September 2007 - 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

 


 

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM EFE
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:
25305 AEC Duple Coach Wilts & Dorset CLICK HERE
30707 AEC Renown Scottish Omnibus CLICK HERE
31702 RMC Routemaster Coach London Country NBC CLICK HERE
99105 Daimler DMS Metrobus CLICK HERE

Saturday 29 September 2007


EFE MODELS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE THIS WEEK
The below models are scheduled for release this week and should be in the shops tomorrow/Friday:
25305 AEC Duple Coach Wilts & Dorset CLICK HERE
30707 AEC Renown Scottish Omnibus CLICK HERE
31702 RMC Routemaster Coach London Country NBC CLICK HERE
99105 Daimler DMS Metrobus CLICK HERE

FURTHER EFE MODELS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE
EFE have advised that the following models are scheduled for release week commencing 8th October:
23803 Alexander Atlantean Sunderland District CLICK HERE
28006 Daimler DMS 1 Door Trent Buses CLICK HERE
29615 Leyland Olympian First Hampshire CLICK HERE

Wednesday 26 September 2007


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

UKBUS6008 Alexander Dennis Enviro400

Selkent

Following the great success of the launch models of the Alexander Dennis Enviro400 in two different overall lengths, Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of UKBUS6006, the second dual-door, long-wheelbase Alexander Dennis Enviro400 model for a London operator, on this occasion in Selkent standard livery.

UKBUS6008 represents fleet number 19138 (LX56EAW) that was new to Selkent in late 2006.

LX56 EAW is an Alexander Dennis Enviro400 double-deck bus operated by Selkent (South East London and Kent), part of the East London Bus Group. Numbered 19138, it is based at Selkent’s Bromley Garage and entered service in December 2006 specifically for use on Transport for London contracted route 61 which runs between Bromley North and Chiselhurst in south east London. These buses are Selkent’s first new double-deck buses since the sale of the company by the Stagecoach Group to Macquarie Bank.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro400 UKBUS6008 is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the square-mounted, gasket windows and the livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. Another main feature on the UKBUS6008 model is its dual individual tree protectors at the front. The front dome on the model is also significant, with its curved windscreen on the upper deck.

Creative Master Northcord is creating new design standards in the layout of the interior of both saloons. These features inside the compartments represent the really outstanding layout of the Enviro400, such as an additional seat behind the driving cab, additional ventilation equipment on the upper deck ceiling, and extensive portrayal of handrails on the upper and lower deck, etc. The headlights at the front are made of individual components to look more realistic.

The brand new Enviro400 bus models 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. The UKBUS6008 model is limited to 1600 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.

Tuesday 25 September 2007


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

New Casting

UKVAN1001 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Panel Van – Dealer Stock White

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of UKVAN1001, the launch model of the second new casting introduced during 2007.

The launch model of the new casting is the RHD panel van version and the UKVAN1000 series will also include the RHD Traveliner minibus and LHD panel van and Traveliner minibus versions.

The new casting is based on the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 311 CDI Panel Van with long wheelbase and high roof. The new Sprinter was introduced to the UK in late 2006 and the panel van featured has a 4325mm wheelbase, 6940mm overall length and 2820mm overall height. The interior headroom inside the cargo area is 1840mm which helps to give a total cargo capacity of 14m3.

The UKVAN1001 launch model is painted in Dealer Stock White. This version will allow collectors to avail themselves of the opportunity to use this CMNL Sprinter model as the basis for super-detailing by adding decals of their choosing or by adding additional livery detail or paintwork in order to enhance their OO-scale modern image model railway layout or 1:76 scale general transport diorama where it could undertake the role of a delivery van or support van for a bus or truck operator. Of course, UKVAN1001 could also be the starting point for a standalone collection of the UKVAN1000 series of Sprinter vans and minibuses.

UKVAN1001 carries the “Select” registration mark SV07UKV which, at the time of the model’s release, was still unissued by DVLA.

