May 2006 - News

This page displays news for the current month. To view a previous months news Click here
Do you have any news or information not listed here, if so please e-mail me

 

FOR SALE

To view surplus items from my collection for sale CLICK HERE

 


 

CORGI OOC OM41403 LEYLAND PD2/ROE LINCOLN CORPORATION AND AN UNANNOUNCED CORGI OOC MODEL
Over the weekend I received a number of reports that only one version of the above had been released not the two as advertised in the Jan to June 2006 catalogue. I have today spoken with Corgi who stated the following:

"The Lincoln bus has been produced in one destination only due to a misunderstanding between our UK and HK office and unfortunately we can do nothing about this". From this I assume the 2nd version will no longer be produced, The model that has been released shows the destination of Boultham Moor.

I also received reports of a future release from Corgi and was also advised that it had been omitted from the 2nd half catalogue. The model being stock code OM43403 Plaxton Beaver Western Greyhound. I asked Corgi about this this morning and they have advised me of the following. I have no other details at this time regarding this model:

"..... the model mentioned is not available to the public – it is a ‘special’ for Western Greyhound – the bus company has purchased all 2000 models made".

Tuesday 30 May 2006


CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM BRITBUS
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:
AS2-09 AEC Swift London Transport
AS2-003 AEC Swift  London Transport (Bus Stop Models of Harrow commissioned model)
DL-002 Dennis Loline III Aldershot & District (Aldershot & District Bus Interest Group Commissioned model)

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM CORGI OOC
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:
OM41403 Leyland PD2/Roe Lincoln Corporation
OM42514 East Lancs Myllennium Blackpool Transport

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM EFE
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:
17305 Leyland National Widnes Corporation
26318 Guy Arab 2 Utility B.B.M.S
26617 Plaxton Paramount 3500 Strathtay

Sunday 29 May 2006


EFE SUTTON UNITED COMMISSIONED MODEL
Further to my news article of 24th May 2006 regarding the commissioned AEC 10T10. I have now created a page for the model and uploaded a number of photographs, I have also included a link to download a copy of the order form. CLICK HERE to view.

CORGI OOC - COMMISSIONED MODEL WHOLESALER UPDATE
Further to my news article of last evening, I understand that the name of the wholesaler should have read:
Allen Green Wholesale
Address: 7 Ellingham Industrial Centre, Ellingham Way,Ashford,Kent,TN23 6NF
Telephone: 01233 639777

I have not yet confirmed the actual price of the model or whether the wholesaler will deal with "retail" customers.

Saturday 27 May 2006


EFE PRESS RELEASE
The below press release and photographs have been received from EFE. Please note the auction is open to all not just EFE subscribers:

Wedding Model Charity Auction

This time last year we featured a 10T10 bus used to ferry guests through Epping Forest to and from the church and reception at the wedding of Frank Joyce’s daughter Diane and her fiancé Terry. Cobham Bus Museum generously let the wedding party have the use of the only remaining running 10T10. This was decorated specially for the day, with blinds showing ‘St Peters in the Forest 14th May 2005’. A code 2 replica of the 10T10 bus was produced and given to the main guests as a memento of the day and of the 144 made there was 30 models remaining.

The happy couple have now celebrated their first anniversary, and as they are constantly asked about these models, they have decided to auction these extremely rare models and the proceeds will go to Charity. In an attempt to make the auction fair, for those collectors with limited budgets, it is not just the highest bids that are going to count. The available models are going to be halved, 15 of them will go to the top amounts offered, and the other 15 will be drawn at random from the rest of the sensible bids received.

Please note that all bids MUST be sent by post addressed to Gilbow Holdings Ltd 32 Woodall Rd, Enfield, EN3 4LG. NO bids will be accepted by telephone or fax. The closing date for the auction is Monday 3rd July. All winnings bids will be notified to arrange payment and the names of the lucky drawn 15 bids will then appear in Exclusive First Editions subscriber newsletter.

