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News Release - 2nd September 2011

ukbus 1049 Alexander Dennis ALX400-bodied Trident
Stagecoach Manchester – Magic Bus

CMNL is proud to release another brand new livery on its well-known casting – the Alexander Dennis ALX400-bodied Trident. This is ukbus 1049 carrying Magic Bus livery.

This model features Stagecoach Manchester 17647 (W647 RND) in Magic Bus livery.

“LOW FARES” and “GREAT VALUE” were the slogans of the Magic Bus services operated by Stagecoach. ukbus 1049 is the second Magic Bus model produced by CMNL. The first one is hkbus 2006, a 11-metre tri-axle Leyland Olympian / Alexander R-type coach model, produced in November 2005.

Having operated in service with Stagecoach Manchester for many years, 17647 was repainted to Magic Bus colours in early 2010 representing the Magic Bus service entering into a new achievement by using all low-floor buses in the city.

The replica features excellent detailing, inside and out. This is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. The model has no unnecessary metal poles to hold it together.

The brand new ukbus 1049 model is based on a Limited Edition of 804 pieces produced. They 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.

CMNL UK Release Update - 30th August 2011

It is traditional for CMNL to update its release schedule by the end of August each year.

However, CMNL is still experiencing the shortage of skilled workers in the factories where the pre-production samples and full production runs are made and is unable to make much information available to its dealers and collectors at this time.

New model announcement - ukbus 8021

ukbus 8021 will be an Enviro200 in the fleet of Go-Ahead London.

It will represent vehicle SE53 (YX60 EOL) bound for Victoria on route 170.

This will be the first CMNL Enviro200 to feature the revised styling that features the mini-bumpers, inset within the front corner panels.

It also meets the requirements of Go-Ahead London to have its livery with grey skirt panels replicated on the CMNL Enviro200 casting.

THIS MODEL REPLACES PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED GO-AHEAD LONDON MODELS ukbus 8016 and ukbus 0034 even though the latter complied with the livery requirement of Go-Ahead London.

As yet no production slot has been obtained for this new model and no firm date can be given for its shipping to distributors.

Model production completed - ukbus 1049

ukbus1049, the ALX400 in Stagecoach Manchester Magic Bus livery has completed its production run and has been shipped from the factory.

As is the normal CMNL practice, a fully detailed News Release will be issued shortly.

Next model on the assembly line - ukbus 0037

ukbus 0037, the 2011 Lathalmond Model commissioned by Susan Cameron, is the next model to enter production. CMNL anticipates that production should conclude in mid-September.

Further announcements will be made by Susan Cameron who can also be contacted about this model as follows : by email at Lathalmondmodel@aol.com  or  by  sending  a  stamped, addressed envelope to  Susan Cameron at 8,  Allander  Drive,  TORRANCE, Glasgow, G64  4LG.

News Release - 1st March 2011

ukbus 6030 Alexander Dennis Enviro400
Stagecoach in Devon

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of Alexander Dennis Enviro400 ukbus 6030. It is carrying Stagecoach South West’s Exeter Park & Ride livery.

ukbus 6030 represents fleet number 19570 (WA59 FWS) that was new in December 2009.

Stagecoach South West’s Exeter Park & Ride fleet was introduced in December 2009. It was the result of a year long project with Devon County Council and a joint investment of £2.5 million in new vehicles. There are 3 liveries in the fleet: RED, BLUE and GREEN, representing the Park & Ride sites of Honiton Road, Sowton and Matford located around Exeter’s perimeter. The liveries reflect the natural elements of earth, sea and landscape, highlighting what makes living in Devon so special.

Since their original launch in 1987 the Park & Ride sites have grown to not only provide an important greener travel option for car users but also as a vital commuter link for workers situated on the outskirts of the city and now carry in excess of 1.5 million passengers a year.

The model shows the RED livery for the Honiton Road Park & Ride site. Creative Master Northcord ukbus 1024 Alexander ALX400-bodied Dennis Trident model (S802 BWC) carries Stagecoach in Devon Park & Ride livery. Both replicas are representing the significant success of the service in past decades.

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 ukbus 6030 model is limited to 828 pieces worldwide.

 

News Release - 6th January 2011

ukbus 8018 Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart
Hedingham & District Omnibuses

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart ukbus 8018, utilising the 10.7m long wheelbase model with gasket windows to represent the distinctive modern single-decker in the United Kingdom, that carries Hedingham and District standard red and cream livery.

ukbus 8018 represents Hedingham & District Omnibuses fleet number L370  (EU58 JCJ).

Hedingham and District commenced operations on 4th June 1910, with a fleet of eight buses, two Crossley double-deckers and six single-deckers of Bedford and AEC manufacture. Over the past 50 years, the fleet has grown to just over 100 vehicles, mostly of Volvo and Dennis manufacture.

Further contrast with 50 years ago is provided by the vehicles themselves. Instead of second-hand acquisition, Hedingham & District Omnibuses fleet additions are predominantly new and predominantly for local bus services. Hedingham & District Omnibuses has acquired brand new Alexander Dennis Enviro200Darts and Enviro 400s in the last couple of years.

CMNL ukbus 6016 Enviro 400 is carrying the standard red and cream Hedingham & District Omnibuses colour. Together with this ukbus 8018, the twin models are representing the current fleet face of the operator.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart ukbus 8018 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.

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 ukbus 8018 model is limited to 804 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 6th January 2011

ukbus 9005 Scania OmniCity
Reading Buses

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of ukbus 9005, the Polish-built double-deck single-door Scania OmniCity and the distinctive, modern double-decker in the United Kingdom.

The fifth livery to be carried on the brand new model is Reading Buses, in its Premier Route 17 branding colour.

ukbus 9005 represents fleet number 1106 (YN08 MKX), working on route 17 bound for Tilehurst.

In June 2008 municipally-owned Reading Transport Ltd took delivery of a batch of fourteen Scania OmniCity double-deckers. Carrying fleet numbers 1101 to 1114, these buses comprised the first batch of double-decker buses in the world designed and built to use bio-ethanol E95 fuel. After eighteen months of successful operation, it became clear that, whilst technically satisfactory, the experiment showed that the use bio-ethanol road fuel in place of the normal bio-diesel was uneconomic in British operating conditions. All the buses were therefore rebuilt to standard bio-diesel operation during the spring of 2010 and continue to operate on Premier Route 17 in Reading.

1106 models the look of these vehicles during 2009 after a year in service and while still powered by bio-ethanol. It carries Reading Transport’s characteristic route-branding for the busiest service in the town, Premier Route 17 between Wokingham Road and Tilehurst via central Reading and Oxford Road and faithfully reproduces the real bus in miniature – including correctly coloured destination screens.

The Polish-built OmniCity double-decker ukbus 9005 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. Another main feature on the ukbus 9005 model is its twin tree protectors at the front. The front dome on the model is significant, with its curved windscreen, and the large windscreen on the lower deck is a single-piece unit without any centre dividing strip.

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 OmniCity, such as an additional window at the back, above the rearmost double seats, the additional ventilation equipment on the upper deck ceiling above the straight staircase, and the extensive portrayal of handrails on the upper and lower deck, etc. The headlights and turning signal lights at the front are made of individual components to look more realistic.

The brand new OmniCity bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Transit Graphics (Australia), Porte Publishing Company (Japan) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The ukbus 9005 model is limited to 888 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 31st December 2010
CMNL UK Release Update

Part One: Models that have had the pre-production samples produced and authorised for final production by the operator

1. ukbus 1000 range : The Alexander
ALX400/Dennis Trident
ukbus 1049 : Magic Bus (17647 – W647 RND) - February 2011

2. ukbus 3000 range : The Plaxton Dennis Dart MPD
ukbus 3032 : Stagecoach Ribble (702 – W702 BFV) - March 2011
ukbus 3033 : Thamesdown Transport (102 – KE53 VDY) – March 2011

3. ukbus 5000 range : The Mercedes-Benz/Citaro
ukbus 5026 : Arriva The Shires  (3929 – BG59 FCZ) - April 2011

4. ukbus 6000 range : The Alexander Dennis Enviro 400
ukbus 6030 : Stagecoach in Devon (Park & Ride) (19570 – WA59 FWS) - January 2011
ukbus 6033 : ADL E400H Transdev London United (ADH2 – SN58 EOS) – March 2011

5. ukbus 8000 range : The Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart
ukbus 8017 : Arriva Southern Counties  (4055 – GN09 AXH)  – February 2011
ukbus 8018 : Hedingham (L370 – EU58 JCJ) – January 2011

Part Two: Planned models that are awaiting pre-production samples to be made and / or final operator authorization

1. ukbus 0000 range : Commissioned Models
No new releases, for sale through the CMNL dealer network, are planned for the current period.

