| Model Bus Zone News January & February 2026 |
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| December 2025 | Model Bus Zone News Index | January 2026 |
| Click the links to view the further details related to the News item. |
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Midland Bus Kits
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Model Buses Creations
Northcord Omnidekka Models Oxford Sunstar Models Transport Nostalgia |
Saturday 31 January |
| Model Bus Federation January 2026 Journal Review. |
| Here's an overview of the contents of the Model Bus Federation's monthly Model Bus Journal for January 2026. This publication is solely dedicated to model bus news & other related articles with a focus on the UK. If the contents below are of interest, you may wish to consider becoming a member of the MBF, the annual subscription starts at £29.00 with special reduced rates available for younger members aged 14-18. For further details please visit the https://www.model-bus-federation.org.uk. Back issues of the Journals are also available to members where stock permits. The Model Bus Journal - Issue 657 January 2026 - 32 pages - ISSN 0953-435  
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Wednesday 28 January & Updated 30 January |
| Oxford Diecast Omnibus N Scale RTL Model Update |
| Oxford released the N scale London all red RTL model earlier this month, the models have now reached retailers & a few photographs of the actual final production models are popping up on eBay at model retailers store sites. It seems the photographs posted on the Oxford Diecast site, do indeed show a pre-production version of the model, this has a number of issues including the application of the front registration plate upside down. The model also lacks legal lettering for the London Bus Preservation Trust, who own the preserved RTL 139 upon which the model is based. The good news, is it the production versions of the model do have both of the above decals applied correctly. Sadly they still lack the correct black mudguards, and the familiar gold London Transport fleet names found on the real vehicle owned by the London Bus Museum.     Photographs above show the final production version of the model. I've also just noticed that the model currently featured on the Oxford website and shown below, appears to have an RT AEC radiator fitted, whereas the production models have the correct Leyland version. Given three of the five shortcomings don't feature on the actual model now on sale, it might be beneficial for Oxford Diecast to update the photographs on their website to give potential customers a better impression of the product.  NRTL005 London Bus Museum Red/Cream livery (RT 139 / KGK 803 - Route 11 Victoria) - Leyland PD2RT RTL Class Double Deck Bus (N/1:148 scale) KJB Models currently have photographs on their online store showing the actual released version of this model. There were only six in stock at the time of posting, so this link may break, if item goes out of stock. A full list of all of Oxford Diecast's new & re-issued models for January can be found on the Oxford Diecast website. |
Monday 26 January |
| Transport Nostalgia's Latest ADL Enviro400 MMC Release |
| Transport Nostalgia Commissions' first pair of exclusive Northcord ADL Enviro400 MMC models have both now been released. UKBUS 0080 is the latest release, and like the earlier Pronto models is a limited edition of 504 pieces.  UKBUS 0080 Stagecoach East Scotland Strathtay - ADL Enviro400 MMC Double Deck Bus Earlier January release UKBUS 0079 is also still available, both models are priced £74.99 each plus delivery.  UKBUS 0079 Stagecoach East Midlands Pronto - ADL Enviro400 MMC Double Deck Bus For further details or to place orders please visit: www.transportnostalgia.co.uk/s-projects-side-by-side. |
Friday 23 January |
| LBRT Transfers Are Suspending Sales |
| LBRT Transfers who have a large range of mostly London Bus related waterslide transfers for 1:76 scale models has posted the following on their Facebook Page. Due to a serious crisis, we will have to close our site for a period that could be a few weeks or permanently, time will tell Sorry to be so vague but I really don't know ................. I helped Nigel get LBRT online many years ago, and I do hope we see LBRT return. Nigel & his wife run the business and have always provided a great service to modelers. The large range of transfers were designed by Nigel & he has also produced hundreds of code 3 models over the years. I wish Nigel & all the family the very best during what is clearly a serious situation. I hope whatever it may be, it can be successfully resolved as soon as possible. |