 

Click here for a higher resolution image

This photograph shows the production version of 29903B AEC 10T10 Greenline

Photograph courtesy of Exclusive First Editions © www.britishmodelbuses.com

 

Click here for a higher resolution image

This photograph shows the production version of 29903B AEC 10T10 Greenline

Photograph courtesy of Exclusive First Editions © www.britishmodelbuses.com

NEW COMMISSIONED MODEL RELEASED BY CORGI OOC
I am very grateful to Barrie Davis for sending me details and photographs of a newly commissioned model:

Barrie advises that he obtained the model from "Dave Allen" "Allen Green" Wholesalers in Ashford Kent, and believes it is a Limited Commissioned model, to help fund the Maidstone Trolleybus Fund. It is numbered OM43914 and was released from the wholesaler (who commissioned it) on Wednesday 24th May 2006. The cost was about £14.00 a pound of which went to the Trolleybus Fund. Click on the links below to view photographs of the model:

Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE
Photograph 3 CLICK HERE
Photograph 4 CLICK HERE

Friday 26 May 2006


CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LIMITED TWO PRESS RELEASES
The two below press releases and photographs have been received today from Creative Master:

UKBUS1025 Alexander Dennis ALX400 Trident Stagecoach in Oxfordshire – brookes bus

CMNL is proud to release a brand new livery on its well-known casting – the Alexander ALX 400-bodied Dennis Trident. This is UKBUS1025 carrying brookes bus livery.

This model represents Stagecoach in Oxfordshire 18197 (KN54 ZXM) with brookes bus colours.

Brookes bus runs principally to meet the requirements of students and staff travelling between Campuses, Halls of Residence and other destinations within Oxford. Introduced in Autumn 2003 the network started with six new Plaxton Presidents bodied-Dennis Tridents and three new MAN 18.220 / Alexander ALX300s, operated by Stagecoach in Oxfordshire in partnership with Oxford Brookes University. Following the success of the network five ALX400s were ordered to replace the single-deckers, 18197 being the middle one of the batch which entered service in January 2005.

Route U5 was introduced in September 2004 as successor to original route U2 with a higher frequency and larger buses. Operating every 20 minutes the U5 connects Oxford City Centre and the busy Cowley Road with the central Gipsy Lane campus and Marston Road (Morrrell Hall) or Wheatley Campus.

The replica features excellent detailing, inside and out, including an opening engine door, engine detail and the representation of LED lights 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.

It will be a good opportunity to make a twin brookes bus model set with UKBUS1025 and UKBUS2012 representing the common street scene in Oxford.

The brand new UKBUS1025 model is based on a Limited Edition of 1400 pieces produced. They will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively.

UKBUS5106 Mercedes-Benz Citaro G First London

Creative Master Northcord Limited has proudly released its sixth livery on the popular casting of the Mercedes-Benz Citaro G.

UKBUS5106 carries First London livery with fleet number ECA3021 (LK53 FBY).

Articulated buses (or ‘bendy-buses’) were introduced to a number of routes in London in connection with the Mayor of London’s new Congestion Charge which commenced in February 2003. The first routes to be fully operated by bendy-buses were the Red Arrow services 507 and 521, followed by brand new routes 436 and 453. However, route 18 was the first conventional seven-day-a-week bus service to be converted (in November 2003) and was the first bendy-bus route not to enter the Congestion Charge Zones.

Although First was the operator of six bendi-buses on route 207 as part of a six-month experiment into the use of these vehicles in London, route 18 was the company’s first actual bus service to be fully operated by this type. Route 18 was also the first bendy-bus route in London to require a new depot (Willesden Junction), which opened specifically to operate and maintain these vehicles.

ECA3021 is one of 32 Mercedes-Benz Citaro O530G 49-seaters, purchased for route 18. However, Willesden Junction depot became responsible for the maintenance of another 27 similar buses following the conversion of route 207 to bendy-bus in 2005, and it is not uncommon for buses to swap between routes from time to time.

The Mercedes-Benz Citaro G UKBUS5106 models’ 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 model is the extensive portrayal of handrails. The headlight / indicator units at the front and indicator / tail light units at the rear are made of individual components to look more realistic. 

The brand new UKBUS5106 three-door Mercedes-Benz G bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The UKBUS5104 is limited to 1800 pieces worldwide.

 

Click here for a higher resolution image

This photograph shows the production version of UKBUS1025 Alexander Dennis ALX400 Trident Stagecoach in Oxfordshire – brookes bus 

Photograph © Creative Master Northcord Ltd

 

Click here for a higher resolution image

This photograph shows the production version of Mercedes-Benz Citaro G UKBUS5106 First London

Photograph © Creative Master Northcord Ltd

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)

------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

Thursday 25 May 2006


DELAY TO THIS WEEKS CORGI RELEASES
Corgi have advised of a delay to all their products scheduled for release this week:

"Due to storms at sea this weekend, the vessel transporting our containers did not dock as planned.  The result of this, is that containers with New Release Product will not be with us in time to hit our delivery schedules".

This delay means that models may arrive in the shops a day or two later than planned.

