Friday 30 December 2011

EFE LT Museum Greenline Gift Set 15A
The set comprises two models in standard EFE boxes within a printed card sleeve:
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE

35703 BET RC Class Coach Greenline
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE

35902 RMC Prototype CRL4 Greenline
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE

Thursday 28 December 2011

"Among the models on display were progressed shots of our new Bristol VRT and these created a lot of excitement with many favourable comments. With so much interest in the Bristol VRT we decided to disclose the identity of the first liveries. The first release will be in the Blue and Cream colours of Midland Alexander and this will be followed by the dark red and cream colours of Ribble, you should see these early spring"

Tuesday 27th December 2011

NEW MODELS ANNOUNCED BY EFE AND EFE SUBSCRIBER NEWSLETTER
The 10th EFE Subscriber newsletter of 2011 arrived today and has details of three new models, the two EFE subscriber only offer models previously reported and the new EFE website:

New models
20137 Bedford OB Southern Vectis
29506 Plaxton Panorama Southern National
38501 RM Routemaster (Open Top) East Yorkshire

Subscriber offer models
These are confirmed as:
29308 Leyland Olympian Wilts & Dorset CLICK HERE
Fleet number: -
Registration number: EWY 80Y
Route: 110
Destination: Lansdowne, Bournemouth

35704 RC Class Coach Greenline CLICK HERE 
Fleet number: RC4
Registration number: CUV 62C
Route: 725
Destination: Northfleet

EFE website
Mr Joyce reports that:
Our new web site has now been launched and this replaces our previous site with a more proactive and easier to use format. In addition to the Master List identifying all the models produced over the years it now also includes a Retail Shop with a list of Old and Current release models available from stock, with images and prices of each model.

Please remember that as a Subscriber you are able to buy from us at the reduced prices shown on the Subscriber Back Stock List sent to you earlier this year and when ordering new models they are sent to subscribers post free.

The new website can be found at www.exclusivefirsteditions.com 

2nd posting Friday 23 December 2011

Last Friday saw the official unveiling of the New Bus for London (NBfL) prototype led by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson whose manifesto in 2008 promised to deliver a replacement of the ‘dangerous’ bendy bus. 

With exclusive rights to a Transport for London licence Corgi was there to celebrate the event and introduce the Mayor of London to Corgi’s very own NBfL from the brand new collection of scale models, toys and key rings. Due to be released ahead of the Queen’s 2012 Diamond Jubilee, Corgi’s new and exclusive range will give everyone the opportunity to own a replica of the 21st century London bus.

The New Bus for London has been designed, from scratch, specifically for use in London. Exciting new features include: a swooping window design; curved edges; front and rear staircases; three entrances and high environmental credentials. The pioneering design also draws inspiration from the original Routemaster’s instantly recognisable red 

paintwork as well as the traditional hop on, hop off open rear platform – both of which will be reproduced in Corgi’s new range. Corgi’s replica model will pick out the timeless characteristics of the design in fine detail, making it the perfect addition to any collection.

Corgi’s model bus will be available in a selection of scales- including the popular ‘fit the box’ sized toy as well as collectables at 1:76 scale - and will be a faithful reproduction of this instantly recognisable vehicle. The model will also be available as a die-cast key ring, so everyone from school children to tourists can carry a London souvenir in their pocket. Prices start from £6.99. Frank Martin, chief executive at Hornby Hobbies, commented: “This is a very exciting partnership for Corgi and TfL. We have poured 55 years of experience into the New Bus for London model and the die cast key rings will allow both Londoners and tourists to keep a modern memento of Britain’s capital with them wherever they go.”

Photograph 1 shows the New Bus for London model with the real bus in the background CLICK HERE

Photograph 2 shows Mayor of London Boris Johnson (left) accepts the first Corgi model of the 'New Bus for London' from Frank Martin, CEO of Hornby Hobbies Ltd CLICK HERE

CORGI 2012 CATALOGUE
The following announcement has also been received today from Corgi:

On the 3rd January we will be announcing the new Corgi Range for 2012, however from 2012 onwards we will be changing the Corgi Collector catalogue release dates. Our catalogues will now run from January-June and July-December. To introduce this new timeline release program we will start 2012 with a three month April to June 2012 Supplement Catalogue, this is due to the current Corgi Catalogue running up until the end of March.

