The following News release and photograph have been received from the London Bus Museum:
This year’s London Bus Museum Spring Gathering model features the museum's own RLH53, a year since its repatriation from the USA, in turn some forty years after it and three others were exported to California.
RLH53 was the first of the red ones and spent all its London life in London Transport’s Central area, starting in November 1952 on route 230 from Harrow Weald Garage and moving to Dalston in 1959 for route 178 where it remained until withdrawn from service in April 1971, replaced by one person-operated, flat fare, single-deck standee SMS type vehicles. The bus itself looks a little sad for itself now, perhaps having spent far too long being parched in the California sun. It is currently waiting its turn to be fully restored in the Museum’s workshop but in the meantime makes a fine visitor display of “this is how we find them”. Its new home at Brooklands, Weybridge is rather fitting as it is only about 3 miles from the Weymanns works at Addlestone where its 53-seat body was built way back in 1952.
This EFE Code 2 model (E34204A) represents how the bus looked in the fifties with authentic adverts of the period. The issue is limited to 360 certificated pieces which will be available exclusively from the London Bus Museum shop within Cobham Hall on Sunday 21 April, priced at £30 (or £27 to LBM Members on production of their membership card).
If any models remain after the event, they will be available as usual via mail-order and, if you can’t make it to the Spring Gathering, you can enquire afterwards (NOT before, please) about any remaining availability by calling London Bus Museum on 01932 837994, preferably on a Wednesday, and asking for a member of the shop staff. Alternatively, you can e-mail Richard Jones, Shop Manager on richard.jones290@btinternet.com or write to him at the Museum address. Postage and packing will be £4.25 for the first model and £2 for each additional model thereafter.
To view the photograph of the model CLICK HERE
CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM
BT-MODELS
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are
on sale:
B103A
Bristol / ECW Lodekka LD
Southern Vectis NBC CLICK
HERE
B103B
Bristol / ECW Lodekka LD
Southern Vectis NBC CLICK
HERE
CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM
OXFORD DIECAST
I can confirm that the following models have now been released by Oxford
Diecast and will be in the shops very soon:
76AEC014
AEC Matador Wrecker
Southdown
NQ1008
BUT Trolleybus
Bournemouth CLICK
HERE
76OWB006
Bedford OWB
British Railways
TTC RESIN - RES7001B
OPTARE SPECTRA EAST LONDON
Peter Rigarlsford has been in contact with TTC Diecast regarding the above
model. They advised him that the models are being manufactured now and TTC
expects delivery in 4 weeks time. They further advised they will begin
invoicing soon so that the models can be distributed quickly when they
arrive.
Thursday 28th February 2013
Further to my News of Friday 22nd February, EFE have advised that the photographs were in fact of the production versions not pre-production sample. I have re-captioned the photographs accordingly:
29304A Leyland Olympian
Kentish Bus
Photograph 1 CLICK
HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK
HERE
31905A Routemaster RML Great Yarmouth
Photograph 1 CLICK
HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK
HERE
31906A Routemaster RML Thomas Tilling
Photograph 1 CLICK
HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK
HERE
WEBSITE HOSTING UPGRADE
Please accept my apologies for the on/off availability of the website on
Monday and Tuesday. I am aware that it did go off line for a number of hours
over the few days which was unfortunately due to circumstances beyond my
control. Full service was restored shortly after 9.00pm last night.
