Tuesday 28 June 2005

LT MUSEUM "BACK THE BID" GEMINI - UPDATE
I am grateful to Ken Ritchie for advising me that he visited the LT Museum on Saturday (25th) and was advised that the 'Back The Bid' Gemini OM41212 would be posted out to Standing Order customers this Wednesday. He states that large stocks were available for purchase over the counter.

EFE 16126 LEYLAND PD2 HIGHBRIDGE - CIE DUBLIN
EFE have advised me that the pre-production sample of the above model has errors that will be corrected on the production version of the model. CLICK HERE To view an image of the pre-production sample.

Monday 27th June 2005

Saturday 25 June 2005

Friday 24th June 2005

EFE AND CORGI OOC MODEL BUSES COLLECTORS REFERENCE GUIDE 2005
The author of the above guide Anne Letch has advised me that distribution of the guide has now begun. If you have not ordered a guide and would like to do so. It can be purchased by post direct from L.B.R.T., PO Box 125, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 1WG. The cost is £7.25 which includes post and packing and cheques should be made payable to L.B.R.T.

Tuesday 21 June 2005

CONFIRMED RELEASE OF COBHAM BUS MUSEUM COMMISSIONED GUY SPECIAL GS
I can confirm that the following model was released to members at the Museum AGM yesterday (18 June) and was available on sale at the Museum at today's running day:
30504A Guy Special GS London Transport

Sunday 19 June 2005

CLICK HERE to view a scanned images of the new models and full details.

CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD - PRESS RELEASE

UKBUS4002 Alexander Royale-bodied Volvo Olympian

Yorkshire Coastliner

There is no doubt that the Olympian was the most successful classic British double-decker in the last two decades. When we recall all aspects of the Olympian, we will soon remember the last UK Olympian – Yorkshire Coastliner 437.

Creative Master Northcord Limited is now making the above come true in replica - its UKBUS4002, the Alexander Royale-bodied Volvo Olympian in Yorkshire Coastliner livery, complete with its area map design. This is the first livery to feature on the brand new Alexander Royale single door casting. The model is depicted on service 843.

UKBUS4002 represents fleet number 437 (W437 CWX) that was delivered to Yorkshire Coastliner Ltd in August 2000, as part of a batch of seven 10.5 long vehicles with 72 seater Alexander Royale bodies, powered by Volvo 245 bhp 9.6 litre engines. These were the last Olympian chassis built for the British market, 437 being the very last to enter service.

Its delivery also marked the end of traditional double-deck production in the United Kingdom, the Olympian being the ultimate development of a long line of successful Leyland buses.

Yorkshire Coastliner Ltd, part of the Blazefield Group, is based in Malton, North Yorkshire and operates a network of regular long distance trunk routes connecting Leeds with York and the Yorkshire coast resorts of Scarborough, Whitby and Bridlington.

The Company is renowned for its modern, well-appointed and immaculate bus fleet, with the emphasis on reliability and passenger comfort, all vehicles being fitted with semi-coach seating.

It is fitting that Yorkshire Coastliner should be operating the very last Alexander Royale bodied Olympian as the very first example of this type was produced for them in 1993.

UKBUS4002 is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the square-mounted gasket windows and livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. Another main feature on the UKBUS4002 model is its extensive handrails on both upper deck and lower deck.  It is one of the significant achievements on this new casting. The headlight and indicator units at the front are made of individual components to look more realistic.

The brand new single-door Alexander Royale Volvo Olympian double-deck bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The UKBUS4002 model is limited to 1900 pieces worldwide.

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)

------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

Photograph © Creative Master Northcord Ltd

Saturday 18 June 2005

Transbus Trident East Lancs Myllennium Lolyne - Hackney Community Transport
Fleet number: HTL 13? (Photograph below shows HTL 12 which is labelled as being the actual bus represented)
Registration number: LR52 LYJ?
Route: 388
Destination: Liverpool Street
Quantity: 1500 pieces.

Priced at £21.99 plus £1.50p&p (UK) and £2.50p&p (Overseas)

Please see the below scanned image from the magazine which Model Collector describe as the actual vehicle to be represented.

Further details will be published as soon as I receive them.

Friday 17 June 2005

Thursday 16 June 2005

CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD - PRESS RELEASE

TransBus Mini Pointer Dart

----UKBUS3016 Metrobus

Further to the previous successful release of the Mini Pointer Dart replicas with other operators’ colours, CMNL is releasing another MPD model. This is UKBUS3016 carrying Metrobus livery.

It is no doubt that Metrobus is getting bigger and bigger now. Metrobus began life in 1983 with a fleet of six vehicles operating from the Green Street depot in Orpington on bus routes in the Orpington and Croydon areas along with coach excursions and private charter.

