Model Bus Zone News
April 2018
 March 2018  Model Bus Zone News Index May 2018 
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Sunday 29 April
More Hatchette 1/43rd Scale RT Models
The Hatchette Buses of the World series is still going strong in France with the model count fast approaching the ninety mark. Sadly this collection doesn't appear to have ever got beyond a limited trial release in the UK, but some of the earlier models were released to UK retailers via wholesaler John Ayrey Diecast last year while later releases often find their way on to eBay.

Two further versions of the RT model have now come to light, firstly an open top version has now been released in Guernsey Bus blue & cream livery. The model depicts former RT4097 (LUC 196) with Guernsey registration 2972 and fleet number 18 on Coastal Service K.
A photograph of the real bus can be found on the www.showbus.com site. Photographs of the model, which is the 82nd issue in this collection, can be found on the Rusty Streets Flickr page.

The next model in the collection will be another RT, this time a closed top version in London Country livery. The model depicts RT4762 (OLD 564) on route 406 bound for Reigate and carries the pre NBC style flying polo livery.

Photographs of this RT & many of the other models in this collection have been posted by collection.auto.miniature on instagram (these can be viewed without Instagram membership).

Thanks are extended to David Rowe for bringing the London Country RT to my attention.

Sunday 22 April & Updated 24th April
More Atlas Edition's Models For UK Retailers
Model wholesaler John Ayrey Diecasts has secured another large batch of bus & coach models from the Atlas Editions European Bus Collection. These are likely to retail from around £10.00 per model plus delivery, so will be cheaper than the models currently available direct from the Model Space site. There are in total 17 new models listed, although the only UK model among these is a London Transport RTW on route 25, this item unfortunately has red mudguards & a miss-matched registration & fleet number. All the models are expected in stock next month and will be available from model retailers choosing to stock them.

The full list of models which apart from the OOC based RTW are 1/72nd scale can be viewed on the John Ayrey's site.
Update 24th April: Some of these models are no longer being listed on the Ayrey's site, so it appears all stock has been allocated to various retailers such as the Yardley Wood Bus Club & Diecast Models Direct Ltd.

John Ayreys has also secured a large selection of the Atlas Edition's Eddie Stobart trucks collection these are mainly based of Oxford Diecast 1/76th scale toolings and include the Scania Irizar PB coach.

Also due later this month as part of the Greatest Show on Earth Collection of vehicles are two OOC bus related models. Both model depict the vehicles in used as living quarters and are a double deck AEC Regent III Weymann bus in N. Smith livery (MAG HU14) & a Hardimann Amusements Bristol J single deck bus (MAG HU30).
Update 24th April: It appears stock of these models has now been allocated to retailers as both have been removed from the model list on the Ayrey's site.

Wednesday 18 April
Confirmed EFE Model Release
The following EFE model has now been released to Bachmann appointed stockists in the UK.


24332 South Yorkshire Transport - AEC Reliance BET Single Deck Bus

Sunday 15 April
Bachmann Roadshow At London Bus Museum Spring Gathering
Bachmann had their Roadshow stand present at today's Spring Gathering event at the London Bus Musuem at Brooklands today.
Below are some photographs showing the models on display. The first pair of the planned releases for 2018, the South Yorkshire Transport AEC Reliance BET single deck bus (24332) and the Midland Fox Bristol VRT Series 3 double deck (20458) were both on show along with their packaging. The pre-production sample of the route 12 London Transport RT (34112) was also present.

Note: The pictures links below will open in new windows as the are quite large.

EFE Forthcoming 2018 Releases
EFE: 24332 EFE: 20458 EFE: 34112

There was also a display of some of the more recent releases and a selection of the models from which Bachmann Club members can pick a free model when joining or renewing their EFE members subscription.
Bachmann Club free model selection
More details and an application form can be found on the Bachmann site.

Some of the more recent EFE releases & other Bachmann products Some of the more recent EFE releases Some of the railway related EFE models Bachmann Scenecraft rural bus depot

Bachmann also had their Scenecraft Rural Bus Garage and a diorama of a bus station featuring various EFE & Classix pocketbound models.

There were no previously unannounced models or details of any future models within the display.


Wednesday 11 April
Next EFE Model Release & Roadshow Event
The following EFE model his now being distributed to Bachmann appointed stockists.


