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News Release - 21st December 2009

ukbus 1048 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 1048 carrying the special “110 Years of Service in Hull” livery.

This model features Stagecoach in Hull 18435 (YN06 LMM).

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.

18435 is one of a batch of 11 Alexander Dennis-bodied Tridents (18425 – 18435) which entered service in April 2006. This vehicle has been repainted in the famous 1930s “Streamline” livery which was first introduced on the motorbus fleet in 1935. The original livery was to feature the white band above the lower saloon windows, but after the Second World War, this was removed, only the white around the “Corporation Transport” fleet name was kept. 18435 left the paintshop on the 5th July 2009, the 110th birthday of the birth of Hull City Tramways, along with the sister bus 18434 which has been painted in the 1972 livery which replaced the Streamlined livery. Both buses can be seen around the city because the livery is being retained for three years.

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 1048 model is based on a Limited Edition of 1000 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 - 16th December 2009

ukbus 4016 Alexander Royale-bodied Leyland Olympian
First West Yorkshire

There having been a relatively long silence in the ukbus 4000 series model range, it is the right time to recall this most successful classic British double-decker in the last two decades. This is the Olympian.

Creative Master Northcord Limited is proud to make the official announcement of ukbus 4016, the Alexander Royale-bodied Volvo Olympian in special, commemorative First livery, complete with its First Group specifications. This is the second livery to feature such a layout on the well known Alexander Royale single door casting.

The model represents fleet number 30843 (T663 VWU), with the special “125 Years of buses in Huddersfield” livery. The model is depicted on service 539 bound for Halifax via Stainland.

30843 – Built in March 1999 and first registered on 19th May, it first entered service in Halifax on 9th June of that year in standard First Group livery as fleet number 5663. Being fitted with a tachograph for private hire work, it was never route branded and operated mainly on the Halifax to Leeds route 508, Halifax to Bradford route 576 and Halifax to Huddersfield route 503.

On 12th January 2003 it was re-numbered as 30843 in First Group’s national numbering scheme. Transferred to Huddersfield Depot in March 2004, it was subsequently painted into the old Huddersfield Corporation bus livery on 7th January 2008 to commemorate 125 years of bus operation in the town. It represented First West Yorkshire at the Showbus rally in September 2008.

First placed a total of 158 Alexander ‘Royale’-bodied Volvo Olympians into service from 1997-1999. These were allocated to Glasgow, Central Scotland, Edinburgh, Manchester and West Yorkshire.

ukbus 4016 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. Another main feature on the ukbus 4016 model is its ‘split-level’ entry / entrance door which is used for the second time on the casting. Again, it has 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 single-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. China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The ukbus 4016 model is limited to 1000 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 15th December 2009

ukplus 1004 Bus Stop Set: Transport for London
St. Pancras International Station

Creative Master Northcord Limited is proud to make the official announcement of its fourth Transport for London bus stop set. This is ukplus 1004 that replicates three bus stops and other items from St. Pancras International Station, London.

The ukplus 1004 set contains the following six items:
1. Bus shelter that features TfL maps and travel information on its inward face, and TfL “Oyster Card” adverts on its outer face.
2. Bus shelter bench seat
3. Off-bus ticketing machine
4. Three bus stops from locations A (St. Pancras International Station – towards Tottenham Court Road), M (St. Pancras International Station – towards Holloway) and G (King’s Cross Station – towards Archway).

The individual items within the ukplus 1004 set have flat bases so that they can be displayed or mounted with ease for those wishing to use them for detailing a model railway layout or other transport diorama.

The ukplus 1004 items are contained within a specially shaped plastic blister tray that has a clear plastic cover to hold the six items securely in place. The blister is attached to a well presented and decorated card backing. The items are 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.

The ukplus 1004 bus stop set replica features excellent detailing on each of the component pieces on which all logos and lettering are cleanly printed. CMNL is officially licensed to reproduce these TfL items.

The brand new ukplus 1004 bus stop sets 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 ukplus 1004 set is not certificated.

News Release - 10th December 2009

ukbus 0030 Alexander ALX400-bodied Volvo B7TL
Translink Metro

Creative Master Northcord Limited is proud to make the official announcement of its first bus model for Belfast, Northern Ireland. This is ukbus 0030, a replica of ALX400-bodied Volvo B7TL in the fleet of Translink Metro.

ukbus 0030 represents fleet number 2882 (EEZ 2882).

In 1973, Citybus was formed to take over the bus services in Belfast that had previously been operated by Belfast Corporation Transport Department. At this time in Northern Ireland rail services were operated by Northern Ireland Railways and Ulsterbus provided rural bus services to schools, villages and towns.

The brand name Translink was introduced in late 1996 to cover the integrated public transport operation of Citybus, Northern Ireland Railways and Ulsterbus. A further change in February 2005 saw Citybus re-launched under the brand name Metro which now operates over 12 key corridors throughout the City of Belfast.

A new livery of magenta, light grey and white, was introduced and is shown to good effect on this model. Fleet number 2882 is a Volvo B7TL with Alexander ALX400 bodywork, built in Scotland. It entered service in October 2005 and is currently based at Metro’s Newtownabbey Depot. A total of 114 of this chassis/body combination currently operates with Metro.

Today Translink is one of the largest companies in Northern Ireland with approximately 4,000 employees and an annual turnover in excess of £168 million. Over 80 million passenger journeys are made on Translink services each year. Approximately 500,000 people ‘Go Metro’ every week.

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. The ALX400 casting in fully closed-top format is now retooled to allow the Volvo grilles etc to be tampo printed on smooth sides.

The brand new ALX400-bodied Volvo B7TL ukbus 0030 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 ukbus 0030  model is limited to 1000 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 30th November 2009

NEW CASTING
ukbus 9001 Scania Omnicity
East London

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of ukbus 9001, the Polish-built double-deck 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 East London, part of the East London Bus Group, with standard Transport for London allover red livery.

ukbus 9001 represents fleet number 15028 (LX58 CFZ).

