Model Bus Zone News
May 2011
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Sunday 29 May
Two Atlas Editions Releases
Atlas Editions have been posting out two alternative models to customer in the past week. I've only received the Trolleybus to date.
GBB14 Green Line - Single Deck AEC Q Bus
GBB15 Teeside Municipal Transport - Roe Bodied Sunbeam Trolleybus

Friday 27 May
Two Confirmed CMNL Releases
The following pair of models have now been released in the UK.
UKBUS5026 Arriva / MK Metro - Mercedes Benz Citaro Rigid
UKBUS6030 Stagecoach South West (Exeter Park & Ride) - Alexander Dennis Enviro400

Thursday 26 May
CMNL Press Release: CNBUS2003
cnbus 2003 Shanghai Sunwin Bus SWB6110
The Demonstrator

Following the great success of the previous model in the new scale cnbus 2000 range, Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the latest model. This is cnbus 2003 that carries the Sunwin Bus' demonstrator colour.

cnbus 2003 represents another colour for the Sunwin Bus demonstration bus that contrasts with cnbus 2001 by. It is carrying the galaxy gold colour together with red and white sweeps on both sides.

The model also introduces a new design of rearmost side windows above the engine room.

cnbus2003 carries registration 上海申(Shanghai Sunwin) front and rear.
The Sunwin SWB6110 coach is based on an overall length of 10560mm, with a wheelbase of 5160mm. Its height is 3160mm and width is 2500mm.
Within its length there are 45 seats for passengers (plus one driver seat and one for the courier / tour guide). The Sunwin SWB6110 coach is powered by a Sunwin-developed Euro-3 engine that is rated at 177hp ~ 184hp.

Shanghai Sunwin Bus Corporation is a joint venture invested by SAIC Motor Company Ltd., Volvo (China) Investment Corporation and Volvo Bus Corporation (Sweden).

The model features a high level of detailing as befits this scale for CMNL.
The brand new Sunwin SWB6110 coach models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK & I), Transit Graphics (Australia), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), cnmycar.com (P. R. China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The cnbus 2003 model is limited to 120 pieces worldwide.

Wednesday 25 May
Confirmed OOC Releases
The following OOC models have now been released by Corgi.
OM41224A East Thames Buses - Wright Gemini Eclipse (route 185 Victotia)
OM41224B East Thames Buses - Wright Gemini Eclipse (route 185 Lewisham)


Wednesday 25 May
Five Confirmed EFE Releases
The following models have now been released by EFE and should be available from the normal outlets in due course.
12309 Black & White Motorways - Harrington Grenadier Coach
31908 London Transport (route 74) - AEC RML Class Routemaster
32305 Royal Blue (Western National) - Bristol RELH ECW Coach
36004 Silver Star Services - Leyland RTL Bus

EFE are also begun the process of posting out the latest exclusive model offered to their Subscription Service Members.
32101A London Transport (route 38) - AEC RMF Class Routemaster


Sunday 22 May
Photograph of Forthcoming Britbus CIE AEC Regents
David Rowe has kindly provided photographs of the pre-production samples of the CIE AEC Regent III models (AE-06A & AE-06B) announced by Britbus on the 19th May.
David reports that there is an error on the near side front bulkhead, the area below the front window is cream on the sample models, on the production models this area will be correctly painted dark blue.


Saturday 21 May
More OOC Release Dates Announced & Two More London 2012 Models
The latest Corgi trade bulletin advises that two further OOC models are due for releases in the first half of June.