Key features of the UKVAN1000 series, exemplified on UKVAN1001, include interior detail showing the driver’s instrument binnacle, steering wheel, single driver’s seat and twin passenger seat and also chassis detail that includes replicated drive-train and exhaust system as well as fuel tank and spare wheel. The windscreen wipers are individually made pieces and therefore the models are not suitable for children under 14 years of age. The panel van UKVAN1001 shows extra items that can be specified as factory or dealer-fitted optional equipment on the real Sprinter range – in this case the halogen fog lamps set into the front bumper, and the wheel trims that cover the standard steel wheels.

The UKVAN1001 model carries a numbered Limited Edition Certificate showing that it is one of a run of only 1200 pieces worldwide.

The brand new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Panel Van 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.

Monday 24 September 2007


TWO NEW MODELS ANNOUNCED BY BRITBUS
I am grateful to Time Tunnel Models for advising me of two new models from Britbus, I do not know the release dates at this time:

GL06 Guy Arab - Cheltenham and District
DL08B Dennis Loline III - Selnec Southern

Sunday 23 September 2007


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

UKBUS7009 Scania OmniCity

Metrobus Rt.358

Creative Master Northcord Limited is releasing the ninth replica on its popular Scania OmniCity model tooling. It is UKBUS7009 in Metrobus Transport for London operation livery.

UKBUS7009 represents fleet number 520 (YN53RXM).

Metrobus began life in 1983 with a fleet of six vehicles operating from a depot in Orpington, Kent. It was acquired by the Go-Ahead Group in 1999.

Metrobus started operating route 358 as a commercial venture in May 1989, with just two coach-operated return journeys on weekdays only. The route was very successful and was increased to hourly the following year and to every 20 minutes in 1992, when it was restructured to operate between Orpington Station and Crystal Palace.

In 2002, the 358 became a Transport for London contract with an increase in frequency to every 12 minutes. Metrobus retained the route on tender in 2003 and 17 new Scania Omnicities were delivered for the service. They were allocated fleet numbers 514-530 and followed on from an order for Metrobus’ Fastway operation in Crawley. The vehicles are dual door, have 37 seats and are 12 metres long and 2.55 metres wide. They were delivered painted red with a blue and yellow waistband, which was later removed.

The Scania OmniCity UKBUS7009 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.

Key features of the UKBUS7000 series, exemplified on UKBUS7009, include two doors, an extensive portrayal of handrails and the headlight / indicator units at the front made of individual, translucent components to look more realistic.

As Metrobus is one of the loyal customers in the UK to the Scania OmniCity, CMNL has produced UKBUS7002 Metrobus Fastway (dual door) and UKBUS7005 Metrobus Rt.X26 (single door) since 2005. UKBUS7009 is the third batch of replicas showcasing Metrobus colours.

The brand new Scania OmniCity bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Transit Graphics (Australia), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), cnmycar.com (P. R. of China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The UKBUS7009 model is limited to 1400 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.

Friday 21 September 2007


EFE REMAINING DETAILS FOR MODELS ANNOUNCED AT SHOWBUS
EFE have today sent me the details of the two models that were not included in last nights update:

22514 Alexander Y Type - Hants & Dorset
Fleet number: 3096
Registration number:
AJA146B
Route: -
Destination:
Manchester
Anticipated release date: To be advised

33901 Trader Artic Transporter - TOLEMAN
Fleet number: -
Registration number: JMK975B
Anticipated release date: To be advised

Thursday 20 September 2007


DETAILS FOR EFE MODELS ANNOUNCED AT SHOWBUS
EFE have now advised me of confirmed details for most of the models announced at Showbus. Where details are not listed, I will publish them as soon as I receive them:

Buses
14604 Leyland National Short 1 Door - WEST YORKSHIRE N.B.C.
Fleet number: 1002
Registration number: DNW840T
Route: 78B
Destination: Tadcaster
Anticipated release date: To be announced

16323 Bristol LS Bus - LONDON TRANSPORT
Fleet number: -
Registration number: PHW918
Route: 208
Destination: Bromley By Bow
Anticipated release date: December 2007