The bus is based at East London’s West ham Garage and is one of a batch of twenty identical Scania OmniCity buses which entered service in December 2008 on busy route 106 running between Whitechapel and Finsbury Park.

The East London Bus Group, which trades as East London, Selkent and Thameside, operates approximately 1,300 buses from 10 garages throughout South East and East London.

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 9001 features many of the add-on vents and aerial cover. These are including the Transport for London specification and the standard equipment of this double-decker.

The Polish-built OmniCity double-decker ukbus 9001 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 9001 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 9001 model is limited to 1284 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 27th November 2009

iebus 0004 Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart
Bus Eireann

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart iebus 0004, utilising the 10.7m long wheelbase model with gasket windows to represent the distinctive modern single-decker in the United Kingdom and Ireland, that carries Bus Eireann standard livery.

iebus 0004 represents Bus Eireann  fleet number AM103  (09-D-3732), based at Dundalk depot on service 174 heading for Fatima Park.

Bus Eireann was established in 1987 as a subsidiary of Coras lompair Eireann – the state-owned national transport organization of Ireland. The company operates a wide range of services; these include long distance coach services, local services in rural areas, commuter service networks and urban services in cities and towns. The company is also responsible for the management and provision of a nationwide school transport scheme.

Bus Eireann has a fleet of over 1,300 vehicles based at 11 principal depots and employs almost 3.000 people.

The 2008 fleet upgrade programme included four Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart 10.7m single deckers for urban services specified with 38 seats and one wheelchair space. Two are allocated to Dundalk depot for the town service linking the bus station with Fatima Park, a large housing estate named in commemoration of the Marian Shrine at Fatima in Portugal.

iebus 0004 models have certain innovative designs. One of the new features, first seen on Bus Eireann’s Enviro200Dart vehicles and replicated on the model, is the brand new design of the mirrors on both sides and iebus 0004 is currently representing 100% the correct items as the real bus. The nearside mirror is an extended version of the mirror first replicated on ukbus 8014.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart iebus 0004 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 luggage rack on the wheel arch on the near side at the front, 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 iebus 0004 model is limited to 1000 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 18th November 2009

nabus 1001 Alexander Denis Enviro500
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada

Creative Master Northcord Limited is proud to make the official announcement of the launch model of the Alexander Dennis Limited Enviro500 nabus range - the long-awaited, brand new casting of this distinctive, modern, left-hand drive dual door double-decker that is designed specifically for the North American Market.

The launch model is cataloged as “nabus 1001” and the first livery to be carried on the brand new dual door model is Regional Transport Commission of Southern Nevada, based in Nevada, USA. The bus that is represented in this model is RTC fleet number 217 that carries license plate 48714.

The replica model is 100% correct, just like the real vehicle with their unique livery with a prototypical working fold down bike rack and two small miniature bikes, just like in real life.

The nabus 1000 range has been designed using the 40’ Enviro500 as its prototype example and is represented in true HO or 1 : 87 scale that will find favor with modelers of modern image model railroads in HO scale throughout North America and worldwide, as well as for collectors who will appreciate the fine design of this distinctive bus.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro500 lhd nabus 1001 is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the bonded windows and the livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. The replica of this fine bus carries interior detail such as the handpoles in their light blue color, driver rear-view exterior mirrors and windshield wipers. Because of these small parts, CMNL recommends that the collectible models are suitable for adults only (14+ years).

The brand new nabus Enviro500 lhd models will be distributed by Awesome Diecast (USA), 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 nabus 1001 model is limited to 1000 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 17th November 2009

ukbus 6026 Alexander Denis Enviro400
Yellow Buses

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of Alexander Dennis Enviro400 ukbus 6026, the allover yellow livery on the casting of a distinctive modern double-decker in the United Kingdom.

ukbus 6026 represents Bournemouth based Transdev Yellow Buses SK07 DYB. The bus was a former Alexander Dennis’ second Enviro400 demonstrator which is fitted with Voith D854.5 transmission. CMN produced the demonstrator model as ukbus 6010 in November 2007. ukbus 6010 has allover white colour.

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 6026 model is limited to 1000 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 9th November 2009

ukbus 8014 Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart
First Hampshire & Dorset

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart ukbus 8014, utilising the 10.7m long wheelbase model with bonded windows to represent the distinctive modern single-decker in the United Kingdom, that carries First Bus Barbie 3 livery with service 16 route branding.

ukbus 8014 represents First Hampshire & Dorset fleet number 44510  (YX58 HWJ).

The service 16 between Southampton City Centre and Hamble village has seen this new bus operating since March 2009. It was back in October 2005 that specially branded Darts were introduced on the route. As a result, passenger demand grew so much that larger buses were required. An order was placed for four Alexander Dennis Enviro200 single-deckers and the new ‘Connection’ branding was applied to all of them with a picture of ruins in the rear nearside and offside windows to represent Netley Abbey. 44510 (YX58 HWJ) is the last of a batch of four delivered to Portswood depot in Southampton. The other similar buses in the batch are numbered 44507/8/9 (YX58 HWF/G/H).

This service improvement is the result of a partnership between First Hampshire & Dorset limited, Eastleigh Borough Council and Hampshire County Council. The easy access vehicles can carry a maximum of 63 passengers. Branding has been applied over a basic Barbie 3 livery in all cases.

One of the new features, first seen on First Bus’ Enviro200Dart vehicles and replicated on the model, is the brand new design of the mirrors on both sides and ukbus 8014 is currently representing 100% correct items as the real bus.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart ukbus 8014 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 8014 model is limited to 1000 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 2nd November 2009

hkbus 2011 Alexander R-type-bodied Leyland Olympian
Stagecoach Western Buses Ltd

Creative Master Northcord Limited is proud to release hkbus 2011 - yet another time to replicate a non-standard Stagecoach corporate livery on the well-known 11-metre, tri-axle Leyland Olympian / Alexander R-type coach model. It is in double-deck “School Bus” colours.

