NEWS OF TWO COMMISSIONED MODELS FROM EAST YORKSHIRE
I have received new today of two models commissioned by East Yorkshire Motor Services:
1. Creative Master Northcord Ltd Enviro400 on a Volvo chassis CLICK HERE to view
2. Corgi OOC Wright Gemini in East Yorkshire  (Hull City FC "The Tigers" livery (CLICK HERE to view a Fotopic site showing the livery).
Further details of both model will be given when known.

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM CORGI OOC
I can confirm that the following model has now been released and is on sale:
OM41602 Crossley DD42 - Glasgow (Abbotsinch/Kilbarchan Split run, 2 of each destination) CLICK HERE

Tuesday 31 March 2009

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

UKBUS8010 Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart

Stagecoach East Midlands

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart UKBUS8010, utilising the 10.7m long wheelbase model with gasket windows to represent the 10.9m version of this distinctive modern single-decker in the United Kingdom, that carries a significant all over route branding livery for the famous Robin Hood Airport Lynx service.

UKBUS8010 represents fleet number 36003 (FJ07 OSW).

Following on from the recently issued Enviro 400 in a similar livery (CMNL model UKBUS6013), Stagecoach East Midlands 36003 (FJ07 0SW) is one of two 10.9metre Enviro200Darts in “Robin Hood Airport Lynx” livery, funded by Nottinghamshire County Council for the X30 service linking Worksop and Robin Hood Airport.

The X30 service offers an almost hourly daytime service Mondays to Saturdays and two hourly on Sundays. Aimed at providing links to employment and to offer a service to airport users, journeys on X30 start as early as 0345 hrs and run until 0130 hrs providing an almost 24-hour service.

The Robin Hood Airport Lynx network also has services to Retford and connections onto other services are made at Bawtry.

Aside from the special livery, these buses are fitted out internally with luggage racks for the safe stowage of passengers’ luggage.

Two other Enviro200Darts carry a pseudo Stagecoach/Nottinghamshire County Council livery. These four buses are specified with the larger 6-cylinder engine that necessitates the additional length of 20cm that can be seen in the rear overhang.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart UKBUS8010 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.  Other outstanding additional items inside the replica are the brand new luggage racks on the front wheel arches on both sides.

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 UKBUS8010 model is limited to 1000 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.

UKBUS8010 STAGECOACH EAST MIDLANDS ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS
Click on the links below to view additional high resolution photographs of this model:
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE to view

Monday 30 March 2009

Sunday 29 March 2009

Friday 27 March 2009

UKBUS6023 ALEXANDER DENNIS ENVIRO 400 ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA
Click on the links below to view high resolution photographs of the production version of this model:
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view

Thursday 26 March 2009

Wednesday 25 March 2009

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

UKBUS6023 Alexander Dennis Enviro400

Arriva Northumbria

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of Alexander Dennis Enviro400 UKBUS6023. It is carrying Arriva’s corporate “inter-urban”livery.

UKBUS6018 represents fleet number 7511 (NK57 GXD) that was new in January 2008.

Arriva Northumbria received 13 ADL Trident / Enviro400 buses at the start of 2008. These buses are painted in Arriva’s corporate “inter-urban” livery. The model features 7511 that is allocated to Ashington depot where it regularly works on Express route X31 / X32 between Newcastle Haymarket and Newbiggin.

Creative Master Northcord is creating new design standards in the layout of the interior of both saloons. The features inside the compartments represent the really outstanding layout of the bus, including the extensive portrayal of handrails on both upper and lower decks and replicating the additional monitors in both saloons. 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), cnmycar.com (P. R. China),  Porte Publishing Company (Japan) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The UKBUS6023 model is limited to 1000 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.

Monday 23 March 2009

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM OXFORD DIECAST
Many thanks to Peter at Yardley Wood Bus Club for advising me that this bus related model has now been released:
76LAN1109003 Land Rover - Midland Red CLICK HERE

MODEL BUS FEDERATION SOUTH SHIELDS SHOW
Click on the link below to view the advertising flyer for this years show which will be held on Saturday 9th May
CLICK HERE to view

Saturday 21 March 2009

Thursday 19 March 2009

Tuesday 17th March 2009

OXFORD DIECAST NOB003 BEDFORD OB COACH GREY GREEN
Click on the links below to view photographs of the production version of this model, which has now been released and is on sale:
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE to view

CORGI MODELS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE 
The following models are scheduled for release this week:
OM40404 AEC Regent II Liverpool Corporation CLICK HERE
OM42413 Bedford Val West Riding CLICK HERE
OM46107 Plaxton Paragon Wallace Arnold CLICK HERE

The following model is scheduled for release week commencing 23 March 2009:
OM46108 Plaxton Panther East Yorkshire Coaches CLICK HERE

The following model is scheduled for release week commencing 30 March 2009:
OM41602 Crossley DD42 - Glasgow (Abbotsinch/Kilbarchan Split run, 2 of each destination) CLICK HERE

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD
One I missed, released in the UK at the very end of February was:
UKBUS5112 Mercedes-Benz/Citaro G Arriva serving London CLICK HERE

Monday 16 March 2009

Click on the links below to view photographs of the model.
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE

No other details are known at present, as soon as I hear anything I will publish the information.

