Dart was registered on 15th December 1998 and was fully operational on First’s Torpoint service 80/81 in March 2005. The vehicle re-branding was the result of a successful Urban Bus Challenge bid submitted by Plymouth City Council, supported by Cornwall County Council and was jointly funded by the Department for Transport and FirstGroup plc.

The bus provides an enhanced service for commuters travelling from South East Cornwall to Plymouth across the Torpoint Ferry. The striking design was the result of extensive market research carried out by First Group and has been well received by regular customers on the service.

The bus was named by local youngster Jack Jerrard, after birds which can been seen in the Tamar Estuary; Spoonbill, Egret, Cormorant, Swan & Heron are Trident deckers with this Mini Pointer Dart being named Kingfisher.

This 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 model also features excellent detailing, inside and out, including an opening engine door, showing the detailed, environmentally friendly 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 headlamp is transparent and indicator is translucent.

The brand new UKBUS3023 Tamar Link bus models are limited to 1400 pieces produced. It will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively.

 

Click here for a higher resolution image

This photograph shows the production version of UKBUS3023 Plaxton Mini Pointer-bodied Dennis Dart  First Devon & Cornwall

Photograph © Creative Master Northcord Ltd

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)

------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

 06.15am Saturday 10 June 2006


CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM BRITBUS/IRBUS
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:
ES-02 Scania ELC Omnidekka Yorkshire Traction, Doncaster
R705 Leyland Olympian RH Dublin Bus (Driver Training)

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:
UKBUS1021 Alexander ALX400/Dennis Trident First Midland Red
HKBUS2007 Alexander RX-type/Leyland Olympian Stagecoach Warwickshire

IMMINENT RELEASE DUE FROM BRITBUS
Britbus have advised that the below model is scheduled for release in the very near future:
DL-03 Dennis Loline III Aldershot & District CLICK HERE to view

NEW MODEL ANNOUNCED BY BRITBUS WHICH IS ALSO AN  IMMINENT RELEASE
Britbus have announced a new model as below which they also advise is scheduled for release in the very near future:
AS2-11 AEC Swift - London Country
Fleet number: SMS458
Registration number: DPD 458J
Route number: 324
Destination: KNIGHTSFIELD

 

Click here for a higher resolution image

This photographs shows the production version of AS2-11 AEC Swift - London Country

Photograph © Britbus

Friday 9 June 2006


CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD PRESS RELEASE
The below press release has been received today from CMNL:

AUBUS0001 – Mercedes-Benz 0405NH CNG Bus Model

Sydney Buses

On an average working day the Sydney Buses fleet of over 1,700 buses, the largest fleet in Australia, delivers over 600,000 passengers to their destinations all across Sydney.

Creative Master Northcord Ltd, in association with TransitGraphics, will release Australia’s first modern day diecast bus model – the Sydney Buses Mercedes-Benz 0405NH Compressed Natural Gas city bus (AUBUS0001).  This model will be followed in the near future by a new range of modern day buses from the land “Down Under”, enabling collectors the world over to build model fleets of some of Australia’s largest private and government bus operators.

AUBUS0001 features the standard colour scheme of Sydney Buses’ blue and white livery and is based on bus number 1275 from the Waverley bus depot.  Features of the model include the roof mounted gas tank and air-conditioning pods as well as interior advertising billboards and prototypical markings.

Although the UK version of the casting has been used, appropriate use of paint and tampo-printing has been used to represent the locally assembled ‘Custom’ bodywork on the Mercedes-Benz underframes.

Sydney Buses introduced its first Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus in 1989.  The 300 Mercedes-Benz 0405NH buses enable Sydney Buses to operate CNG buses out of five of its Sydney depots.

These environment-friendly vehicles have emission levels equivalent to the latest Euro 3 diesel standards.  The buses are ultra low floor, wheelchair accessible, air-conditioned and seat 44 passengers with a maximum capacity of 66 passengers.

Route 380 is one of Sydney’s best known and best patronised bus routes.  The 380 operates 24 hours a day between the City and the famous Sydney icon of Bondi Beach.  At Bondi Beach visitors can enjoy golden beach sand, cosmopolitan cafes and restaurants, boutique shopping and fun-filled entertainment for the whole family.

AUBUS0001 models will be distributed by TransitGraphics (Australia), John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The AUBUS0001 model is limited to 1400 pieces worldwide.

 

Click here for a higher resolution image

This photograph shows the production version of AUBUS0001 – Mercedes-Benz 0405NH CNG Bus Model Sydney Buses

Photograph © Creative Master Northcord Ltd

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)

------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

Thursday 8 June 2006


CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD PRESS RELEASE
The below press release has been received today from CMNL:

CMNL UK Release Update

When issuing the News Release for its Period 2 planned releases for 2006, a number of models were in the course of discussion with commissioning agents, but, due to confidentiality constraints, CMNL was not able to divulge details at that time. CMNL is now pleased to issue some details of these planned models that will be added to the Period 2 Release Programme.