Thursday 22 January |
| Model Bus Creations Announced Spring Summer Models |
| Model Buses Creations has issued the following press release. Click images below to view larger versions Model Buses Creations Spring Summer 2026 Range Announcement - ADL Enviro 400 MMC Firstly, We are pleased to announce three new models for Q1/2 2026 , in partnership with Northcord. If you attended the Stagecoach London Catford Garage open day, you will have most likely seen Stagecoach London 11011 in the garage having had a fresh coat of paint. 11011 is now known as the Selkent Envoy and follows on from a number of special Stagecoach London Heritages liveries, some of which have and are being modelled by Model Buses Creations. The red livery with grey lower skirt and white body line maybe familiar to Leyland Titan fans, and we think it really suits the body lines of the Enviro 400 MMC. Its a great way to celebrate 111 years of Catford Garage.  Bus - Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 MMC Pcs- 304 standard Operator - Stagecoach London Livery - Selkent Envoy Fleet number - 11011 Registration - YY18 TMU Route - 136 Grove Park Bus - Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 MMC Pcs- 104 specials Operator - Stagecoach London Livery - Selkent Envoy Fleet number - 11011 Registration - YY18 TMU Route - 54 Bellingham - Catford Bus Garage Thank You to our operator partner Stagecoach London and Transport for London who have helped assist with these models. We are pleased to share with you an update on our Stagecoach London Selkent Diplomat models. Over the last 5-6 months we have been extremely busy with our other Northcord releases as well as our own productions of the recently released E200 releases and our Arriva and Superloop releases the two Diplomat models we will be realising are in production and our samples shown here are signed off and due soon We have listened to customer feedback on the routes for this model and we are pleased to say that we will replicate this model now on route 261 Locksbottom Princess Royal Hospital (Ukbus 0085), we will continue to release a small run of special Stagecoach Editions with event destinations (Ukbus 0086). We have also changed the number of models we will be producing and these can be seen below.     Code - Ukbus 0085 Vehicle - Enviro 400 MMC Operator - Stagecoach London Livery - Selkent Diplomat Livery Route - 261 Locksbottom Princess Royal Hospital Fleet Number - 11066 Reg - YX68 UTJ Units - 304    Code - Ukbus 0086 Vehicle - Enviro 400 MMC Operator - Stagecoach London Livery - Selkent Diplomat Livery Route - Stagecoach Special Destination. Fleet Number - 11066 Reg - YX68 UTJ Units - 104 Once again these models will be fully licensed by Transport for London and with full permission from Stagecoach London. We have another exciting announcement to share with you soon in partnership with Stagecoach London. We have images of our samples here to share with you. Earlier in 2025 we announced that we had concluded a deal with Northcord Model Company to purchase the highly detailed Scania OmniCity double decker tooling. We have been working away to develop four excellent releases for 2026 and three of these can be seen below. In the background we have been working with the factory to develop additional details like seat Moquette, seen on our other releases as well as realistic bus stops. Model Buses Creations is setting new standards for detail and quality across its current casting range and this will be passed onto new castings currently in development.. Three buses below will be released during 2026 with a further vehicle being added to the line up. This announcement will be coming soon.  