STAFF HOLIDAYS
Due to staff holidays the office is now closed until Wednesday 18th August 2010, please keep the News coming in in the mean time.

Saturday 31st July 2010

CORGI OOC OM46208 AND OM46209  SCANIA IRIZAR PB GREYHOUND - CORRECTION TO QUANTITIES
Further to my news article of 16 July, I can report that the quantity of the models is different to that I first reported. The correct quantity for each variation should read 850 pieces of each NOT 500. Apologies for the typing error on my part.

Tuesday 27 July 2010

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

New Casting

Sunwin SWB6120V4LE / Volvo B7RLE

CNBUS3001

Sunwin Demonstration livery

Having made the significant success of its previous CNBUS ranges, Creative Master Northcord Limited has proudly released its third Sunwin-bodied CNBUS casting.

This is CNBUS3001, a Volvo B7RLE with Sunwin body that carries forward the family resemblance of the original CNBUS1000 range onto this new, low-floor chassis.

The livery is that of the Ba-Shi Group on which many Expo 2010 decorations have been applied. These include front, side and rear destinations and the mascot for Expo 2010 on nearside and on rear as well as, on the offside, the “Better City – Better Life” slogan that has been at the heart of Shanghai’s redevelopment leading up to May 1^st 2010.

The Volvo B7RLE chassis, which is the basis for the Sunwin SWB6120V4LE, features the Volvo D7E290-EC01 7.1 litre engine rated at 290bhp coupled to a ZF 6HP automatic gearbox. The bus measures 11880mm in length, 2500mm width and varies in height depending on a/c pod that is fitted. These different a/c pods make its height 3150, 3230 or 3300mm. The bus has a 6300mm wheelbase.

Although some components originate from Volvo’s European facilities, much of the content is now sourced within the PRC. Of the 1500 buses that were ordered in June 2009 for delivery to Ba-Shi Group before the start of Shanghai Expo 2010 on 1^st May 2010, over half were to be B7R or B7RLE chassis.

CNBUS3001 captures the latest development from the well-known Shanghai Sunwin / Volvo B7R. The face of the Sunwin SWB6120V4LE retains the updated look represented on some CNBUS1000 models from CNBUS1010 onwards, but with a subtle re-design that brings the lower windscreen edge closer to ground level, because of the super low floor interior, along with shallower front panels.

The face of the SWB6120V4LE / Volvo B7RLE retains the newer style of driving lights and driver rear-view mirrors. The high-mounted door-step illumination and reversing indicator within the mirror arm on the nearside of the bus is included.

The most recognisable change from CNBUS1000 is in the sleek look of the side windows with their deeper glazing that brings the bottom of the window line very close to the top of the wheel arches. This allows the few passengers who are fortunate to be seated within the low-floor area and the many passengers who are standing in crush-loading conditions an unrivalled view through the side windows.

The glazing is applied from the outside on the CNBUS3000 range, in line with recent CMNL developments.

The rear dome, with very shallow rear window, and deeper engine access door are further notable modifications to the original CNBUS1000 range casting. The engine access door opens to reveal the different engine and components when compared to the original CNBUS1000 range. Although not included on CNBUS3001, there is a high-level brake light repeater situated in the rear dome below the window on the 2009 and 2010 deliveries.

CMNL is making further modifications onto the new tooling. CNBUS3001 has a brand new seating plan. There is a row of single seats on the offside together with doubles on the nearside within the totally flat main passenger area forward of the centre doors. Behind the driver’s position, the electrics cupboard and the control box for the passenger information systems (route information and real-time video broadcast) are located on the offside front wheelbox.

The brand new cnbus3001 model also features correctly replicated handrails and the two LCD monitors. The driver’s area has lost the manual gearstick that has been a feature throughout the CNBUS1000 range because the B7RLE chassis has an automatic gearbox. Also within the driver’s area is a centrally mounted, internal, rear-view mirror below the destination box.

CNBUS3001 features excellent detailing, inside and out. This is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and application of the livery on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible on the white / green paint. The model has no unnecessary metal poles to hold it together.

The CNBUS3001 model is limited to 1200 pieces for worldwide distribution. They will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), Transit Graphics (Australia), cnmycar.com (P.R. 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 26 July 2010

CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD MODEL UKBUS0028 STAGECOACH BLUEBIRD
I have been contacted by Chris Hall who commissioned the above model to advise that he has found a model bearing  certificate number 0000 on sale on EBay. Chris advises he commissioned 300 models and received 300. He does not know how or from where this model has originated but has asked me to point out that as far as he is concerned this model and any others that turn up in similar circumstances have been in no way authorised by him. I have also been advised that a model of UKBUS0029 (which not yet been released) again with a certificate 0000 has also been listed by the same seller once again I understand that this is an unauthorised model.