24332 South Yorkshire Transport - AEC Reliance BET Single Deck Bus

The Bachmann Roadshow team will be attending the annual Spring Gathering Event at the London Bus Museum, Brooklands on Sunday the 15th April. They will have their EFE stand present.

Further details about the London Bus Museum can be found on their website: www.londonbusmuseum.com.

Wednesday 11 April
Confirmed Oxford Diecast Omnibus Range Release
The following model has now been released to UK model retailer.


76OWB013 Belfast Corporation - Bedford OWB Utility Bus (1/76 scale)

Tuesday 10 April
Press Release For Northcord UKBUS6502
NORTHCORD MODEL COMPANY - PRESS RELEASE

NEW CASTING
ADL Enviro400 MMC
ukbus 6502 National Express West Midlands

Following the significant success in launching the brand new casting of the Alexander Dennis Enviro400 MMC model in the livery of Go-Ahead London, Northcord Model Company is releasing the second version – ukbus 6502 in the livery of National Express West Midlands.

ukbus 6502 is another launch model of the new family of castings and this is the 10.9 metre long version with 1 door. ukbus 6502 represents fleet number 6126 (SN15 LGV) that has 10.9 metre, single door bodywork and was new to National Express West Midlands in 2016. 6126 carries a full and colourfully branded livery for route 50. The special, comprehensive livery and branding are 100% reproduced onto the ukbus 6502 model. The stand-out features of the branding are : the “up to every 4 minutes” frequency, “24 hour service” and the prominent route number “50” along with the key locations served that are repeated on the front, both sides and the rear. Fares details are carried in the first nearside window.

The model also correctly portrays the name “Verity” that is carried on the front, below the windscreen on the nearside, and on the rear, at the top of the engine cover on the offside, of the bus 6126.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro400 MMC ukbus 6502 is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the square, gasket-mounted windows and the livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. Another main feature on the ukbus 6502 model is its single tree protector at the front. The front dome on the model is significant, with curved windscreens on both upper deck and lower deck.

Northcord Model Company is also creating new design standards within the interior of both saloons. These features, inside the compartments, will represent the real, outstanding layout of the Enviro400 MMC, such as the extensive portrayal of handrails on upper deck and lower deck, etc.

The brand new 10.9 metre Enviro400 MMC bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), 80M Bus Model Shop and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The ukbus 6502 model is limited to 1500 pieces worldwide.


Thursday 5 April
Marsden Model Kits Update
Marsden Models have kindly supplied an update on their current stock kits & planned future products.

Below is a summary of the currently available kits, upcoming new kits, and the other new kits announced since the last update of the Marsden Models kits page.
Please check out the Marsden page for contact details , postage rates amd a full list of all the other proposed kits.

Kits In Stock (All 1/76th scale unless stated)
Image Ref No. Model Availability &
Price (exc Postage)


MMK042 1937-40 Metro-Cammell H54R 'Birmingham Standard' Exposed Radiator. Includes route stencil holder.
  • A – AEC Regent I
  • D – Daimler COG5
  • L – Leyland TD5
Please specify front when ordering.
Available Now
£48.00 + P&P
Limited Numbers


MMK042 1937-40 Metro-Cammell H54R 'Birmingham Standard' Exposed Radiator. Includes route stencil holder.
  • A – AEC Regent I
  • D – Daimler COG5
  • L – Leyland TD5
Please specify front when ordering.
Available Now
£48.00 + P&P
Limited Numbers
MMK050 1946 Duple 'C-Type' Dual Purpose
Comes with optional sliding door conversion part.
  • A – AEC Regal I
  • L – Leyland PS1
Please specify front when ordering
Available Now
£42.00 + P&P
Limited Numbers
MMK052 1963 Harrington 'Crusader' C41C Bedford SB Coach. Available Now
£42.00 + P&P
Limited Numbers
MMK055 1947 Brush Dual Purpose
Comes with optional sliding door conversion part.
  • A – AEC Regal I
  • L – Leyland Lion
Please specify front when ordering
Available Now
£42.00 + P&P
Limited Numbers