Bus - Scania OmniCity DD Code- MBC 2001 Pcs- 500 Operator - Stagecoach Manchester Livery - Manchester Bee Network Fleet number - 15399 Registration - YT59 SGV Route - 93 Manchester via Lower Broughton  Bus - Scania OmniCity DD Code- MBC 2002 Pcs- 500 Operator - Stagecoach South East Livery - Stagecoach Local Fleet number - 15090 Registration - LX09 AGY Route - 6 Broomfield Hearn Bay GreenHill Bus - Scania OmniCity DD Code- MBC 2003 Pcs- 100 Operator - Stagecoach South East Livery - Stagecoach Local Fleet number - 15090 Registration - LX09 AGY Route - 23A Gore Cross Imber Warminster Station We would like to say Thank You to our operator partners who have helped assist with these models, Stagecoach Manchester and Stagecoach South East. We would also like to thank Scania GB, Transport for Greater Manchester Transport for London and Imberbus, who have provided extra information to help us develop these models. After the success of the first three Enviro 200 short wheel base models, released earlier this year and sold out on pre order. We have been working away in the background on next run and as promised in earlier updates, the next releases would be of the long wheel base variant. We are pleased to say that the next run will be of four vehicles from around the UK and we believe will be highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. We will be releasing two of the models in the first half of 2026 and then two more in the second half of the year. The details of these models can be found below. Bus - MBC Enviro 200 long wheel base dual door Code - MBC 1004 Pcs- 500 Operator - Arriva London Livery - TfL Red Fleet number - ENX22 Registration - GN09 AVX Route - B15 to Horn Park.  Bus - MBC Enviro 200 long wheel base single door - Facelift Code - MBC 1005 Pcs- 500 Operator - Go North West Livery - TfGM Bee Network Fleet number - 4024 Registration - YX61 BWU Route - 635 Appley Bridge  Bus - MBC Enviro 200 long wheel base dual door Code - MBC 1006 Pcs- 500 Operator - Arriva North East Livery - Driver Training bus Fleet number - T26 Registration - LJ58 AVC Route - N/A  Bus - MBC Enviro 200 long wheel base single door - Facelift Code - MBC 1007 Pcs- 200 Operator - N/A Livery - Plain Dealer White Fleet number - N/A Registration - N/A Route - N/A We would like to say Thank You to our operator partners who have helped assist with these models, Arriva London, Arriva North East and Go Ahead Group. We would also like to thank Alexander Dennis, Transport for Greater Manchester and Transport for London, who have provided extra information to help us develop these models.   Following our exciting Corgi announcement last year Our Superloop releases are now in Production As expected our Casting upgrades continue with camera mirrors included on the New Routemaster like the correct colour Dashboard we introduced on our last release. Sample images coming soon. 
Our Production Team are in Hong Kong right now finalising our New Casting details and we are looking forward to sharing this with you. All our newly arrived Superloop Pre Orders will have our latest catalogue of new release included. Pricing and Pre Order details will be announced through our usual media channels Thank youMODELBUS.uk |
Tuesday 20 January |
| Saltire Model Bus Kits Volvo 9700 Coach Kit |
Saltire Model Bus Kits has announced a 1:76 scale Volvo 9700 kit. Pre-orders are now open for the kit, although the price and release date have yet to be finalised.    SM-95 Volvo 9700 Coach Contact details for Saltire Model Bus Kits can be found on their kits page in the kits section, along with further photographs of the Volvo 9700 coach kit, and other kits in the Saltire range. |
Monday 19 January |
| Northcord Model Production Update & Seven New Models For 2026 |
| Northcord Models has today issued the following Press Release, detailing the expected release schedule for previously announced models and listing details of seven new standard issue models in development for release later in 2026. Further commissioned Northcord models are expected to be announced by Model Buses Creations, Transport Nostalgia and possibly other commissioners in due course. Date : 19th January 2026 Production update Herewith we itemise an update on likely release dates and status for previously announced models in the ukbus 1500, ukbus 6200, ukbus 6500 and ukbus 9500 range. In addition, new future releases are announced. Production delays due to shortage of appropriate labour in all factories in southern China continue to affect many manufacturers and it is appropriate that NMC should advise you accordingly. Furthermore, deliveries are experiencing delays worldwide because of a war in Europe and the Middle East conflict that have each impacted shipping badly. The anticipated production dates include an allowance for the factory closure during Lunar New Year when staff return to their home provinces and an allowance for some staff who do not return to the factory afterwards. ukbus 1500 Range (Alexander ALX400-bodied Dennis Trident / Volvo B7TL) iebus 0008 Dublin City Tour (AV93 00-D-40093) : models are now available in the UK. ukbus 6200 Range (Alexander Dennis Enviro400)  ukbus 6207A Greater Manchester Transport (19470 MX58 VBL) : models are now available in the UK.  ukbus 6207B GMS Buses (19532 MX09 KTT) : models are now available in the UK.  ukbus 6208 Stagecoach East Scotland (19178 MX57 LCC) : models are on the way to the UK.  ukbus 6209 Reading Buses (1208 RG05 BUS) : models will soon depart for the UK.  ukbus 6210 Magic Bus (19288 - MX08 GTY) : pre-production samples will be prepared with an anticipated production slot being available by early May 2026.   