The model represents Stagecoach Western Buses Ltd 13612 (J938 MHC).

Delivered new to Hong Kong from Alexander Coachbuilders in Falkirk, she entered service in March 1991, in “Big ‘C’” livery, working from the North Division as Citybus’ 173 (EW 9757). 173 would undertake such important duties such as working high profile route 88R from City One Shatin to Central as well as other Resident Services in the New Territories, perhaps to Kingswood Villas on route 901 or 921, or, on the Island, taking the happy families to Ocean Park on route 629 (Admiralty – Ocean Park).

CTB 173 was imported to the UK as part of the second batch of ex-CTB 11m Olympian coaches for the high profile Megabus operation and was allocated UK fleetnumber 13612.  Allocated within Stagecoach South group of companies, mainly to Winchester or Lewes, 13612 was often found undertaking Megabus work from Bournemouth or Brighton on the South Coast to and from London. Originally the rear registration plate was fitted centrally within the rear bumper but, after being fitted with the tow-bar for the Megabus trailers, this was relocated to the nearside of the bumper. In July 2005 13612 took part in the mega-marathon convoy of 12 Megabus coaches that travelled from London to Edinburgh and return for the “Make Poverty History” rally in connection with the G8 meeting in Gleneagles.

After 13612’s retiral from front-line Megabus work, she became one of the two static waiting room / ticket office buses on the Fife side of the River Forth in July 2007 for passengers wishing to sample the “Forth Fast” hovercraft experiment that was undertaken by Stagecoach in association with SESTrans. In time for the autumn school term the same year, 13612 was repainted in yellow School Bus livery and carries the original style of lettering. 13612 was sent to Ardrossan depot for this work. 13612 retains the toilet compartment with which she was fitted for Megabus work and this feature is replicated correctly on the hkbus 2011 model.

Although carrying Stagecoach national fleetnumber 13612, “beachball” logos and Stagecoach Western Buses’ legal lettering, these items are not so obtrusive as to preclude the use of the hkbus 2011 model on a modern image Railway Layout representing any part of the country.

As on the previous successful hkbus 2000 series models produced by CMNL, hkbus 2011 has many innovative designs on the tooling – including all handrails on board and detailed, individual air-vents above the seats. Of note is the improved upper-deck ceiling detail that features the correct colours of the prototype coach.

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

The hkbus 2011 model is limited to 888 pieces worldwide. They will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Concorde Hobby Shop (HK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), Transit Graphics (Australia) and cnmycar.com (P. R. China).

News Release - 15th September 2009

ukbus 8012 Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart
Stagecoach in Cambridge

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart ukbus 8012, the 10.7m long wheelbase version with gasket windows of the casting of this distinctive modern single-decker in the United Kingdom.

The latest livery to be carried on this version of the brand new model is Stagecoach in Cambridge. It has ‘citi’ route branding decoration.

ukbus 8012 represents fleet number 36011 (AE07 KYS) and is shown on route 4 to Cambourne.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart ukbus 8012 is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the square-mounted, gasket windows and the livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible.

Creative Master Northcord is creating new design standards in the layout of the interior in the replica. These features inside the compartment represent the really outstanding layout of the Enviro200Dart, such as the additional seats on the wheel arch on the offside, and extensive portrayal of handrails in the compartment.

The brand new Enviro200Dart bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Transit Graphics (Australia), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), cnmycar.com (P.R. China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The ukbus 8012 model is limited to 828 pieces worldwide.

Detail Update - 14th October 2009

ukbus 4015 Detail Update

Following receipt of requests for information regards this model, CMNL is happy to confirm the details of the bus that provides the prototype are as below :

Fleet number: 269
Registration number: P269 PSX
Route number: 15A
Destination: Eastfield

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 will recreate the last normal service journey of this bus on that date.

The withdrawal of 269 left 4 Royales in the operational 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 was exactly one month later – on 29th August 2009 when these 4 remaining buses were joined for a very low-key, final journey in duplicate service by Lothian Buses’ “preserved” Royale 285.

News Release - 30th September 2009

NEW TOOLING – NEW SCALE
cnbus 2001 Shanghai Sunwin Bus SWB6110
Sunwin Demonstrator

Following the great success of the previous models in the cnbus 1000 range, Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the development of the cnbus 2000 series that will feature the Shanghai Sunwin Bus SWB6110 coach in 1/43 scale. This is the first time that Creative Master Northcord Ltd has developed a bus or coach replica in such a scale.

The launch model, cnbus 2001, carries demonstration colours in red and silver for Shanghai Sunwin Bus.

The debut public appearance of the Sunwin SWB6110 was at Busworld Asia 2009 that was held in Shanghai in April 2009 and CMNL is proud to be able to launch the model version within the same calendar year as the first appearance of the full-size coach.

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 new scale for CMNL models.

At the front, the SWB6110 coach features a distinctive swept-back windscreen with its windscreen wipers parked at the bottom edge of the screen. At the top of the screen is a blacked area of the glass, which covers the first part of the roof structure, just below which is a translucent anti-glare sun strip.

The front panel incorporates the large, winged Sunwin badge that incorporates the updated “S” logo in its centre. The main lighting clusters contain driving lights, sidelights and indicators that are set into a black background and behind a glazed panel. The foglights are placed separately to, and in a recessed panel below, the main driving lights.

The registration plate carries the legend 上海申沃 (that translates as “Shanghai Sunwin”, in English).

The driver’s exterior mirrors protrude from the front of the coach to give the driver a good view of the sides of the coach and of other road users. The model features the intricate and slim lattice-work style of mirror arms to an accurate scale.

