CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM EFE
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:
14405 Leyland National MKI Short Grey Green CLICK HERE
20632DL Plaxton Pointer Dart First Leeds CLICK HERE
34701 AEC MKV 8 Wheel Tanker Southdown NBC CLICK HERE

Friday 28 March 2008

"With regret we still have no update on the next release date. The product is in the UK, but as yet not arrived in our warehouse. It WILL BE released and in the next week we will give a complete update on availability dates for the remainder of 2007 products and 1st half 2008 (currently tracking approximately 4 months late). We apologise for the frustration and inconvenience we know this is causing our customers".

EFE SUBSCRIBER NEWSLETTER
The latest copy of the EFE subscriber newsletter arrived today. 
Confirmation is given of the stock codes of the two Cobham Bus Museum commissioned models being produced for the annual running day and bus Gathering. See also news article from the Museum below:

33601B
STD London Transport
Fleet number: STD64
Registration number: DLU 374
Route number: 83A
Destination: Golders Green Station

30509A
GS Special London Transport
Fleet number: GS1
Registration number: MXX 301
Route number: 464
Destination: Chart

EFE also announced a new Australian Subscriber offer model and an order form is included with the Newsletter. Click on the links below to view photographs of the model:
24816 Plaxton Minibus Toronto Bus Service (New South Wales)
Registration number: MO 9615
Destination: "The Train"
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE

COBHAM BUS MUSEUM COMMISSIONED MODELS
Further to the above news from EFE, click on the links below to view photographs of the production versions of the two models received this afternoon from the Museum:

33601B STD London Transport
Photograph 1
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 2
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE

30509A GS Special London Transport
Photograph 1
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 2
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE

Thursday 27 March 2008

EFE MODELS DUE THIS WEEK AN AMENDMENT
I spoke with EFE today who advised that the following models are due this week. The Southern Vectis Olympian is now due in the next release (see below)
14405 Leyland National MKI Short GREY GREEN CLICK HERE
20632DL Plaxton Pointer Dart FIRST LEEDS CLICK HERE
34701 AEC MKV 8 Wheel Tanker Southdown NBC CLICK HERE

EFE MODELS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE WEEK COMMENCING 7TH APRIL 2008
EFE advised me today that the following models are scheduled for release week commencing 7th April:
26621 Plaxton Paramount 3500 First Southern National CLICK HERE
29617 Leyland Olympian Southern Vectis CLICK HERE
34001 AEC 2RT2 London Transport CLICK HERE

CORGI OOC MODEL DUE FOR RELEASE THIS WEEK
I spoke with Corgi this afternoon who advised me that the following model is scheduled for release tomorrow:
OM45711 AEC Q Double Deck Birmingham CLICK HERE

Wednesday 26 March 2008

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

New Casting

UKVAN1002 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Traveliner – Mini Bus

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of UKVAN1002, the launch model of the second new casting introduced during 2008.

The launch model of the new casting is the RHD Traveliner minibus version. The panel van UKVAN1001, launched in September 2007, and Traveliner minibus UKVAN1002 are part of the UKVAN1000 series of new shape Mercedes-Benz Sprinters that will also include LHD panel van and Traveliner minibus versions.

The new casting is based on the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Traveliner Mini Bus with long wheelbase and high roof. The new Sprinter was introduced to the UK in late 2006 and the mini bus model featured is based on a Traveliner with 4325mm wheelbase, 6940mm overall length and 2820mm overall height.

The UKVAN1002 launch model is painted in Silver and can become part of a standalone collection of the UKVAN1000 series of Sprinter vans and minibuses or can be used to add authentic detail to a railway layout or transport diorama.

UKVAN1002 carries the registration mark SB57 TMB which, at the time of the model’s release, was still unissued by DVLA.

Key features of the UKVAN1000 series, exemplified on UKVAN1002, include interior detail showing the driver’s instrument binnacle, steering wheel, single driver’s seat and eleven passenger seats and also chassis detail that includes replicated drive-train and exhaust system as well as fuel tank and spare wheel. The model shows that, behind the rear seats, there is a small space available for luggage. The windscreen wipers are individually made pieces and therefore the models are not suitable for children under 14 years of age.

The UKVAN1002 model carries a numbered Limited Edition Certificate showing that it is one of a run of only 1400 pieces worldwide.

The brand new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Mini Bus models will be available through model shops and online dealers in the UK who will be supplied by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited. The UKVAN range will also be available through Transit Graphics (Australia), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), cnmycar.com (P. R. of China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively.

