May 2008 - News

This page displays news for the current month. To view a previous months news Click here
Do you have any news or information not listed here, if so please e-mail me

 

FOR SALE

To view models from my collection for sale CLICK HERE

 

NEW MODELS ANNOUNCED BY BRITBUS
Click on the links below to view photographs of some new models announced by Britbus:
R909 Olympian Leaside Buses
The photographs show a very early sample. No release date is known at present although I understand it will be limited to 600 pieces: 
Photograph 1
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 2
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 3
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 4
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 5
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE

Don Craggs Memorial Set
Britbus have announced a two piece memorial set for the late Don Craggs. I understand that the set will be limited to 240 pieces of which only 200 will be made available for sale:
N62? MCW Metropolitan Britbus
Photograph 1
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 2
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 3
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE

ES2 East Lancs Scania Omnidekka Britbus
I understand that the logo will be removed from this model prior to production:
Photograph 1
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 2
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 3
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 4
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 5
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 6
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:
IEBUS0001 Dublin Bus Airlink CLICK HERE
UKBUS5017 Mercedes-Benz/Citaro Plymouth Citybus CLICK HERE

LT MUSEUM EFE COMMISSIONED RELH TILLING
I understand that the Museum have begun charging Standing Order customers for the above model, so hopefully we shall see it released within the next few weeks. Click on the links to view photographs of the production version of the model:
Photograph 1
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 2
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 3
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 4
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 5
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 6
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE

LT MUSEUM STANDING ORDER CUSTOMER NEWSLETTER
The latest Museum Standing Order customers newsletter arrived this morning and has details of a number of new Museum commissioned EFE models:
STL (Red). Route 8A (for centenary celebrations of Bow garage) a small quantity will be made available to Standing Order customers. The remainder will be sold on 28 June at Bow Garage.
RMC Green Line. Route 716
RMC1453 Arriva red. Route private hire
RM Arriva gold. Route private hire
DMS 1644 all red. Route M1
DM1238 all red. Route 207
Leyland Olympian L299. Route N9
Leyland Olympian L301. Route N97
Bristol RELH coach Crosville CRG 111 (Victoria Coach Station series)
Bristol RELH Western National (Victoria Coach Station series)
Bristol RELH coach Red & White (Victoria Coach Station series)

Brief details are also given of a number of as yet unannounced EFE standard release models. No further details are given.
RLH Lowbridge Samuel Ledgard
RT (revised) Post war LT green (no details)
DM B20 (red and white) (no details)
RTL (revised) Chieftain Hamilton
Dennis Dart/Plaxton London Busways
Bristol RELH coach (with the yet to be released "T" destination display)

Saturday 31 May 2008


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

HKBUS2010 Stagecoach in Devon

Tri-axle Leyland Olympian / Alexander Coach

Creative Master Northcord Limited is proud to release HKBUS2010 - the first time pure Stagecoach standard corporate livery without any route-branding has been replicated on the well-known 11-metre, tri-axle Leyland Olympian / Alexander R-type coach model.

The model represents Stagecoach in Devon 13601 (BIW 4977).

13601 is the premier fleetnumber in the class devoted to the former Citybus Alexander 11m coach Leyland Olympians (135) that returned to the UK for service primarily with the Stagecoach “Megabus” brand. 13601 was used initially on the Oxford – London service where it, and two others from the starter batch of 5, replaced the 96-seat coach Megadekkas that were used to launch the Megabus brand. To begin with the destination was carried on a vinyl sticker in the destination aperture, but as the Megabus brand expanded it later received a dot-matrix screen. 13601 initially carried the name “Keble”, representing Keble College, one of the largest of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford, on its nearside quarter panel above the headlamp cluster. 13601 was repainted as shown in March 2007.

Delivered new to Hong Kong as Citybus 135 (ER 9371) in “Big C” livery 135 with yellow roof, 135 was first registered on 29th November 1990. 135 was one of many to carry special panel branding for Kingswood Villas. 135 later received a white roof on its “Big C” livery then the “Network 26”-style colours.