Wednesday 27th February 2013
Buses magazine are currently offering magazine subscribers a 3 model Gift Set comprising reworked versions of Ian Allan commissioned models that were previously offered for sale as individual models. The set is advertised at £61.90 plus P&P. I am grateful to EFE for supplying photographs of the three models. The stock codes shown are the confirmed stock codes for these models. I am not sure at this time if the set will be allocated an EFE Gift set number. The set will be limited to 200 sets and comprises the following:
29304A Leyland Olympian
Kentish Bus
Photograph 1 CLICK
HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK
HERE
Fleet number: 754
Registration number: E154 OMD
Route number: 422
Destination: Bexleyheath
31905A Routemaster RML Great Yarmouth
Photograph 1 CLICK
HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK
HERE
Fleet number: RML2717
Registration number: SMK 717F
Route number: 8
Destination: Caister
31906A Routemaster RML Thomas Tilling
Photograph 1 CLICK
HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK
HERE
Fleet number: RML2317
Registration number: CUV 317C
Route number: 472
Destination: East Grinstead
UPGRADE OF WEB HOSTING
SERVER
It now looks like the major upgrade to the server that hosts this website
will now be going ahead on Monday or Tuesday next week. As I mentioned previously
the site may go off line for a while whilst this upgrade is taking place. I
am not sure how long the swap will take but please do not panic if I am
offline for a couple of days. I will definitely be back once any technical
problems have been overcome. The new server is a totally different type of
server as the current one is becoming obsolete hence my concerns as to unforeseen
technical issues.
Friday 22 February 2013
Corgi have today advised me that the stock code for the Corgi Collectors Club exclusive NBfL "Phantom of the Opera" model is OM46608
CORGI OOC OM46602 NBFL
"LES MISERABLES" - PHOTOGRAPHS
Many thanks to James Dawkins for sending me photographs of his model which
he received earlier this week:
Photograph 1 CLICK
HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK
HERE
Photograph 3 CLICK
HERE
CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM
EFE
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on
sale:
14015 Bristol FLF Lodekka - Northern Scottish
23606 Bedford TK Luton - Wallace Arnold (Baggage Van)
24706 Atlantean Manchester front - Salford City Transport
38107 Bristol VRT - Devon General
Wednesday 20th February 2013
Further to my news of yesterday, I contacted Corgi today via Facebook and they replied as follows:
"To improve the exclusive benefits that come with being part of the Corgi Collector Club, we are releasing additional Club exclusive models throughout the year. At the time of joining/renewing your membership you are likely to have selected a model that was available to order. The addition of Club exclusive models such as the NBfL "Phantom of the Opera" are available to ALL Club members to purchase in addition to the model that they chose when joining/renewing with the Club. New Club members or soon to renew members can request this model when joining/renewing with the Club".
In short this is a Corgi Club exclusive model in addition to to OM46603 "Singing in the Rain" model. The "Singing in the Rain" model will be released in the next few weeks. the "Phantom of the Opera" model is due in May.
NEW MODELS ANNOUNCED BY
BT-MODELS
John Ayrey's have today announced 5 new bus model:
B014A LEYLAND LEOPARD DUPLE DOMINANT II
- KELVIN SCOTTISH - CLICK
HERE
Fleet number: 3061
Registration number: 630 DYE
Route:5
Destination: LENZIE STATION
CIRCA 1986 - 1989
B014B LEYLAND LEOPARD DUPLE DOMINANT II
- KELVIN SCOTTISH - CLICK
HERE
Fleet number: 3063
Registration number: RMS 396W
Route: 1
Destination: CHARTERED
CIRCA 1986 – 1989
B015 LEYLAND LEOPARD DUPLE DOMINANT II
- COLCHESTER BOROUGH TRANSPORT - CLICK
HERE
Fleet number: 102
Registration number: DHK 102T
Route: 084
Destination: COLCHESTER
CIRCA 1978 – 1993
B104A BRISTOL LODEKKA LD1 OPEN PLATFORM
(LONG RADIATOR) - FIFE - CLICK
HERE
Fleet number: FRD106
Registration number: GM 7002
Route: 12
Destination: BIRNAM ROAD
CIRCA 1969 – 1972
B104B BRISTOL LODEKKA LD1 OPEN PLATFORM
(LONG RADIATOR) - FIFE - CLICK
HERE
Fleet number: FRD104
Registration number: GM 7011
Route: 025
Destination: GARAGE
CIRCA 1969 - 1972
CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM
CORGI OOC
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on
sale:
OM46406A
Caetano Levante
National Express (Gold England) - London CLICK
HERE
OM46406B Caetano Levante National Express (Gold England) - Brighton CLICK HERE
Tuesday 19th February 2013
Corgi posted the following announcement on Facebook earlier today:
Corgi Collector Club Exclusive - NBfL ‘Phantom of the Opera’
After the success of Corgi’s fantastic collection of New Bus for London (NBfL) models featuring some of the West End’s most popular theatrical shows, Corgi are delighted to offer our Collector Club members another exclusive Original Omnibus model of route number 38 Victoria, carrying the ‘Phantom of the Opera’ advertising campaign.