Why?
We always listen to the feedback from our trade customers and it has become evident over the past eighteen months that it would be preferred if we reverted to the above timeline release program, this would insure that ranges are not released and previewed around holiday periods.

Dates?
As we have always done in the past, we will announce the new range to both trade customers and the consumer three months before the first product is released. This allows both Corgi and our trade customers time to communicate and preview the new product ranges, and also order the product.

What is in the Supplement?
The Supplement catalogue will have new items from all of the usual favourite Collector Sub-brands including Rail Legends, Aviation Archive, Hauliers of Renown, Original Omnibus Collection, Mini Mania, Vanguards, Trackside, Steam Rally Collection, License (Events + TV and Film Favourites) and some new additions to Corgi Toys (Showcase and Super Haulers). The Supplement will only feature products that are new or are to be released between the months of April and June.

When will the Supplement be available?
The April to June Supplement will be available to order immediately from 3rd January 2012.The range will be announced via the Corgi website at 9am on Tuesday 3rd January.

Next year promises to be a big year for the Corgi brand and there will be some big announcements in January.

Friday 23 December 2011

13601 AEC Ergo 3 Axle Elliptical Tanker Express Dairy CLICK HERE
Fleet number: 3415
Registration number: KGC 290D
Anticipated release date January 2012

15807 Leyland PD 1 Lowbridge Scottish Motor Traction CLICK HERE
Fleet number: HH 19 B
Registration number: BVD 934
Route number: 12
Destination: Bathgate
Anticipated release date: January 2012

23321 AEC RF Coach Greenline B.E.A. CLICK HERE
Fleet number: RF 290
Registration number: MLL 927
Route number: -
Destination: B.E.A. Executive Express service
Anticipated release date January 2012

28009 Daimler DMS 1 Door Maidstone & District N.B.C. CLICK HERE
Fleet number: 5025
Registration number: SMU 737N
Route number: 195
Destination: Grain
Anticipated release date February 2012

29011 G.M. Fleetline Strathtay CLICK HERE
Fleet number: SD 17
Registration number: LJA 478P
Route number: 74
Destination: Invergowrie
Anticipated release date January 2012

34107 AEC RT Bus London Transport CLICK HERE
Fleet number: RT 1538
Registration number: KGU 298
Route number: 146
Destination: Downe
Anticipated release date January 2012

36203 RMA Routemaster & Trailer British Airways CLICK HERE
Fleet number: BEA 51
Registration number: NMY 651E
Route number: -
Destination: West London Terminal
Anticipated release date January 2012

37901 Alexander Y Type (Bus Seats) Tyne & Wear P.T.E. CLICK HERE
Fleet number: 1838
Registration number: GNL 838N
Route number: 77
Destination: Darras Hall
Anticipated release date February 2012

EFE MODEL 16228 BRISTOL MW ROYAL BLUE
The above model was issued with a sign in the front nearside windscreen bearing the words, "South Coast Express Service   East Kent  Royal Blue  Southdown". This sign was not shown on any of the pre-production sample photographs:

I am grateful to Andy McClelland for sending me a photograph of the sign and some explanatory text explaining the significance of it:

CLICK HERE to view the photograph

Andy writes: "The South Coast Express Service was initially set up by Royal Blue jointly with East Kent and Southdown before WW2 to join towns in SE England and the West Country, and this service was further developed in the 50s and 60s, when Royal Blue set up similar arrangements with other companies for destinations in other parts of the country. Royal Blue was also a member of Associated Motorways which gave them routes to many parts of the country outside their normal operating area e.g. Liverpool, Birmingham etc. The EFE model Bristol LS shows the Bournemouth destination which might be intended to depict a segment of the Brighton - Bournemouth - Ilfracombe  or the Eastbourne - Brighton - Bournemouth - Weston Super Mare service. I can remember driving the Brighton - Bournemouth segment back in August 1970, by which time the LS had disappeared from the Royal Blue fleet, and we had the later MW, a far superior, if slower, vehicle. (Frank Joyce is using artistic licence by depicting an LS with an MW casting!) I can remember the East Coast Express Service windscreen stickers - in fact I may still have one somewhere in my archives up in the loft! - but they were only 30 - 40 centimetres wide, not full windscreen width as per the model".

Thursday 22 December 2011

I hope to publish photographs of this model and a couple of others tomorrow.

