News_October 2023

October to December 2023 - News

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HACHETTE PARTWORKS BUILD YOUR OWN ROUTEMASTER - FOLLOW MY PROGRESS CONSTRUCTING THE MODEL BY CLICKING HERE

CONFIRMED RELEASE IN THE UK FROM NORTHCORD MODEL COMPANY
Many thanks to Peter at the Yardley Wood Bus club for advising that the following model has now been released in the UK. Yardley Wood will be taking delivery of their stock on Tuesday:

UKBUS6532 ADL Enviro400 MMC - Stagecoach South – Sussex Brain Bus
Fleet number: 10945
Registration number: SN18KNJ
Route number: 700
Destination: Littlehampton
Quantity: 1008

Click here for a higher resolution image

Saturday 16th December 2023

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM EFE ROAD
Many thanks to Chris at TTC Diecast for advising the long-awaited Cravens RT models have now been released, they will be taking stock of their models next week.

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

Friday 15th December 2023

PHOTOGRAPHS OF MODEL BUSES CREATION NORTHCORD MODEL COMPANY COMMISSIONED MODEL
Please see photographs of a Model Buses Collection Northcord commissioned model released during October:

UKBUS0069 Scania OmniCity d/d dealer white
Fleet number: -
Registration number: -
Route number: -
Destination: -
Quantity: 204 pieces.

This model totally sold out shortly after its release.

Wednesday 13th December 2023

PHOTOGRAPHS OF MODEL BUSES COLLECTION MODELS RELEASED DURING NOVEMBER
Please see photographs of two Model Buses Collection Corgi commissioned models, released during November:

CP46504A Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 - Go London 'Elizabeth line'
Fleet number: WVL454
Registration number: LJ61GWP
Route number: 104
Destination: Stratford
Quantity: 500 pieces.

CP46504B Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 - Go London 'Elizabeth line'
Fleet number: WVL454
Registration number: LJ61GWP
Route number: 104
Destination: Beckton Station
Quantity: 500 pieces.

Tuesday 12th December 2023

PHOTOGRAPHS OF TWO MODEL BUSES COLLECTION MODELS RELEASED DURING NOVEMBER
Please see photographs of two Model Buses Collection Corgi commissioned models, released during November:

Corgi CP46503A Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 Brighton and Hove 'Love Fun Love Brighton'
Fleet number: 419
Registration number: BJ11XHV
Route: 77
Destination: Devils Dyke
Quantity 500 pieces

Corgi CP46503B Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 Brighton and Hove 'Love Fun Love Brighton'
Fleet number: 419
Registration number: BJ11XHV
Route: 77
Destination: Palace Pier
Quantity 500 pieces

Monday 11th December 2023

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM OMNIDEKKA MODELS
On 27th November 2023 Omnidekka Models released a plain white Britbus Scania Omnidekka with the stock ref: ES-White. The first batch of this model (50 pieces) has sold out and I understand that a further supply of 40 pieces of the model is expected during January. See the Omnidekka Models website for further details or to order: https://www.omnidekkamodels.co.uk/

Saturday 9th December 2023

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM OMNIDEKKA MODELS
I can confirm that the Corgi OOC commissioned Caetano Levante National Express models were released on 13th November:

CP46401A - 508 Haverfordwest
CP46401B - 509 Cardiff
CP46401C - National Express
CP46401D - Edwards Coaches

The models are limited to 250 pieces of each variation. See the Omnidekka Models website for further details or to order: https://www.omnidekkamodels.co.uk/

Friday 8th December 2023

EFE ROAD UPDATE
I am hoping that the release of the long-awaited Cravens RT casting is just around the corner. On 22nd November, EFE Road announced via their official Facebook page that “We are very pleased to report that the four highly anticipated and newly tooled Cravens RTs (40301-40304) are expected to reach UK retailers during December”.

Thursday 7th December 2023

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

76DB003 - Duple Britannia - York Bros.
Fleet number: -
Registration number: TBD1
Route number: -
Destination: British Coach Rally 1959 (Name on rear box – HMS Brighton)
Quantity: n/a

Monday 4th December 2023

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

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

PHOTOGRAPHS OF RECENTLY RELEASED NORTHCORD MODEL COMPANY MODEL
Please see photographs of the recently released John Ayrey commissioned model:

UKBUS6201 ADL Enviro400 – Dealer white

Wednesday 22nd November 2023

MODEL BUSES COLLECTION OPEN PRE-ORDERS
At midday yesterday, Model Buses Collection opened pre-orders for their three latest Northcord Model Company Commissions:

UKBUS0070 ADL Enviro400 – Stagecoach London (Selkent Ambassador)
Fleet number: 12345
Registration number: SN64OGU
Route number: 180
Destination: North Greenwich
Quantity: 504