The silver paintwork on the sides of the model is offset by the bright red flashes on all of which the lettering 申沃客车 and SUNWIN is printed in white towards the rear, and only 申沃客车 in blue on the black paintwork below the first window on each side.

The model’s sides feature the repeater indicator lights, near the front and rear, and also the marker lights that are incorporated above the recessed handles for opening the side lockers. The Sunwin “S” logo again features – this time as the centre to each of the four hubs.

At the rear, the large light cluster is represented in translucent plastic with additional detail represented with tampo printing. Below the rear window the Sunwin “S” logo is carried above the large high-level brake light repeater. The registration plate, set into the engine access door, carries the legend 上海申沃. To the left of the registration plate is the SWB6110 badge and, to the right, is badging that reads 申沃客车above the word SUNWIN.

Similarly to the front, the rear window curves and extends over the metal at the rear section of the roof. On the roof a full air-conditioning unit is carried, with two additional extractor units, one at the front and one to the rear.

The seats are individually made and placed into the saloon floor rather than being made in a single unit. This allows better detailing of the seats. The main seat colour is blue, with a white contrasting colour in the manner of an antimacassar for each seat. The armrest is picked out in black whilst the seat sides are the same grey colour as the “cage” around the driver’s seat.

On the underside of the very detailed overhead racks the lights, air-con vents and switches are clearly shown. In the centre of the ceiling, the air-con unit and extractor units are shown in detail.

The driver’s cab area reveals the detailed instrument binnacle, complete with switches, steering wheel with indicator and wiper stalks and the gear stick for the manual gearbox. Above the driver’s head is the interior rear-view mirror that is angled correctly to allow the driver a view through the coach interior.

Just inside the entrance door is the crew seat that is shown with the seat cushion and armrest folded up so as not to obstruct passengers’ entry or exit. Alongside the crew seat is a fire extinguisher that is picked out in red with a black handle.

Although the model does not feature an opening engine access door, the engine and drive-train detail is shown on the model from underneath. The exhaust box and pipe are picked out in silver. At the front axle, the brake pipes are clearly shown in very fine detail. The spare wheel is located below the front platform.

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 438HKD.

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 2001 model is limited to 888 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 29th September 2009

RENUMBERING
ukbus 0030 Alexander Dennis ALX400-bodied Volvo B7TL
Translink Metro

The Translink Metro model will be released as ukbus 0030 in line with CMNL company protocol for identifying models that do not comply with the original design such as this Volvo bus that is being modelled using the Trident length casting.

Even though the ALX400 casting in fully closed-top format is being retooled to allow the Volvo grilles etc to be tampo printed on smooth sides, rather than on top of the existing Trident features that are usually cast into the metal, there are too many differences in dimensions between Volvo and Trident. This retooling is being undertaken in the same way as the Open Top ALX400 for Dublin Bus, iebus 0002.

The previously published model reference for the Translink Metro Alexander Dennis ALX400-bodied Volvo B7TL (ukbus 1047) has been voided and will not be issued in the future.

News Release - 25th September 2009

NEW CASTING
ukbus 1045 Alexander ALX400-bodied Dennis Trident Open-Topper
Stagecoach in Cumbria

Creative Master Northcord Limited is proud to make the official announcement of its second ALX400 open top model. This is ukbus 1045, a replica of an open-top ALX400-bodied Dennis Trident in the fleet of Stagecoach in Cumbria.

ukbus 1045 represents fleet number 17016 (S816 BWC).

Stagecoach North West started operating its latest Lake District open-topper service in April 2009 utilising some low-floor, easy access Dennis Tridents that were previously in the main bus fleet.

17016 was new to Stagecoach East London as its TA 16 in January 1999 and was amongst the earliest transfers to provincial companies from this first batch of low-floor Tridents after only 4 years of service in London.

Arriving in the north-west in the early summer of 2003 for conversion at the Lillyhall workshops of Stagecoach subsidiary Cumberland Motor Services, these buses received a “seamless” conversion to single door. The rebuild was impressive as these buses retained the smooth look of the bonded glass throughout the full side.

The ALX400 open-top 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.

The interior plastic blister has been redesigned to ensure the secure positioning of the model on the plinth by following the shape of the Stagecoach in Cumbria open-top model that is based on the full 3-bay Lothian Buses-style conversion.

The brand new ALX400-bodied Trident Open Top ukbus 1045 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 ukbus 1045  model is limited to 1000 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 18th September 2009

ukbus 6025 Alexander Dennis Enviro400
Arriva London

Following the great success of the launch models of the Alexander Dennis Enviro400 in two different overall lengths, Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of ukbus 6025, the eighth dual-door, short-wheelbase Alexander Dennis Enviro400 model for a London operator, on this occasion in Arriva London’s standard Transport for London livery.

ukbus 6025 represents fleet number T64 (LY08 CXU).

Arriva London T64 (LY08 CXU) is one of 18 Euro-4 specification Alexander Dennis Tridents with Enviro400 bodywork allocated to South Croydon garage. Primarily for the busy 466 service which operates every 10 minutes from Caterham-on-the-Hill via Croydon to Addington Village. The vehicles can also been seen on a variety of other routes alongside DAF/VDL DB250 chassis with ALX400 and Wright Gemini bodies.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro400 ukbus 6025 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. Another main feature on the ukbus 6025 model is its dual individual tree protectors at the front. The front dome on the model is also significant, with its curved windscreen on the upper deck.

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 Enviro400, such as the newly designed emergency window at the upper deck at the back, an additional seat behind the driving cab, additional ventilation equipment on the upper deck ceiling, and extensive portrayal of handrails on the upper and lower deck, etc. The headlights at the front are made of individual components to look more realistic.