17220 Leyland National MkI Long - BARROW IN FURNESS
Fleet number: 13
Registration number: NEO831R
Route: 3
Destination: Harrel Lane via Abbey Road
Anticipated release date: To be advised

19709 AEC Regent V Orion - MERSEYSIDE P.T.E.
Fleet number: A454
Registration number: SJD353
Route: 78A
Destination: Hunts Cross
Anticipated release date: To be advised

22514 Alexander Y Type - Hants & Dorset
Fleet number: To be confirmed
Registration number: To be confirmed
Route: To be confirmed
Destination: To be confirmed
Anticipated release date: To be advised

24325 BET Weymann - SOUTH WALES
Fleet number: 821
Registration number: VWN13
Route: L9B
Destination: Bonymaen, Swansea and Llansamlet
Anticipated release date: November 2007

29203 Leyland Titan 1 Door - MERSEYBUS
Fleet number: 2385
Registration number: KYV385X
Route: 217
Destination: Halewood
Anticipated release date: December 2007

29616 Leyland Olympian - CHESTER CITY TRANSPORT
Fleet number: 11
Registration number: F882VSJ
Route: 15
Destination: Saughall
Anticipated release date: To be advised

30509 Guy GS Special - LONDON TRANSPORT
Fleet number: GS 5
Registration number: MXX305
Route: 388
Destination: Welwyn Prospect Place via Tewin
Anticipated release date: November 2007

33801 Bristol RELH Coach - EASTERN NATIONAL
Fleet number: PL 408
Registration number: YHK725F
Route: -
Destination: Day Tour
Anticipated release date: December 2007

34001 AEC 2RT2 - LONDON TRANSPORT
Fleet number: RT 5
Registration number: FXT180
Route: 22
Destination: Homerton
Anticipated release date: To be advised

34201 AEC RLH Bus - LONDON TRANSPORT
Fleet number: RLH 74
Registration number: MXX274
Route: 230
Destination: Rayners Lane Station and Northwick Park Station
Anticipated release date: December 2007

98001 1:24th Scale MCW Metrobus - METROLINE
Fleet number: M550
Registration number: GYE550W
Route: Operating a choice of five routes
Destination: Operating a choice of five routes
Anticipated release date: November 2007

Trucks
33201 Trader Artic 2 Axle Flatbed - LONDON TRANSPORT

Fleet number: 1189F PM
Registration number: 407AUU
Anticipated release date: December 2007

33301 AEC Ergo Artic Tanker - LEATHERS CHEMICALS
Fleet number: -
Registration number: GBH93G
Anticipated release date: November 2007

33401Bedford TK Artic Tanker - TEXACO
Fleet number: -
Registration number: 5120DZ
Anticipated release date: November 2007

33701 ERF 2 Axle Box Van - GESTETNER
Fleet number: -
Registration number: OO4665
Anticipated release date: To be advised

33901 Trader Artic Transporter - TOLEMAN
Fleet number: -
Registration number: To be confirmed
Anticipated release date: To be advised

Wednesday 19 September 2007


CORGI OOC APPROXIMATE RELEASE DATES FOR SOME OF THE REMAINING 2007 MODELS
Corgi have advised of the approximate date they hope to receive stock of some of the remaining 2007 models. They should hopefully be released shortly afterwards. They further advise that other models may be added to this list, they just do not have confirmed dates at this time:

OM46007 Wright Eclipse Urban (Rossendale Transport 50th Anniversary) CLICK HERE 18th October 2007 1700 pieces

OM49902 Fishwick Set (Van Hool T9/Plaxton Panorama) Model A CLICK HERE Model B CLICK HERE 25th October 2007 1380 pieces

OM46008 Wright Solar Reading CLICK HERE 1st November 2007 1700 pieces

PHOTOGRAPHS OF SOME RECENTLY RELEASED MODELS
Click on the links below to view photographs courtesy of S&D Models and Ian Kirby:

Corgi OOC
OM44012 Blackpool Brush Tram – “Tigeriffic”
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
OM46006B Wright Eclipse Urban - First Glasgow
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
OM46102B Plaxton Panther - National Express
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view 
OM46103A Plaxton Paragon First Eastern Counties
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view

Creative Master Northcord Ltd
UKBUS1032 Dennis Trident ALX400 Brighton & Hove
Photograph 1
CLICK HERE to view
UKBUS6006 Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 Travel London
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view

EFE
27312 Leyland TD1 Closed Rear Fishwick & Sons
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE to view

29008 GM Fleetline Grey Green
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE to view

32102 RMF ROUTEMASTER Northern General
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE to view

32102SB RMF ROUTEMASTER Northern General Showbus 2007
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE to view

Tuesday 18 September 2007


FRIENDS OF LT MUSEUM EBAY UPDATE
The auction of the 5 special models reported on 9 September ended earlier this afternoon. Prices varied between £460.00 and £750.00!

(2nd posting) Monday 17 September 2007


SHOWBUS - FURTHER UPDATE AND PHOTOGRAPHS
As always I will mention the weather. It was very good yesterday good sunny spells and a maximum temperature of about 20 degrees and a brisk breeze.

One item not mentioned yesterday was EFE had on display two samples of the Melbourne Tramcars that were on display last year. Links to photographs can be found with the other photographs below.

I do not yet have full details for any of the new models announced at the Show. All samples shown were early PP samples and confirmed details (Fleet number, destination etc., and approximate release date) will be published as soon as I receive them from EFE.

Photographs Buses
14604 Leyland National - West Yorkshire NBC
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

16323 Bristol LS - London Transport
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

17220 Leyland National - Barrow in Furness
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

19709 AEC Regent V Orion - Merseyside PET
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

22514 Alexander Y Type - Hants & Dorset
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

24325 BET Weymann - South Wales
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

29203 Leyland Titan - Merseybus
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

29616 Leyland Olympian - Chester City
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

30509 Guy GS Special - London Transport
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

33801 Bristol RELH - Eastern National
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

34001 AEC 2RT2 - London Transport
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

34201 RLH - London Transport
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

98001 MCW Metrobus - Metroline
Photograph 1
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 2
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

East Lancs Olympus - Poster
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

AEC RF - Wooden tooling Master
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

Melbourne Tram1
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

Melbourne Tram 2
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

Photographs Trucks
33201 Trader Artic 2XL Flatbed - London Transport
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

33301 AEC Ergo Artic Tanker - Leathers Chemicals
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

33401 Bedford TK Artic Tanker - Texaco
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

33701 ERF 2XL Box Van - Gestetner
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

33901 Trader Artic Transporter - Toleman
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

Monday 17 September 2007


SHOWBUS - UPDATE
An excellent but very long day, so just a brief update this evening. I shall prepare a full report for tomorrow evening:

EFE's long awaited modern double deck casting was announced and will be an East Lancs Olympus. Only brief details were given on a poster which I shall publish in the full report. There was no news of the modern single deck.

A new 1/24th scale model was announced and will be an AEC RF. A wooden tooling master was on display and photographs of this will be published tomorrow.

A sample was on display of the new 1/24th Metrobus casting as follows:
98001 MCW Metrobus - Metroline

This years Show model as previously reported was on sale today:
33601 Leyland STD - London Transport

There were 12 new 1/76th scale buses announced and 5 new 1/76th scale trucks. I will publish photographs of each in the full update. Brief details are as follows:

New Buses
14604 Leyland National - West Yorkshire NBC
16323 Bristol LS - London Transport
17220 Leyland National - Barrow in Furness
19709 AEC Regent V Orion - Merseyside PET
22514 Alexander Y Type - Hants & Dorset
24325 BET Weymann - South Wales
29203 Leyland Titan - Merseybus
29616 Leyland Olympian - Chester City
30509 Guy GS Special - London Transport
33801 Bristol RELH - Eastern National
34001 AEC 2RT2 - London Transport
34201 RLH - London Transport