2. ukbus 1000 range : The Alexander
ALX400/Dennis Trident
ukbus 1051 : Stagecoach North East Coastliner 68 (18147 – PX04 DOA)
ukbus 1053 : Ensignbus (103 – V479 KJN)
ukbus 0035 : Ulsterbus (2309 - IEZ 4309)

3. ukbus 2000 range : The Plaxton President/Dennis Trident
ukbus 2018 : Edinburgh Tour (515 – V515 ESC)
ukbus 2019 : the Greenbus (101 – PO51 WNF)

4. ukbus 3000 range : The Plaxton Dennis Dart MPD
No releases are outstanding for the current period

5. ukbus 4000 range : The Alexander Royale/Volvo Olympian
ukbus 4014 : First in Glasgow (30107 – K174 EUX)

6. ukbus 5000 range : The Mercedes-Benz/Citaro
ukbus 5024 : Go-Northern (5281 – NK07 KPR)
ukbus 5027 : Wilts & Dorset – reds (157 – HF55 JZE)

7. ukbus 5100 range : The Mercedes-Benz/Citaro G
ukbus 5113 : Bournemouth University (4001 – BX02 YYZ)
ukbus 5114 : Brighton & Hove (101 – BX02 YZH)

8. ukbus 6000 range : The Alexander Dennis Enviro 400
ukbus 6034 : Stagecoach in Oxford E400H (12002 – OU10 GGE)
ukbus 6035 : Stagecoach in Manchester E400H (12040 – MX60 BVG)

9. ukbus 7000 range : The Scania OmniCity
ukbus 7014 : Newport Transport (43 – YN54 AOC)

10. ukbus 8000 range : The Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart
ukbus 0034 : Docklands Buses (SE46 – LX10 AVD)
ukbus 8019 : Stagecoach in Manchester (36107 – MX59 JCY)

11. ukbus 9000 range : The Scania OmniCity Double-Decker
ukbus 9006 : Transdev London  (SP164 – YP59 OEZ)
ukbus 9007 : Brighton & Hove (725 – YP09 HWM)

12. hkbus 2000 range : The Alexander RX-type/Leyland Olympian
No releases are outstanding for the current period

13. ukplus range of associated street furniture

ukplus 1005 – Southampton bus stop set

14. ukvan range
ukvan 1007 : Lucketts (BF59 NHL)
ukvan 1008 : Rygor Commercials (WU59 KXM)

15. Irish models
No new releases are planned for the current period

Please note that the release dates quoted above are anticipated completion dates, not necessarily when the models will be on sale at your retailer. Some detail may change during the production process.

News Release - 15th December 2010

aubus 1003 MAN NL232 CB62A Gas Bus
Adelaide Metro Bus

Creative Master Northcord Limited in cooperation with TransitGraphics Pty Ltd (Australia) is proud to announce the release of the third Australian modern day casting of the Adelaide Metro MAN NL232 model, aubus 1003. It is carrying the everyday white, yellow, red and blue Adelaide Metro bus livery.

Adelaide Metro is the branding used by all public transport services in the South Australian capital city of Adelaide. As part of the rail and tram system an extensive network of 244 bus routes operate using 882 modern rigid and articulated buses. Every working day around 175,000 passengers ride the Adelaide Metro transport network.

To reduce the effects of carbon dioxide produced by vehicle emissions Adelaide Metro has introduced over 214 buses running on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). These MAN NL232 buses are used extensively on bus routes throughout Adelaide in their brightly painted yellow, red, blue and white livery.

All buses are fitted with climate control air-conditioning and have an ultra low floor for easy access by passengers with prams and wheelchairs.

The model replicates the ever popular body style and shape produced by Australian Bus Manufacturing (ABM) with small miniature details including grab rails and seating.

The replica model is 100% correct, just like the real vehicles with their bright livery, stickers, badges and logos. Fleet number 1765 represents this bus running on the busy route 145 between the Adelaide City and Glen Osmond for the contracted operator of Torrens Transit.

aubus 1003 features excellent detailing, inside and out. The model shows the correct portrayal of the ceiling handrails and ceiling to floor handpoles. It is also fitted with a Coach Air roof mounted air-conditioning pod.

The aubus 1003 model is limited to 956 pieces for worldwide distribution. They will be distributed by Transit Graphics (Australia), John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), cnmycar.com (P.R. China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (Hong Kong) respectively.

News Release - 10th December 2010

ukbus 0027 Alexander Dennis Enviro400
Aintree Coachline

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of Alexander Dennis Enviro400 ukbus 0027. It is carrying Aintree Coachline  livery.

ukbus 0027 represents the company’s only Alexander Dennis Enviro400 double-deck bus (SN58 CDK) that was new in September 2008, when it visited Showbus, carrying 25th Anniversary lettering.

Aintree Coachline is based at Liverpool and has a fleet of 46 vehicles, of which 17 are single-deck bus, 3 coaches and 26 double-deckers.

ukbus 0027 is carrying the livery of cherry red and cream colours, together with red / silver swoops.

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) exclusively, limited to 300 pieces.

News Release - 10th December 2010

ukbus 7012 Scania OmniCity
Arriva Durham City

Having been silent for several months, Creative Master Northcord Limited is now releasing the thirteenth release of its popular Scania OmniCity model tooling. It is ukbus 7012 carrying Arriva’s corporate livery with “49” route branding.

ukbus 7012 represents fleet number 4647 (NK05 GXA).

Fourteen 40-seat Scania OmniCity CN94UB buses were taken into stock by Arriva Durham County in July 2005. Some originally carried route branding for the prestigious X1 “Three Rivers Express” service from Newcastle – Durham – Middlesbrough, while others remained unbranded for local services radiating from Durham.

Fleet number 4647 (NK05 GXA) is numerically the second member of the batch and, whilst originally unbranded, it received route branding for the frequent route 49 Durham – Brandon – Durham service. Route 49 operates at up to every 10 minutes daytime, with a PVR of 4 low-floor buses.

The Scania OmniCity ukbus 7012 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 ukbus 7000 series, exemplified on ukbus 7012, 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), Transit Graphics (Australia), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), cnmycar.com (P. R. of China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The ukbus 7012 model is limited to 888 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 12th November 2010

cnbus 3003 Sunwin SWB6120V4LE / Volvo B7RLE
Shanghai Ba-Shi Erqi, Shanghai Expo Route 2

The greatest ever World Expo event has now closed its doors. This was the Shanghai World Expo 2010. There were 73.08 million visitors from all over the world who took a visit to this great event in the past six months, with Saturday 16th October recording a single-day figure of 1 032 800 visitors.

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the similar success of its cnbus 3002 model with Expo 2010 brandings and is now proud to make the official announcement of a third Sunwin SWB6120V4LE / Volvo B7RLE model.

This is cnbus 3003, a replica Shanghai Expo 2010 route 2, in service between Shanghai South Railway Station and Gate 8 at Shanghai Expo Pudong-side, in the fleet of Shanghai Ba-Shi Erqi Public Transport Company Ltd (
巴士二汽).

cnbus 3003 represents fleet number S2M-004B (
BD6403).

The livery is the standard one for the Shanghai Ba-Shi Group on which many Expo 2010 decorations have been applied.

These include:

1. Front, side and rear destinations with special Expo wording
2. “Haibao”, the mascot for Shanghai Expo, on the rear engine access door
3. On both sides, the wordings “Expo Bus
世博專綫” applied
4. The Expo 2010 emblem applied to the outside of the front and rear destination glass in addition to the bodysides. The emblem, depicting the image of three people - you, me and him/her holding hands together - symbolises the big family of mankind and is inspired by the shape of the Chinese character "
" (meaning the world).

Together with the previous cnbus 3002, both models are the significant memory of Shanghai Expo 2010 to all collectors.

cnbus 3003 exemplifies all features on the new casting of a Volvo B7RLE with Sunwin body from the real bus. The cnbus 3000 range carries forward the family resemblance of the original cnbus 1000 range onto this new, low-floor range.

cnbus 3003 features excellent detailing, inside and out. This is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and application of the livery on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible on the white / green paint. The model has no unnecessary metal poles to hold it together.

The cnbus 3003 model is limited to 636 pieces for worldwide distribution. They will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), Transit Graphics (Australia), cnmycar.com (P.R. China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively.

News Release - 28th October 2010

ukbus 1050 Alexander Dennis ALX400-bodied Trident
Stagecoach in
Hull

CMNL is proud to release another brand new livery on its well-known casting – the Alexander Dennis ALX400-bodied Trident. This is ukbus 1050 carrying the special “110 Years of Service in Hull” livery.

This model features Stagecoach in Hull 18434 (YN06 LML).

2009 was to see the 110th Anniversary of the former Kingston upon Hull Corporation Transport Department and to celebrate this, Stagecoach in Hull has painted two of its Dennis Tridents in Anniversary liveries.

18434 is one of a batch of 11 Alexander Dennis-bodied Tridents (18425 – 18435) which entered service in April 2006. This vehicle has been repainted into the “1972” livery which was introduced to replace the famous 1930’s “Streamline” livery which was first introduced on the motorbus fleet in 1935. At the same time, the company name had a slight change by losing the “Corporation Transport” and becoming “City Transport”.

18434 left the paintshop on the 5th July 2009, the 110th birthday of the birth of Hull City Tramways along with sister bus 18435 which has also been painted in the “Streamline” livery. Both buses can be seen around the city, the liveries being retained for three years.

18434 also carries the name “Melvin Bentley” on the front in memory of a long serving driver who passed away very suddenly at the time of the anniversary.

Both 18434 and 18435 are being modelled by Creative Master Northcord Ltd with model number ukbus 1050 (18434) and ukbus 1048 (18435).

The replica features excellent detailing, inside and out. This is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. The model has no unnecessary metal poles to hold it together.