Week Commencing 30th May

OM41707 OK Motor Services - Leyland RTW Double Deck Bus (only 240 to be released due to production problems)

Week Commencing 6th June

OM43915A Birmingham City Transport (Destination: Bolton Road) - Daimler CW Utility (490 pieces)
OM43915B Birmingham City Transport (Destination: City Suffolk Street) - Daimler CW Utility (510 pieces)

Corgi have also released a new catalogue detailing the latest range of models to tie in with next year's London 2012 Olympics. It includes two bus models earmarked for release in September. The first is a modern Alexander Dennis Enviro400 like vehicle while the second is a Routemaster, both come in a predominately red livery with Team GB & Paralympics GB logos on either side and are around 75mm in length.
Update: Given the length of the models quoted in the catalogue these will clearly be smaller than 1/76th scale.

TY62402 Classic Routemaster Bus


TY62409 Modern Double Deck Bus

You can view an online version of the Corgi London 2012 Model Catalogue.


Saturday 21 May
Next Scheduled EFE Releases
The following models are due to be released during the week ending the 28 May.
12309 Black & White Motorways - Harrington Grenadier Coach
31908 London Transport (route 74) - AEC RML Class Routemaster
32305 Royal Blue (Western National) - Bristol RELH ECW Coach
36004 Silver Star Services - Leyland RTL Bus
Release Information kindly supplied by

Friday 20 May
CMNL Press Release: UKBUS6033
ukbus 6033 Alexander Dennis Enviro400H Hybrid
Transdev London United

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the fourth release of the newly retooled casting, Alexander Dennis Enviro400H Hybrid, the revolutionary modern double-decker in the United Kingdom. This is ukbus 6033 wearing outstanding London Hybrid Bus “Green Leaves” livery.

ukbus 6033 represents fleet number ADH2 (SN58 EOS) in service on route 482 heading to Heathrow Terminal 5.
The Alexander Dennis Enviro400H Hybrid double decker has taken the market by storm with its excellent reliability and fuel consumption savings of greater than 30%. The hybrid drive system also delivers improved emissions including reduced Particulate Matter and Oxides of Nitrogen.

London United is one of the London bus operators to use Enviro400H vehicles. The bus is subject to a number of trials and used to promote this type of vehicle across the UK by Alexander Dennis.

The 17 ADL hybrid vehicles in their first year of service have saved over 150 Tonnes of CO2.

London United had two vehicles in service in October 2010 the identification numbers for which are ADH1 and ADH2. A further 20 vehicles, to be delivered in 2011, will number ADH3 to ADH22.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro400H Hybrid ukbus 6033 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. The livery promotes the green credentials of this type of bus by means of the large leaves on each side.

Another main feature on the ukbus 6033 model is its dual individual tree protectors at the front. The front dome on the model is significant, with its curved windscreens on both upper and lower deck. The re-tooled ukbus 6033 model replicates all new items at the engine room correctly.

Creative Master Northcord is creating new design standards in the layout of the interior of both saloons. These features inside the compartments represent the really outstanding layout of the Enviro400H Hybrid in new specifications, such as, re-located destination blind at the rear, newly designed ventilation grille above the lower-deck window at the back, and extensive portrayal of handrails on upper and lower deck, etc. 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 ukbus 6033 model is limited to 888 pieces worldwide.

Thursday 19 May
Two New Britbus Models Announced
Britbus have released details and illustrations of the following pair of models. These models and the Dennis Loline (DL10) in Scarlet Band livery are all provisionally earmarked for release later this month.

AE-06A CIE (Fleet No: AR295 / Registration: IY 5397 / Destination: Drogheda) - AEC Regent III


AE-06B CIE (Fleet No: AR301 / Registration: IY 8656 / Destination: 29 St Annes Estate) - AEC Regent III

Wednesday 18 May
Latest EFE Newsletter & Release Sheet
The latest subscriber's newsletter arrived from EFE today and contains details & an order form for the latest subscriber model 32101A. The model in question is the front entrance London Transport Routemaster RMF1254, this example shows the preserved vehicle on the route 38 during the final day of Routemaster operation in 2005. The model is a limited edition of 500 models and is being exclusively offered to EFE Subscribers for £25.00.
Details of how to join EFE Subscription Service can be found on the www.exclusivefirsteditions.com web site.