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

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)

------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

Tuesday 25 March 2008

26206 Guy Arab I Utility Bus Wolverhampton Corporation
To view regular sized photograph CLICK HERE
To view supersized photograph CLICK HERE
Fleet number: 361
Registration number: DJW 561
Route: -
Destination: Albrighton
Release date: June 2008

29618 Leyland Olympian Tyne & Wear Transport
To view regular sized photograph CLICK HERE
To view supersized photograph CLICK HERE
Fleet number: 3743
Registration number: B743 GCN
Route: 57
Destination: Heworth
Release date: June 2008

29619 Leyland Olympian Maidstone & District
To view regular sized photograph CLICK HERE
To view supersized photograph CLICK HERE
Fleet number: 5890
Registration number: A890 PKR
Route: 4
Destination: Hastings
Release date: May 2008

31502 RM Routemaster Kelvin Scottish
To view regular sized photograph CLICK HERE
To view supersized photograph CLICK HERE
Fleet number: 1937
Registration number: EDS 537B
Route: 5A
Destination: Faifley
Release date: May 2008

32103 RMF Routemaster Stevensons
To view regular sized photograph CLICK HERE
To view supersized photograph CLICK HERE
Fleet number: 52
Registration number: RCN 699
Route: -
Destination: Blackpool Express service
Release date: May 2008

32204 Bristol RELH Coach Mansfield District / Midland General
To view regular sized photograph CLICK HERE
To view supersized photograph CLICK HERE
Fleet number: 130
Registration number: 1384 R
Route: MX 4
Destination: Derby and Alfreton
Release date: May 2008

32802 Trader Bulk Tipper London Transport
To view regular sized photograph CLICK HERE
To view supersized photograph CLICK HERE
Fleet number: 1194F
Registration number: 412AUU
Route: -
Destination: -
Release date: April 2008

34202 AEC RLH London Transport
To view regular sized photograph CLICK HERE
To view supersized photograph CLICK HERE
Fleet number: RLH 31
Registration number: MXX 231
Route: 462c
Destination: Addlestone
Release date: June 2008

Saturday 22 March 2008

Friday 21 March 2008

NEW MODELS ANNOUNCED BY EFE
Many thanks to Neil at Time Tunnel Models for advising me of the following new EFE models which are due for release in April/May:

29619 Leyland Olympian - Maidstone & District
32103 RMF Routemaster - Stevensons Blackpool
26206 Guy Arab 1 Utility - Wolverhampton Corporation
32204 Bristol RELH Coach - Mansfield / Midlands General
29618 Leyland Olympian - Tyne & Wear Transport
34202 AEC RLH - Regent Low Height - London Transport Green

EFE MODELS DUE NEXT WEEK AN AMENDMENT
EFE have today advised me that the following models are due next week. This is a change to my News article of 11 March 2008:
14405 Leyland National MkI Short GREY GREEN CLICK HERE
20632DL Plaxton Pointer Dart FIRST LEEDS CLICK HERE
29617 Leyland Olympian Southern Vectis CLICK HERE

2nd posting 20 March 2008

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

NEW CASTING

UKBUS5015 Mercedes-Benz Citaro EURO5 British Airways

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of UKBUS5015, the first model of the new casting introduced during 2008.

The first livery to be carried on the brand new model is British Airways and this significant release is timed to coincide with the official opening of Heathrow T5 that took place on Friday 14^th March, the opening ceremony being carried out by The Queen. The £4.3bn terminal opens to the public on 27^th March and will be used exclusively by British Airways.

UKBUS5015 represents fleet number BU0461 (FLY 747T) that was new in 2007 and is a 3-door vehicle, with offside centre door, which is used in service airside at Heathrow Airport Terminal 5.

British Airways is using a fleet of Mercedes-Benz Citaro EURO5 buses in the newly built terminal at London Heathrow Airport. The buses are being used to move customers around the terminal campus, which covers 260 hectares – about the same size as London’s Hyde Park.

The fleet of 38 buses was specifically designed for British Airways to use at Heathrow Airport. The fleet forms part of a £2.5million investment by British Airways in purchasing more than 500 new ground transportation vehicles, which move people, baggage and equipment around Terminal 5.

The buses have all been modified to allow a large number of customers to stand and also to use luggage racks for their carry-on hand luggage. Capacity is set at 100 with 20 seated and 80 standing, although British Airways operates its buses with an average of 45 people onboard to increase levels of customer comfort.