The brand new ukbus 1050 model is based on a Limited Edition of 840 pieces produced. They 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.

News Release - 21st October 2010

cnbus 3002 Sunwin SWB6120V4LE / Volvo B7RLE
Shanghai Ba-Shi Wuqi, Shanghai Expo Route 1

There is no doubt that the really big success story in China in 2010 is the Shanghai World Expo 2010. With only 10 days until it closes its doors, the target of 70 million visitors looks to be reached with the total standing at over 67 million today.

Now, Creative Master Northcord Limited is proud to make the official announcement of its second Sunwin SWB6120V4LE / Volvo B7RLE model. This is cnbus 3002, a replica Shanghai Expo 2010 route 1, in service between Shanghai Railway Station and Gate 6 at Shanghai Expo Pudong-side, in the fleet of Shanghai Ba-Shi Wuqi Public Transport Company Ltd
(巴士五汽).

cnbus 3002 represents fleet number S2M-830E (
B‧D5256).

The livery is that of the Shanghai Ba-Shi Group on which many Expo 2010 decorations have been applied.

These include :
Front, side and rear destinations with special Expo wording
“Haibao”, the mascot for Shanghai Expo, on the rear engine access door
On both sides, the wordings “Expo Bus
世博專綫 applied.
The Expo 2010 emblem applied to the outside of the front and rear destination glass in addition to the bodysides.
The emblem, depicting the image of three people - you, me and him/her holding hands together - symbolises the big family of mankind and is inspired by the shape of the Chinese character "
" (meaning the world).

cnbus 3002 exemplifies all features on the new casting of a Volvo B7RLE with Sunwin body from the real bus. The cnbus 3000 range carries forward the family resemblance of the original cnbus 1000 range onto this new, low-floor range.

cnbus 3002 captures the latest development from the well-known Shanghai Sunwin / Volvo B7R. The face of the Sunwin SWB6120V4LE retains the updated look with a subtle re-design because of the super low floor interior.

The most recognisable change from cnbus 1000 is in the sleek look of the side windows with their deeper glazing that brings the bottom of the window line very close to the top of the wheelarches. This allows the few passengers who are fortunate to be seated within the low-floor area and the many passengers who are standing in crush-loading conditions an unrivalled view through the side windows.

The glazing is applied from the outside on the cnbus 3000 range, in line with recent CMNL developments.

The brand new cnbus 3002 model also features correctly replicated handrails and the two LCD monitors. The driver’s area has lost the manual gearstick that has been a feature throughout the cnbus 1000 range because the B7RLE chassis has an automatic gearbox. Also within the driver’s area is a centrally mounted, internal, rear-view mirror below the destination box.

cnbus 3002 features excellent detailing, inside and out. This is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and application of the livery on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible on the white / green paint. The model has no unnecessary metal poles to hold it together.

The cnbus 3002 model is limited to 636 pieces for worldwide distribution. They will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), Transit Graphics (Australia), cnmycar.com (P.R. China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively.

News Release - 8th October 2010
 
cnbus 2002 Shanghai Sunwin Bus SWB6110
Shanghai Ba-Shi Tourist Transit Co., Ltd.

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 2002 that carries Shanghai Ba-Shi Tourist Transit standard livery in allover galaxy green colour, with grey skirt.

Shanghai Ba-Shi Tourist Transit Company Limited is one of the biggest operators in Shanghai offering coach services. It has a comprehensive fleet of different type of coaches. The galaxy green colour seems a trade mark in its premier fleet in the territory of Shanghai.

This coach does not carry a fleet number. The fleetname is carried on the sides in large, green characters which distinguishes, as another trade mark, the coach fleet from the service bus fleet.  Above the side fleet names the manufacturer’s name is carried in blue on black that reads
申沃客车.

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).

Shanghai Sunwin Bus is one of the major sponsors of Shanghai Expo 2010.

The model features a high level of detailing as befits this scale for CMNL.

Because CMNL does not set the pricing of its models in the countries where they are sold, retailers and collectors will be informed of the pricing structure through their usual distributor. In Hong Kong the brand new Sunwin SWB6110 models will retail for 440HKD.

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 2002 model is limited to 384 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 1st September 2010
CMNL UK Release Update

Danny Chan writes:

“Below you will find the latest news from CMNL. CMNL is making a change to the way information is being presented. Part One includes all models that have had the pre-production samples produced and authorised by the operators. Expected production dates are given for these models. Part Two includes all other planned models that are awaiting pre-production samples to be made and / or final operator authorisation. Expected production dates will NOT be given for these models. CMNL hopes to be able to give an update in November on any new information that is available.”

CMNL
UK Release Update

Part One : Models that have had the pre-production samples produced and authorised for final production by the operator

1. ukbus 1000 range : The Alexander ALX400/Dennis Trident
ukbus 1050 : Stagecoach in Hull (18434 – YN06 LML) – September  2010

2. ukbus 3000 range : The Plaxton Dennis Dart MPD
ukbus 3033 : Thamesdown Transport (102 – KE53 VDY) – December 2010

3. ukbus 7000 range : The Scania OmniCity
ukbus 7012 : Arriva Durham County (4647 – NK05 GXA) – October 2010

4. ukbus 8000 range : The Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart
ukbus 8017 : Arriva Southern Counties  (4055 – GN09 AXH)  – November 2010
ukbus 8018 : Hedingham (L370 – EU58 JCJ) – October 2010

5. ukbus 9000 range : The Scania OmniCity Double-Decker
ukbus 9005 : Reading Buses (1128 – HE58 KCE) – October 2010

Part Two : Planned models that are awaiting pre-production samples to be made and / or final operator authorisation

1. ukbus 0000 range : Commissioned Models
No new releases, for sale through the CMNL dealer network, are planned for the current period.

2. ukbus 1000 range : The Alexander
ALX400/Dennis Trident
ukbus 1049 : Magic Bus (17647 – W647 RND)
ukbus 1051 : Stagecoach North East Coastliner 68 (18147 – PX04 DOA)

3. ukbus 2000 range : The Plaxton President/Dennis Trident
ukbus 2018 : Edinburgh Tour (515 – V515 ESC)

4. ukbus 3000 range : The Plaxton Dennis Dart MPD
ukbus 3032 : Stagecoach Ribble (702 – W702 BFV)

5. ukbus 4000 range : The Alexander Royale/Volvo Olympian
ukbus 4014 : First in Glasgow (30107 – K174 EUX)

6. ukbus 5000 range : The Mercedes-Benz/Citaro
ukbus 5024 : Go-Northern (5281 – NK07 KPR)
ukbus 5026 : Arriva The Shires  (3929 – BG59 FCZ)

7. ukbus 5100 range : The Mercedes-Benz/Citaro G
ukbus 5113 : Bournemouth University (4001 – BX02 YYZ)

8. ukbus 6000 range : The Alexander Dennis Enviro 400
ukbus 6030 : Stagecoach in Devon (Park & Ride) (19570 – WA59 FWS)

9. ukbus 7000 range : The Scania OmniCity
No releases are outstanding for the current period

10. ukbus 8000 range : The Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart
ukbus 0034 : Docklands Buses (SE46 – LX10 AVD)
ukbus 8019 : Stagecoach in Manchester (36107 – MX59 JCY)

11. ukbus 9000 range : The Scania OmniCity Double-Decker
ukbus 9006 : Transdev London  (SP164 – YP59 OEZ)
ukbus 9007 : Brighton & Hove (725 – YP09 HWM)

12. hkbus 2000 range : The Alexander RX-type/Leyland Olympian
No releases are outstanding for the current period

13. ukplus range of associated street furniture
ukplus 1005 – Southampton bus stop set

14. ukvan range
ukvan 1008 : Rygor Commercials (WU59 KXM)

15. Irish models
No new releases are planned for the current period

Please note that the release dates quoted above are anticipated completion dates, not necessarily when the models will be on sale at your retailer. Some detail may change during the production process.

News Release - 10th August 2010

ukbus 6031 Alexander Dennis Enviro400H Hybrid
London General

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the third release of the newly retooled casting, Alexander Dennis Enviro400H Hybrid, the revolutionary modern double-decker in the United Kingdom. This is ukbus 6031 wearing outstanding London Hybrid Bus “Green Leaves” livery.

ukbus 6031 represents fleet number EH5 (LX08 DDO) in service on route 24 heading to Pimlico.

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 General 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.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro400H Hybrid ukbus 6031 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 6031 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 6031 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 6031 model is limited to 888 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 26th July 2010

New Casting
cnbus 3001 Sunwin SWB6120V4LE / Volvo B7RLE
Sunwin Demonstration livery

Having made the significant success of its previous cnbus ranges, Creative Master Northcord Limited has proudly released its third Sunwin-bodied cnbus casting.

This is cnbus 3001, a Volvo B7RLE with Sunwin body that carries forward the family resemblance of the original cnbus 1000 range onto this new, low-floor chassis.

The livery is that of the Ba-Shi Group on which many Expo 2010 decorations have been applied. These include front, side and rear destinations and the mascot for Expo 2010 on nearside and on rear as well as, on the offside, the “Better City – Better Life” slogan that has been at the heart of Shanghai’s redevelopment leading up to May 1st 2010.