MMK056 1958 Plaxton 'Consort' C41F Coach.
Comes with 2 optional front panels to depict 1958 season and earlier 1956 season.
Available Now
£42.00 + P&P
Limited Numbers
MMK065 1948-51 MCCW H56R Double Deck Bus
  • A – AEC Regent III
  • B – Albion Ventura
Please specify front when ordering
Available Now
£45.00 + P&P
Limited Numbers
Kits Being Prepared For Release Soon
MMK009 Willowbrook Bristol VR. (former kit WB01B) Re issue
Pre-Order Now
Due Soon
MMK017 Alexander 30ft Lowbridge Double Deck Bus L72R/RD
(former kit AX05) – Re-mastered to include rear platform door conversion part.
  • L1 – Leyland PD3 Exposed Radiator
  • L2 – Leyland PD3 (Birmingham Style) Tin Front
  • L3 – Leyland PD3 (St Helen’s Style) Tin Front
Please specify front when ordering.
Re issue
Pre-Order Now
Due Soon

MMK046 1938 Northern Counties H54R.
  • A – AEC Regent I
  • L – Leyland TD5
Please specify front when ordering.
Pre-Order Now
Due Soon

MMK054 1947 Plaxton C33F
  • A – AEC Regal III
  • L – Leyland PS1
Please specify front when ordering
Pre-Order Now
Due Soon

MMK038 1956 Park Royal H61R/RD (Upright Front)
includes rear platform door conversion part.
  • A1 – AEC Regent III Exposed Radiator
  • A2 – AEC Regent V Tin Front
  • G – Guy Arab III Exposed Radiator
  • L – Leyland PD2
Please specify front when ordering.
Re issue
Pre-Order Now
Due Soon

MMK058 1954 Park Royal H61R/RD (Sloping Front)
includes rear platform door conversion part.
  • A1 – AEC Regent III Exposed Radiator
  • A2 – AEC Regent V Tin Front
  • G – Guy Arab III Exposed Radiator
  • L – Leyland PD2
Please specify front when ordering
Pre-Order Now
Due Soon
MMK059 1982 ECW B51 Leyland Leopard 11m Coach. Pre-Order Now
Due Soon
MMK602 ECW Bristol LH Curved Screen Normal Length
 1/50th Scale 
Available Soon
Pre-Order Now
Due Soon
Other Planned Kits Announced Since Last Update
MMK057 1949 – ECW B35R Half Cab Standard Length Single Deck Bus
  • A – AEC Regal III
  • B – Bristol L Type
  • J – Bristol J Type
  • L – Leyland PS1
Please specify front when ordering
Pre-Order Now
MMK060 1978 ECW Normal Height Single Door Double Deck Bus
  • D – Daimler Fleetline Bustle
  • L – Leyland Atlantean Bustle
Please specify bustle when ordering
Pre-Order Now
MMK061 1968 Marshall Camair Leyland Panther. Pre-Order Now
MMK062 1961 Duple B29F Bedford VAS Service Bus. Pre-Order Now
MMK063 1970 Duple Vista 25 Bedford VAS Coach. Pre-Order Now
MMK064 1938-39 Alexander B39F Leyland Cheetah. Pre-Order Now



MMK066 1955 Weymann/Alexander 5 Bay Double Deck Bus
  • A – AEC Regent V (Glasgow Style) Tin Front
  • D – Daimler CVG6 Tin Front
  • L – Leyland PD2 Tin Front
Please specify front when ordering
3rd Run Sold Out
Pre-order now for potential 4th run




MMK067 1958-60 Alexander 4 Bay Balloon Roof Double Deck Bus
  • D1 – Daimler CVG6 (Early) Tin Front
  • D2 – Daimler CVD6 (Late Manchester Style) Tin Front
  • L – Leyland PD2 Tin Front
Please specify front when ordering
3rd Run Sold Out
Pre-order now for potential 4th run
MMK068 Duple Bedford VAS MacBraynes Deep Window. Pre-Order Now
MMK069 Duple Bedford C5 MacBraynes Bus/DP. Pre-Order Now
MMK070 Plaxton Paramount 3200 ‘Express’ Grant Door 11m. Pre-Order Now
MMK071 Plaxton Paramount 3500 Coach Door 12m. Pre-Order Now
MMK072 MCW Metroliner 6 Wheel Double Deck Coach. Pre-Order Now

Thursday 5 April
Next Oxford Diecast Omnibus Range Release
The following model is expected to be released to UK model retailers next week.


76OWB013 Belfast Corporation - Bedford OWB Utility Bus (1/76 scale)

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