Metrobus was acquired by the Go-Ahead Group in 1999. The company has quickly expanded since then and as well as operating Transport for London contracts, Metrobus also operates commercial services in West Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

UKBUS3016 Metrobus MPD replica carries the fleet number 287 and registration number SN03 YCL.

The Dart is Metrobus’ most prolific vehicle type. Metrobus 287 represents one of a batch of thirty-eight TransBus Pointer Darts delivered in summer 2003 for a number of new Transport for London contracts. Nineteen were 10.7m long, the other nineteen were 8.8m Mini Pointer Darts of which 287 is one. The nineteen Mini Pointer Darts were all delivered to the Orpington Depot to work on Bromley area routes 352, 354 and 356 and on Orpington area routes R5 and R7.

This is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the gasket windows and livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. The model also features excellent detailing, inside and out, including an opening engine door, showing the detailed, environmentally friendly Euro 3 engine. All grab rails feature inside the replica and in their correct positions. The construction method of this replica permits realistic-looking front and rear lights – in particular the front headlamp / indicator assembly whose headlamp is transparent and indicator is translucent.

UKBUS3016 carries Metrobus’ second red-based livery as applied to 97 new vehicles and a handful of repaints, before a change in Transport for London requirements precluded its use any further. Probably it is the best looking red-based Metrobus MPD. It certainly will create extra value to the bus model collectors.

The brand new UKBUS3016 Metrobus MPD bus models are limited to 1700 pieces produced. It will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively.

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)

------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

Photograph © Creative Master Northcord Ltd

Tuesday 14 June 2005

Saturday 11 June 2005

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM EFE
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:
VE Day 60th Anniversary series
99204 AEC STL London Transport
99205 Guy Arab II Utility Southdown
99206 Daimler Utility Birmingham City Transport
99207 Leyland TD1 (closed) Plymouth City Transport

CORGI OOC MODEL SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE NEXT WEEK
The following model is scheduled for release next week:
OM41208 Wright Eclipse Gemini London United

BRITBUS PRE-PRODUCTION SAMPLE PHOTOGRAPH
I am very grateful to Melvyn from Mels Collectables for sending me the below photograph of Britbus model R801 Scania N113 Alexander R London Northern which was taken today by Melvyn at his local branch of John Ayreys

Photograph © Mels Collectables

COBHAM BUS MUSEUM GUY SPECIAL GS PHOTOGRAPH
I am very grateful to EFE for sending me the below photograph of the Cobham Bus Museum Guy GS model produced for the Museum Open Day on 19th June. See my news reported dated 3 June 2005 for additional details.

Photograph © Exclusive First Editions

Friday 10 June 2005

Thursday 9 June 2005

Wednesday 8 June 2005

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

UKBUS4001 Alexander Royale-bodied Volvo Olympian

Lothian Buses

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of UKBUS4001, the Alexander Royale-bodied Volvo Olympian in Lothian Buses’ madder and white step-entry livery, complete with gold lining-out. This is the first livery to feature on the brand new Alexander Royale casting.

UKBUS4001 represents fleet number 268 (P268 PSX) that was new to Lothian Buses in 1997. Lothian Buses ordered 2 batches of dual-door Alexander Volvo Olympians with ‘Royale’ bodywork for its last step-entry deliveries, previous Leyland and Volvo Olympians having carried the R-type body.

The Royale body was originally introduced to enhance the look of the fleet of Singapore Bus Services and its UK introduction was at the Motor Show in Birmingham in 1993. The Royale body is distinguished by the large, wrap-round windscreen on each deck that offers both driver and passengers a very clear view ahead. Examples of the Alexander Royale for the UK market demonstrate the versatility of the design, having appeared in long and short versions as well as full-height and low-height. Lothian Buses’ were the only dual-door versions of the type that were made for the UK. These 68 buses were delivered during 1996 and 1997 and included 3 single-door examples that saw use on the Airport service 100, but are now used on normal service work, and are also painted in madder and white.

The model is depicted on service 25, a cross-city route, running from Restalrig, near the River Forth, before heading for the city centre along the world famous Princes Street. From there, the route passes Haymarket Station, heads for Gorgie Road and leaves the city along Calder Road (A71) for its final destination of the Riccarton Campus of Heriot Watt University.

UKBUS4001 is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the square-mounted gasket windows and livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. Another main feature on the UKBUS4001 model is its extensive handrails on both upper deck and lower deck.  It is one of the significant achievements on this new casting. The headlight and indicator units at the front are made of individual components to look more realistic.