During the summer of 2007, Stagecoach Devon operated three of these 3-axle Leyland Olympian buses on the service X46, between Exeter and Paignton, where their high capacity, air-conditioning and toilet provision proved popular on this local express service.

As on the previous successful HKBUS2000 series models produced by CMNL, HKBUS2010 has many innovative designs on the tooling – including all handrails on board and detailed, individual air-vents above the seats. Of note is the improved upper-deck ceiling detail that features the correct colours of the prototype coach. The model also features an accurate representation of the small fleet name at the front, by using tampo printing to good effect.

Once again, this is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and livery application. The model has no ugly metal poles to hold it together.

The HKBUS2010 model is limited to 1000 pieces worldwide. They will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Concorde Hobby Shop (HK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), Transit Graphics (Australia) and cnmycar.com (P. R. China).

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

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)

------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

Friday 30 May 2008


BRITBUS NORTH WEALD MODELS
Britbus have advised me of two models being produced for sale at the North Weald Rally on 6th July 2008. Both will be limited to 240 pieces.

AN2-NW08 Atlantean AN68 London Country
Photograph 1
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 2
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 3
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 4
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 5
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE

LH-NW08 Bristol LH London Transport
Photograph 1
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 2
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 3
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 4
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 5
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE

NEXT SCHEDULED RELEASES FROM EFE
The following models are scheduled for release week commencing 9th June 2008:
24105 Bedford TK Dropside Bus Eireann Support vehicle CLICK HERE
32103 RMF Routemaster Stevensons Blackpool CLICK HERE
32204 Bristol RELH Coach Mansfield / Midlands General CLICK HERE

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM EFE
I can confirm that the following models have been released and are now on sale:
18611 Bristol VR3 Open York Pullman CLICK HERE
29618 Leyland Olympian Tyne & Wear Transport CLICK HERE
31502 RM Routemaster Kelvin Scottish CLICK HERE

Thursday 29 May 2008


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

UKBUS5014 Mercedes-Benz Citaro

Arriva Surrey & West Sussex

The name Brooklands Motor Course is as famous worldwide for its high-speed motor course as for its collection of unique aircraft. Creative Master Northcord Limited is bringing this great name onto the latest bus replica. It is UKBUS5014 Mercedes-Benz Citaro model carrying cantrail-level route 436 detail (Woking – Weybridge Station) and Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands lettering on the side panels. The three buses allocated to the route, replicated by the model carry special blue and silver colours, albeit laid out in Arriva corporate style.

Three brand new Mercedes-Benz Citaro (3901-3) were introduced onto Arriva Surrey & West Sussex 436 service in the autumn of 2006. These new buses were bought to bring new standards of comfort to the route and coincided with the enhanced level of service 436 that now operates half-hourly during the main part of the day (Monday – Saturday), twice as often as before.

Service 436 operates between Woking and Weybridge Station and serves the world famous and historic Brooklands Motor Course that celebrated its centenary in June 2007. Within the Brooklands campus the modern Mercedes-Benz World, who support the 436 service financially, offers opportunities to “Torch, Experience and Explore”, The Brooklands site is also host to the Brooklands Museum, home to many motor racing and aircraft displays including Concorde G-BBDG, and features the famous Brooklands banked motor racing track.

UKBUS5014 shows the vehicle, 3903 (BX56 VTW).

The Mercedes-Benz Citaro UKBUS5014 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. Another main feature on the UKBUS5014 model is its extensive portrayal of handrails. The headlight / indicator units at the front and indicator / tail light units at the rear are made of individual components to look more realistic.