The Mercedes-Benz Citaro EURO5 UKBUS5015 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 UKBUS5015 model is its extensive portrayal of handrails. The headlight / indicator units at the front and indicator / tail light units at the rear are made of individual, translucent components to look more realistic.  As part of the new casting, representing the smoother look of the Euro 5 Citaro, a newly designed air-conditioning pod is fitted to the roof. Demonstrating their use airside at T5, the model carries an orange warning beacon on the roof.

The brand new 3-door Mercedes-Benz Citaro EURO5 bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), TransitGraphics (Australia), cnmycar.com (P. R. China)  and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The UKBUS5015 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.

Thursday 20 March 2008

Wednesday 19 March 2008

AT1001 W6 Melbourne Tramcar
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 3 CLICK HERE to view
AT1002 W6 Melbourne Tramcar
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 3 CLICK HERE to view

Monday 17 March 2008

CONFIRMED RELEASE EFE SUBSCRIBER MODELS
I can confirm that EFE have now begun posting out the following models to those who ordered them:
AT1001 W6 Melbourne Tramcar CLICK HERE to view
AT1002 W6 Melbourne Tramcar CLICK HERE to view

2nd posting Saturday 15 March 2008

"AE-03 AEC Regent III/Park Royal - Ipswich Transport Society 50th anniversary
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Ipswich Transport Society, Ipswich Transport Museum have commissioned a special Britbus model of former Ipswich Corporation AEC Regent III, ADX 2. This particular vehicle was owned by the ITS and sister ITM organisations in the 1970s and at one time wore Ipswich Transport Society adverts. Regrettably the vehicle was vandalised and scrapped whilst in open storage, but sister vehicle ADX 1 survives at the Ipswich Transport Museum. Therefore the model is particularly appropriate to both organisations, as the ITM evolved from the ITS and both organisations remain an integral part of of the transport enthusiast movement in Ipswich. At the request of the ITS and ITM, the bus is modelled in 1970's 'ITS' condition with the addition of 50th Anniversary commemorative adverts, ICT decals and legal lettering.

Britbus will release 504 models, 216 available through the ITS/ITM and the remainder to the trade via John Ayrey diecast".

Photograph 1
To view supersized photograph CLICK HERE
To view a regular sized photograph CLICK HERE
Photograph 2
To view supersized photograph CLICK HERE
To view a regular sized photograph CLICK HERE

Saturday 15 March 2008

It is with regret that we must inform you that further to recent communications the release which was due to take place w/c 10th March has now been postponed until a later date. At the moment we are unable to confirm when this will be, however when any information is available it will be communicated.

We apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause.

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM LT MUSEUM
I can confirm that the following EFE commissioned model was on sale at last weekends Acton Depot open days:
31701B Routemaster RMC Greenline

NEXT EFE MODELS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE
EFE have advised me that the following models are scheduled for releases week commencing 24th March 2008:
14405 Leyland National MkI Short GREY GREEN CLICK HERE
20632DL Plaxton Pointer Dart FIRST LEEDS CLICK HERE
34701 AEC MKV 8 Wheel Tanker Southdown NBC CLICK HERE

Tuesday 11 March 2008

Sunday 9th March 2008

Friday 7 March 2008

NEW ROUTEMASTER ANNOUNCED BY OXFORD DIECAST
Oxford Diecast have announced the release a new model in their series of Routemaster models:
RM102 RM Routemaster British Rail CLICK HERE
Fleet number: RM415
Destination: Rail Replacement
Quantity: 2000

Oxford Diecast advised that there are several other interesting liveries planned on the Routemaster - some of the issues may surprise you! Details will be published as soon as I hear anything.

Thursday 6 March 2008

I have been in contact with Sun Star and they have assured me that the final production models will be just as accurate as RT113. The early prototypes had been rushed out for the Toy Fair by the factory and they had not had time to check them out thoroughly. I understand there will be many small changes, but the below are the main ones:

2921 : RT10  FXT 185 is a 2RT2 in post-war livery in 1946. As such, the following changes will be made : 

a.      Omit white safety markings on step/entrance to lower saloon

b.      Leading edges of stairs should be brown, not white.

c.      Add white circle to rear.

d.      Add near-side headlight, without a mask.

e.      Remove cream from around lower deck windows.

f.        Add near-side fog light.

g.      Change near-side rear view mirror to small circular one on front near-side corner.

h.      Add near-side route number plate on front pillar with route number, and delete under-canopy route number.