Sunday 25 July 2010

CONFIRMED RELEASE OF EFE SUBSCRIBER OFFER MODEL
I can confirm that EFE have now begun posting the following model to those subscribers that ordered it:
15003 Leyland National M.T.T Perth CLICK HERE

Friday 23 July 2010

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

RENUMBERING

UKBUS0034 Alexander Dennis Enviro200

Go-Ahead London – Docklands Buses

The Go-Ahead London Enviro200 model (based on SE46 – LX10 AVD as seen in the attached photograph) will be released as UKBUS0034 in line with CMNL company protocol for identifying models that do not comply with the original design such as this 10.2 metre Enviro200 bus that is being modelled using the existing 10.7m length casting.

The model was previously announced as “Blue Triangle” and was to the correct length for the real bus but, following operator requests, the Go-Ahead London subsidiary Docklands Buses was the preferred choice. However, as the correct length model was not available, CMNL is making use of the existing tooling for the revised model.

The previously published model reference numbers for the two London models have been transposed so that First London Enviro200 is UKBUS8015 and the former reference number UKBUS8016 will not be used for the time being, although it may be revived at a later date.

Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)

------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

BRITBUS UPDATE
Following the release of the last previously announced model earlier this week, concern was expressed by some visitors to the site that these might be that last models we would see from Britbus. I emailed the owner of Britbus Mr Benny Wong who has replied to me. Mr Wong explains that at the time of the Chinese New Year when production slows down due to the extended holidays he took ill and was very unwell for over two months. He is now feeling a lot better and work has recommenced on producing new models. He advises that John Ayrey's will be announcing details of the new models in due course. I will publish details as soon as I hear anything.

Thursday 22 July 2010

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM OXFORD DIECAST
I can confirm that the following model has now been released and is on sale:
NRM010 Routemaster RM London Transport (Silver Lady)
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE to view

EFE LT MUSEUM COMMISSIONED MODELS
Further to my news article of 11th July  click on the links below to view photographs of the production versions of these two models courtesy of EFE:
25710A Daimler DMS London Transport
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE to view
Fleet number: DMS 1644
Route: M1
Destination: Raynes Park

25710B Daimler DMS London Transport
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE to view
Fleet number: DM 1238
Route: 207
Destination: Acton

Monday 19 July 2010

Week commencing 2nd August 2010
OM44117 Optare Solo Single Deck London 2012 Site Tour Bus CLICK HERE - 4000 pieces

Week commencing 16th August 2010 - 500 pieces
OM45120A MCW Metrobus Mk1 Dual Door Metroline - Edgware Station - Dual Destination CLICK HERE - 500 pieces
OM45120B MCW Metrobus Mk1 Dual Door Metroline - North Finchley - Dual Destination CLICK HERE CLICK HERE - 500 pieces
OM46208A Scania Irizar PB Greyhound - Portsmouth 'Billy Jean' - Dual Destination CLICK HERE - 500 850 pieces
OM46208B Scania Irizar PB Greyhound - London 'Billy Jean' - Dual Destination  CLICK HERE CLICK HERE - 500 850 pieces
OM46303 Routemaster Open Top Arriva 'The Original Sight Seeing Tour' - NEW TOOL CLICK HERE  CLICK HERE - 1200 pieces

Week commencing 23rd August
OM46111 Plaxton Panther CIE Tours International - Logans CLICK HERE - 1000 pieces
OM46209A Scania Irizar PB Greyhound - Southampton 'Peggy Sue' - Dual Destination CLICK HERE CLICK HERE - 500 850 pieces
OM46209B Scania Irizar PB Greyhound - London 'Peggy Sue' - Dual Destination CLICK HERE - 500 850 pieces

Week commencing 30th August 2010
OM40102A Trolleybus Wolverhampton - No.8 Fighting Cocks - Dual Destination CLICK HERE CLICK HERE - 500 pieces
OM40102B Trolleybus Wolverhampton - 8b Dudley Br - Dual Destination May CLICK HERE - 500 pieces
OM41309 Wright Solar Fusion Go North East - Metrocentre Centrelink X66 CLICK HERE - 1000 pieces

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM BRITBUS
I can confirm that the following model has now been released and is on sale. This is the last of the three models announced by Britbus in April and no news of further new releases has been received for some time:
ES-11 Scania Omnidekka Brighton & Hove - Chris Moyes CLICK HERE - 600 pieces