The brand new single-door Mercedes-Benz Citaro bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), TransitGraphics (Australia), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), cnmycar.com (P. R. China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The UKBUS5014 model is limited to 1200 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 28 May 2008


PHOTOGRAPHS OF SOME RECENT EFE RELEASES
Click on the links below to view photographs of the EFE models released earlier this month courtesy of Ian Kirby:
20135
Bedford OB Orange Luxury
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE
20443 Bristol VR3 Trent
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE
32802 Trader Bulk Tipper London Transport
Photograph 1 CLICK HERE
Photograph 2 CLICK HERE

Tuesday 27 May 2008


CONFIRMED RELEASE FROM BRITBUS
I can confirm that the following model has now been released:
AN3-02 Atlantean 2 Dr London Country East Grinstead CLICK HERE

Monday 26 May 2008


CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD - ALBUM MODEL
Further to my news article of Monday, I am grateful to CMNL for providing details and photographs of the model:
UKBUS0021 Mercedes-Benz Citaro EURO5 Plymouth Citybus
Fleet number: 91
Registration number: WA56 OZR
Route number: 43
Destination: City Centre

Release date: May 2008

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

Friday 23 May 2008


NEW CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD MODEL
I have received a report that CMNL produced a model for the ALBUM (Association of Local Bus Company Managers) conference last week in Torquay. The model appears to be the standard Plymouth Euro 5 Citaro model with additional 'ALBUM 2008 conference' adverts on the sides. No other details are known at this time. If anyone has additional details could they please email me?

Monday 19 May 2008


EFE PHOTOGRAPHS
Click on the links to view photographs of the recently announced models:

16801 Alexander Fleetline TRAVEL DE COURCEY
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE

22516 Alexander Y Type BAXTERS S.O.L.
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE

23707 Alexander Fleetline NORTHERN GENERAL
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE

24105 Bedford TK Dropside BUS EIREANN SUPPORT VEHICLE
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE

27623 Wright Volvo Renown BRIGHTON & HOVE METRO
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE

33501 AEC MkIII 4 Axle Round Tanker EXPRESS DAIRIES
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE

28004AS Daimler DMS EFE Anniversary model
To view supersized image CLICK HERE
To view regular sized image CLICK HERE

2nd posting Tuesday 13th May 2008


WEBSITE POSSIBLY OFF LINE TONIGHT
I have been advised by my web hosting company that they are carrying out an upgrade of their servers between midnight tonight (13th) and 3.00am tomorrow morning (14th). between these times there is a possibility that the website will go off line but it will be back as soon as their work is complete.

Tuesday 13th May 2008


CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM BRITBUS
I can confirm that the following models have been released and are sale:
LLA-02 Albion Lowlander “W Alexander Midland“ CLICK HERE
LLB-03 Albion Lowlander "W Alexander Fife"

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD
I can confirm that the following models have been released and are sale:

UKBUS5016 Mercedes-Benz/Citaro First Bus CLICK HERE
UKBUS5111 Mercedes-Benz/Citaro G East London - University of East London CLICK HERE

CONFIRMED RELEASES FROM EFE
I can confirm that the following models have now been released and are on sale:
20135 Bedford OB Orange Luxury CLICK HERE
20443 Bristol VR3 Trent CLICK HERE
32802 Trader Bulk Tipper London Transport CLICK HERE

EFE MODELS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE
EFE have advised that the following models are scheduled for release week commencing 26th May:
18611 Bristol VR3 Open York Pullman CLICK HERE
29618 Leyland Olympian Tyne & Wear Transport CLICK HERE
31502 RM Routemaster Kelvin Scottish CLICK HERE

Monday 12 May 2008


NEWS FROM CORGI
The below has been received today from Corgi written by
Hornby Plc Chief Executive Frank Martin:

As many of you will be aware, Hornby Plc, the publicly quoted hobbies group announced on May 1st 2008 that it had acquired the principle assets of Corgi Collectibles from the previous owner – Corgi Inc. Corgi Inc will change its name within 30 days to remove all reference to Corgi. 

The acquisition of Corgi is yet another significant step towards our goal of creating a thriving and dynamic worldwide hobby business. Our previous acquisitions of brand leading European model railway businesses and more recently the acquisition of Airfix/Humbrol have set the scene for the successful integration and revitalisation of Corgi.

Our focus will be on meeting and exceeding the needs of the many loyal Corgi collectors, whilst identifying and developing new product areas which will remain true to the Corgi ethos yet at the same time broaden the appeal of the brand to a wider audience, particularly of younger collectors.