Update on future planned releases for Period 2 (May - August 2006)

1. UKBUS0000 range : Commissioned models

UKBUS0010 : Stagecoach in Devon (18308 – WA05 MHZ) an ALX400 carrying the livery of South Devon College

UKBUS0011 : Stagecoach in London (23029 – LX03 HDU) a Mercedes-Benz Citaro G carrying route details for route 453

UKBUS0012 : Stagecoach in Fife (A18093 - SP04 DBX) an ALX400 carrying route 7 branding that will be available exclusively from S. Cameron’s stall at the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum Open Weekend on 19th/20th August

2. UKBUS1000 range : The Alexander ALX400/Dennis Trident

UKBUS1026 : Stagecoach in Devon (18368 – WJ55 NMA) – August 2006

(UKBUS1026 will carry Brunel livery and will be available through CMNL’s normal distribution network)

Please visit the Official CMNL Website : http://www.creativemasternorthcord.com/en/index.php

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)

------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

Tuesday 6 June 2006


CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD PRESS RELEASE
The below press release has been received today from CMNL:

UKBUS4008 Alexander Royale-bodied Volvo Olympian

First Devon & Cornwall

Since the operation of London’s Airbus routes ceased a couple years ago, the new lives of the ex-Airbus Volvo Olympian / Alexander Royales have been of interest to British enthusiasts. Creative Master Northcord Limited is releasing the third livery on the Airbus / ex-Airbus replica – UKBUS4008, in First Devon & Cornwall “X80 take it easy” colours.

UKBUS4008 represents fleet number 34200 (V00 273). 34200 was delivered new to London United in the spring of 1996 for London Airbus services. National Express purchased the Airbus operation from London United in 1999 along with the 19 Olympians which operated it. These vehicles were unusual in having Air Conditioning, only 9 seats in the lower saloon, luggage racks and a wheelchair space & lift.

Following the reduction of Airbus services, First acquired many Olympians from the dealer Ensignbus.

The Olympian / Royale was introduced into First Devon & Cornwall fleet on 29th October 2004, and they were dedicated vehicles on the X80 route from Plymouth to Torquay. The vehicles can seat 43 people on the top deck and 22 on the lower deck plus one wheelchair. They are still fitted with air-conditioning, which comes in very useful during the summer months for visitors and residents alike who enjoy the warm climate of the Devon Riviera.

Similar to those Airbus / ex-Airbus replicas, UKBUS4008 has a new combination of the UKBUS4000 series casting, with a single door, front staircase and bonded windows, as well as chair lift poles at the entrance, brand new seats and luggage rack in the lower saloon and ventilation windows on the roof.

UKBUS4008 is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the bonded windows and livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. The headlight and indicator units at the front are made of individual components to look more realistic.

The brand new single-door Alexander Royale Volvo Olympian double-deck bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The UKBUS4008 model is limited to 1700 pieces worldwide.

 

Click here for a higher resolution image

This photograph shows the production version of UKBUS4008 Alexander Royale-bodied Volvo Olympian First Devon & Cornwall

Photograph © Creative Master Northcord Ltd

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)

------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

Monday 5 June 2006


SCOTTISH VINTAGE BUS MUSEUM LATHALMOND OPEN WEEKEND MODEL
I have received news of a Creative Master Northcord Ltd model commissioned for the Lathalmond open weekend on 19/20 August 2006. The model will carry the CMNL stock code UKBUS0012 and will feature a Dennis Trident ALX400 from the Stagecoach in Fife fleet. The actual  vehicle being modelled will carry fleet number 18903 18093 and registration number SP04 DBX. It will be depicted working on route 7 to Dunfermline Bus Station and it will also carry route branding for this route, which runs to Dunfermline from Leven. The model will be limited to 300 pieces. For further details regarding availability please email Thesusancameron@aol.com

Saturday 3 June 2006


ALLSORTS WEB SITE
I have received a number of mails from people who have been unable to access the Allsorts web site. Ron at Allsorts has written to me as follows:
"our website is temporarily out of action, be assured it is being worked on and should be up and running very shortly".

Friday 2 June 2006


NEXT EFE MODELS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE
EFE have today advised me that the following are scheduled for release week commencing 12 June 2006
16407 AEC RT (Roof Box) London Transport
27617
Wright Volvo Renown Sheffield Transport
28812 Leyland Titan West Coast Motors

EFE SHOWBUS 2006
EFE have asked me to advise visitors to this site that Showbus will take place on Sunday 24th September and not earlier in the month as has been rumoured elsewhere. They have also advised me that Britbus and Corgi will not be attending this show.

Thursday 1 June 2006


June 2006 - News

This page last updated Monday, 25 February 2013

© British Model Buses 2006