The brand new Enviro400 ukbus 6025 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 6025 model is limited to 1000 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 7th September 2009

ieplus 1001 Bus Stop set : O’Connell Street, Dublin
Dublin Bus

Creative Master Northcord Limited is proud to make the official announcement of its first Dublin, Republic of Ireland bus stop set. This is ieplus 1001 that replicates three bus stops and other items from O’Connell Street, Dublin.

The ieplus 1001 set contains the following five items :
 - Bus shelter that features Dublin Bus maps and travel information on its inward face, and Dublin Airport “Weekend Special” adverts on the side panel.
 - Bus shelter bench seat
 - Three bus stops from locations OR, OB and ON.

The individual items within the ieplus 1001 set have flat bases so that they can be displayed or mounted with ease for those wishing to use them for detailing a model railway layout or other transport diorama.

The ieplus 1001 bus stop set has a simple blister packaging.

The ieplus 1001 items are contained within a specially shaped plastic blister tray that has a clear plastic cover to hold the five items securely in place. The blister is attached to a well presented and decorated card backing. The items are 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.

The ieplus 1001 bus stop set replica features excellent detailing on each of the component pieces on which all logos and lettering are cleanly printed.

The brand new ieplus 1001 bus stop sets 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 ieplus 1001 set is not certificated.

News Release - 4th September 2009

NEWLY RETOOLED CASTING
ukbus 6020 Alexander Dennis Enviro400 Hybrid
Metroline

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of ukbus 6020, Alexander Dennis Enviro400 Hybrid, the long awaited newly retooled casting of a revolutionary modern double-decker in the United Kingdom.

The first livery to be carried on the brand new model is Metroline with outstanding London Hybrid Bus “Green Leaves” livery.

ukbus 6020 represents fleet number TEH 915 (SN08 AAO) in service on route 16 heading to Victoria.

Metroline is part of the Singapore based ComfortDelgro group and operates around 1200 buses in North, North West, West and Central London employing nearly 4000 staff.

TEH 915 was delivered to the company in late 2008 and was the launch vehicle for the Hybrid version of Alexander Dennis’s Enviro400 model. The vehicle joined four similar vehicles delivered to Metroline earlier in the year. Being the first of the type it was subject to a number of trials and used to promote this type of vehicle across the UK by Alexander Dennis.

All five vehicles operate from Cricklewood Garage and are normally used on Route 16 between Cricklewood and Victoria.

The Enviro400 Hybrid bus has a completely new content in the engine room. They include BAE Systems’ HybridDrive hybrid driveline and a Cummins ISBe4 4-cylinder turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine. The re-tooled ukbus 6020 model replicates them all in the engine room correctly.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro400 Hybrid ukbus 6020 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. 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.

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 Enviro400 Hybrid in new specifications, such as, re-located destination blind at the rear, newly design ventilation grill 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 6020 model is limited to 1368 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 3rd September 2009
CMNL UK Release Update

Update on planned releases for Period 2 (May - August) 2009

1. ukbus 1000 range : The Alexander ALX400/Dennis Trident
ukbus 1045 : Stagecoach in Cumbria (17012 – S812 BWC) - September  2009

2. ukbus 4000 range : The Alexander Royale/Volvo Olympian
ukbus 4014 : First in Glasgow (30107 – K174 EUX) - November  2009
ukbus 4015 : Lothian Buses (262 – P262 PSX) - December  2009

3. ukbus 6000 range : The Alexander Dennis Enviro 400
ukbus 6020 : ADL Hybrid bus / Metroline – September  2009
ukbus 6025 : Arriva London (T64 – LJ08 CXU) – October  2009

4. ukbus 8000 range : The Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart
ukbus 8012 : Stagecoach in Cambridge – Citi (36011 – AE07 KYS) – September  2009

Future planned releases for Period 3 (September - December) 2009

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 1047 : Metro Citybus (2882 – EEZ 2882) – November  2009
ukbus 1048 : Stagecoach in Hull (18435 – YN06 LMM) – December 2009

3. ukbus 2000 range : The Plaxton President/Dennis Trident
No new releases are planned for the current period

4. ukbus 3000 range : The Plaxton Dennis Dart MPD
ukbus 3031 : Cardiff Bus (193 – CE02 UUM) – December 2009

5. ukbus 4000 range : The Alexander Royale/Volvo Olympian
ukbus 4016 : First West Yorkshire (30843 – T663 VWU) – December 2009

6. ukbus 5000 range : The Mercedes-Benz/Citaro
ukbus 5024 : Go-Northern (5281 – NK07 KPR) – November 2009
ukbus 5025 : London General (MEC34 – BD09 ZVZ) – December 2009

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 6026 : Yellow Buses (SK07 DYB) – November 2009

9. ukbus 7000 range : The Scania OmniCity
ukbus 7012 : Arriva Durham County (4647 – NK05 GXA) – October 2009

10. ukbus 8000 range : The Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart
ukbus 8014 : First Hampshire & Dorset (44510 – YX58 HWJ) -  October 2009

11. ukbus 9000 range : The Scania OmniCity Double-Decker
ukbus 9001 : East London Bus (15028 – LX58 CFZ) – October 2009

12. hkbus 2000 range : The Alexander RX-type/Leyland Olympian
hkbus 2011 – Stagecoach Western (13612 – J938 MHC) – October  2009

13. ukplus range of associated street furniture
ukplus 1004 – London bus stop set – King’s Cross – November 2009

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

15. Irish models
ieplus 1001 : Dublin bus stop set - August  2009
iebus 0004 : Bus Eireann Enviro200Dart (AM103 – 09-D-3732) – November 2009

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 - 11th August 2009

Mitsubishi Fuso Aerostar Eco-Hybrid
JB1014 Meitetsu Bus

Creative Master Northcord Limited has proudly released another brand new non-ukbus series replica. It is JB1014, a Mitsubishi Fuso Aerostar Eco-Hybrid Non-Step model carrying Meitetsu Bus colours.