ukbus 6211 National Express West Midlands (4905 BX13 JWE) : pre-production samples will be prepared with an anticipated production slot being available by early June 2026.  ukbus 6212 Fife Scottish (19895 SP11 DWU) : pre-production samples will be prepared with an anticipated production slot being available by early July 2026. ukbus 6500 Range  ukbus 6539 Stagecoach London Ambassador (12400 YX16 OHS) : models are now available in the UK.  ukbus 6540 East Yorkshire (921 YX69 HMZ) : models are now available in the UK.  ukbus 6541 Xplore Dundee (8905 SN69 ZNV) : models are now available in the UK.  ukbus 6542 Newcastle Busways (10646 SN66 WKB) : models are now available in the UK.  ukbus 6543 Brighton & Hove Coaster (712 YY73 TLF) : models will soon depart for the UK.  ukbus 6544 Stagecoach Yorkshire (11716 YX73 PFJ) : production will be concluded by the end of January 2026.  ukbus 6545 Thames Valley Buses (796 YY67 HDO) : production will be concluded by the end of March 2026.  ukbus 6546 National Express West Midlands (Heritage Livery) (6148 SN15 LHV) : pre-production samples will be prepared with an anticipated production slot being available by early May 2026.  ukbus 6547 McGills Bluebird SWIFT (8949 SN66 WGZ) : pre-production samples will be prepared with an anticipated production slot being available by mid-June 2026.  ukbus 6548 Bluestar (1799 HJ25 BYA) : pre-production samples will be prepared with an anticipated production slot being available by early July 2026. ukbus 9500 Range (Scania OmniCity Double Decker)  ukbus 9503 Metrobus (6958 YP09 HWD) : models are now available in the UK. |
Sunday 18 January |
| 80M Announce New Scottish E500 Models |
80M has announced two new Scottish liveries for their Dennis Trident E500 model. These are both due Q2/26 & have a UK RRP £89.99. UKD76003 First Bus Aberdeen The Bridges (38216 (SN09 CCO - Route: 1 Danestone VIA City Centre) - Dennis Trident E500 Double Deck Bus - 1:76 scale  UKD76004 First Bus Aberdeen 1 & 2 Route Promotion (38218 (SN09 CCV - Route: 2 Ashwood VIA Bridge of Dee - Dennis Trident E500 Double Deck Bus - 1:76 scale Photographs credit: www.flickr.com/photos/busmanscotland/. |
Saturday 17 January & Updated 24 January |
| EFE Road Model Releases Update |
| Bachmann has this week added all the Winter quarter EFE Road product releases to its arriving in the next 30 days section. These are the four standard issue Alexander Y models & the Clydeside 2000 Gift Set. Although unconfirmed I presume the two Alexander Y coaches commissioned by TTC Diecast will also be on the same delivery schedule. This points to a likely mid February release window, although the Bachmann website still states due Update 24 January Since originally posting. all the model due dates have been revised to Feb/Mar 26 on the Bachmann website. Standard Issue Models  E39102 Strathay Scottish SL12 (SCS 360M) / Route 15 St. Fillans - Alexander Y Type (Two leaf doors with coach seats) - Era 1982-1994  E39103 Highland Scottish L53 (SCS 337M) / Route 25 Inverness - Alexander Y Type (Two leaf doors with coach seats) - Era 1982-1994  E39104 PMT (Potteries) NBC 168 (FEH 168J) / Route 23 Hanley - Alexander Y Type (Two leaf doors with coach seats) - Era 1971-1981  E39201 Stevensons of Uttoxeter 18 (MFR 18P) / Route X38 Burton via Lichfield - Alexander Y Type (Four leaf doors with coach seats) - Era 1982-1994  E99944 Clydeside 2000 Gift Set containing following model in Clydeside 2000 livery... Leyland Leopard Alexander Y Type Bus 630 (WFV 20R) / Route: 17 Glasgow via Clyde Tunnel & AEC RML Class Routemaster G99 (WLT 900) / Route: Local Service TTC Diecast Commissioned Models The following commissioned models are still available to pre-order, via on the TTC Diecast online store.  E39101Z Lincolnshire Roadcar NBC 1440 (SJA 363J) / Route 850 Cleethorpes - Alexander Y Type (Two leaf doors with coach seats) - Era 1982-1994  E39105Z Western Scottish C4 KL2466 (SCS 335M) / Route 15 Ardrossan Isorbie Rd, Via Clyde Tunnel - Alexander Y Type (Two leaf doors with coach seats) - Era 1971-1981 / Preserved |