New Trucks
33201 Trader Artic 2XL Flatbed - London Transport
33301 AEC Ergo Artic Tanker - Leathers Chemicals
33401 Bedford TK Artic Tanker - Texaco
33701 ERF 2XL Box Van - Gestetner
33901 Trader Artic Transporter - Toleman

Sunday 16 September 2007


NEW RELEASES
A number of models have been released this week. Click on the links below to view photographs courtesy of S&D Models

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM BRITBUS
I can confirm that the following model has been released and is on sale:
AN203 Leyland Atlantean London Crusader Tour CLICK HERE

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD
I can confirm that the following models have been released and are on sale:
UKBUS6004 Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 First Devon & Cornwall CLICK HERE
UKBUS7008 Scania OmniCity Arriva Merseyside CLICK HERE

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM EFE
I can confirm that the following models have been released and are on sale:
27506 WRIGHT SCANIA First Eastern Counties CLICK HERE
29905 AEC 10T10 Bus London Transport CLICK HERE
32303 BRISTOL RELH COACH Red & White CLICK HERE

SHOWBUS
I will be attending Showbus tomorrow and hope to publish a report and photographs tomorrow or Monday depending on what time I get home tomorrow evening.

Saturday 15 September 2007


CORGI OOC 2008 1ST HALF SCANNED CATALOGUE IMAGES
Further to the details of the releases published earlier this evening, click on the links below to view scanned images from the new catalogue. Many thanks again to Neil at Time Tunnel Models for sending them to me. Please note these images are scanned from a laser printed catalogue. The full glossy catalogue will be released next week:

Page 44 CLICK HERE
Page 45 CLICK HERE
Page 46 CLICK HERE
Page 47 CLICK HERE
Page 48 CLICK HERE
Page 49 CLICK HERE
Page 50 CLICK HERE

2nd posting 13 September 2007


CORGI OOC 1ST HALF 2008
Hot off the press, many thanks to Neil at Time Tunnel Models for sending me the below information. Further details will be given as soon as I recive them, the number after each model is the anticipated release month:

Buses in Britain
CC26105 RT - London Transport 1
CC26106 RTL - Barton Centenary 3

Buses in Britain - Day at the Seaside
CC25101 Southdown Bedford OB 1
CC25301 AEC Regal – MacBraynes 3
CC25401 Burlingham Seagull – Barton 5

Original Omnibus Company
OM41601 Crossley DD42 - Manchester NEW 5
OM46106 Plaxton Panther - Parks of Hamilton – Scotland 1
OM41219 Wright Eclipse Gemini - Lincolnshire RoadCar 1
OM46011 Wright Eclipse Urban - Travel West Midlands 2
OM46203 Irizar PB - Citylink Galway 2
OM44114 Optare Solo - Brighton & Hove 2

OM41410 Roe Motorbus – Doncaster 3
OM42519 East Lancs Myllennium - Southdown PSV 3
OM41705 RTW - A1 Services 3
OM43512 Blackpool Balloon Tram - Little Italy Pleasure Beach 4
OM49903 Wright Gemini/Solar - Go Ahead NE Set 4
OM45312 Bova Futura - Eddie Stobart 5
OM42704 Van Hool Alizee – Greenline 5
OM46204 Irizar PB – Johnsons 6
OM45912 Van Hool T9 - Golden Boy Coaches 6

Thursday 13 September 2007


CORGI OOC MODEL OM46102 NATIONAL EXPRESS
Many thanks to Barry Clark and Kevin Ellis for advising me that the rework on the models appears to be the addition of the top section of the blue circle logos in the form of a sticker or transfer applied to some of the windows. The PP sample for this model CLICK HERE shows the model missing the top of the blue circle on the rear nearside window.