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM EFE
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:
17703 Leyland National MkII Long NORTH WESTERN CLICK HERE
33002 ERF 2 Axle Dropside HARRIS & MINERS CLICK HERE

CORGI OOC MODEL OM46011 WRIGHT ECLIPSE URBAN - TRAVEL WEST MIDLANDS
Many thanks to Paul Bryant for forwarding the reply from Corgi when he queried the release date of the above. Corgi replied: "This is due to be released around May 2009"

Thursday 12 March 2009

Wednesday 11 March 2009

CONFIRMED RELEASE LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM
I can confirm that the following model was released at last weekends Acton Open event:
23319A AEC RF London Transport CLICK HERE

Tuesday 10 March 2009

Saturday 7 March 2009

UKBUS2016 Plaxton President-bodied Dennis Trident Lothian Buses
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 4 CLICK HERE to view

UKBUS7011 Scania OmniCity First PMT
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE to view

UKBUS8011 Alexander Dennis Limited Enviro200Dart 10.7m 2-door Selkent
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE to view
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE to view

CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM CORGI OOC
I can confirm that the following model has now been released and is on sale:
OM42520 East Lancs Myllennium - London Sovereign (Ruislip Station/Mill Hill Broadway Split run, 2 of each destination) CLICK HERE

CORG1 CATALOGUE
Corgi have today advised me that from April 2010 they will be issuing two 6 month catalogues. These will cover the periods April to September and October to March. The models in the catalogues will be previewed to the trade in January 2010 (for April to September releases) and July 2010 (for October to March releases). The July to December 2009 catalogue will be announced towards the end of April.

2nd posting Friday 6 March 2009

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

UKBUS2016 Plaxton President-bodied Dennis Trident

Lothian Buses

There has been a bit of silence of its Plaxton President-bodied Dennis Trident replicas in the past 20 months, but now Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL) has proudly released its latest single door version of this casting. It is UKBUS2016, carrying Lothian Buses Park & Ride colours.

UKBUS2016 represents fleet number 541 (V541 ESC).

Lothian Buses’ 541 was delivered to Edinburgh in November 1999 as part of a batch of 5 vehicles (fleet numbers 541-545) for use on the blue-liveried “Airlink” service that links the City Centre to the Airport.  These buses were built to single-door format from new.

After Airlink service these 5 vehicles were repainted into standard Lothian Buses low-floor "Harlequin" livery for a short period before service 35 Airport – Ocean Terminal branding was applied. Originally, the route 35 branding was on a green background, but a second version was applied later that was a lilac colour after the route was varied slightly.

In February 2008 541-545 were again repainted, this time into the special "green top" branded livery, as depicted by this model, for use on the X48 service linking both Ingliston (to the west of Edinburgh) and Sheriffhall (south east Edinburgh) Park & Ride sites to the City Centre. Subsequently buses 542 and 543 were repainted into standard “Harlequin” livery during November 2008.

This model of 541 carries the destination "Ingliston" which was the first bus-based Park & Ride site to be opened by Edinburgh City Council in September 2005 and which, due to its popularity, was expanded during 2008

The Plaxton President UKBUS2016 is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the square-mounted, bonded windows and the livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible.

Additionally, UKBUS2016 brings some features which represent the special requirements of Lothian Buses e.g. including the representation of the electronic roller destination blinds to the front, side and rear. The Lothian Buses fleet still retains front and rear roller blind destination displays using white characters on a black background. This display normally includes a three point “via” blind box – a feature that is no longer retained on London’s new buses for TfL service – also a user of traditional roller blinds. In the instance of UKBUS2016, the “via” blind box contains the words “Park & Ride” in white on a green background that matches the roof colour to aid passenger identification, even at distance. 

The interior of the 541 replica features the special layout of the lower saloon that includes two tables.