Saturday 17 January |
| Northcord's Latest UK Releases |
| The following Northcord models are the latest to reach UK shores. First up is a standard issue item which should already be with or on it's way to UK model reatilers. IEBUS 0008 Dublin Bus (AV93 / 00-D-40093) Dublin City Tour livery - Alexander Dennis Trident ALX400 Open Top Bus The second item is an exculsive commissioned model for Model Buses Creations, pre-orders are already open for this model & orders will start to be dispatched to customers starting Monday 19 January.  UKBUS 0083 Go Ahead London (EH213 / YY67 UTN - SL6 Russell Square) Superloop livery - ADL Enviro400 MMC Double Deck Bus |
Monday 12 January & updated 28 January |
| Next Oxford Diecast Omnibus Model Release |
| Oxford has today announced the latest batch of model releases for January 2026. Among the various 1:76 & N scale models is the following Oxford Omnibus range release. This N scale model is based on RTL 139 which is owned by the London Bus Museum, the model features a full set of advertisements that match those currently applied to the preserved vehicle. However, photographs of the model on the Oxford Diecast website seem to indicate that the model lacks both the London Transport fleet names & the black painted mudguards normally found on RTL class vehicles. The front number plate is also applied upside-down. I'm hoping the photographs show a pre-production sample & not the final production model. Update 28 January: Its been confirmed that the model originally shown on the Oxford Diecast site is indeed a pre-production sample. Oxford have updated their site photographs, however its worth noting that the final production model still lacks fleet names & black mudguards. It does have London Bus Preservation Trust legal lettering, and the front number plate is applied the right way up. What still doesn't match the released version is the radiator, an AEC RT type is illustrated, whereas the model has the correct Leyland version. The model link below contains a set of photographs showing the final production version. NRTL005 London Bus Museum Red/Cream livery (RT 139 / KGK 803 - Route 11 Victoria) - Leyland PD2RT RTL Class Double Deck Bus (N/1:148 scale) This model should be with model retailers shortly. A full list of all of Oxford Diecast's new & re-issued models for January can be found on the Oxford Diecast website. |
Friday 9 January |
| Transport Nostalgia Announce Future Northcord Commmissions |
| Transport Nostalgia have issued the following update today on their Facebook page. Transport Nostalgia Commissions Production Update & exciting new announcements First off Ill start with two new announcements, a pair of Lakes Connection liveried vehicles:
We have now received a production number for Stagecoach CNL Ribble Heritage livery E400 Classic 10030 PX12 DNU. Ive also included some detailed photographs of a model we gave you all a sneak peek at earlier this week ukbus 0090. This model depicts Stagecoach East Midlands E400MMC 10978 in Kings Coronation livery. And finally, some news of when our next model will go live for pre-order. This Saturday 10th January at 11:00am We have now dispatched all orders for ukbus 0079 Pronto. You will all have an email by tonight with your tracking details. To view current pre-order models, upcoming releases and in-stock commissions, please visit our website: Adam Transport Nostalgia Commissions Driven by Detail. Inspired by you. |
Sunday 4 January |
| Omnidekka Models Open Pre-orders For Next Enviro200 MMC Model |
| Omnidekka Models has opened pre-orders for the following Enviro200 MMC release. The photographs blow show the pre-production model which has a number of errors, these will be corrected on the final production models.      MMC5 John Leask & Son (V40 JLS / Route 1 Town Centre) - Enviro200 MMC - 1:76 Scale The model is currently on schedule for release around March, it will be limited to 440 pieces with only 400 for the UK. It is priced £55.00 plus postage and pre-orders can be placed on the Omnidekka Models Online Store. |
Saturday 3 January |
| Sunstar UK Releases |
The following Sunstar 1:24 scale models have now arrived in the UK and should be with model retails next week. H2943: London Transport RM1000 (100 BXL) Route 88 Acton Green - 1:24 scale AEC Routemaster Bus  Sunstar Toys H2944: London Transport RM16 (VLT 16) Route 106 Finsbury Park Station - 1:24 scale AEC Routemaster Bus  |
| December 2025 | Model Bus Zone News Index | January 2026 |