EFE CODE 2 MODELS
Further to my recent articles listing details of a number of new EFE code 2 models. I am very grateful to EFE for supplying photographs of them:

17305A Leyland National - Widnes Corporation CLICK HERE to view photograph
30004A AEC 10T10 London Transport (red) CLICK HERE to view photograph
30504B Guy Special GS London Transport CLICK HERE to view photograph
30504C Guy Special GS London Transport CLICK HERE to view photograph

I hope to publish further photographs of 30004A AEC 10T10 London Transport (red) in the near future. In the mean time if you would like to order one of these model CLICK HERE to view a copy of the order form which you can print to complete

Wednesday 24 May 2006


TWO NEW MODELS ANNOUNCED BY BRITBUS
Britbus have announced two new models as follows, many thanks to Time Tunnel Models for advising me:

GL04 Guy Arab MK3 Walsall Corporation CLICK HERE to view preproduction photograph
Registration number: MDH 309
Fleet number: 42
Route: 6
Destination: Sutton

R905 Alexander Belfast Volvo Olympian London United CLICK HERE to view preproduction photograph
Registration number: R936 YOV
Fleet number: VA36
Route: 281
Destination: Tolworth Broadway

Tuesday 23 May 2006


BRITBUS - NEWS OF TWO MODELS DUE FOR RELEASE SOON
The below details and photographs have been received today from Britbus regarding the imminent arrival in the UK of two models:

R705 Irbus Leyland Olympian RH Dublin Bus
The fourth model in the IRBUS series of Dublin buses is due to reach the UK next week. This is model R 705, a Leyland Olympian ,Alexander Belfast bodied, in the distinctive red and white livery as a driving Trainer bus in the Dublin Buses fleet. This bus features the modifications similar to the actual bus and has a bench seat where the luggage rack normally is on the in service buses. Unusually -in prototype fashion --the full upstairs seating is still in place even though officially out of use. The Fleet number is RH142 and the reg No. 92-D-142. There is of course no destination as this blind area has been panelled over.

Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE
Photograph 3 CLICK HERE
Photograph 4 CLICK HERE

DL-002 Dennis Loline III Aldershot & District (Commissioned model)
Right on time for the coming Running day 100th Anniversary extravaganza for the Aldershot & District Bus interest group planned for the 4th June2006 at Aldershot, comes the specially commissioned Britbus model- Dennis Loline III in the traditional A & D colours.

This model has a new feature that was not on the earlier Britbus Loline III releases inasmuch as the main saloon entrance door can now be opened or closed. The model will initially be available on the running day for sale direct from the ADBIG stall. Those that cannot make it for this grand day should get in touch with Mr Ray Le Mesurier -Foster of ESHER and purchase the model- depending on stock remaining. There is a total of 408 of these models that have been produced and the profits from the sales will go toward getting the sole remaining prototype Alexander bodied Dennis Loline III-Fleet number 462---back on the road in all its magnificence and glory.

Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE
Photograph 3 CLICK HERE
Photograph 4 CLICK HERE

For details of how to order the model please see the Aldershot & District Bus Interest Group web site) - Gareth

Monday 22 May 2006


SUNSTAR PRICE INCREASE - AN EXPLANATION FROM SUNSTAR
Further to my news article of 17 May 2006 Sunstar have written to me explaining the reason for the price increase as follows:

""Since January 2005, the price of zinc, which is a major part of the alloy used in diecast models, has trebled in price. During that time, the retail price of the Sun Star Routemaster models which contain a lot of metal has stayed at £ 100, the same as when the first model was launched in 2004. Unfortunately, Sun Star can no longer maintain that price and has now had to raise its selling price which will result in a retail price in the region of £ 125.

2908 -  RM870 - WLT870 The first production model with a Leyland engine has already been shipped from the factory at the old price, but the new price will have to apply to 2909 and all subsequent models until the price of zinc falls back to a much lower level.

The forthcoming 1:24 Bedford OB model also has a lot of metal in it since it not only has a diecast body but also a diecast roof. Consequently, Sun Star has had to increase the announced price on this model as well, but by a smaller percentage so the retail price will be in the region of £ 85.

Colin Hill of Sun Star Models Europe said " We regret that it was necessary to increase our prices. However, we believe that the collector would prefer us to maintain the high quality of our models and avoid reducing the cost by changing diecast parts to plastic.""

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD
I can confirm that the following have now been released and are on sale:
UKBUS1024 Alexander ALX400/Dennis Trident Stagecoach Devon
UKBUS4005 Alexander Royale/Volvo Olympian First West Yorkshire
UKBUS4007 Alexander Royale/Volvo Olympian Lothian Buses
UKBUS5006 Mercedes-Benz/Citaro Bus Eireann

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM SUNSTAR
I can confirm that the following model has now been released and is on sale:
H2908 Routemaster London Transport Red

Saturday 20 May 2006


BRITBUS ALDERSHOT CENTENARY MODEL
I am grateful to Ray from the Aldershot & District Bus Interest Group for sending me the attached pre-production photograph showing the sliding door that has been fitted to the model. Ray advises he expects to take stock of the models later this week. For details of how to order please see the Aldershot & District Bus Interest Group web site.