The Volvo B7RLE chassis, which is the basis for the Sunwin SWB6120V4LE, features the Volvo D7E290-EC01 7.1 litre engine rated at 290bhp coupled to a ZF 6HP automatic gearbox. The bus measures 11880mm in length, 2500mm width and varies in height depending on a/c pod that is fitted. These different a/c pods make its height 3150, 3230 or 3300mm. The bus has a 6300mm wheelbase.

Although some components originate from Volvo’s European facilities, much of the content is now sourced within the PRC. Of the 1500 buses that were ordered in June 2009 for delivery to Ba-Shi Group before the start of Shanghai Expo 2010 on 1st May 2010, over half were to be B7R or B7RLE chassis.

cnbus 3001 captures the latest development from the well-known Shanghai Sunwin / Volvo B7R. The face of the Sunwin SWB6120V4LE retains the updated look represented on some cnbus 1000 models from cnbus 1010 onwards, but with a subtle re-design that brings the lower windscreen edge closer to ground level, because of the super low floor interior, along with shallower front panels.

The face of the SWB6120V4LE / Volvo B7RLE retains the newer style of driving lights and driver rear-view mirrors. The high-mounted door-step illumination and reversing indicator within the mirror arm on the nearside of the bus is included.

The most recognisable change from cnbus 1000 is in the sleek look of the side windows with their deeper glazing that brings the bottom of the window line very close to the top of the wheelarches. This allows the few passengers who are fortunate to be seated within the low-floor area and the many passengers who are standing in crush-loading conditions an unrivalled view through the side windows.

The glazing is applied from the outside on the cnbus 3000 range, in line with recent CMNL developments.

The rear dome, with very shallow rear window, and deeper engine access door are further notable modifications to the original cnbus 1000 range casting. The engine access door opens to reveal the different engine and components when compared to the original cnbus 1000 range. Although not included on cnbus 3001, there is a high-level brake light repeater situated in the rear dome below the window on the 2009 and 2010 deliveries.

CMNL is making further modifications onto the new tooling. cnbus 3001 has a brand new seating plan. There is a row of single seats on the offside together with doubles on the nearside within the totally flat main passenger area forward of the centre doors. Behind the driver’s position, the electrics cupboard and the control box for the passenger information systems (route information and real-time video broadcast) are located on the offside front wheelbox.

The brand new cnbus3001 model also features correctly replicated handrails and the two LCD monitors. The driver’s area has lost the manual gearstick that has been a feature throughout the cnbus 1000 range because the B7RLE chassis has an automatic gearbox. Also within the driver’s area is a centrally mounted, internal, rear-view mirror below the destination box.

cnbus 3001 features excellent detailing, inside and out. This is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and application of the livery on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible on the white / green paint. The model has no unnecessary metal poles to hold it together.

The cnbus 3001 model is limited to 1200 pieces for worldwide distribution. They will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), Transit Graphics (Australia), cnmycar.com (P.R. China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively.

News Release - 22nd July 2010

ukbus 0034 Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart
Go-Ahead
London, Docklands Buses

The Go-Ahead London Enviro200 model (based on SE46 – LX10 AVD as seen in the associated photograph) will be released as ukbus 0034 in line with CMNL company protocol for identifying models that do not comply with the original design such as this 10.2 metre Enviro200 bus that is being modelled using the existing 10.7m length casting.

The model was previously announced as “Blue Triangle” and was to the correct length for the real bus but, following operator requests, the Go-Ahead London subsidiary Docklands Buses was the preferred choice. However, as the correct length model was not available, CMNL is making use of the existing tooling for the revised model.

The previously published model reference numbers for the two London models have been transposed so that First London Enviro200 is ukbus 8015 and the former reference number ukbus 8016 will not be used for the time being, although it may be revived at a later date.

Press Release - 9th July 2010

Creative Master Northcord Limited has confirmed that the model numbers of the following releases have been interchanged:
ukbus 8015 : Docklands Buses (SE46 – LX10 AVD) will now be released as ukbus 8016
ukbus 8016 : First London (DMS 44414 – YX09 FLP) will now be released as ukbus 8015

News Release - 8th July 2010

ukbus 8015 Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart
First
London

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of ukbus 8015, Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart, the seventh London-liveried replica on the new casting of this distinctive modern single-decker in the United Kingdom.

ukbus 8015 represents fleet number DMS 44414 (YX09 FLP), running on service E10 bound for Ealing Broadway.

Since 2008 First London has received a number of batches of dual door 10.2m long Alexander Dennis 200s and these were joined in 2009 by 8.9m long single door versions for routes with limited clearance. DMS 44414 is one of twenty delivered to Greenford depot for routes E5 and E10. This batch, along with 10.2m versions and Enviro400s delivered at the same time, were the first London buses to have driver’s seat belts.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart ukbus 8015 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 engine room door at the back can be opened and there is a replica of the environmental-friendly engine inside it.

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 ukbus 8015 model is limited to 804 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 8th July 2010

cnbus 1018 Sunwin / Volvo B7R SWB6120V4
Shanghai Ba-Shi Erqi Public Transport Company Limited

Having made the significant success of its cnbus 1017 replica, Creative Master Northcord Limited has proudly released its fourth Sunwin / Volvo B7R model of a bus working on route 49 in Shanghai Puxi Area, cnbus 1018. It is carrying the brand new standard white / green Shanghai Ba-Shi Public Transportation (Group) Company Limited livery with black headlight cluster surrounds. The model is also contained within the new generic box for cnbus family models.

cnbus 1018 represents fleet number SWK 228 and it is featured running on
空調49 (air-con route 49). The font used for the fleet number differs from the previously issued cnbus 1017 (SWK-226) and the new model carries the black headlight surrounds to differentiate further with cnbus 1017.

It is with regret that, due to inattention by the factory staff, this model was produced carrying the registration
B‧46479 that belongs to SWK-226 (cnbus 1017). Fortunately, CMNL has been able to intercept the shipment before reaching its distributors and a replacement registration for SWK-228 (registration B‧46647) has been attached to the bottom of the plastic box, as a sticker, for collectors to apply to restore the authenticity for which CMNL is known.

cnbus 1018 features the new face of the well known Shanghai Sunwin / Volvo B7R. It has new front lights and front dome representing the latest unique style of these Chinese-built bus bodies on the European-design Volvo chassis. The model also replicates the new style of driver rear-view mirrors that are less expensive to repair and to replace, instead of the “rabbit ear” style previously replicated. The new style of mirror arm also includes the high-mounted door-step illumination and reversing indicator within the mirror arm on the nearside of the bus. The rear dome and deeper engine access door are further notable modifications to the original cnbus 1000 range casting.

CMNL is making further modification onto the tooling. cnbus 1018 has a brand new seating plan. There is a row of single seats on the offside together with a backward-facing single seat on the front wheel arch behind the driver’s position. Furthermore, cnbus 1018 is the first model to feature the man driver figure who is sitting on the driving seat. The driver figure is modeled wearing the new uniform that was introduced from the beginning of May 2010.

cnbus 1018 is the fourth Sunwin / Volvo B7R replica carrying the route 49 since 2003. These models are telling a brief history of the development of the public transport in the City of Shanghai within the same period.

cnbus 1002 was carrying white and pink colours representing, at that time, the ownership of the company, Shanghai Shen Xin Bus Company, which was a Sino-Singapore joint venture company that commenced operation in March 1998.

Soon after, with the acquisition by Shanghai Dazhong Group Company, cnbus 1008 was produced, carrying the red and metallic blue colour.

In March 2009, the Shanghai Ba-Shi Public Transportation (Group) Company Limited was established. The Company currently operates most public transport bus services in the Puxi Area in Shanghai. The buses are all carrying the standard white and green colours. Shanghai Shen Xin Bus Company was renamed Shanghai Ba-Shi Erqi (No.2) Public Transport Company Limited after becoming a member of the Company. The third route 49 model (cnbus 1017) replicated this change, and featured the lady driver figure.

cnbus 1018 features excellent detailing, inside and out. This is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and application of the standard Shanghai Ba-Shi Public Transportation (Group) Company livery on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible on the white / green paint.

In particular, the model features the brand-new metal badging, on the sides above the wheelarches, of Shanghai Ba-Shi Erqi Public Transport Company Limited and also features the special banner at the top of the front windscreen that advertises the big event of 2010 – the Shanghai Expo 2010.

The side destination blinds are carrying the bilingual wordings ( Chinese / English ) which is unusual on Shanghai buses. Two routes that terminate at Shanghai Stadium carry such bi-lingual destination boards – the other being route 926.

The model has no unnecessary metal poles to hold it together.

The cnbus 1018 model is limited to 456 pieces for worldwide distribution. They will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), Transit Graphics (Australia), cnmycar.com (P.R. China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively.

News Release - 21st June 2010

ukbus 9004, Scania OmniCity
Thames Travel

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of ukbus 9004, the Polish-built double-deck single-door Scania OmniCity and the distinctive, modern double-decker in the United Kingdom.

The fourth livery to be carried on the brand new model is Thames Travel, in its standard livery.

ukbus 9004 represents fleet number 408 (DU08 HGM), working on route X40 bound for Oxford.

Thames Travel is based in Wallingford, Oxfordshire. The company started in 1998 with a fleet of four vehicles and has gone from strength to strength, expanding to its position as the third largest bus operator in Oxfordshire.