The model carries panel advertising that relates to the Edinburgh environs and also features the latest Day Ticket banners on the upper-deck windscreen. Collectors can compare this latest version with the earlier one that features on UKBUS2004, the model of Lothian Buses’ Plaxton President-bodied Dennis Trident 601.

The UKBUS4001 model features a unique fold-out Certificate that contains specific detail about each of the adverts on the model of 268. This information not only includes a description of the advertiser and what is offered, but also contact detail, including address, telephone/fax and website. CMNL hopes that this additional information will be of interest and value to model collectors and bus enthusiasts.

The brand new dual-door Alexander Royale Volvo Olympian double-deck bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The UKBUS4001 model is limited to 2200 pieces worldwide.

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)

------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

Tuesday 7 June 2005

EFE MODELS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE THIS WEEK
The following models are scheduled for release this week:
VE Day 60th Anniversary series
99204 AEC STL London Transport
99205 Guy Arab II Utility Southdown
99206 Daimler Utility Birmingham City Transport
99207 Leyland TD1 (closed) Plymouth City Transport

EFE MODELS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE WEEK COMMENCING 27TH JUNE 2005
The following models are scheduled for release week commencing 27th June 2005:
12307 Harrington Grenadier North Western
15002 Leyland National MK1 Brighton and Hove
30503 Guy GS Special London Transport

EFE 29903B AEC 10T10 GREENLINE  - NO CERTIFICATE
In response to some emails, I spoke with EFE today and enquired if the above model was certificated. I can advise it is NOT certificated although it is limited to a quantity of 144 pieces as previously reported.

Monday 6 June 2005

Saturday 4 June 2005

COBHAM BUS MUSEUM GUY SPECIAL GS EFE COMMISSIONED MODEL
The Cobham Bus Museum have sent an order form to members for their previously announced EFE model. The model will represent Museum vehicle GS34 in LT livery on route 397 to Tring LT Garage. The model will be limited to 700 pieces. The models are limited to one per member. It will be released at the Museum event day on 19th June. Any stock remaining after orders received before 19th June will go on general sale at the event.

EFE AND CORGI OOC MODEL BUSES COLLECTORS REFERENCE GUIDE 2005
This years guide was scheduled for release at the North Weald Rally as in previous years. However, following the announcement that the Rally has been cancelled, I have been contacted by the author of the guide Anne Letch and advised that it is proposed to release the guide at the garage open days that are planned to take place on Saturday 25th June at both Metroline's Holloway garage and Stagecoach's Stratford garage.

For those unable to attend either of the above events, the guide book can be purchased by post direct from L.B.R.T., PO Box 125, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 1WG. The cost is £7.25 which includes post and packing and cheques should be made payable to L.B.R.T.

The photograph below shows the cover of this years guide.

Friday 3 June 2005

AS2-04 AEC Short Swift London Country
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE
Photograph 3 CLICK HERE
Photograph 4 CLICK HERE

GS07 Guy Arab 3 Western SMT
Please note these photographs show a very early pre-production samples and some details of the production version will differ
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE

CONFIRMED RELEASE OF TWO LT MUSEUM MODELS
I can confirm that the following two LT Museum models have no been released:

Corgi OOC
OM41212 Corgi OOC Wright Gemini Olympic Bid livery
Route: 29
Fleet Number: 52
Registration Number: LF02 PSO
Number produced (certificated): 2000

Britbus
AS2-001 Britbus AEC Swift SMS type London Transport
Route: 501
Fleet Number: SMS700
Registration Number JGF 700K
Number produced (certificated): 1008

CONFIRMED RELEASE EFE AUSTRALIAN SUBSCRIBER OFFER MODELS
I can confirm that the two offer models mentioned in my news article of 14th May have now been released to those who ordered them:
18307A
Leyland TS8 Melbourne Collingwood
Registration number: AT-119
Fleet number: 119
Route: Collingwood

18307B
Leyland TS8 Melbourne Transport
Registration number: 272-117
Fleet number: -
Route: Port Melbourne

Thursday 2 June 2005

The Britbus L003 Leyland Titan PD2 in Southdown unlined livery with advertisements is leaving Hong Kong tomorrow the second of June bound for the Britbus Agents- JOHN AYREY DIECASTS LTD.

The next model to be released will be a London Country Short SWIFT-Fleet number SM 515 bound for SLOUGH STATION on route 445B. This is ITEM No. AS2-04 and is limited to a production run of 1200 models. It is expected to be ready for shipment by the end of next week.

The Model due for release after that is the GS 07-- A short nosed GUY ARAB III with the PRV body and in the livery of WESTERN SMT -bound for City Boundary and Reg No. XS 6558. This is a limited edition of 816 models

Wednesday 1 June 2005

June 2005 - News

This page last updated Monday, 25 February 2013