In November 2008, as sisters 542 and 543 were being repainted into fleet colours, Lothian Buses shared the highly confidential information about its planned changes to the service network starting on 18^th January 2009. The repainting of CMNL’s original target bus 543 made the change to 541 necessary. Along with this, CMNL was advised of changes to many vinyls on the bus such as deletion of fares detail and “Bus Award” laurel wreath etc. This information was supplied well in advance to help ensure the model’s production within its allotted slot. All sub-assembly work was completed before Chinese New Year but at the very last eleventh hour a decision within Lothian Buses was made to change one small detail. The Day Ticket banner that was originally planned to show £3 was altered to read £3^.00, but this change occurred too late to be reflected in production. The model, therefore, still carries the originally planned £3. Some may perceive this as an “error” but the information was supplied in good faith and was used as such. CMNL appreciates the very good relationship with Lothian Buses and is grateful for its ability to share such confidences with CMNL. CMNL hopes that collectors will still enjoy this colourful model.

LOTHIAN COLLECTION

UKBUS2016 is the latest model in the CMNL Lothian Buses collection.

Details of all other members of this exclusive collection can be found below to help you to complete your CMNL “Lothian Buses Collection”.

UKBUS1004 Dennis Trident / Alexander ALX400 503 (T503 SSG) on route 21 to Gyle Centre. Production date : March 2002

UKBUS2001 Dennis Trident / Plaxton President Open-Top 632 (W632 PSX) on City Sightseeing route. Production date : October 2002

UKBUS2002 Dennis Trident / Plaxton President 601 (SN51 AXF) on route 100 to Edinburgh Airport / Express. Production date : May 2003

UKBUS2004 Dennis Trident / Plaxton President 601 (SN51 AXF) on route 37 to Silverknowes (via Western General, Princes Street, Newington). Production date : December 2004

UKBUS4001 Volvo Olympian / Alexander Royale 268 (P268 PSX) on route 25 to Riccarton (via Gorgie, Princes Street, Leith Walk). Production date : June 2005

UKBUS4007 Volvo Olympian / Alexander Royale 433 (P433 KSX) on route X50 to Britannia (Express). Production date : April 2006

UKBUS4011 Volvo Olympian / Alexander Royale 431 (P431 KSX) on route 15 to Penicuik (via Tollcross, Princes Street, Portobello). Production date : May 2007

UKBUS1037 Dennis Trident / Alexander ALX400 504 (T504 SSG) on route 8 to Royal Infirmary H (via Goldenacre, St Andrew Sq, Newington). Production date : February 2008

The brand new Plaxton President UKBUS2016 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 UKBUS2016 model is limited to 1100 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 6 March 2009

NEXT EFE MODELS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE
The following models are scheduled for release next week (commencing 9th March)
17703 Leyland National MkII Long NORTH WESTERN CLICK HERE
33002 ERF 2 Axle Dropside HARRIS & MINERS CLICK HERE

(2nd posting) Wednesday 4 March 2008

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

UKBUS7011 Scania OmniCity

First PMT

Having been silent for several months, Creative Master Northcord Limited is now releasing the twelfth replica on its popular Scania OmniCity model tooling. It is UKBUS7011 in First livery with special route branding.

UKBUS7011 represents fleet number 65040 (YN06 WMO).

The Scania CN94UB OmniCity buses were delivered to First PMT in August 2006. 65040 (YN06 WMO) carries route branding for route 101 between Hanley Bus Station and Stafford. The route operates to a 20 minute weekday daytime frequency with a journey time of just 1 hour each way.

The Scania OmniCity UKBUS7011 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 UKBUS7011, include single door, an extensive portrayal of handrails and the headlight / indicator units at the front made of individual, translucent components to look more realistic. 

The brand new Scania OmniCity bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK & I), Transit Graphics (Australia), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), cnmycar.com (P. R. of China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The UKBUS7011 model is limited to 1000 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.

Wednesday 4 March 2009

I have been having a sort out of models over the last few days and will be adding approximately 120 to my sale page in the next couple of weeks. In the meantime I have two rare LT Museum models which I am now offering for sale:
25513A RML Routemaster Metroline (Golden Jubilee) £55.00 plus P&P £5.00 (Special delivery with full insurance) overseas at cost. - SOLD
25513C RML Routemaster Arriva (Golden Jubilee) £95.00 plus P&P £5.00 (Special delivery with full insurance) overseas at cost.

A few other models which might be of interest:
Corgi OOC 43005 Leyland Olympian Stagecoach Scotland £19.75
Corgi OOC 43014 Leyland Olympian Southern Vectis £24.75
Corgi OOC OM42516 East Lancs Vyking Go Whippet (Corgi Platinum dealer only special) £24.75
Postage on the above is as per my standard sale list terms and conditions.