DETAILS OF PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED EFE MODEL
13601 AEC Ergo Tanker - Express Dairy
Registration number: KGC 290D
Fleet number: 3415

Wednesday 21 December 2011

PHOTOGRAPH OF BOX FROM RECENTLY RELEASED REVELL ROUTEMASTER KIT
Click on the links below to view artwork on the box courtesy of Ian Kirby
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE

Saturday 17 December 2011

PHOTOGRAPH OF RECENTLY RELEASED OXFORD DIECAST MODEL
Click on the links below to view photographs of a recently released Oxford Diecast model:
NTR005 Tram Glasgow
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE

Please note the lower half of the side panels are not a two tone colour as shown on the photographs. Unfortunately the black base was causing a reflection which I could not get rid of when showing the front and rear quarter views of the model. The photograph shown below taken from a different angle confirms the single colour:
Photograph 3 CLICK HERE

Tuesday 13th December 2011

379-500 Bristol VRT NBC Western National

379-503 Bristol VRT NBC United

379-515 Harrington Cavalier Trent

379-532 Bristol RELH Royal Blue

379-576 Leyland National United Counties

379-591 Bristol Lodekka NBC Eastern National

379-593 Bristol Lodekka SMT Western

Sunday 11 December 2011

OM40818A/B BRISTOL LODEKKA FS CENTRAL SMT
Corgi have updated me on progress of the above vehicle and also sent me a number of photographs which can be viewed below:

"Due for release in March this superb 1:76 scale limited edition model with dual destination variants (44 Glasgow Anderston Cross/ 240 Lanark) has a split run quota of 500 pieces. The model features closed doors on the rear platform. The images featured here are the most up-to-date with the Pre-production model being photographed at Hornby HQ in Margate just a few weeks ago"

Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE
Photograph 3 CLICK HERE
Photograph 4 CLICK HERE
Photograph 5 CLICK HERE

Since publishing this article a short while ago I have received two emails advising me that the registration number is wrong. It should read AGM not AGW, I have written to Corgi.

Friday 9 December 2011

MOUSTACHE UPDATE - MOVEMBER
You will recall I took part in the Movember challenge this year (see my news dated 12th November CLICK HERE). Taking part was great fun (having last had a Moustache in the early 90's) and I was surprised at the number of people who asked me if I was taking part in Movember. It was also surprising/slightly worrying, how little some men know about male cancers. One friend (mid 40's) actually asked me what is the Prostate and what does it do!

On a sad note one of my elderly friends (he taught me to drive PCV's) was confirmed with Prostate cancer a couple of weeks ago and has been referred to a cancer consultant for treatment. I wish him all the best.

I have been asked by a number of visitors to the site to publish a photograph of the finished "Mo" so here goes CLICK HERE

Hopefully by taking part in the challenge and having donated my top lip to the cause for the past month, I have helped in a small way to raise awareness of male cancer issues. If would like to make a donation to the Charity please CLICK HERE. Any donations you felt able to make would be most appreciated.

Thursday 8 December 2011

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM EFE
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:
16133 Leyland PD 2 Highbridge - Southdown CLICK HERE
16228 Bristol MW / LS Coach - Royal Blue (Western National) CLICK HERE
18613 Bristol VR3 (open top) Arriva Wales CLICK HERE
31506 RM Routemaster Strathtay CLICK HERE
35207 36’ BET 6 Bay Single Lamps Stratford Blue CLICK HERE
35208 36’ BET 6 Bay Single Lamps - Maidstone & District CLICK HERE

Wednesday 7 December 2011

28009 Daimler DMS 1 Door - Maidstone & District NBC
Fleet number: 5025
Registration number: SMU 737N
Route: 195
Destination: Grain

36203 Routemaster RMA British Airways (with trailer)
Fleet number: BEA 51
Registration number: NMY 651E
Route number: - 
Destination: To and from West London

EFE also advised me details of the RF model announced in the Subscriber Newsletter last week:

23321 AEC RF - BEA
Fleet number: RF290
Registration number: MLL 927
Route: -
Destination: BEA (With BEA Executive Express on route boards)

Monday 5 December 2011

Saturday 3 December 2011

New Tooling Update.
The final adjustments have now been completed for the new flat fronted Bristol VRT tooling and the moulds have progressed from tooling and been released to the factory for production to start.