Thames Travel currently employs about 75 staff and maintains a fleet of 34 vehicles. Its services cover the geographical area of South Oxfordshire and part of West Berkshire, carrying 1.25 million passengers per year.

408 is one the low floor, easy access vehicles, fitted with the latest CCTV technology, spacious wheelchair and buggy area, in the fleet of Thames Travel.

The ukbus 9000 series is seeing a new design feature for the first time on a CMNL ukbus series double deck model - namely the side windows are all fitted from the outside. This method gives a smoother finish to the model’s sides that can assist in the application of tampo printing and waterslide decals.

The roof of ukbus 9000 models features many of the add-on vents or aerial cover.

The Polish-built OmniCity double-decker ukbus 9004 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. Another main feature on the ukbus 9004 model is its twin tree protectors at the front. The front dome on the model is significant, with its curved windscreen, and the large windscreen on the lower deck is a single-piece unit without any centre dividing strip.

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 OmniCity, such as an additional window at the back, above the rearmost double seats, the additional ventilation equipment on the upper deck ceiling above the straight staircase, and the extensive portrayal of handrails on the upper and lower deck, etc. The headlights and turning signal lights at the front are made of individual components to look more realistic.

The brand new OmniCity bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Transit Graphics (Australia), Porte Publishing Company (Japan) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The ukbus 9004 model is limited to 804 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 7th June 2010

ukbus 4018, Alexander Royale / Volvo Olympian
West Coast Motors

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of Alexander “Royale” / Volvo Olympian ukbus 4018. It is carrying West Coast Motors’ all-red livery.

ukbus 4018 represents N401 GSX that was new to Lothian Buses.

Lothian Buses’ fleet number 401 was a significant bus in the Lothian fleet as it was, numerically, the first “Royale”-bodied Volvo Olympian in that fleet, following on from two previous batches of R-type Volvo Olympians.

After withdrawal by Lothian Buses, their former 401 was repainted into West Coast Motors’ livery at Ferrymill Motors, Torrance.

After completing its inspections, 401 entered service from Dunoon depot which is located on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll, on the west coast of Scotland. From Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, Dunoon is accessible by road and ferry, using the Cal-Mac or Western Ferries service from Gourock, or by the scenic road route via Loch Lomond and the “Rest and Be Thankful”.

ukbus 4018 is featured on route 485 to Blairmore. The intermediate blind carries the place names : Hunter’s Quay, Sandbank and Kilmun.

ukbus 4018 is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the square-mounted gasket windows and livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. Collectors can now make a detailed comparison of all the different lettering on the ukbus 4017 model of P281 PSX and ukbus 4018 model of N401 GSX that set them apart from each other.

Another main feature on the ukbus 4018 models is the extensive handrails on both upper deck and lower deck.  It is one of the significant achievements on this casting. The headlight and indicator units at the front are made of individual components to look more realistic.

The brand new Volvo Olympian Royale bus models in West Coast Motors livery 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 4018 model is limited to 528 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 7th June 2010

cnbus 1017 Sunwin / Volvo B7R SWB6120V4
Shanghai Ba-Shi No.2 Company

Having made the significant success of its cnbus 1016 replica, Creative Master Northcord Limited has proudly released its third Sunwin / Volvo B7R model of a bus working on route 49 in Shanghai Puxi Area, cnbus 1017. It is carrying the brand new standard white / green Shanghai Ba-Shi Public Transportation (Group) Company Limited livery. The model is contained within the new generic box for cnbus family models.

cnbus 1017 represents fleet number SWK 226 (registration
B 46479) and it is featured running on 空調49 (air-con route 49).

cnbus 1017 features the new face of the well known Shanghai Sunwin / Volvo B7R. It has new front lights and front dome representing the latest unique style of these Chinese-built bus bodies on the European-design Volvo chassis. The model also replicates the new style of driver rear-view mirrors that are less expensive to repair and to replace, instead of the “rabbit ear” style previously replicated. The new style of mirror arm also includes the high-mounted door-step illumination and reversing indicator within the mirror arm on the nearside of the bus. The rear dome and deeper engine access door are further notable modifications to the original cnbus 1000 range casting.

CMNL is making further modification onto the tooling. cnbus 1017 has a brand new seating plan. There is a row of single seats on the offside together with a backward-facing single seat on the front wheel arch behind the driver’s position. Furthermore, cnbus 1017 is the first model to feature the lady driver figure who is sitting on the driving seat. The driver figure is modeled wearing the new uniform that was introduced from the beginning of May 2010.

cnbus 1017 is the third Sunwin / Volvo B7R replica carrying the route 49 since 2003. These models are telling a brief history of the development of the public transport in the City of Shanghai within the same period.

cnbus 1002 was carrying white and pink colours representing, at that time, the ownership of the company, Shanghai Shen Xin Bus Company, which was a Sino-Singapore joint venture company that commenced operation in March 1998.

Soon after, with the acquisition by Shanghai Dazhong Group Company, cnbus 1008 was produced, carrying the red and metallic blue colour.

In March 2009, the Shanghai Ba-Shi Public Transportation (Group) Company Limited was established. The Company currently operates most public transport bus services in the Puxi Area in Shanghai. The buses are all carrying the standard white and green colours. Shanghai Shen Xin Bus Company was renamed Shanghai Ba-Shi No.2 Company after becoming a member of the Company.

cnbus 1017 features excellent detailing, inside and out. This is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and application of the standard Shanghai Ba-Shi Public Transportation (Group) Company livery on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible on the white / green paint.

In particular, the model features the brand-new metal badging, on the sides above the wheelarches, of Shanghai Ba-Shi No.2 Company and also features the special banner at the top of the front windscreen that advertises the big event of 2010 – the Shanghai Expo 2010.

The side destination blinds are carrying the bilingual wordings ( Chinese / English ) which is unusual on Shanghai buses. Two routes that terminate at Shanghai Stadium carry such bi-lingual destination boards – the other being route 926.

The model has no unnecessary metal poles to hold it together.

The cnbus 1017 model is limited to 456 pieces for worldwide distribution. They will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), Transit Graphics (Australia), cnmycar.com (P.R. China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively.

News Release - 27th May 2010

ukbus 6028, Alexander Dennis Enviro400
Arriva Merseyside

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of Alexander Dennis Enviro400 ukbus 6028. It is carrying Arriva’s corporate “inter-urban” livery with “crossriver express” route branding.

ukbus 6028 represents fleet number 4408 (CX58 FZV) that was new in January 2009.

Arriva North West took delivery of these stunning new vehicles in early January 2009 for use on the company’s prestigious Cross River Express Services that operate between an assortment of busy towns on the Wirral Peninsula, through both of the famous Mersey Tunnels beneath the River Mersey, to Liverpool. These vehicles resulted in both the 437 and the 432 / 433 services becoming fully accessible for the first time.

Such has been the success of these vehicles, that the company has outgrown its current timetable due to popular customer demand and will be increasing the level of service on the Cross River Express later in 2010.

Unlike the previous ukbus 6023 Arriva Northumbria, ukbus 6028 is representing the latest Arriva specifications on ADL Enviro400 vehicles. These are including the angled staircase behind the driver’s cab, new driving cab window, and new emergency window at the back.

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 ukbus 6028 model is limited to 900 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 27th May 2010

ukbus 4017, Alexander Royale / Volvo Olympian
West Coast Motors

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of Alexander “Royale” / Volvo Olympian ukbus 4017. It is carrying West Coast Motors’ all-red livery.

ukbus 4017 represents P281 PSX that was new to Lothian Buses.

Although Lothian Buses’ fleet number 281 was not significant numerically, as the first or last member of the class, she did attain “iconic” status in her latter days at Lothian Buses because of the application of a full offside advert for “Scottish Widows”.

After withdrawal by Lothian Buses, their former 281 was converted to single-door format and, unlike the earlier conversion of 430 in the Lothian fleet that has also come into WCM ownership, 281 has a tidier conversion with standard-sized windows on the nearside, lower deck.

Following conversion to single door format, 281 entered service from Dunoon depot in order to provide additional capacity for the world-famous Cowal Gathering at the end of August 2009 and thereafter transferred to Rothesay, on the Isle of Bute that lies within Scotland’s Firth of Clyde.

ukbus 4017 is featured on route 490 to Rothesay Joint Campus, the location for Rothesay Primary School and Rothesay Academy. The intermediate blind features the company name “West Coast Motors”.

ukbus 4017 is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the square-mounted gasket windows and livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. When the ukbus 4018 model of N401 GSX is released, collectors can make a detailed comparison of all different lettering on the two models that set them apart from each other.

Another main feature on the ukbus 4017 model is the extensive handrails on both upper deck and lower deck.  It is one of the significant achievements on this casting. The headlight and indicator units at the front are made of individual components to look more realistic.