Meitetsu Bus operates a large fleet of vehicles in Nagoya, the biggest city of Aichi Prefecture. The latest state of art vehicles in the fleet are these environmentally friendly diesel-electric hybrid buses with the electric batteries on the roof. JB1014 features such a vehicle with an additional tank and brand new wheels and rubber tyres.

JB1014 features excellent detailing, inside and out, including an opening engine door and engine detail, JB1014 is based on a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible respectively. The model has no ugly metal poles to hold it together.

The JB1014 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 (P. R. China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively.

News Release - 10th August 2009

New Tooling
aubus 1002 Volvo B12BLE / Custom Coaches CB60
 Sydney Buses

Creative Master Northcord Limited in cooperation with TransitGraphics Pty Ltd (Australia) is proud to announce the release of the long awaited second Australian modern day casting of the Sydney Buses Volvo B12BLE model, aubus 1002. It is carrying the everyday blue and white Sydney Buses livery.

Sydney Buses is the government bus operator in the Sydney metropolitan area. A fleet of over 1,800 buses carry over 600,000 passengers to their destinations operates daily.

As part of Sydney Buses fleet upgrade new Volvo B12BLE rigid and articulated buses have been introduced with environmentally friendly Euro 4 engines, air-conditioning and ultra low floors to speed up boarding and access for the disabled.

The buses have been bodied by Custom Coaches in their Smithfield (Sydney) factory using their well proven CB60 body work.

The route 438 operates from the busy City terminus of Circular Quay to Abbotsford along Parramatta Road passing many great locations such as the Sydney University, Leichhardt’s famous cafe and restaurant strip and the harbour view suburbs of Five Dock and Wareemba.

The model replicates the ever popular body style and shape produced by Custom with small miniature interior details including Sydney Buses ticketing system “Green Machine” validator, back of drivers panel advertising panels and much more, just like in real life.

The replica model is 100% correct, just like the real vehicles with their bright blue and white livery, stickers, badges and logos. Fleet number 4805 represents this bus running on the busy route 438 between the Abbotsford and Circular Quay terminus in the cities CBD.

aubus 1002 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 Thermo King roof mounted air-conditioning pod.

The aubus 1002 model is limited to 1800 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 (HK) respectively.

News Release - 22nd July 2009

ukbus 1044 Alexander Dennis ALX400-bodied Trident
Stagecoach South

CMNL is proud to release another brand new livery on its well-known casting – the Alexander Dennis ALX400-bodied Trident. This is ukbus 1044 carrying an eye catching ‘60s’ themed livery.

This model features Stagecoach 18310 (KX05 TWG).

Psychedelic images of the sixties reappeared on the roads of West Sussex from October 2008, as Stagecoach South launched an enhanced route 60 between Bognor Regis, Chichester & Midhurst, with improved frequency and the introduction of low floor, easy access buses.

Stagecoach doubled the frequency of buses between Chichester and Bognor Regis from every 30 minutes to every 15 minutes, Monday to Saturday daytimes. Additional journeys were introduced to the Summersdale estate in Chichester.

It was the long established route number that provided the idea for an eye catching ‘60s’ themed livery, with slogans such as ‘saving money is always in fashion’ and ‘be groovy – be green’.

18310 (KX05 TWG), new to Stagecoach Manchester, is one of 4 Dennis Tridents running on the route in the ‘flower power’ livery.

The replica features excellent detailing, inside and out, including an opening engine door and engine detail at the rear. 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 1044 model is based on a Limited Edition of 1000 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 - 10th July 2009

ukbus 5023 Mercedes-Benz Citaro
Metrobus

In October 2004, London Buses awarded Metrobus the contract to operate route X26 with effect from the following April. A limited stopping service between Croydon and Heathrow Airport, this replaced most of route 726, one of the last former Green Line services to operate across South London.

A batch of five new Scania OmniCities was purchased to operate the hourly service (CMNL ukbus 7005). In 2008, Mayor Boris Johnson’s pledge to improve orbital services resulted in the decision to increase the service to every 30 minutes during the daytime, taking effect from 22nd November of that year. Whilst the requirement for additional vehicles would be met by five refurbished Scania OmniCities cascaded from Metrobus’ Fastway operations in Crawley, these were not available in the timescale required to commence the enhanced service.

Five Mercedes-Benz Citaros dating from 2003, previously operated by Quality Line, were hired in the short term to allow the service increase to go ahead. Allocated Metrobus fleet numbers 501-505 and based at the company’s Croydon depot, the Citaros are dual door, 12 metre long and have 38 seats.

ukbus 5023 shows the vehicle, 502 (BU53 AWX).

The Mercedes-Benz Citaro ukbus 5023 is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the square-mounted, double-glazed windows and the livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. Another main feature on the ukbus 5023 model is its extensive portrayal of handrails. The headlight / indicator units at the front and indicator / tail light units at the rear are made of individual components to look more realistic.

The brand new dual-door Mercedes-Benz Citaro bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), TransitGraphics (Australia), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), cnmycar.com (P. R. China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The ukbus 5023 model is limited to 1000 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 10th July 2009

ukbus 6021 Alexander Dennis Enviro400
First Devon & Cornwall

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of Alexander Dennis Enviro400 ukbus 6021, the long awaited model with standard First Group colours.

ukbus 6021 features the fleet number 33421 (WA08 MVF), working for First Devon and Cornwall in service with route X9 heading for Bude.

In 2006 First Devon and Cornwall working in partnership with Devon County Council purchased three Enviro400 double-deck vehicles to operate on X9 service between Exeter and Bude known as the Atlantic Coast Express, named after the branch line which operated between Exeter and Bude until 1964. As well as being ultra modern buses the vehicles are fitted with comfortable leather seats and CCTV had been added for customer safety. The seating capacity is 68 plus 25 standing or 66 plus one wheelchair and 25 standing.