The modifications to the moulds to create the multi windowed bus version of the Alexander Y type, has progressed to second shots. When I receive these samples they should be ready to be approved and released to the factory for production to start. With these mould modifications it will enable us to produce 11 versions of this model based on body types and the three styles of entrance doors. The first model to include the revised doors and new bus seats is E37901 the Tyne & Wear Dual Purpose bus listed below.

Exclusive First Editions Web Site
We have been working on building a new web site and this will soon be launched to replace the existing site. The new site will be more proactive and easier to use and in addition to the Master List of models it will also include a Back Stock List and Current Stock List, both with images and prices for the models. Be aware that the prices shown on the Web Site are full retail prices. As a subscriber you are able to buy from us at the lower prices shown on the Subscriber Stock List that was sent to you earlier this year.

Subscriber Only Special Models
As usual we will be preparing two special subscriber only models for the end of the year and the two models that we are preparing are a Wilts and Dorset Olympian and a Green Line London RC class coach. We realise the value to our subscribers of these low run models and details of these two special models will be sent to you in the next mailing letter.

New models
13601 AEC Ergo 6wheel Tanker Express Dairies
Details not yet known

37901 Alexander Y Type Bus Tyne & Wear P.T.E. CLICK HERE
Fleet number: 1838
Registration number: GNL 838N
Route number: 77
Destination: Darras Hall
Anticipated release date: Not yet known

23321 AEC RF Coach B.E.A. Executive Express
Details not yet known

CORGI OOC RELEASE SCHEDULE
Corgi have today advised me of the following release scheduled for the first part of 2012:

OM41114A Leyland PD3 East Lancs Blackburn Borough Transport – Blackburn Mar-12
OM41114B Leyland PD3 East Lancs Blackburn Borough Transport – Wilpshire Mar-12
OM46404A Caetano Levante National Express -Union Flag ‘British Armed Forces Day’ - 030 Portsmouth Feb-12
OM46404B Caetano Levante National Express -Union Flag ‘British Armed Forces Day’ - 300 Bristol Feb-12
OM43916A Guy Arab Utility Bus - Provincial Gosport Gosport Ferry Feb-12
OM43916B Guy Arab Utility Bus - Provincial Gosport Fareham Feb-12
OM46601 New Bus for London - 1st Route SPECIAL EDITION Mar-12
OM40818A Bristol Lodekka FS Central SMT Glasgow 44 Glasgow Anderston Cross Mar-12
OM40818B Bristol Lodekka FS Central SMT Glasgow 240 Lanark Mar-12

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM OXFORD DIECAST
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:
NTR005 Tram Glasgow CLICK HERE  
NTR006 Tram Cardiff CLICK HERE

Friday 2 December 2011

16133 Leyland PD 2 Highbridge - Southdown CLICK HERE
16228 Bristol MW / LS Coach - Royal Blue (Western National) CLICK HERE
18613 Bristol VR3 (open top) Arriva Wales CLICK HERE
31506 RM Routemaster Strathtay CLICK HERE
35207 36’ BET 6 Bay Single Lamps Stratford Blue CLICK HERE
35208 36’ BET 6 Bay Single Lamps - Maidstone & District CLICK HERE

10 YEARS OLD TODAY
!0 years ago today I published the site for the first time. From very basic beginnings it has expanded over the years to be come the resource it has today. During that time I have probably spent thousands of hours working on the site and always appreciate the notes of appreciation that I receive. Also during the past 10 years I have met a great number of people many of whom have become friends (Sadly a couple of those friends are no longer with us). The site has given me many opportunities that I would not otherwise had. I remember in 2004 whilst visiting Hong Kong, Sally and I had just arrived in our hotel room when the phone rang and I found myself speaking to the late Don Craggs. After enquiring about the journey his words were " get yourself a China visa tomorrow as I am going to take you to the factory in China". I then had a great day out visiting the Britbus factory in Shenzen and even meeting the original Britbus dog who featured on their early certificates.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their support over the years (unfortunately there are too many name individually). Since the launch day the site has received over 3 million visits (the three millionth visitor being achieved only a couple of days ago). Thanks again for your support and I am looking forward to the next 10 years.

Thursday 1st December 2011

December 2011 - News

This page last updated Monday, 25 February 2013