The newsletter also contains a Tooling Update regarding several of the forthcoming new models.
The patterns are finalised for the single deck Routemaster and the mould tooling is under construction. The patterns for the multi windowed bus version of the Alexander Y type are complete, as are the patterns for the Bristol RE coach version of the Y type. The parts for the last model to be cast prior to the mould tooling changes 22517 Northern General, and now completed and the moulds can now be released for modification. The patterns for the Bristol VR1 are due for completion this month and once Frank Joyce has given these the once over the mould tooling can start.

The Maidstone & District Centenary Set is mentioned and EFE confirm they produced 150 of these for Mr Julian Bowden. These are priced £33.00 inc P&P, to enquire about availability please contact the set's commissioner on 07932 812268.

The Routemaster Association have commissioned an EFE model to mark the 50th Anniversary of the RML. The model 31907 features RML 884 registered WLT884 on route 104 to Moorgate, Finsbury Square. It's expected to be released by the Association around June/July. Further details will be included in the next EFE newsletter.

The Northern General Alexander Y Type Coach 25517 is the only new model mentioned in this newsletter.
Release Sheet Issue 4 2011 Scan  Subscriber's London Transport RMF1254 Scan
Click Here for PDF Version (4.2mb)

Tuesday 17 May
Four Releases From Base Toys
The last pair of cargo loads and two further lorry models have now been released by Britbus.

DA10 BRS-Bouts-Tillotson - Foden 8 Wheel Flatbed Lorry with Small Wooden Crates Load


DA11 S. Marshall - Leyland 4 Wheel Flatbed Lorry with Paving Slabs on Pallets Load


L07 Medium Packing Cases (6 pieces)


L08 Paving Slabs on Pallets (6 pieces)

Monday 16 May
Sutton United FC Code 3 DMS
I've now been sent some hi-res photographs of the Sutton United FC London Transport DMS model.
These show the final production version of the commissioned code 3 model which has been re-worked exclusively for the club by LBRT.

Further details of how to obtain one of these limited edition models, only 100 are being produced, can be found in my news item posted on Thursday 12th May.


Click the thumbnails to view the full size photographs

Friday 13 May
Confirmed EFE Model Releases
The following models have now been released by EFE and should be available from all the normal outlets.
16533 Sunderland District - MCW bodied Leyland Atlantean
27902 The Big Bus Company - Open Top Single Door Daimler Fleetline DMS
31203 J.A. Smith of Maddiston - ERF KV 4 Axle Flatbed Lorry
34105 London Country NBC (route 403) - AEC Regent RT Bus

Thursday 12 May
Latest Atlas Editions Release
Atlas Editions are in the process of posting out the latest model in the Great British Buses Collection.
GBB12 Midland Red - BMMO CM5T Motorway Coach


Thursday 12 May
Sutton United FC Code 3 DMS
I've received the following information from Bruce Elliott, the Chairman of Sutton United Football Club.

'Following the success of a number of model buses produced for the club in the past,and after receiving numerous enquires following our promotion, we have commissioned in association with our sponsors A Plant, a further model in the series.
Photos of the EFE Code 3 DMS Fleetline are below.


This will be a very limited edition and delivery is expected by the end of this month. They will be boxed and come with a numbered certificate.

Cost will be £35 each. If you require your model to be posted please add an additional £3 for postage and packing. Cheques payable to Sutton United FC please.
To order or to obtain further details please email chairman@suttonunited.net as soon as possible'

The model has been produced exclusively for the Club by Code 3 model specialist Nigel Mitchell at LBRT. I hope to be able to post some higher resolution model photographs in the next few days.

Saturday 7 May
Commissioned Model HKBUS0002
The Hong Kong Transport Society have commissioned CMNL to produce a model version of the Citybus Alexander bodied Leyland Olympian 186 that carried a special livery to mark the society's 20th Anniversary. The model is a limited edition of 1000 pieces and depicts the bus on route 88R with "Central" destinations.