Friday 16 July 2010

Thursday 15 July 2010

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM EFE
I can confirm that the following models have now been dispatched by EFE and will be in the shops from tomorrow onwards:
16224 Bristol MW Coach Devon General NBC CLICK HERE
19305 Atkinson Artic Flatbed Suttons CLICK HERE
32207 Bristol RELH United Counties CLICK HERE
35004 AEC Mandator Pollock CLICK HERE

Wednesday 14 July 2010

Subscriber offer model
EFE have been commissioned by Trux of Australia to produce a model for them EFE are making 200 pieces of this model available to subscribers:
15003 Leyland National M.T.T Perth CLICK HERE
Registration number: UQB 011
Route: 193
Destination: Perth

New general release models:
Further details and photographs will be published as soon as they are available:
17224 Leyland National Eastern National Citybus
20644 Plaxton Pointer Dart Uxbridge Buses
29623 Leyland Olympian Midland General (Anniversary)
30708SB AEC Renown SELNEC Southern

LT Museum commissioned models:
The LT Museum have commissioned two models for their standing order customers. Surplus models not taken up by the standing order customers will be sold via the shop or the Museums website.
25710A Daimler DMS London Transport
Fleet number: DMS 1644
Route: M1
Destination: Raynes Park

25710B Daimler DMS London Transport
Fleet number: DM 1238
Route: 207
Destination: Acton

CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD MODEL NUMBERS
Creative Master Northcord Ltd via John Ayrey have announced a change to stock numbers. In my news article of 8th July I pointed out that UKBUS8015 had been previously announced with stock code UKBUS8016. The model announced with stock code UKBUS8015 will now be issued as UKBUS8016 in the fleet of Docklands Bus not Blue Triangle as previously announced.

CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD UKBUS8015 HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOGRAPHS
Click on the links below to view high resolution photographs of the above model:
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE to view

JOTUS.COM (RESIN SPECIALIST) RE-76600 ALEXANDER VOLVO AILSA B55 MK3 LONDON TRANSPORT
Further to my news article of Sunday 4th July, click on the links below to view high resolution photographs of the 2nd version of the model carrying the different destinations:
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 3 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 4 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 5 CLICK HERE to view

Sunday 11 July 2010

CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD - PRESS RELEASE
The two press releases below have been received from CMNL today:

UKBUS8015 Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart

First London

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of UKBUS8015, Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart, the seventh London-liveried replica on the new casting of this distinctive modern single-decker in the United Kingdom.

UKBUS8015 represents fleet number DMS 44414 (YX09 FLP), running on service E10 bound for Ealing Broadway.

Since 2008 First London has received a number of batches of dual door 10.2m long Alexander Dennis 200s and these were joined in 2009 by 8.9m long single door versions for routes with limited clearance. DMS 44414 is one of twenty delivered to Greenford depot for routes E5 and E10. This batch, along with 10.2m versions and Enviro400s delivered at the same time, were the first London buses to have driver’s seat belts.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart UKBUS8015 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.

Creative Master Northcord is creating new design standards in the layout of the interior in the replica. These features inside the compartment represent the really outstanding layout of the Enviro200Dart, such as the additional seats on the wheel arch on the offside, and extensive portrayal of handrails in the compartment.  The engine room door at the back can be opened and there is a replica of the environmental-friendly engine inside it.

The brand new Enviro200Dart 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 UKBUS8015 model is limited to 804 pieces worldwide.

Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE to view

Please note: This model was previously announced with stock code UKBUS8016 - Gareth

Sunwin / Volvo B7R SWB6120V4

CNBUS1018

Shanghai Ba-Shi Erqi Public Transport Company Limited

Having made the significant success of its CNBUS1017 replica, Creative Master Northcord Limited has proudly released its fourth Sunwin / Volvo B7R model of a bus working on route 49 in Shanghai Puxi Area, CNBUS1018. It is carrying the brand new standard white / green Shanghai Ba-Shi Public Transportation (Group) Company Limited livery with black headlight cluster surrounds. The model is also contained within the new generic box for CNBUSfamily models.

CNBUS1018 represents fleet number SWK 228 and it is featured running on 空調49 (air-con route 49). The font used for the fleet number differs from the previously issued CNBUS1017 (SWK-226) and the new model carries the black headlight surrounds to differentiate further with CNBUS1017.

It is with regret that, due to inattention by the factory staff, this model was produced carrying the registration 沪B‧46479 that belongs to SWK-226 (CNBUS1017). Fortunately, CMNL has been able to intercept the shipment before reaching its distributors and a replacement registration for SWK-228 (registration 沪B‧46647) has been attached to the bottom of the plastic box, as a sticker, for collectors to apply to restore the authenticity for which CMNL is known.