UKBUS0071 ADL Enviro400 – Stagecoach London (Selkent Ambassador)
Fleet number: 12345
Registration number: SN64OGU
Route number: -
Destination: Selkent Ambassador Celebrating 40 years of Plumstead Garage
Quantity: 108 units with 50 destined for Stagecoach corporate clients
This model sold out within half an hour of pre-orders opening

UKBUS0072 ADL Enviro400 – Go Ahead London Driver Trainer
Fleet number: E81
Registration number: LX57CKL
Route number: -
Destination: Driver Under Instruction
Quantity: 504

To order the models please visit www.modelbus.uk

Saturday 4th November 2023

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM THE NORTHCORD MODEL COMPANY
Many thanks to Peter at Yardley Wood for advising me that two Northcord models have now been released in the UK. These are:

UKBUS6201 ADL Enviro400 – Dealer white
Peter advises that this model is limited to 480 pieces, and they were able to secure 150 of them.

UKBUS6202 Alexander Dennis Enviro400 - Stagecoach Bluebird
Fleet number:19377
Registration number:OO05BLU
Route number:727
Destination: Aberdeen Airport
Quantity: 1008 pieces.

Thursday 2nd November 2023

PHOTOGRAPHS OF NORTHCORD MODEL COMPANY RELEASE
Further to my news of Thursday 19th October, please see photographs of my model which has arrived from Hong Kong. This model is due for release in the UK during December:

UKBUS6532 ADL Enviro400 MMC - Stagecoach South – Sussex Brain Bus
Fleet number: 10945
Registration number: SN18KNJ
Route number: 700
Destination: Littlehampton
Quantity: 1008

PHOTOGRAPHS OF RECENTLY RELEASED OXFORD DIECAST MODEL
Please see photographs of Oxford Diecasts latest release, which is in the shops now:

76DB002 Duple Britannia - Barton
Fleet number: 914
Registration number: VHO500
Route number: -
Destination: Blackpool

Monday 23rd October 2023

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

UKBUS6532 ADL Enviro400 MMC - Stagecoach South – Sussex Brain Bus

Following the significant success in launching the brand new casting of the Alexander Dennis Enviro400 MMC model in the liveries of National Express West Midlands, Stagecoach in Oxfordshire, Bluestar, Stagecoach West Scotland, Southern Vectis, Stagecoach South, Ensign Bus, Xplore Dundee, Stagecoach North West, Go North East, Stagecoach North Scotland and Go South Coast, Northcord Model Company is now releasing the nineteenth livery on the 10.9 metre long, single-door casting UKBUS6532 in the livery of Stagecoach South with full branding for Sussex Brain Bus.

UKBUS6532 represents fleet number 10945 (SN18KNJ) that has 10.9 metre, single door bodywork and was new to Stagecoach South in 2018. 10945
originally carried a full and branded livery for route 700 Coastliner (as replicated on UKBUS6520 by sister bus 10942/SN18KNF in January 2021) and then was wrapped to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in early 2022 (as replicated on UKBUS6529 in July 2022).

The Sussex Brain Bus, as said, is one of the Stagecoach South 700 Coastliner fleet running from Brighton to Littlehampton, and is emblazoned with art and information about dementia research and tips for keeping brains healthy. It is a joint project between psychology researchers at the University of Sussex and a local artist, Daniel Locke. Ideas for the bus design were crafted from workshops run by the researchers with members of the local Brighton community.

The aim of the event was to encourage conversations about dementia – which affects nearly one million people across the UK - and how people can keep their brains healthy. The Sussex Brain Bus was official launched at Hove Lawns on 24th March 2023.

UKBUS6532 carries a full, branded livery for Sussex Brain Bus, showing the destination to Littlehampton. The special, comprehensive livery and branding are 100% reproduced onto the UKBUS6532 model. The stand-out features of the branding are : “think brain health” on the front and on the rear; “reducing the risk of dementia”, “USB charging” and “sussexbrainbus” on the nearside; “happy healthy head” and “sussexbrainbus” on the offside; “www.sussexbrainbus.org”, “Alzhelmer’s Research UK” and “US UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX” on the rear.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro400 MMC UKBUS6532 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 UKBUS6532 model is its single tree protector 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 Enviro400 MMC, such as the extensive portrayal of handrails on upper deck and lower deck, etc.

The brand new 10.9 metre Enviro400 MMC bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), 80M Bus Model Shop (HK) respectively. The UKBUS6532 model is limited to 1008 pieces worldwide.