The brand new Volvo Olympian Royale 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 4017 model is limited to 528 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 17th May 2010
CMNL UK Release Update

Update on planned releases for Period 1 (January - April) 2010

1. ukbus 3000 range : The Plaxton Dennis Dart MPD
ukbus 3032 : Stagecoach Ribble (702 – W702 BFV) – September 2010

2. ukbus 4000 range : The Alexander Royale/Volvo Olympian
ukbus 4014 : First in Glasgow (30107 – K174 EUX) – July 2010
ukbus 4017 : West Coast Motors (P281 PSX) – May 2010
ukbus 4018 : West Coast Motors (N401 GSX) – May 2010
SPECIAL NOTE : the two items above will be released as individual models, not as part of a twin-pack

3. ukbus 5000 range : The Mercedes-Benz/Citaro
ukbus 5024 : Go-Northern (5281 – NK07 KPR) – July 2010
ukbus 5026 : Arriva The Shires  (3929 – BG59 FCZ) – August 2010

4. ukbus 6000 range : The Alexander Dennis Enviro 400
ukbus 6028 : Arriva Merseyside (4408 – CX58 FZV) - May 2010
ukbus 6031 : London General E400H Hybrid (EH5 – LX58 DDO) - June 2010

5. ukbus 7000 range : The Scania OmniCity
ukbus 7012 : Arriva Durham County (4647 – NK05 GXA) – September 2010

6. ukbus 8000 range : The Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart
ukbus 8015 : Docklands Buses (SE46 – LX10 AVD) -  September 2010
ukbus 8016 : First London (DMS 44414 – YX09 FLP) -  June 2010

7. ukbus 9000 range : The Scania OmniCity Double-Decker
ukbus 9004 : Thames Travel (408 – DU08 HGM) -  June 2010

8. ukplus range of associated street furniture
ukplus 1005 – Southampton bus stop set – September 2010

Future planned releases for Period 2 (May - August) 2010

1. ukbus 0000 range : Commissioned Models
No new releases, for sale through the CMNL dealer network, are planned for the current period.

2. ukbus 1000 range : The Alexander ALX400/Dennis Trident
ukbus 1049 : Magic Bus (17647 – W647 RND) – August 2010
ukbus 1050 : Stagecoach in Hull (18434 – YN06 LML) – July 2010

3. ukbus 2000 range : The Plaxton President/Dennis Trident
ukbus 2018 : Edinburgh Tour (515 – V515 ESC) - August 2010

4. ukbus 3000 range : The Plaxton Dennis Dart MPD
ukbus 3033 : Thamesdown Transport (102 – KE53 VDY) – July 2010

5. ukbus 4000 range : The Alexander Royale/Volvo Olympian
No new releases are planned for the current period

6. ukbus 5000 range : The Mercedes-Benz/Citaro
No new releases are planned for the current period

7. ukbus 5100 range : The Mercedes-Benz/Citaro G
ukbus 5113 : Bournemouth University (4001 – BX02 YYZ) – August 2010

8. ukbus 6000 range : The Alexander Dennis Enviro 400
ukbus 6030 : Stagecoach in Devon (Park & Ride) (19570 – WA59 FWS) - August 2010

9. ukbus 7000 range : The Scania OmniCity
No new releases are planned for the current period

10. ukbus 8000 range : The Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart
ukbus 8017 : Arriva Southern Counties  (4055 – GN09 AXH) -  August 2010
ukbus 8018 : Hedingham (L370 – EU58 JCJ) -  July 2010

11. ukbus 9000 range : The Scania OmniCity Double-Decker
ukbus 9005 : Reading Buses (1128 – HE58 KCE) -  July 2010
ukbus 9006 : Transdev London  (SP164 – YP59 OEZ) -  August 2010

12. hkbus 2000 range : The Alexander RX-type/Leyland Olympian
No new releases are planned for the current period

13. ukplus range of associated street furniture
No new releases are planned for the current period

14. ukvan range
ukvan 1008 : Rygor Commercials (WU59 KXM) – August 2010

15. Irish models
No new releases are planned for the current period

Please note that the release dates quoted above are anticipated completion dates, not necessarily when the models will be on sale at your retailer. Some detail may change during the production process.

News Release - 12th May 2010

JB0001 Mercedes-Benz Citaro G
Keisei Bus

Creative Master Northcord Limited has now proudly released the first Mercedes-Benz Citaro G bendy-bus replica in Japanese bus operation. It is JB0001 Keisei Bus.

Keisei Bus is a big name in Chiba, Japan. Keisei Bus has operated articulated buses in Makuhari New City area since 1998. It is the first Japanese operator to have a fleet of the articulated buses running on the public roads. Keisei Bus was having brand new Volvo B10M bendi-buses with Fuji Heavy Industry bodywork. Keisei Bus acquired 10 brand new Mercedes-Benz Citaro G Euro5 buses to replace the Volvos. All new buses entered into service in February 2010, running in a loop service between Makuhari Hongo Station, Makuhari New City, Kaihin Makuhari Station and Marine Stadium.

The Mercedes-Benz Citaro G JB0001 model’s 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 model is the 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 JB0001 three-door Mercedes-Benz G bus model is limited to 200 pieces for the UK, Australia, P.R. of China and Hong Kong. They will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Transit Graphics (Australia), cnmycar.com (China), and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively.


News Release - 7th May 2010

ukvan 0001 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Panel Van
John Ayrey Diecasts

John Ayrey Die-Casts are pleased to announce the forthcoming release of a 1:76 scale version of their recently delivered Mercedes Sprinter High Roof Van. The model is finished in the authentic John Ayrey Diecasts livery of red & gold on a metallic black base colour, featuring accurate lettering and correct numberplates.

UKVAN0001 is contained within a specially shaped plastic blister tray that has a clear plastic cover to hold the model securely in place. The blister is attached to a well presented card backing sheet incorporating the ‘John Ayrey Diecasts’ logo, the ‘Creative Master Northcord’ logo & standard CMNL packaging colours.. The model can be accessed by peeling the top plastic cover away from the card backing sheet and removing the tray. For the retailer, this new form of expendable packaging has been designed so it can be displayed hung from a wall-mounted display, or it can also be placed in a free-standing position.

Key features of the UKVAN series, include interior detail showing the driver’s instrument binnacle, steering wheel, single driver’s seat and twin passenger seat at the front, and also chassis detail that includes replicated drive-train and exhaust system as well as fuel tank and spare wheel. The windscreen wipers are individually made pieces and therefore the models are not suitable for children under 14 years of age.

The UKVAN0001 model will be available during May, and will be an initial un-certificated run of 1,008 pieces.

News Release - 7th May 2010

ukbus 4015 Alexander Royale-bodied Volvo Olympian
Lothian Buses

Following the significant success in launching the new casting of the Alexander Royale-bodied Volvo Olympian model in the livery of Lothian Buses in 2005, Creative Master Northcord Limited is releasing the fourth livery on this casting relating to Lothian Buses – ukbus 4015 in Lothian Buses’ fully madder and white, with increased white, on route 15A.

ukbus 4015 represents Lothian Buses fleet number 269 (P269 PSX).

Lothian Buses’ 269 was withdrawn on the morning of 29th July 2009 and was the last fully madder and white Royale to operate across the city centre in normal service. The model is being recreated as it was, on that day, when it operated its last normal service journey.

The withdrawal of 269 left 4 Royales in the main fleet : 432 in “Lothian Red” and 272, 278 and 282 with madder and white fronts only as the remaining bodywork was covered in advertising for Scottish Hydro Electric.

The final day for multi-step entrance buses, in normal service, was exactly one month later – on 29th August 2009 when the remaining buses were joined, for a very low-key, final journey to duplicate service 23, by Lothian Buses’ “preserved” Royale 285.

Additionally, 433, in “Boat Bus” livery, still operates the service between Waverley Bridge and South Queensferry where it coordinates with the “Forth Belle” boat for cruises on the River Forth, during 2010.

ukbus 4015 is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the gasket windows and livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. Another main feature on the ukbus 4015 model is its extensive handrails on both upper deck and lower deck.  It is one of the significant achievements on this casting when new. The rectangular headlight and indicator units at the front are made of individual components to look more realistic.

The brand new dual-door Alexander Royale Volvo Olympian double-deck bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Transit Graphics (Australia), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), cnmycar.com (P. R. of China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The ukbus 4015 model is limited to 900 pieces worldwide.


News Release - 6th May 2010

ukbus 6022 Alexander Dennis Enviro400
Stagecoach in Devon

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of Alexander Dennis Enviro400 ukbus 6022, the seventh version of Stagecoach livery on the
 re-tooled casting of this distinctive modern double-decker in the United Kingdom. The replica is carrying the standard Stagecoach livery but with very special route-branding on the bus.

ukbus 6022 represents fleet number 19322 (WA08 NOH).

Stagecoach in Devon 19322 is one of a batch that was delivered to Devon in the summer of 2008 with route-branding livery for the service 2. It is the trunk route (Exeter – Newton Abbot) in partnership with Devon County Council. The service is packaged as “go2” and the bus is decorated with some special and attractive icons of Newton Abbot.

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. The headlights at the front are made of individual components to look more realistic.

CMNL’s Enviro400 model ukbus 6022 has additional features to Stagecoach ‘Provincial’ specification, including redesigned windows at the driving cab, an additional rear-facing seat at the rear of the upper-deck and redesigned rear dome incorporating a representation of the opening emergency window but lacking the indent for additional upper-saloon ventilation equipment found on some other Enviro400s.