The eight buses use a new supersided format that is unique to displaying the leading London West End shows as they travel from Central London Victoria to East London Hackney.
The Phantom of the Opera continues to captivate audiences as it reaches its 25th anniversary at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London. Opening on 9th October 1986, with Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman in the leading roles, the tragic love story has since been seen in over 10,000 performances. Set beneath the majesty and splendour of the Paris Opera House the Phantom hides in a shadowy existence, shamed by the physical distortion of his appearance. Feared by all he holds a love for his beautiful protégée Christine Daaé so powerful that even she cannot resist. Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hypnotic score combined with jaw-dropping scenery and special effects brings to life one of the world’s most magical and heart-rending love stories.
The Collector Club exclusive model will be available in May. For more information on how to join the Corgi Collector Club call 0844 800 4095 or visit the Corgi website (www.corgi.co.uk) and click on ‘Corgi Collector Club’
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
This appears to be a change
from the announcement sometime ago that the Club model was to feature
"Singing in the Rain". I am not able to see from the photograph
whether the model will still be of LT8 or whether that has changed as well. NOTE:
Please see a correction to the above text (which I have crossed through) in
News 19th February.
Monday 18th February 2013
Many thanks to Peter at Yardley Wood for advising me that the following model was released last week:
B102 Bristol / ECW Lodekka LD West Yorkshire CLICK HERE
Fleet No. DX4
Registration. No. MWY 113
Route. 36
Destination. LEEDS (HAREWOOD, SPACEY HOUSES)
Legal Lettering. West Yorkshire Road Car Co Ltd, East Parade, Harrowgate
General Manager. M.N.Tuff
Sunday 17th February 2013
I am very grateful to EFE for sending me photographs of the production versions of the 4 models scheduled for release. This included model 14015 which shows the correct registration number which I flagged up to EFE last week (see News of 9th February):
14015 Bristol FLF Lodekka - Northern Scottish
Photograph 1 CLICK
HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK
HERE
Photograph 3 CLICK
HERE
23606 Bedford TK Luton - Wallace Arnold (Baggage Van)
Photograph 1 CLICK
HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK
HERE
24706 Atlantean Manchester front - Salford City Transport
Photograph 1 CLICK
HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK
HERE
38107 Bristol VRT - Devon General
Photograph 1 CLICK
HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK
HERE
MODELS SCHEDULED FOR
RELEASE NEXT WEEK
A reminder that the following models are scheduled for release next week
(commencing 18th February):
Corgi OOC
OM46406A
Caetano Levante
National Express (Gold England) - London - 900 pieces CLICK
HERE
OM46406B
Caetano Levante
National Express (Gold England) - Brighton - 800 pieces CLICK
HERE
EFE
See news article above for photographs of the production version of
these models:
14015 Bristol FLF Lodekka - Northern Scottish
23606 Bedford TK Luton - Wallace Arnold (Baggage Van)
24706 Atlantean Manchester front - Salford City Transport
38107 Bristol VRT - Devon General
CORGI RELEASE UPDATE
Corgi have today advised me of the latest anticipated release dates for
the models outstanding from the current catalogue:
OM46406A Caetano Levante - National Express - Gold England Commonwealth Games 025 London dual destination Feb-13
OM46406B Caetano Levante - National Express - Gold England Commonwealth Games 025 Brighton dual destination Feb-13
OM46604 New Bus for London, 38 Victoria, 'Wicked' Mar-13
OM46017B Wright Solar Single Deck, Go North East OK 100th Anniversary, 0K1 Crook via Bishop Auckland dual destination Mar-13
OM46017A Wright Solar Single Deck, Go North East OK 100th Anniversary - 0K1 Darlington via Bishop Auckland dual destination Mar-13
OM41228B Wright Gemini, Finglands, 41 Piccadilly & University dual destination Apr-13
OM41228A Wright Gemini, Finglands, 41 Sale via Northenden dual destination Apr-13
OM46605 New Bus for London, 38 Victoria, 'MAMMA MIA' May-13
OM46606 New Bus for London, 38 Victoria, 'We Will Rock You' May-13
OM46407A Caetano Levante, National Express 'St Georges Flag', Bury dual destination Jun-13
OM46306B Routemaster, Blackpool Transport, 12 St Annes dual destination Jun-13
OM46306A Routemaster, Blackpool Transport, 12 Blackpool dual destination Jun-13
OM41412B Daimler ROE, Grampian, 4 Sea Beach dual destination Jun-13
OM41412A Daimler ROE, Grampian, 4 Hazlehead dual destination Jun-13
Friday 15th February 2013
I can confirm that the following model (which is available from Corgi Direct only) has now been released:
OM46602 New Bus for London Arriva London 'Les Miserables' CLICK HERE - 750 pieces
Thursday 14th February 2013
Click on the links below to view photographs of the following model which was released last week:
NOB011 Bedford OB Edinburgh Corporation
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE
Tuesday 12th February 2013
Many thanks to Rüdiger Schreiber from www.modelbus.info for forwarding me a link to his report from the Nuremberg Toy Fair. Whilst the website is written in German it can easily be translated using the Google translator.
CLICK HERE to take you to Rüdiger's report
EFE
MODEL 14015 BRISTOL LODEKKA NORTHERN SCOTTISH
Further to my News of Saturday, EFE have thanked me for pointing out the
error and advise that the model will be issued with the correct registration
of RVW391D
Monday 11th February 2013
The following details and photographs have been received today from EFE:
14015
Bristol FLF Lodekka Northern Scottish
Photograph 1 CLICK
HERE
Fleet number: NRD 1 A
Please note: This fleet number is incorrect for the registration number shown
below. The Correct registration for this fleet number should be RVW391D –
I have advised EFE and will let you know if I hear more
Registration number: UEV 221E
Route: 23
Destination: Culter
Anticipated release date: February
20646
Plaxton Pointer Dart Southern Vectis
Photograph 1 CLICK
HERE
Fleet number: 900
Registration number: M73 CYJ
Route: 28
Destination: Gurnard and Cowes
Anticipated release date: March
26325 Guy
Arab II Utility Bus Southdown WWII Livery
Photograph 1 CLICK
HERE
Fleet number: 410
Registration number: GUF 70
Route: -
Destination: Brighton, Pool Valley
Anticipated release date: March
29508
Plaxton Panorama (Bristol Roof Dome) Bristol Greyhound
Photograph 1 CLICK
HERE
Fleet number: 308
Registration number: UUO 453J
Route: -
Destination: Bristol
Anticipated release date: March
31707
Routemaster RMC Coach Greenline (Stagecoach)
Photograph 1 CLICK
HERE
Fleet number: RMC 1461
Registration number: 461 CLT
Route: 15
Destination: Paddington
Anticipated release date: April
32307
Bristol RELH Coach Eastern Counties
Photograph 1 CLICK
HERE
Fleet number: RE 884
Registration number: GPW 884D
Route: N
Destination: Yarmouth
Anticipated release date: April
ATLAS EDITIONS NEW BRITISH
COACH SERIES?