We are delighted that key Corgi product development, operations, marketing and sales staff are joining Hornby with immediate effect. We know from our existing businesses that a brand like Corgi needs careful nurturing to ensure that the brand values and the expectations of the market are respected and enhanced. The knowledge and expertise that our new Corgi colleagues bring with them will be essential in this respect.

In the short term we intend to ensure that the new product development and introduction programme is brought back on track as soon as possible, in a way that meets the needs of the market without over-facing our collectors.  In the slightly longer term, with the increased financial and technical resources that we are able to bring to bear on the development programme we would expect to be able to accelerate the rate of new product introduction from new tooling.

There are a number of areas where the existing skills within Hornby can be used to enhance the Corgi business. In product development we employ the CAD design process to design cars for Scalextric, Aircraft for Airfix and trains for Hornby. The same surface design files can be adapted for use on Corgi designs, thus reducing lead times and cost per project. In the licensing arena we are dealing with all the major motor manufacturers and media licence holders. There is a perfect fit between our existing brands and Corgi in terms of securing licenses across various product categories including die-cast.

The channels of distribution, both in the UK and internationally are very similar between Corgi and our existing product portfolio. UK and international customers can expect improved service as we consolidate the Corgi business into our existing Hornby facilities in the UK and where appropriate into our network of subsidiary companies in Europe and the USA.

For a number of years I have observed Corgi and noted the difficulties it has encountered, many of them as a result of financial constraints. Having now acquired the brand and its key assets we intend to revitalise the business and restore it to its former levels of activity and prosperity. This a fantastic opportunity and a brilliant challenge for all concerned. I have every confidence that a year or so from now we will look back and be proud of what we have achieved.

2nd posting Friday 9 May 2008


TWO CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD - PRESS RELEASES
The below press releases have been received from CMNL:

UKBUS6013 Alexander Dennis Enviro400

Stagecoach East Midland

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of Alexander Dennis Enviro400 UKBUS6013. Probably it will be one of the more significant models in its well known range of Enviro 400 castings in 2008 because it has a significant allover route branding livery for the famous Robin Hood Airport Lynx.

UKBUS6013 represents fleet number 19132 (FJ07 OSZ).

Funded by Nottinghamshire County Council and operated by Stagecoach Midland, 19132 (FJ07 OSZ) is one of two Enviro 400s, carrying a special “Robin Hood Airport Lynx” livery, that service route X29 from Retford to Robin Hood Airport. Aside from the special livery, these buses are fitted out internally with luggage racks for the safe stowage of passengers’ luggage. These two Enviro 400s entered service in May 2007 and were the first time within Stagecoach UK Bus to have Euro IV engines with additional Ad-Blue tanks. Two Enviro200Darts carry a similar livery for route X30.

The X29 and associated 29 services offer an almost hourly daytime service, Monday to Saturday, with the X29 giving a quicker journey time. X29 provides a 2-hourly service on Sundays.

Robin Hood Airport is situated in the heart of the Yorkshire and Humber regions and is within one hour’s travelling distance by car from the major cities of Sheffield, Leeds, Hull, Nottingham, York and Lincoln. The Robin Hood Airport Lynx buses offer onward connections at Bawtry, Worksop and Retford to destinations in the rest of Nottinghamshire and surrounding counties.

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. A brand new luggage rack is being fitted at the lower saloon, making the replica is 100% correct as the real vehicle.

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 UKBUS6013 model is limited to 1500 pieces worldwide.

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

UKBUS8005 Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart

East Yorkshire

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart UKBUS8005, the 10.7m long wheelbase version with gasket windows of the new casting of this distinctive modern single-decker in the United Kingdom.

The second livery to be carried on this version of the brand new model is East Yorkshire Motor Services Limited.

UKBUS8005 represents fleet number 352 (YX56 HVJ).

Four ADL Enviro200Darts entered service with EYMS in Hull during January 2007. Carrying fleet numbers 349 – 352, these 10.7m buses are fitted with Euro IV specification 4-cylinder engines and 38-seat bodywork.