2922 : RT36  FXT211 is a 2RT2 as it was in Country service in 1955

Apart from a, b, d above, other changes will be :

a.      Change operator name to LONDON TRANSPORT EXECUTIVE.

b.      Background to front roof-box should be black not green.

c.      Omit under canopy number plate.

d.      Add near-side route number plate to front pillar, no number.

2923 : RT402  HLX 219 is an RT3 from 1947

Apart from a, b, d, f above, other changes will be :

1. Change near-side rear view mirror to oblong one mounted under front near-side corner of canopy
2. Remove hooter bulb and support from cab.
3. Add engraving to show removable panel on rear, off-side.
4. Remove rear section of the chassis from beneath platform.

Wednesday 5 March 2008

MODEL BUS FEDERATION COMMISSIONED MODEL
The latest copy of the MBF Journal arrived today and carries details of a Britbus commissioned model being produced to celebrate the MBF's 40th anniversary. The model is a variation of Britbus model R907 Alexander bodied Volvo Olympian in First Bus Barbie 2 livery and will carry the stock code R9-001

The bus carries the registration number R938 YOV. The model does not carry a logo, fleet names and has the advert frames picked out. The model carries lettering for the MBF 40th anniversary which has been applied using waterslide transfers so it can be removed if required. 240 pieces are being produced and the model will be on sale to members at the MBF 2008 London event at Whitton School.

APOLOGIES FOR INTERRUPTION TO SERVICE YESTERDAY
Some of you may have noticed that the photographs did not publish on yesterdays news update from Creative Master Northcord. This was due to a problem at my web hosting company who enhanced security on their servers but unfortunately this caused some problems for users. The problem has now been rectified and normal service is resumed.

Tuesday 4 March 2008

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

UKBUS1039 Alexander ALX400-bodied Dennis Trident

ARRIVA

CMNL is proud to release another brand new livery on its well-known casting – the Alexander ALX400-bodied Dennis Trident. This is UKBUS1039 carrying ARRIVA the Shires and Essex “line five-hundred” route-branding on the Arriva “inter-urban” livery.

This model features ARRIVA 5432 (W432 XKX).

Arriva the Shires and Essex provide local bus services across the northern Home Counties, Transport for London tendered routes and Green Line coach services with a fleet of 645 vehicles.

Dennis Trident W432 XKX, fleet number 5432, entered service in 2000 on Service 38 between Luton and Dunstable, based at Aylesbury Depot. Service 38 was re-equipped with Scania L94 single decks in November 2005. Three Tridents, including 5432, moved to Aylesbury Depot for use on Service X15 from Aylesbury to Milton Keynes. Double deck operation was affected by the height restriction that applied because of a railway line between Aylesbury and Watford.

Fitted with a Cummins C Series engine and Alexander ALX400 body, 5432 is a long wheelbase Trident with seats for 78 passengers – 31 in the lower saloon.

The replica features excellent detailing, inside and out, including a tv monitor in the upper saloon, opening engine door and engine detail at the rear. This is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. The model has no unnecessary metal poles to hold it together.

Collectors may wish to compare UKBUS1037 with the 2003 release of sister bus 5429 (W429 XKX) as UKBUS1010 that carried the route 38 branding referred to in a paragraph above.

The brand new UKBUS1039 model is based on a Limited Edition of 1200 pieces produced. They 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.

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

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)

------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:
UKBUS1038 ALX400/Dennis Trident Stagecoach Cheltenham & District CLICK HERE
UKBUS6014 Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 Travel West Midlands CLICK HERE
UKBUS8006 Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart Metroline CLICK HERE

Monday 3 March 2008

OM41409 Guy Arab IV/Roe Sunderland Corporation CLICK HERE - 1500 pieces
OM45711 AEC Q Double Deck Birmingham CLICK HERE - 1500 pieces

CORGI BEATLES LICENSED PRODUCTS
Corgi have advised that a new Beatles licensed range is now available to order from your Stockist and will be released within the couple of months. They comprise the following (I do not know the scale of the models or any other details at this time, I will seek clarification):

BT78205 Die Cast Bus Assortment - this appears to comprise of four Routemaster buses in a variety of Beatles liveries (not known if models sold separately or as a set)
BT78210 Magical Mystery Tour Bus - Bedford Val in a Magical Mystery tour livery
BT78217 Collectors Bus Assortment - assortment includes Sgt. Pepper, Help and Revolver versions (not known if models sold separately or as a set)

Saturday 1 March 2008

March 2008 - News

This page last updated Monday, 25 February 2013