The model has already been released in Hong Kong and can be purchased from various retailers there such as 80M or Jotus.

Saturday 7 May
TTC Diecast Become Major Showbus Sponsor
PRESS RELEASE

TTCDIECAST presents SHOWBUS international 2011

Having already agreed to part sponsor this year's SHOWBUS at Duxford on September 18th, TTCDIECAST has taken the opportunity to become the event's major sponsor through TTCDIECAST's involvement with the exciting new model of the rear engined FRM Routemaster developed by Jotus in Hong Kong. A special SHOWBUS edition of the FRM will be available at the rally, TTCDIECAST will also be showcasing their new release program for future commissions and brand new projects for 2011/12.
Rally Organiser Martin Isles was delighted with the new arrangements. "We are very pleased to be involved with a progressive company like TTCDIECAST. The deal will give us the opportunity to maintain Showbus' position as the premiere bus display in the world."

In addition to the special features already announced for 2011 in the shape of the new Showcase mini trade show and tributes to sixty years of the RF and fifty years of the Alexander Y-type and London RML, a new feature planned is Enviromania. A line up Enviro models in a variety of liveries, including the market leading hybrid Enviro400H model.

Another feature making a comeback will be the shuttle bus linking the Duxford site with Whittlesford Station, making a quicker link than that using the Stagecoach citi 7 service from Cambridge, though that will still be available.

Full details of the connecting services, the Showcase and vehicle display, including downloadable and on line entry forms for vehicles and stalls, are - or will shortly be - available at showbus.com, paper entry forms will not be available until July this year.

Friday 6 May
CMNL Press Release UKBUS5026
ukbus 5026 Mercedes-Benz Citaro EURO5
Arriva / MK Metro Ltd

Following the great success of the launch model of the brand new Mercedes-Benz Citaro EURO5 casting, Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of the single door version, ukbus 5026, carrying special Arriva / MK Metro “Platinum” route branding colour.
ukbus 5026 represents fleet number 3929 (BG59 FCZ).

“Platinum” Service 300 is the result of co-operation between Arriva, Milton Keynes Council and Milton Keynes Partnership to provide a high quality east-west bus link across Milton Keynes via the Railway Station and City Centre.

The first phase, eastwards from the Railway Station, commenced on 19th April, 2009, using rented Alexander Dennis Enviro200 vehicles. It runs through the City Centre and via the new residential developments of Brooklands and Broughton Gate to the Kingston Centre retail area and Magna Park employment zone. The introduction of the western section to serve further new development is anticipated by mid 2012.

Mercedes-Benz Citaro 3929 (BG59 FCZ) is one of five new vehicles, 3925-9, introduced by Arriva subsidiary MK Metro Ltd from 5th January, 2010, with engines to Enhanced Environmentally friendly (EEV) standard, air conditioning, free wireless internet and seats for 37 (plus 30 standing and 1 wheelchair space) with a spacious 2 + 1 layout towards the front.

The Mercedes-Benz Citaro EURO5 ukbus 5026 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. The model has an extensive portrayal of handrails. The headlight / indicator units at the front and indicator / tail light units at the rear are made of individual, translucent components to look more realistic.
The brand new single door Mercedes-Benz Citaro Euro 5 bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), TransitGraphics (Australia), cnmycar.com (P. R. China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The ukbus 5026 model is limited to 804 pieces worldwide.


Tuesday 3 May
Scheduled Early May Releases
The following four models are earmarked for release during the week ending the 14th May.
16533 Sunderland District - MCW bodied Leyland Atlantean
27902 The Big Bus Company - Open Top Single Door Daimler Fleetline DMS
31203 J.A. Smith of Maddiston - ERF KV 4 Axle Flatbed Lorry
34105 London Country NBC (route 403) - AEC Regent RT Bus
Release Information kindly supplied by

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