Two of the vehicles have been branded in Atlantic Coast Express livery and one remains in standard First Group branding. In response to collector comment looking for models in operators’ base liveries without the sort of colourful and eye-catching design graphics that matches the youthful face of CMNL, this ukbus 6021 model is based on the First Devon and Cornwall bus that is not branded for the Atlantic Coast Express service.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro400 ukbus 6021 is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the bonded windows and the livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. Another main feature on the ukbus 6021 model is those additional luggage racks in the lower saloon. One luggage rack is located on the front wheelarch on the nearside and another large luggage rack is installed behind the staircase on the offside.

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 6021 model is limited to 1100 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 10th July 2009

cnbus 1015 Sunwin SWB6120KHV-3
Shanghai Ba-Shi / Pudong Goon Chung

Having made the significant success of its cnbus 1014 model, Creative Master Northcord Limited has proudly released its latest example of the newly re-tooled Sunwin model, cnbus 1015. It is carrying the Shanghai Ba-Shi / Pudong Goon Chung livery.

Demonstrating the flexibility of the cnbus 1000 castings, cnbus 1015 incorporates features drawn from both mainstream styles issued to date as well as brand new items.

cnbus 1015 has the original style front, with individual front bumper and one-piece “rabbit ear” style mirrors. The model has two brand new items on the roof. These are a newly designed air-conditioning unit and a ventilation unit towards the rear of the roof. Both items are seen for the first time on cnbus 1000 castings.

cnbus 1015 features bus number SVK-001 (registration 沪A-H2499) in service on route 982.

Pudong Goon Chung operated route 982 between Pudong International Airport and Oriental Road in Pudong district in October 2002 at the time Pudong International Airport had more international and regional flights (Hong Kong and Macau) transferred from Hungqiao International Airport. Route 982 was replaced by the new Airport Express Route 7 in May 2004 with new deluxe coaches that have luggage racks on board.

cnbus 1015 features excellent detailing, inside and out. This is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and application of the famous livery on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible on the paint. The model has no unnecessary metal poles to hold it together.

The cnbus 1015 model is limited to 1000 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 - 6th July 2009

ukbus 0026 Alexander Dennis Enviro400-bodied Volvo B9TL
East Yorkshire Motor Services

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of the exclusive Alexander Dennis Enviro400-bodied Volvo B9TL model,  ukbus 0026, which carries East Yorkshire’s burgundy and cream bus livery.

ukbus 0026 represents fleet number 722 (YX57 BWD) in service on route 155 heading to Hull City Centre.

By 2009 still the only examples of Alexander Dennis Enviro400 bodies in the 320-strong East Yorkshire bus and coach fleet, five buses of this type, based on the company’s current standard Volvo B9TL chassis, were bought at the end of 2007 for use on local and interurban routes in and around Hull. The buses seat 77 passengers and are authorised to carry 12 standees which gives them a slightly higher total capacity than most other modern EYMS low floor double decks.

Finished in East Yorkshire’s burgundy and cream bus livery introduced shortly after the company was bought from the National Bus Company by its management in 1987, the buses carry fleet numbers 722 to 726 and are registered YX57 BWD to BWH.

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.

Although retaining the Dennis-specific casting on this Enviro 400 model, the casting has been re-tooled on each side of the engine compartment so that the smooth sides can be overprinted with tampo printing to represent the Volvo detailing of the Volvo B9TL chassis as specified by EYMS.

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 0026 model is limited to 1000 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 6th July 2009

ukbus 8013 Alexander Dennis Envori200Dart
Metroline

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart ukbus 8013, utilising the 10.7m long wheelbase model with gasket windows to represent the 10.8m version of this distinctive modern single-decker in the United Kingdom, that carries Metroline’s standard colour.

ukbus 8013 represents fleet number DEL856 (LK08 DWL).

Metroline is part of the Singapore-based ComfortDelgro group and operates around 1200 buses in North, North West and Central London employing nearly 4000 staff.

DEL 856 is one of eleven 10.9m Alexander Dennis Enviro200Darts that entered service in June 2008 to upgrade Metroline’s two commercial routes in Hertfordshire.

The vehicles were built to a mainly provincial specification including the fitment of LED Blind displays that are unique to these vehicles in the company. The whole batch is based at Potters Bar Garage and the buses operate exclusively on Route 84 (New Barnet – St Albans) and 242 (Potters Bar – Waltham Cross).

The Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart ukbus 8013 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.

ukbus 8013 is the first model project carrying the new Standard packaging box. The model will not carry any Limited Edition certificate.

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 8013 model is limited to 1000 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 3rd July 2009

iebus 0003 Mercedes-Benz Citaro EURO5
QuickPark

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, iebus 0003, carrying QuickPark standard green colour.

QuickPark is an independent “Park & Ride” facility located adjacent to Dublin Airport, with a capacity of over 6,000 vehicles. A shuttle bus journey of only five minutes takes passengers to the main terminal building which has a dedicated QuickPark bus stop. The shuttle service runs around the clock with a five minutes frequency at peak travel times.

Six Mercedes-Benz Citaro integral buses are used on the shuttle service; they are fitted with a Mercedes-Benz Euro 5 OM457La engine and ZF automatic transmission and are among the first Euro5 buses to enter service in Ireland. They are built to a high specification with air-conditioning, high luggage capacity and 27 high-backed faux leather seats. An internal display advises passengers of the next stopping point in the car park, and for passengers with impaired mobility there is a wheelchair ramp at the centre door.

iebus 0003 features the smooth, curved windscreen with the destination display set behind the windscreen glass.