CLICK HERE to view photograph

Thursday 18 May 2006


BRITBUS MODELS - PHOTOGRAPHS
Further to my news article of this morning, click on the links below to view photographs courtesy of Britbus of the two models:

AS2-09 AEC Swift London Transport
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE
Photograph 3 CLICK HERE

AS2-003 AEC Swift London Transport (Bus Stop Models of Harrow commissioned model)
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE
Photograph 3 CLICK HERE
Photograph 4 CLICK HERE
Photograph 5 CLICK HERE

LARGE PRICE INCREASE ON SUNSTAR MODELS
Time Tunnel Models have advised me that at lunch time today they were advised by the UK importer of substantial price increases across the Sunstar range, they have issued the following to their customers:

"I understand that A B Gee of Ripley, the UK importers for the Sunstar model range, are applying an immediate price revision to most of the products in the Sunstar range - and that this change will be applied to all shops and dealers that have the models on order.  They have confirmed that "no dealer will receive stock of H2909 onwards at the original price" - although it will likely take a while for this information to filter around the model trade. Yes, this is correct - A B Gee have advised a 25% increase to the RRP of this model range and put the cost price to all dealers up accordingly.  They say this is due to "increased cost of raw materials".

2nd posting 17 May 2006


CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM BRITBUS
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:
ES-301
Scania ELC Omnidekka London Sovereign
MRL-04 MCW Metrorider Long Roundabout
MRL-05 MCW Metrorider Long East London Hoppa
R903 Alexander Belfast Olympian London United Busways

TWO BRITBUS MODELS ON THE WAY
Britbus have advised that two models should be released next week:

AS2-09
AEC Swift
Fleet number: SMS 163
Reg No,
EGN 163J
Route 114 in Middlesex.
Quantity: 1008
This model is unique as it features a normal service bus on route to EASTCOTE LANE but with yellow background blinds.

AS2-003
AEC Swift (Bus Stop Models of Harrow commissioned model)
It features a bus on route 114 similar to the Britbus AS2-09 model issue but it has different fleet, registration and Destination screen to that model.
Fleet Number: SMS 317
Reg No: EGN 317J
Route: 114 to Ruislip Lido--a family entertainment area on the outskirts of RUISLIP in Middlesex.

All sales are only through BUS STOP MODELS in Harrow. Please contact them directly to check on Price and availability. I hope to publish some photographs later today.

Wednesday 17 May 2006


EFE 4TH SUBSCRIBER NEWSLETTER
The latest edition of the EFE subscriber newsletter arrived today and contains details of some new code 2 models and an order form for the latest subscriber offer model. The stock codes are also given for the two LT Museum models mentioned on 12 May 2006 these will be 30504B and 30504C

North West Museum of Transport
The North West Museum of Transport have commissioned a fundraising model.
Stock code: 17305A
Leyland National - Widnes Corporation

For further details including price and availability please contact the Museum on 01925 637511

Sutton United Football Club
Sutton United Football Club have commissioned a fundraising model marking the 10th annual fundraiser produced for the club:
Stock code: 30004A
AEC 10T10 London Transport (red)
Fleet number: T504
Adverts for Sutton United Football Club and EFE

For further details including price and availability please contact 01372 386998 or write to:
Sutton United FC
10 Hurst Close
Headley
Surrey
KT18 6DZ

EFE subscriber offer model
The latest subscriber offer model features an Australian ex-Southdown Leyland TD1 in WW2 camouflage livery  as operated in Sydney due to the threat of attack to the east coast of Australia during the war (see photograph below).

Stock code: 28504
Fleet number: 9
Reg No: MO NSW 1009
Route: 392
Destination: Woolloomooloo

Cost - UK: £16.00 (inc P&P). Europe: £17.00 (inc P&P). Rest of world: £18.00 (inc P&P

 

Click here for a higher resolution image

This photograph shows EFE subscriber offer model 28504 Leyland TD1

Photograph courtesy Exclusive First Editions © British Model Buses

Tuesday 16 May 2006


NEW MODELS ANNOUNCED BY EFE
EFE have announced three new models scheduled for release in June:

16219 Bristol LS (With MW body) CLICK HERE to view pre-production sample photograph
Cumberland
Fleet number: 372
Reg number: RAO 736
Route number: -
Destination: Kendal