CNBUS1018 features the new face of the well known Shanghai Sunwin / Volvo B7R. It has new front lights and front dome representing the latest unique style of these Chinese-built bus bodies on the European-design Volvo chassis. The model also replicates the new style of driver rear-view mirrors that are less expensive to repair and to replace, instead of the “rabbit ear” style previously replicated. The new style of mirror arm also includes the high-mounted door-step illumination and reversing indicator within the mirror arm on the nearside of the bus. The rear dome and deeper engine access door are further notable modifications to the original CNBUS1000 range casting.

CMNL is making further modification onto the tooling. CNBUS1018 has a brand new seating plan. There is a row of single seats on the offside together with a backward-facing single seat on the front wheel arch behind the driver’s position. Furthermore, CNBUS1018 is the first model to feature the man driver figure who is sitting on the driving seat. The driver figure is modelled wearing the new uniform that was introduced from the beginning of May 2010.

CNBUS1018 is the fourth Sunwin / Volvo B7R replica carrying the route 49 since 2003. These models are telling a brief history of the development of the public transport in the City of Shanghai within the same period.

CNBUS1002 was carrying white and pink colours representing, at that time, the ownership of the company, Shanghai Shen Xin Bus Company, which was a Sino-Singapore joint venture company that commenced operation in March 1998.

Soon after, with the acquisition by Shanghai Dazhong Group Company, CNBUS1008 was produced, carrying the red and metallic blue colour.

In March 2009, the Shanghai Ba-Shi Public Transportation (Group) Company Limited was established. The Company currently operates most public transport bus services in the Puxi Area in Shanghai. The buses are all carrying the standard white and green colours. Shanghai Shen Xin Bus Company was renamed Shanghai Ba-Shi Erqi (No.2) Public Transport Company Limited after becoming a member of the Company. The third route 49 model (CNBUS1017) replicated this change, and featured the lady driver figure.

CNBUS1018 features excellent detailing, inside and out. This is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and application of the standard Shanghai Ba-Shi Public Transportation (Group) Company livery on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible on the white / green paint.

In particular, the model features the brand-new metal badging, on the sides above the wheelarches, of Shanghai Ba-Shi Erqi Public Transport Company Limited and also features the special banner at the top of the front windscreen that advertises the big event of 2010 – the Shanghai Expo 2010.

The side destination blinds are carrying the bilingual wordings ( Chinese / English ) which is unusual on Shanghai buses. Two routes that terminate at Shanghai Stadium carry such bi-lingual destination boards – the other being route 926.

The model has no unnecessary metal poles to hold it together.

The CNBUS1018 model is limited to 456 pieces for worldwide distribution. They will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), Transit Graphics (Australia), cnmycar.com (P.R. 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.

Thursday 8 July 2010

NRF001 AEC RF Greenline CLICK HERE
NTR001 Tram London Transport CLICK HERE
NQ1001 Q1 Trolleybus London Transport CLICK HERE

Wednesday 7 July 2010

On Friday 11 June 2010 I reported that Corgi had advised me that the following model had been scheduled for release week commencing 19th July: OM46303 Routemaster Open Top Arriva 'The Original Sight Seeing Tour' CLICK HERE This model is no longer included in a new list of models scheduled for release week commencing 19th July which I received at the same time as the above. I do not know what is happening with the model and whether it will be released as previously indicated or whether it's release has been put back to another date. I will let you know if I hear anything.

NORTH WEALD BUS RALLY AND A NEW RESIN MODEL FROM JOTUS.COM
I visited the North Weald Bus Rally today and had a great time. The weather was brilliant very hot and sunny but with a nice breeze which took the edge off the heat. There was no special model on sale today and Britbus who have previously attended the rally were not there. I did however come across a new model from jotus.com under their "Resin Specialist" label. The model is a second version of their Resin London Transport Alexander Volvo Ailsa B55 MKIII which I understand has been produced due to the first release being totally sold out. The model carries the same stock code RE-76600 as the original release which was featured on route 77A, destination Euston. The new model features route 88, destination Stockwell Station. It appears identical in all other respects. I am not aware of the quantity produced for this second model.

CLICK HERE to view a photograph showing the destination on the new model (taken through the packaging of the last remaining model prior to it being sold, so I was not able to remove the packaging to get a better view) which was on sale on the TTC Diecast stall, they totally sold out of the model a short time after I took the photograph. I will be publishing further photographs of this model later in the week.

EFE Corgi Guide, PO Box 2092, ROCHFORD, SS4 9DA. All cheques should be made payable to Mr P.S. Brain. Email: efecorgi.guide@yahoo.co.uk

The cost of the guide is £16.00 including postage to UK and £20.00 rest of the world.

Sunday 4 July 2010

Friday 2 July 2010

July 2010 - News

This page last updated Tuesday, 26 February 2013