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 6022 model is limited to 900 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 6th May 2010

ukbus 6027 Alexander Dennis Enviro400
Western Greyhound

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of Alexander Dennis Enviro400 ukbus 6027, in allover green livery, on the casting of this distinctive modern double-decker in the United Kingdom.

ukbus 6027 represents Cornwall-based Western Greyhound Ltd 402 (WK58 EAC). It is one of two ADL400s purchased by Western Greyhound primarily for the use on the trunk route 510 (Newquay – Exeter). It is a 78-seat low-height version of the ADL400 and one of the first new double-deckers built for this award-winning company. Western Greyhound has expanded fast over its existence since 1998 now operating 100 vehicles the length and breadth of Cornwall.

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. 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 6027 model is limited to 900 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 12th April 2010

ukbus 6029 Alexander Dennis Enviro400H Hybrid
The Demonstrator

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the second release of the newly retooled casting, Alexander Dennis Enviro400H Hybrid, the revolutionary modern double-decker in the United Kingdom. This is ukbus 6029 wearing Alexander Dennis demonstrator livery.

ukbus 6029 carries the registration number  SN59 AWW.

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. This demonstrator vehicle was built to promote the Enviro400Hybrid around the UK when the government launched the Green Bus Fund and was seen at Lothian, Reading and Nottingham amongst others. The demonstrator was also most prominent during Coach and Bus Live 2009, at the NEC in that October, when it was used to give operators, and other interested parties, the opportunity to ride in this bus around the extensive road network at the NEC.

This Enviro400H is fitted with Cummins ISBe Euro V, EEV engine fitted in conjunction with the BAE system Hybridrive equipment. The BAE supplied batteries use Lithium lon technology. BAE systems have supplied more hybrid systems in buses worldwide although predominantly in the USA and the UK to date.

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

The Alexander Dennis Enviro400H Hybrid ukbus 6029 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 either side as well as the British content by means of the large representations of the Union Flag on either side at the rear dome.

Another main feature on the ukbus 6020 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 6029 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 design 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 6029 model is limited to 1008 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 7th April 2010

ukbus 9003 Scania Omnicity
Metrobus

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of ukbus 9003, the Polish-built double-deck single-door Scania OmniCity and the distinctive, modern double-decker in the United Kingdom.

The third livery to be carried on the brand new model is Metrobus, part of the Go-Ahead Group, with standard livery.

ukbus 9003 represents fleet number 953 (YN08 OBP).

YN08 OBP (953) was delivered to Metrobus in July 2008 for use on route 409 (East Grinstead – Croydon) and 411 (Redhill – Chelsham Common). It joined sister vehicle YN08 OBR operating from Crawley depot.

The Metrobus fleet already contained single deck Scania OmniTown and OmniCity vshicles and double deck Scania OmniDekkas and a large number of dual doored Scania OmniCity double decks have subsequently been delivered for the use on Transport for London routes from Croydon depot.

The ukbus 9000 series is seeing a new design feature for the first time on a CMNL ukbus series double deck model - namely the side windows are all fitted from the outside. This method gives a smoother finish to the model’s sides that can assist in the application of tampo printing and waterslide decals.

The roof of ukbus 9000 models features many of the add-on vents or aerial cover.

The Polish-built OmniCity double-decker ukbus 9003 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. Another main feature on the ukbus 9003 model is its single tree protector at the front. The front dome on the model is significant, with its curved windscreen, and the large windscreen on the lower deck is a single-piece unit without any centre dividing strip.

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 OmniCity, such as an additional window at the back, above the rearmost double seats, the additional ventilation equipment on the upper deck ceiling above the straight staircase, and the extensive portrayal of handrails on the upper and lower deck, etc. The headlights and turning signal lights at the front are made of individual components to look more realistic.

The brand new OmniCity bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Transit Graphics (Australia), Porte Publishing Company (Japan) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The ukbus 9003 model is limited to 900 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 7th April 2010

ukbus 2017 Transbus President-bodied Trident
Stagecoach in Hull

There has been a bit of silence of its Plaxton President-bodied Dennis Trident replicas in the past 13 months, but now Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL) has proudly released its latest single door version of this casting. It is ukbus 2017, carrying Stagecoach in Hull colours.

ukbus 2017 represents fleet number 18023 (MX53 FLC).

18023 is one of a batch of 17 Dennis Tridents with Plaxton President bodywork transferred from Stagecoach Manchester during 2008 to the Stagecoach in Hull fleet. Wearing the “Frequento” branding, the bus is showing the Service 43 Greatfield number which is one of Hull’s many “Frequento” routes providing a ten minute frequency throughout the main day. Also above the entrance doors can be seen the logo fitted to all the Hull buses to mark the 110th anniversary of the former Transport Department which took place on the 5th July 2009.

This is the second such “frequento” model produced by CMNL. The first was ALX400 ukbus 0024, a commissioned model produced for Octo Models / Ryanbus.

The Plaxton President ukbus 2017 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.

The brand new Plaxton President ukbus 2017 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 ukbus 2017 model is limited to 900 pieces worldwide.

SVBM Press Release - 13th March 2010

ukbus 0029 Alexander Dennis Enviro400
Stagecoach in Lochaber

Susan Cameron has announced that she has commissioned a model bus which should be available for sale at the open weekend at the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum at Lathalmond, Fife, which this year is being held on Sat/Sun 14/15 August. As has become the norm part of the profits will go to the museum to aid their sterling work in preserving Scottish vehicle heritage.

This year’s the chosen model is based on the Creative Master Northcord Limited Enviro400 casting & the featured vehicle is from the Stagecoach in Lochaber fleet. The model carries “The Fort Link” local route network branding & the destination featured is route 46, Corpach, Drumfada Tce via Caol. The vehicle depicted carries Stagecoach national fleet number 19170 and registration number SV57BFU. There will only be 300 of this model produced & each will come with an individually numbered certificate. The model reference number is UKBUS0029.

Further information regarding availability is available from Lathalmondmodel@aol.com or by sending a stamped addressed envelope to Susan Cameron at
8 Allander DriveTORRANCE, Glasgow G64 4LG

News Release - 23rd February 2010
ukbus 9001 Scania Omnicity
East London

John Ayrey Diecasts has contacted CMNL to raise awareness of problems with some models of ukbus 9001 (Scania OmniCity / East London) which results in some flexing of the internal components during transit.

CMNL wishes to apologise unreservedly to its valued dealers and customers for any disappointment they may feel if they receive any such model that falls short of the usual high standards of detail and presentation. Retail customers and dealers should return any such item in the normally accepted way.

Despite passing all factory testing prior to dispatch, including passing the "Drop Test", this problem was not anticipated and we can assure all current and future customers that our engineering staff are working on creating a satisfactory modification that will prevent such issue in future Scania OmniCity models from ukbus 9003 onwards.

Once again, we apologise for this unfortunate occurrence.

Danny Chan, General Manager, Creative Master Northcord Ltd.

News Release - 1st February 2010

New Casting
ukbus 5025 Mercedes-Benz Citaro EURO5
London General

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 first two door version of the casting with Transport for London specifications, ukbus 5025, carrying all-red London General colour.

ukbus 5025 represents fleet number MEC34 (BD09 ZVZ).

Go-Ahead London General MEC34 entered into service on 25 July 2009, the day these 12m rigid Mercedes-Benz Citaros replaced 18m articulated  Citaros on London route 507 (CMN model ukbus 5103), one of the two former Red Arrow routes. This is one of 49 Mercedes-Benz Citaro 12m rigids ordered for the two routes – the Red Arrow name has been dropped after 43 years.

ukbus 5025 features all Transport for London specifications on board, including the bum perches on each side in the front half and few seats, and seating to the rear of the centre door.

The Mercedes-Benz Citaro EURO5 ukbus 5025 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 5025 model is limited to 1100 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 1st February 2010

Plaxton Mini Pointer-bodied Dennis Dart
ukbus 3031 Cardiff Bus

There has been a bit of silence of its Plaxton Pointer-bodied Dennis Dart  replicas in the past 10 months, but now Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL) has proudly released its latest version of this casting. It is ukbus 3031, carrying Cardiff Bus brand new colours.

ukbus 3031 represents fleet number 193 (CE02 UUM).

Cardiff Bus fleet number 193, a Dennis Dart with Plaxton Mini Pointer body from 2002, is featured wearing the livery applied to all vehicles going through a refurbishment procedure from 2009 onwards. The new livery has revised exterior branding, whilst in the interior of the bus, all moquette has been replaced with bespoke Cardiff Bus upholstery, all internal advertising replaced with Cardiff Bus’ own messages and promotions.

This is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the bonded windows and livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. The model also features excellent detailing, inside and out, including an opening engine door, showing the detailed, environmentally friendly Euro 3 engine. All grab rails feature inside the replica and in their correct positions. The construction method of this replica permits realistic-looking front and rear lights – in particular the front headlamp / indicator assembly whose headlamp is transparent and indicator is translucent.

The brand new Plaxton Mini Pointer-bodied Dennis Dart ukbus 3031 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 ukbus 3031 model is limited to 888 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 1st February 2010

Sunwin / Volvo B7R SWB6120V-3
cnbus 1016
Shanghai Pudong New Area Public Transport Co., Ltd


Having made the significant success of its cnbus 1015 replica, Creative Master Northcord Limited has proudly released its second Sunwin / Volvo B7R model of a bus working in Shanghai Pudong New Area, cnbus 1016. It is carrying the brand new standard white / blue Shanghai Pudong New Area Public Transport Company livery.

cnbus 1016 represents fleet number S2C-153 (registration
A K7095) and it is featured running on 空調隧道三線 (air-con tunnel route 3).