LT MUSEUM EBAY AUCTION
Further to my news article of 9 September I am grateful to the LT Museum for sending me photographs of the model. Click on the links to view the images. I have also created a page for the model CLICK HERE which reproduces the text from the EBay listing

Model details:
20203C Leyland PD1 (STD) London Transport
Fleet number: STD156
Registration number: HLW85
Route number: 24
Destination: Camden Town
Quantity: 76

Photograph 1
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 2
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

OCTO MODELS
I have received the below news release from Alan Thompson and thought it may be of interest:

Octo Models Limited, the owners of  the well-known and long established Model Bus web-site www.ryanbus.com are pleased to announce the launch of a re-designed and fully integrated new site for ryanbus.

Alan Thompson, director of Octo Models Limited said: "The old site had served the model buying public well since 1997 but was becoming dated and was difficult to update. We now have a newly designed site with a fresh look and fully integrated shopping basket and checkout facilities to make customer visits more user friendly"

"To celebrate the launch we are offering free P&P in the UK on all orders received before the end of November 2007 - just in time for that early Xmas present"

Wednesday 12 September 2007


OM46006 WRIGHT ECLIPSE URBAN - FIRST GLASGOW (3RD VARIATION)
This model was advertised by Corgi with two different destinations. It appears that a third variation has been released. This variation has no rear number blind and the front and side blinds show 'Transforming Travel' instead of a destination. I understand that 100 of these models were manufactured as a commission but have been included with the standard release models.

Click on the links below to view photographs courtesy of Hattons Model Railways:
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE

CORGI OOC MODEL OM46102 NATIONAL EXPRESS
You will recall that the release of this model was delayed by a couple of weeks so that the model livery could be reworked. I have received the below from a trader who has looked at his stock and cannot see what has been changed. Can anyone let me know what has been changed and also have any unaltered models found their way out to customers?

"These were the ones that Corgi pulled back from the dealers and sent to Wales to be reworked by Code3.  Have yet to get a straight answer from them on what was actually changed but I examined the models in detail and couldn't see anything that looked like it'd been overprinted.  However, every last one has been out of the box so there must be something.

Apparently, dealers in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the extreme north of Scotland got theirs unaltered and Corgi picked them back up - except some refused.  This is because it takes a day longer to get there so that to ensure everyone has their stock on the same day, Corgi ships them on a Monday instead of Tues (and they didn't spot the problem until Tuesday...)".

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM - SPECIAL MODEL ON EBAY
The Friends of the London Transport Museum have commissioned a further fund raising model 5 of which are being auctioned on Ebay. I have copied the wording from their Ebay listing below:

"A very exclusive, London model bus, Leyland PDI (STD), showing Route 24 to Camden Town. produced by EFE, 1:76 scale. Model number 20203c. Digitally signed by Peter Hendy, Commissioner of Transport for London. One of only 76 produced, these buses were commissioned for a dinner, hosted by Peter Hendy and Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, to raise money for the new Museum. The dinner opened this auction on the 6 September 2007. One bus was auctioned per table at the dinner, one is in the Museum’s collection and just 5 are now available.

The bus is technically correct and presented in its original box. It is extremely collectable."

Search on EBay for item 260157746610 to find one of the 5 models. From the models page you will find a link to the other items being auctioned to raise funds for the museum.

Sunday 9 September 2007


CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM CORGI OOC
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:
OM46006 Wright Eclipse Urban - First Glasgow CLICK HERE
OM46103 Plaxton Paragon First Eastern Counties CLICK HERE

Wednesday 5 September 2007


SUN STAR AEC RT - MORE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE MODEL AND ACTUAL BUS
Further to the press release of yesterday CLICK HERE to view a large number of photographs showing both the model and the real RT113

EFE MODELS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE
EFE have advised that the following models are scheduled for release next week (commencing 10 September 2007):
27506 WRIGHT SCANIA First Eastern Counties CLICK HERE
29905 AEC 10T10 Bus London Transport CLICK HERE
32303 BRISTOL RELH COACH Red & White CLICK HERE

Tuesday 4 September 2007


PRESS RELEASE FROM SUN STAR
The below press release and photographs have been received from Sunstar. I am hoping to publish additional photographs over the next few days:

 