Please email me CLICK HERE if you would like to purchase any of the models. All are mint/near mint condition and there is just one of each. First come first served.

NEW MODELS ANNOUNCED BY SUNSTAR
Many thanks to Neil at Time Tunnel Models for advising me of some new models from Sunstar. Please note there have been significant increases in the price, Neil is offering some very good savings for pre-orders:
H5010 1949 BEDFORD OB COACH BRIDLINGTON (Sunstar catalogue price £124.99)
H2924 1946 RT7-FXT182  (Sunstar catalogue price £189.99)

Tuesday 3 March 2009

CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LIMITED PRESS RELEASE
The below news release which is the official news release from CMNL and supersedes that published on Saturday:

CMNL consultation exercise

During the last 6 months CMNL has become increasingly very aware of the financial pressures on collectors’ wallets.

Because the cost of raw materials has fluctuated, but has mainly increased, and because the cost of employing the many people who are involved in manufacturing our collectibles has also increased greatly, CMNL is looking at ways of entering a period of cost saving.

CMNL would like to know the views of those who retail or distribute our products and the views of those who purchase our products. Below, we would like to outline our possible options.

Whilst it is unlikely that these options would result in a price reduction, we would hope that they would slow down the rate at which prices may have to rise to meet the rising production costs.

Contacting us :

CMNL has set up a separate e-mail address for you, our valued retailers, distributors and customers, to contact us with your views on how we might be able to achieve cost-saving through simplified packaging, yet without reducing detail and accuracy of the actual models that we produce.

If you would like to make your views known to us, please write directly to the following e-mail address, or you can write by hand to our postal address.

CMNL WILL NOT USE YOUR E-MAIL OR HOUSE ADDRESS FOR ANY PURPOSE WHATSOEVER, AND YOUR ANONIMITY IS ASSURED THROUGHOUT.

Contact details :

Contact us by e-mail : cmnl_consultation @ yahoo.com

Contact us by letter :             CMNL Consultation,

                                           c/o Creative Master Northcord Limited

                                                                        Flat D, 3/F,

                                                                        Yeung Yiu Chung (No 8) Ind. Bldg.,

                                                                        20 Wang Hoi Road,

                                                                        Kowloon Bay,

                                                                        Hong Kong

Below, we set out ways in which we might be able to save on production costs and this mainly involves using less detailed packaging and individually numbered certificates. We would like to know if our valued retailers and collectors would prefer us to continue to provide the current style, or if you would prefer us to offer a more basic packaging.

Limited Edition Certificates :

CMNL can make a saving in preparation, printing and production costs by discontinuing the practice of having an individually numbered Limited Edition Certificate attached to the underside of the model plinth.

Our option may be to print detail of the size of the production run onto the plinth, but without indicating a number by the “counter” system that we use at present – for example 0001 out of 1200 models produced, 0002 out of 1200 models produced etc.

Please write with your opinion on what you prefer.

Discrete cardboard outer packaging :

CMNL knows that many collectors immediately throw away the packaging material and limited edition certificates because they do not have enough space for storing model boxes and packaging, yet, for others, the CMNL discrete model packaging is a very important part of the CMNL brand because it gives each model a distinctive and individual face.

We also know that this is a practice that many retailers like because they can identify each individual model easily.

However, the preparation cost in making our special brand of discrete packaging is expensive through the employment of the design company that undertakes this work. In addition, the printing costs of the multi-colour packaging can add a significant amount to the production cost of the models as well as being anti-environmentally friendly.

We believe that we should continue to protect our models using the clear plastic acrylic box and plinth that we currently use. We believe it offers a way to display models that is attractive to retailers and to collectors, yet preserving the precious model inside from dust or from damage and also ensuring the many small parts are safe from harming young children.

Our options are :

1. Continue to produce our discrete cardboard packaging for all models;
2. Produce a box that has an identifying “theme” similar to the Japan Bus range – with a photograph of the subject of the model and a short description or history of the bus; 
3. Produce a box that has an identifying “theme” similar to the Japan Bus range but without having an individual photograph or description of the history of the bus  that is modelled;
4. Produce one standard box for all products irrespective of marketplace and place a small sticker on the ends of the cardboard outer with the product code and name.

Please write with your opinion on what you prefer.

Important note :

These proposals would only apply to models that are initiated by CMNL and would not apply to Commissioned Models – these would have numbered Limited Edition certificates and discrete packaging as standard.

Please make your thoughts available to us by e-mail or by letter and this consultation period will end on 30^th April 2009.

Danny C Y CHAN

General Manager

Creative Master Northcord Limited

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)

------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

Monday 2 March 2009

March 2009 - News

This page last updated Monday, 25 February 2013