They are allocated primarily to route 154 that serves both Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital as well as passing by the EYMS Head Office and depot.

The model features the ultimate destination COTTINGHAM and via point “K C Stadium”. The Kingston Communications Stadium and associated community sports complex offers state-of-the-art facilities for all types of professional and amateur sports, embracing the whole city. The Stadium is owned by the Hull City Council and managed by the Stadium Management Company (SMC) who hold a 50 year lease. Located next to a Victorian Park, the stadium complex is the first in the UK in a parkland setting. The Stadium manages 34.2 acres of land.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart UKBUS8005 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 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 UKBUS8005 model is limited to 1200 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.

NEW MODELS ANNOUNCED BY EFE
EFE have announced five new models and also given details of a model announced sometime ago. I hope to publish photographs of the models later today/tmorrow:
16801 Alexander Fleetline TRAVEL DE COURCEY
Registration number: AJT 147T
Fleet number: -
Route number: S7
Destination: Sandpits Lane
Anticipated release date: July 2008

22516 Alexander Y Type BAXTERS S.O.L.
Registration number: EWS 161D
Fleet number: B161V
Route number: B
Destination: Kirkshaws
Anticipated release date: July 2008

23707 Alexander Fleetline NORTHERN GENERAL
Registration number: GCN 803G
Fleet number: 2173
Route number: 44
Destination: Newcastle
Anticipated release date: June 2008

24105 Bedford TK Dropside BUS EIREANN SUPPORT VEHICLE
Registration number: 163 WZA
Fleet number: -
Route number: -
Destination: -
Anticipated release date: June 2008

27623 Wright Volvo Renown BRIGHTON & HOVE METRO
Registration number: R218 HCD
Fleet number: 218
Route number: 5B
Destination: Hollingbury
Anticipated release date: July 2008

33501 AEC MkIII 4 Axle Round Tanker EXPRESS DAIRIES
Registration number: LLX 260
Fleet number: 1093
Route number: -
Destination: -
Anticipated release date: July 2008

EFE SUBSCRIBER NEWSLETTER
The latest edition of the EFE subscriber newsletter has arrived and has some items of interest including five new subscriber models:
Mr Joyce states that EFE and currently making the tooling for three new 1/76th scale buses and the 1/24th scale AEC RF. No further details are given.

To celebrate EFE's 20th anniversary EFE have announced that they will be producing a series of models in small numbers that will be released in small numbers over a 12 month period. Each model will have a special certificate and be suitably decorated to mark the occasion. They will be offered to subscribers only: The models announced so far are:
28004AS
Daimler DMS
Registration number: EFE 20
Fleet number: 2008
Route: 20
Destination: Special
Anticipated release date: June 2008

16528AS MCW Atlantean (Portsmouth Corporation colours)
22515AS Alexander Y Type (Premier Travel colours)
23402AS Bedford TK flatbed lorry (Fremlins colours)
26314AS Guy Arab 2 Utility (Stockport Corporation colours)
No further details for these four models are known at this time

Friday 9 May 2008


LONDON BUS RETAIL COMMISSION SALE
Peter Coe from London Bus Retail has contacted me regarding a commission sale of models he has listed on his website. The sale is being made on behalf of the RML2306 Preservation Group and he currently has about 400 models remaining including Britbus, Corgi Classics, Corgi OOC, Creative Master, EFE and LBRT redecorated models. To view the items on sale CLICK HERE 

Saturday 3 May 2008


CORGI TAKEN OVER BY HORNBY
Many thanks to everyone who has written to me today advising that they had heard that Corgi had been taken over by Hornby. I received the below from Corgi today which explains more about the takeover than has generally been published on BBC news etc:

HORNBY STRENGTHENS PRODUCT RANGE WITH £7.5M ACQUISITION OF CORGI

Hornby Plc ("Hornby"), the international models and collectibles group, has today announced that it has acquired the famous die-cast model business Corgi Classics (“Corgi”).  Hornby has agreed to buy the brand, tooling, and intellectual property rights from NASDAQ quoted Corgi International Limited, for cash consideration of £7.5 million. Fixed assets at completion had a book value of c.£1.4 million. The balance of the consideration relates to Goodwill, Trademarks and Intellectual Property. In addition, existing inventory will be acquired for a consideration of c.£0.8  million, subject to a post-closing valuation.  The cash consideration will be funded from Hornby’s banking facilities.