I have recently been made aware that Atlas Editions have been
advertising for sale a Burlingham Seagull coach in Whittles livery at the
special price of £1.99. After numerous attempts during the week and no
doubt many pounds spent holding on an 0844 number I finally got through to
them today and managed to order one. The guy I spoke to told me that the
release of the model was not guaranteed as they wanted to see what demand
there was first before releasing it. He did say that if it is released it
will be relatively soon and it should be dispatched within 28 days. This offering
for sale ties in with a rumour I received some time ago that Atlas are
planning a British Coach series now that the Buses series has come to an
end. I will let you know if I hear more.
Saturday 9th February 2013
Corgi have advised that the following models are now scheduled for release:
Week commencing 18th
February 2013
OM46406A
Caetano Levante
National Express (Gold England) - London - 900 pieces CLICK
HERE
OM46406A
Caetano Levante
National Express (Gold England) - Brighton - 800 pieces CLICK
HERE
Week commencing 11th March
2013
OM46604 New Bus for
London
Arriva London Wicked' - 1500 pieces CLICK
HERE
OM46017A Wright Eclipse Single Deck
Go North East 100th Anniversary -
0K Motor Services - 550 pieces CLICK
HERE
OM46017B Wright Eclipse Single Deck
Go North East 100th
Anniversary - 0K Motor Services - 550 pieces CLICK
HERE
OM41412A/B DAIMLER ROE
GRAMPIAN
I have today received the following update and photographs from Corgi about
the above model:
Corgi is pleased to reveal shots of the latest pre-production sample of OM41412A/B Daimler ROE Grampian. Headed for Hazelhead and Sea Beach this dual destination model is due for release in June. With just 500 pieces of each variant available both have almost sold out so make sure you get your orders in soon before the final few go.
The last of three extra Daimler CVG6’s added to Aberdeen Corporation Transport in 1963, 314-316 differed from the rest of the batch by having red trim interiors. In 1975 local government reorganization saw Aberdeen Corporation department transfer to the newly formed Grampian Regional Council. The livery was changed slightly, retaining the green and cream but losing the green between the decks in favour of a narrower orange band featuring the Grampian fleet name and Grampian Regional crest. The bus remained in service with the last crew buses until withdrawal in 1980. A selection of Aberdeen buses have been saved from being scrapped and are housed in the collection of buses at the Grampian Transport Museum at Alford, Aberdeenshire.
Latest pre-production sample
photographs:
Photograph 1 CLICK
HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK
HERE
Photograph 3 CLICK
HERE
CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM
OXFORD DIECAST
I can confirm that the following model has now been released and is on sale:
NOB011
Bedford OB
Edinburgh Corporation CLICK
HERE
Friday 8th February 2013
EFE have advised that there will be just one release in February, this will be week commencing 18th February and will comprise:
14015 Bristol FLF Lodekka - Northern Scottish CLICK HERE
23606 Bedford TK Luton - Wallace Arnold (Baggage Van) Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
24706 Atlantean Manchester front - Salford City Transport
38107 Bristol VRT - Devon General
Thursday 7th February 2013
Many thanks to David Cole for sending me a couple of photographs from the Nuremberg Toy Fair. David advises that although number two in the series, the Southdown will be the first Royal Tiger to appear as some changes to the casting are needed for the Ribble version:
76IRZ001 Scania Irizar PB Eireann CLICK
HERE to view
76LRT002
Leyland Royal Tiger
Southdown CLICK
HERE to view
Sunday 3rd February 2013
Corgi have advised me of scheduled releases between now and week commencing 18th March. The only buses scheduled for release in this time are week commencing 18th February:
OM46406A Caetano Levante
National Express (Gold England) - London - 900 pieces CLICK HERE
OM46406A Caetano Levante National Express (Gold England) - Brighton - 800 pieces CLICK HERE
Saturday 2nd February 2013