Sun Star announces a major new 1:24 scale bus model

1939 RT:  RT113 – FXT288

Having made British bus model history with its superb models of the iconic London Routemaster, followed by the ubiquitous Bedford OB Duple Vista coach, Sun Star models is about to launch a major new bus casting. This new model will retrace the history of the highly popular RT which graced the streets of London for almost forty years following the entry into service of the prototype RT1 on August 9th 1939. With this casting and planned tooling modifications, Sun Star will retrace the history of this remarkable vehicle through all its most significant variants and will cover both AEC and Leyland chassis, the LPTB, Park Royal and Weymann’s bodies, and London Transport and Green Line liveries.

Historical background

As public transport grew under the London Passenger Transport Board, which had been created on 1st July 1933, the need for a standardised double-decker  became apparent. The first step towards that objective was taken on August 9th 1939 when RT1 entered service on Route 22 from Putney Common to Homerton.

Following the successful trials of this prototype, production of the bodies started at LPTB’s Chiswick works, but later production would be undertaken principally by the Weymann and Park Royal companies, although the Saunders Engineering & Shipyard Company  and the Cravens Railway Carriage and Wagon Company would also be called upon to boost supply after the end of the war. The Associated Equipment Company (AEC) had long been the preferred chassis supplier for London buses and so was the first and principal supplier for the RT project. However, again in an effort to boost output, an order was placed with a second supplier, Leyland, in January 1947. This in turn led to the addition of a further body supplier , Metropolitan-Cammell Wagon and Carriage Company (MCW).

In order to ensure inter-changeability of bodies and chassis, standardisation had now become a necessity. In total, over 6,000 RT’s had been manufactured by the time that production ceased in 1954. In April 1979, RT624 was the last RT to be withdrawn from service, marking a period of which had spanned almost 40 years.

The first order for 150 RT’s was placed in July 1938. Production of the chassis started in summer of the following year, with the last one being delivered on the 20th May 1940 to LPTB’s Chiswick factory, where the bodies were made. The official designation for this first RT type was 2RT2 (chassis type 2, body type RT2) 

The 2RT2’s began to enter service in January 1940, but the first 15 did so without an off-side headlight . However, on March 7th, the Drawing Office at the Chiswick factory issued an instruction to fit a small spotlight below the off-side dumb-iron, but  it was not until  October 1941 that a regular off-side headlight was introduced, albeit  fitted with a mask due to the prevailing black-out restrictions.

The model

Sun Star’s model of RT113, one of the 150 2RT2’s, replicates all the distinguishing features of the 2RT2 type including the front and rear roof boxes, sloping lower edge to the off-side and front cab windows, the horizontal beading running through off-side side light to the radiator and the seven air vents below the windscreen. Since the model is presented in war-time livery, the leading edges of the front mudguards and the sides and edges of the platform area are painted white to improve visibility during the black-out. The model also carries the large white warning circle on the rear and the route number sign at the top of the last near-side passenger window which would have been illuminated from behind by the lower saloon lighting.

Apart from the features which one has become accustomed to finding on a Sun Star 1:24 scale bus model, such as an opening bonnet with detailed engine, fully poseable front wheels, individually decorated seats and a detailed chassis, all RT models will feature opening front and side passenger windows as well as an opening driver’s cab door.

All RT models will be strictly limited editions with numbered certificates.

Approximate UK retail price : £ 149.99

Item No. 2920 : RT113 – FXT288

Availability : through all good model retailers/internet sites by end November 2007

Sun Star exclusive distributor to the UK trade: A B Gee of Ripley 0177 357 0444

Please note: The photographs shown below are of a hand-decorated sample made with the first shots from the moulds.

Photograph 1
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 2
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
To view super sized image CLICK HERE

Monday 3 September 2007


CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM CORGI OOC
I can confirm that the following model was released last week and is now on sale:
OM46102 Plaxton Panther - National Express CLICK HERE

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM EFE
I can confirm that the below models were released last week and are on sale:
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Sunday 2 September 2007


September 2007 - News

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