Its route also serves across the heart of Downtown Shanghai and the tourist hot-spot of People’s Square (
人民廣場) where tourists can enjoy the magnificent sights of the varying styles of architecture, can shop in Shanghai No. 1 Department Store (上海市第一百貨公司商店) and can enjoy walking along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路) with its colourful displays of banners and flowers in addition to the famous shops.

cnbus 1016 features the new style of driver rear-view mirror, replacing the “rabbit ear” style, previously replicated on cnbus models. Shanghai Pudong New Area Public Transport Company is retrofitting the newer style of mirrors to many older buses as this replacement style is less expensive to repair and to replace. The new style of mirror arm also includes the high-mounted door-step illumination indicator within the mirror arm on the nearside of the bus. The rear dome and deeper engine access door are further notable modifications to the original cnbus 1000 range casting.

Shanghai Pudong New Area Public Transport Company Ltd was established on 28th December 2008 and is the biggest bus operator in Shanghai Pudong New Area. The Company is owned by the government and it is operating 219 routes in Shanghai, mainly in Pudong New Area.

Bus Enthusiasts, who wish to enjoy the multi-coloured sights of the buses in Shanghai, should hurry to make their visit soon. Under the plan only two liveries will be normal in Shanghai on local service buses in future - the brand new standard white / blue Shanghai Pudong New Area Public Transport Company, and the multi-green and white of Ba-Shi Group.

cnbus 1016 features excellent detailing, inside and out. This is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and application of the standard Shanghai Pudong New Area Public Transport Company livery on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible on the white / blue paint. In particular, the model features the special banner at the top of the front windscreen that advertise the big event of 2010 – the Shanghai Expo 2010. The model has no unnecessary metal poles to hold it together.

The cnbus 1016 model is limited to 336 pieces for worldwide distribution. They will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), Transit Graphics (Australia), cnmycar.com (P.R. China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively.

News Release - 25th January 2010
 
NEW CASTING
ukbus 9002 Scania OmniCity
Bluestar

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of ukbus 9002, the Polish-built double-deck single-door Scania OmniCity and the long awaited new casting of this distinctive, modern double-decker in the United Kingdom.

The first livery to be carried on the brand new model is Bluestar, part of the Go-Ahead Group, with splendid bluestar 1 route branding livery.

ukbus 9002 represents fleet number 1128 (HF58 KCE).

Bluestar runs quality, local bus services in and around Southampton and
South Hampshire. In 2009, over £ 1 million was invested in new Scania OmniCity vehicles for the Bluestar 1 route between Winchester, Chandlers Ford and Southampton. The investment coincided with an intensive and innovative marketing campaign, which led to a 12% increase in customers and the winning of the UK Bus Award prize for Marketing Campaign of the Year in 2009. The striking “star quality” identity and high-spec interior of the vehicles continues to turn heads, create growth and set new standards for local bus travel.

The ukbus 9000 series is seeing a new design feature for the first time on a CMNL ukbus series double deck model - namely the side windows are all fitted from the outside. This method gives a smoother finish to the model’s sides that can assist in the application of tampo printing and waterslide decals.

The roof of ukbus 9002 features many of the add-on vents and aerial cover.

The Polish-built OmniCity double-decker ukbus 9002 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. Another main feature on the ukbus 9002 model is its dual individual tree protectors at the front. The front dome on the model is significant, with its curved windscreen, and the large windscreen on the lower deck is a single-piece unit without any centre dividing strip.

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 OmniCity, such as an additional window at the back, above the rearmost double seats, the additional ventilation equipment on the upper deck ceiling above the straight staircase, and the extensive portrayal of handrails on the upper and lower deck, etc. The headlights and turning signal lights at the front are made of individual components to look more realistic.

The brand new OmniCity bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Transit Graphics (Australia), Porte Publishing Company (Japan) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The ukbus 9002 model is limited to 1100 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 25th January 2010
 
iebus 0005 Alexander Dennis ALX400-bodied Volvo B7TL
Dublin Bus 'Coast & Castle Tour'

Creative Master Northcord Limited is proud to make the official announcement of its fifth iebus model. This is iebus 0005, a replica of ALX400-bodied Volvo B7TL in the fleet of Dublin Bus with Coast & Castle Tour livery.

iebus 0005 represents fleet number AX542 (06 D 30542).

Dublin Bus offers visitors to Ireland’s capital city a range of sightseeing tours, including a “hop on – hop off” city sightseeing tour using open top double deckers (iebus 0002 model), and two Coast & Castle tours, one covering the North Coast and Malahide Castle, the other covering the South Coast & Powerscourt. One of the vehicles used in the Coast & Castle tours is AX542 (06 D 30542), a Volvo B7TL with Alexander ALX400 body built in 2006.

Dublin Bus has been running city tours since 1990 and in 2008 carried over 500,000 passengers on sightseeing tours.

The ALX400 Volvo B7TL replica features excellent detailing inside and out, including an opening rear engine cover.  This is a one-piece casting whose clean lines the livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. Thanks to the retooling of the casting, the ALX400 replica in fully closed-top format is able to allow the Volvo grilles etc to be tampo printed on smooth sides.

The iebus 0005 bus models have another outstanding feature. It has the windscreen curving inwards at the top that is a main feature that Dublin Bus has specified. The windscreen was designed by Transbus to reduce windscreen reflection.

The brand new ALX400-bodied Volvo B7TL iebus 0005 bus 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 iebus 0005 model is limited to 900 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 7th January 2010
CMNL UK Release Update

Update on planned releases for Period 3 (September - December) 2009

1. ukbus 3000 range : The Plaxton Dennis Dart MPD
ukbus 3031 : Cardiff Bus (193 – CE02 UUM) – January  2010

2. ukbus 4000 range : The Alexander Royale/Volvo Olympian
ukbus 4014 : First in Glasgow (30107 – K174 EUX) – April 2010
ukbus 4015 : Lothian Buses (262 – P262 PSX) – February 2010

3. ukbus 5000 range : The Mercedes-Benz/Citaro
ukbus 5024 : Go-Northern (5281 – NK07 KPR) – April 2010
ukbus 5025 : London General (MEC34 – BD09 ZVZ) – January 2010

4. ukbus 7000 range : The Scania OmniCity
ukbus 7012 : Arriva Durham County (4647 – NK05 GXA) – March 2010

Future planned releases for Period 1 (January - April) 2010

1. ukbus 0000 range : Commissioned Models
No new releases, for sale through the CMNL dealer network, are planned for the current period.

2. ukbus 1000 range : The Alexander ALX400/Dennis Trident
No new releases are planned for the current period

3. ukbus 2000 range : The Plaxton President/Dennis Trident
ukbus 2017 : Stagecoach in Hull (18023 – MX53 FLC) - February 2010

4. ukbus 3000 range : The Plaxton Dennis Dart MPD
ukbus 3032 : Stagecoach Ribble (702 – W702 BFV) – May 2010

5. ukbus 4000 range : The Alexander Royale/Volvo Olympian
ukbus 4017 : West Coast Motors (P281 PSX) – March 2010
ukbus 4018 : West Coast Motors (N401 GSX) – May 2010
SPECIAL NOTE : the two items above will be released as individual models, not as part of a twin-pack

6. ukbus 5000 range : The Mercedes-Benz/Citaro
ukbus 5026 : Arriva The Shires  – May 2010

7. ukbus 5100 range : The Mercedes-Benz/Citaro G
No new releases are planned for the current period

8. ukbus 6000 range : The Alexander Dennis Enviro 400
ukbus 6022 : Stagecoach in Devon (19322 – WA08 NOH) - March 2010
ukbus 6027 : Western Greyhound (402 – WK58 EAC) - April 2010
ukbus 6028 : Arriva Merseyside (4408 – CX58 FZV) - April 2010
ukbus 6029 : Alexander Dennis Ltd. Hybrid Demonstrator (SN59 AWW) - March 2010
ukbus 6031 : London General E400H Hybrid (EH5 – LX58 DDO) - May 2010

9. ukbus 7000 range : The Scania OmniCity
No new releases are planned for the current period

10. ukbus 8000 range : The Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart
ukbus 8015 : Blue Triangle (SE32 – SN57 DWY) -  April 2010
ukbus 8016 : First London (DMS 44414 – YX09 FLP) -  May 2010

11. ukbus 9000 range : The Scania OmniCity Double-Decker
ukbus 9002 : Blue Star (1128 – HE58 KCE) -  January 2010
ukbus 9003 : Metrobus (953 – YN08 OBP) -  February 2010
ukbus 9004 : Thames Travel (408 – DU08 HGM) -  March 2010

12. hkbus 2000 range : The Alexander RX-type/Leyland Olympian
No new releases are planned for the current period

13. ukplus range of associated street furniture
ukplus 1005 – Southampton bus stop set – April 2010

14. ukvan range
No new releases are planned for the current period

15. Irish models
iebus 0005 : Dublin Bus – Coastal Tour (AX542 – 06-D-30542) – January 2010

Please note that the release dates quoted above are anticipated completion dates, not necessarily when the models will be on sale at your retailer. Some detail may change during the production process.

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