Corgi is one of the oldest manufacturers of collectible die-cast models of trucks, buses, cars and aeroplanes in the world.  Corgi's famous model vehicles captured the imagination of millions of baby boomers and are now highly sought-after in the expanding collectibles market. Currently, its principal markets are the United Kingdom, the United States and Northern Europe.

Corgi was established by the Mettoy Company in Northampton, which first started to produce pressed metal toys in the 1930s.  The Corgi brand for die-cast models was born in 1956 and at its height, was selling millions of toys a year, including the Batmobile, the Lotus John Player Special Formula 1 car and James Bond’s iconic Aston Martin DB5.  More recently, production has been moved to lower cost plants in the Far East.  Corgi enjoys an excellent reputation worldwide. Corgi sells a range of products based on aviation, commercial road transport and other vehicles.

In the year to 31 March 2008 the acquired assets generated sales of c £6.5 million. As Corgi formed part of Corgi International Limited it did not report profitability as a separate entity. However, performance in the year to 31 March 2008 was disrupted by a number of one-off items.   Hornby will focus on managing the brand for growth. Key existing marketing, sales and development personnel will be retained, whilst currently outsourced logistics will be integrated into the Hornby structure along with sales administration, finance and operations. It plans to strengthen the product range and improve the marketing and distribution support. The acquisition is expected to be earnings neutral in the current financial year. 

The Corgi product range is highly complementary to Hornby’s existing hobby brands, which include Hornby, Lima, Jouef and Rivarossi in model railways, Scalextric slot car racing cars, Airfix models and Humbrol paints.

As part of the acquisition, Hornby is also acquiring Bassett-Lowke, an ‘O’ gauge model railway brand.  Bassett-Lowke operates at the top end of the model railway market and will add another range of products that complements Hornby’s existing model railway portfolio. 

Frank Martin, Chief Executive of Hornby commented,

“We are delighted to announce the acquisition of Corgi.  It is a fantastic brand and has a superb reputation worldwide.  We intend to build on the brand’s super heritage and invest to build its premier position in the market.  The strategic fit with our existing businesses could not be better.  We are confident that we will grow the scale of the business rapidly and drive it forward.

“The team at Hornby has the expertise and a successful track record in managing a portfolio of famous hobby sector brands that have flourished under our stewardship.  We have set in place a detailed integration plan to ensure that we improve Corgi’s performance rapidly.  We will focus on product innovation, improving the distribution network and driving sales growth both in the UK and Internationally.

“This acquisition is an extension of the Group’s strategy to build an international hobby and collectibles business with a broad range of brands. Looking to the future, we are extremely excited by the potential growth that Corgi can deliver.”

IPSWICH TRANSPORT MUSEUM BRITBUS AEC REGENT
The Ipswich Transport Museum have now taken stock of the Britbus model AE-03 AEC Regent Ipswich Corporation Transport. Click on the links below to view photographs of the model courtesy of Mark Smith. If you would like to order one of these models from the Transport Museum please email enquiries@ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk for cost etc. The close up photograph (Photograph 4) shows most of the differences between PP and production versions - i.e. colours of wheels, stairs, platform; minor tweak to side ads.  Additionally the destination screen front and rear has been centred

Photograph 1
To view a supersized image CLICK HERE
To view a regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 2
To view a supersized image CLICK HERE
To view a regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 3
To view a supersized image CLICK HERE
To view a regular sized image CLICK HERE
Photograph 4
To view a supersized image CLICK HERE
To view a regular sized image CLICK HERE

Thursday 1 May 2008


May 2008 - News

This page last updated Monday, 25 February 2013

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