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

Thursday 19th October 2023

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM NORTHCORD MODEL COMPANY
I can confirm that the following model has now been released in the UK:

UKBUS9501 Scania OmniCity double-deck - National Express West Midlands
Fleet number: 4780
Registration number: BU08EHZ
Route: 67
Destination: Birmingham via Tyburn Road
Quantity: 1200 pieces

Saturday 14th October 2023

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM OXFORD DIECAST
The following model is now on sale on the Oxford Diecast website so will be in the shops very soon:
76DB002 Duple Britannia - Barton
Fleet number: 914
Registration number: VHO500
Route number: -
Destination: Blackpool

Thursday 12th October 2023

DETAILS OF RECENTLY ANNOUNCED OXFORD DIECAST MODELS
Oxford Diecast have confirmed to me the details of their new models announced mid-September:

120RM001 Routemaster RM – London Transport (red).
Fleet number: RM8
Registration number: VLT8
Route number: -
Destination: -

76AMT004 Alexander M type - Alexander Northern.
Fleet number: NPE31
Registration number: GSO531N
Route number: Coach 1
Destination: Aberdeen

76RM115 Routemaster RM – Dublin Vintage Tea Tours
Fleet number: RM2078
Registration number: ZV11165
Route number: 61
Destination: vintageteatrips.ie

NNR009 New Routemaster - Arriva London (green)
Fleet number: LT2
Registration number: LTZ1002
Route number: 38
Destination: Hackney Central

OMNIDEKKA MODELS UPDATE
Omnidekka Models have published the below update on their Facebook Updates page. There is no facility to share the post, so I have copied the text below:

“Website - We have taken the website offline as we are no longer going to be taken orders from it. We had a meeting today and the releases that are planned will be released and then with all others will be eBay based as the website costs have gone up to much. All orders from it are safe and will be sent once in stock. A reason for winding the company done is both of us now have full time jobs and we can not focus as much on this side of things now. This group will stay open until all models are released but then this will also close. To all traders, we have added you to our database so will keep you updated with releases and future ones but this will be less of them.”

Wednesday 11th October 2023

NEWS CATCH UP
I apologise for the lack of updates over recent weeks. I took a nice long holiday from work and on the day I was due to start back tested positive for Covid! My employer did not want me back in the office with Covid, so I had another week off. Finally getting back in the office having been off for over a month, I was faced with a massive amount of catching up. I need another holiday now to recover!!

I have summarised the most recent news in manufacturer order and have included photographs of the models, most of which I have taken:

Brekina
I can confirm that model 61118, a Routemaster RM in a British Airways livery has been released in the UK and is on sale. I have not received any reports of new announcements from the Company.

Corgi OOC
On 1st September, Corgi announced their third quarter catalogue for September to December 2023. Sadly, no buses at all were announced.

EFE Road
There has been no recent update from EFE Road, in relation to the release of their new Cravens RT models, although Bachmann have announced that the EFE Road bus models will now be made available to the general trade again and will no longer be exclusive to Bachmann dealers.

Model Buses Collection
During August, MBC opened pre-orders for their Northcord Model Company commissioned model UKBUS0069 representing a Scania OmniCity d/d in dealer white. On 1st September they opened pre-orders for their Corgi commissioned models CP46503A/B featuring a Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 in Brighton and Hove 'Love Fun Love Brighton' livery and London models CP46504A/B featuring a Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 - Go London in 'Elizabeth line' all over livery. I have not been advised of the delivery date for these models at the time of writing. Please see the Model Buses Collection website at www.modelbus.uk for further details.

Northcord Model Company
It is hoped that Models UKBUS9501 and UKBUS6202 both will be released in the UK before the end of October: UKBUS9501 represents a Scania OmniCity d/d in National Express West Midlands Heritage livery and was released on 21st August. UKBUS6202 represents an Alexander Dennis Enviro400 in a Stagecoach Bluebird classic “Stagecoach Stripes & Chevrons” livery and was released on 16th September.

Omnidekka Models
No new models have been announced by Omnidekka Models in the past couple of months, although during September, they released their 80M commissioned Wright StreetDeck models WSD1A/B in the livery of Brighton and Hove. Each variation is limited to 500 pieces, and both are now shown as sold out on the Omnidekka Models website. Please see their website www.omnidekkamodels.co.uk for further details of other previously announced models.

Oxford Diecast
I can report that Oxford Diecast released one model during August and announced several new models during September. The released model featured their first TT (120th) scale model number 120OB001 representing a Bedford OB in British Rail livery. The new models announced mid-September in their September 2023 to January 2024 catalogue include 120RM001 a Routemaster RM – London Transport (red) in TT (120th) scale. 76AMT004 an Alexander M type in the livery of Alexander Northern. 76RM115 Routemaster RM in a vintage Tea Tours livery and finally NNR009 a 148th scale (N-Gauge) New Routemaster in Arriva London green livery (presumably representing LT2)

Rapido Trains UK
I have not received any news reports from Rapido since my last column.

The Buckie Model Centre
The Buckie Model Centre are still taking pre-orders for the first three models in their new Plaxton Panorama casting. I have not yet been advised of the anticipated release date.
To order, visit the Buckie Model Centre website https://buckiemodelcentre.com, go to the search page and enter “Panorama”, you will be taken to the correct page.

Tiny Bus Hong Kong
During August, Tiny released a “Batman” New Routemaster (1:110th scale) in a fictitious black and gold Batman livery.

Monday 9th October 2023

October to December 2023 - News

This page last updated Thursday, 04 January 2024