20438 Bristol VR3 CLICK HERE to view pre-production sample photograph
Southdown NBC Coastline
Fleet number: 270
Reg number: JWV 270W
Route number: 700
Destination: Portsmouth limited stop

22714 Alexander Y type CLICK HERE to view pre-production sample photograph
Northern Scottish
Fleet number: NPE 32A
Reg number: OSJ 630R
Route number: 215
Destination: Aberdeen

Monday 15 May 2006


CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM EFE
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:
18008 Daimler Fleetline West Yorkshire MetroBus
15639 Routemaster London Transport
20439 Bristol VRIII Yorkshire Rider Leeds

Saturday 13 May 2006


LT MUSEUM ACTON OPEN WEEKEND 20/21 MAY 2006
The LT Museum have advised me that there will be two special models for the next Acton open weekend as follows:
Both will feature EFE's Guy Special (GS) casting and represent fleet number GS64 (the Museum's own GS) on routes:
Stevenage Route 807 to Letchworth
Hertford Route 386 to Hitchin

Both models will be priced at £24.99 each

CORGI OOC MODELS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE WEEK COMMENCING 22 MAY 2006
Corgi have advised that the following models are scheduled for release week commencing 22 May 2006:
OM41403 Leyland PD2/Roe Lincoln Corporation
OM42514 East Lancs Myllennium Blackpool Transport

Friday 12 May 2006


EFE RELEASES WEEK COMMENCING 22 MAY 2006
EFE have advised that the following models will be released week commencing 22 May 2006:
17305 Leyland National Widnes Corporation
26318 Guy Arab 2 Utility B.B.M.S
26617 Plaxton Paramount 3500 Strathtay

Wednesday 10 May 2006


EFE RELEASES THIS WEEK - AMENDED
EFE have advised that they amended their release schedule for this weeks releases after they gave me details last week. The models to be released this week are:
18008 Daimler Fleetline West Yorkshire MetroBus
15639 Routemaster London Transport
20439 Bristol VRIII Yorkshire Rider Leeds

I understand that the Bamber Bride Guy Arab will now be released later this month.

Tuesday 9 May 2006


CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM BRITBUS
I can confirm that the following model has now been released and is on sale:
AE-01 AEC Regent III Halifax Joint Committee

Friday 5 May 2006


CORGI MODELS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE NEXT WEEK
Corgi have advised that the following models are scheduled for release week commencing 8 May 2006:
OM41306 Wright Eclipse Fusion First York
OM41401 Roe Trolleybus Tees-Side Railless Traction Board

Thursday 4 May 2006


BRITBUS MODEL SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE NEXT WEEK
Britbus have advised that the following model is scheduled for release next week:
ES-301 Scania ELC Omnidekka London Sovereign

EFE MODELS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE NEXT WEEK
EFE have advised that the following models are scheduled for release next week:
18008 Daimler Fleetline West Yorkshire MetroBus
15639 Routemaster London Transport
26318 Guy Arab 2 Utility B.B.M.S

2nd posting Tuesday 2 May 2006


CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LIMITED
The below press release has been received this morning from Creative Master Northcord Ltd:

First Midland Red Buses

UKBUS1021 Alexander Dennis ALX400 Trident

CMNL is proud to release a long-awaited livery on its well-known casting – the Alexander ALX 400-bodied Dennis Trident. This is UKBUS1021 carrying First Midland Red Buses livery.

This model represents First 33404 (VX54 MUA) with First Barbie colours.

Five Dennis Tridents with Alexander ALX400 bodywork were ordered as part of a substantial investment in the First Midland Red fleet that also included Enviro 300 single-deck buses. These 5 ALX400 Tridents are the only ones of this combination to see service with First outwith London.

Although delivered in late 2004 they were sent on loan to other First subsidiaries while infrastructure improvements were carried out in Redditch, their intended home. These first new double-deckers for many years entered service in Redditch as 2005 drew to a close.

The replica features excellent detailing, inside and out, including an opening engine door, engine detail and the representation of LED lights 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.

The brand new UKBUS1021 model is based on a Limited Edition of 1700 pieces produced. They 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 UKBUS1021 Alexander Dennis ALX400 Trident First Midland Red Buses

Photograph © Creative Master Northcord Ltd

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)

------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

Tuesday 2 May 2006


CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM BRITBUS
One that slipped through the net! I can confirm that the below model was released during April and is on sale:
R907 Alexander Belfast Olympian First Leeds

Monday 1 May 2006


May 2006 - News

This page last updated Monday, 25 February 2013

© British Model Buses 2006