The Mercedes-Benz Citaro EURO5 iebus 0003 is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the square-mounted, double-glazed windows and the livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. Another main feature on the iebus 0003 model is its newly built luggage rack between two doors on the nearside in the saloon. The model has 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 iebus 0003 model is limited to 1000 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 3rd July 2009

ukvan 1006 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Mini Bus (new packaging)

Creative Master Northcord Limited is proud to make the official announcement of its ukvan 1006, the second replica on its most popular Mercedes-Benz Sprinter mini bus model tooling.

The ukvan 1006 mini bus model comes in new packaging.

Rather than being presented in a collectors’ box, the ukvan 1006 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 and decorated card backing. The ukvan 1006 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.

The ukvan 1006 is painted in Dealer Stock White. This version will allow collectors to avail themselves of the opportunity to use this CMNL Sprinter model as the basis for super-detailing by adding decals of their choosing or by adding additional livery detail or paintwork in order to enhance their OO-scale modern image model railway layout or 1:76 scale general transport diorama where it could undertake the role of a support vehicle for a bus or truck operator such as for Staff Transport.

ukvan 1006 carries the “personalised” registration mark SM09 TRM which, at the time of the model’s release, was still unissued by DVLA.

Key features of the ukvan 1000 series, exemplified on ukvan 1006, include interior detail showing the driver’s instrument binnacle, steering wheel, single driver’s seat and twin passenger seat at the front, nine passenger seats in the saloon, 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 brand new ukvan 1006 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter mini bus model 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 ukvan 1006 model is not certificated.

News Release - 4th June 2009

ukbus 6024 Alexander Dennis Enviro400
London Central

Following the great success of the launch models of the Alexander Dennis Enviro400 in two different overall lengths, Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of ukbus 6024, the sixth dual-door, short-wheelbase Alexander Dennis Enviro400 model for a London operator, on this occasion in London Central’s standard Transport for London livery.

ukbus 6024 represents fleet number E99 (LX08 ECC).

E99 is one of 45 Alexander Dennis Enviro400s currently operated by London Central. Introduced in February 2007, this model represents one of the six vehicles based at New Cross which are used exclusively on route 36 which operates between New Cross and Queen’s Park via Victoria and Paddington Stations.

These vehicles are designed to be environmentally friendly and form part of GO-Ahead London’s ongoing modernisation of its fleet.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro400 ukbus 6024 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. Another main feature on the ukbus 6024 model is its dual individual tree protectors at the front. The front dome on the model is also significant, with its curved windscreen on the upper deck.

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 Enviro400, such as the newly designed emergency window at the upper deck at the back, an additional seat behind the driving cab, additional ventilation equipment on the upper deck ceiling, and extensive portrayal of handrails on the upper and lower deck, etc. The headlights at the front are made of individual components to look more realistic.

The brand new Enviro400 ukbus 6024 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 6024 model is limited to 1100 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 11th May 2009
CMNL UK Release Update

Update on planned releases for Period 1 (January - April) 2009

1. ukbus 6000 range : The Alexander Dennis Enviro 400
ukbus 6020 : ADL Demonstrator Hybrid bus – July 2009
ukbus 6021 : First Devon & Cornwall (33420 – WA08 MVE) – June  2009
ukbus 6024 : London Central Rt.36 (E99 – LX08 ECC) – May  2009

2. ukbus 7000 range : The Scania OmniCity
ukbus 7012 : Arriva Durham County (4647 – NK05 GXA) – July  2009

Future planned releases for Period 2 (May - August) 2009

1. ukbus 0000 range : Commissioned Models
ukbus 0026 : East Yorkshire Motor Services (722 – YX57 BWD) - June 2009 Commissioned by John Ayrey Diecasts Ltd., some of these models will be available through the usual CMNL distribution network.

2. ukbus 1000 range : The Alexander ALX400/Dennis Trident
ukbus 1044 : Stagecoach South “1960s Shopping” (18310 – KX05 TWG) - June  2009
ukbus 1045 : Stagecoach in Cumbria (17012 – S812 BWC) - July  2009

3. ukbus 2000 range : The Plaxton President/Dennis Trident
No new releases are planned for the current period

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

5. ukbus 4000 range : The Alexander Royale/Volvo Olympian
ukbus 4014 : First in Glasgow (30107 – K174 EUX) - July  2009
ukbus 4015 : Lothian Buses (262 – P262 PSX) - August  2009

6. ukbus 5000 range : The Mercedes-Benz/Citaro
ukbus 5023 : Metrobus route X26 (502 – BU53 AWX) – July  2009

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 6025 : Arriva London (T64 – LJ08 CXU) – August  2009

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 8012 : Stagecoach in Cambridge – Citi (36011 – AE07 KYS) – August  2009
ukbus 8013 : Metroline route 84 (DEL 856 – LK08 DWL) – June  2009

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

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

13. ukvan range
ukvan 1006 : Traveliner in dealer stock white - June  2009

14. Irish models
iebus 0003 : quick PARK (07-KE-2610) - May  2009
ieplus 1001 : Dublin bus stop set - August  2009

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 - 7th May 2009
CMNL consultation exercise

CMNL wishes to acknowledge the time and effort that many collectors, retailers and others who are interested in CMNL have spent by taking part in our Consultation Exercise.  CMNL says a “big thank you” to all.

Many of the e-mails and letters have expressed very valuable comment and CMNL can now announce that the majority of views that answered our questions indicate that the use of a generic style of packaging and the discontinuation of Limited Edition certificates should be the way ahead for standard-issue ukbus / iebus models.

This was the view of over 80% of those who contributed to our Consultation Exercise.

The use of specific, discrete packaging and a Limited Edition certificate will be continued on all commissioned models whether they are for public sale or for private use. This will continue the feeling that they are even more special models.

Once again CMNL thanks those who took part.

Danny C Y CHAN
General Manager
Creative Master Northcord Limited

News Release - 24th April 2009

ukbus 1042 Alexander Dennis ALX400-bodied Trident
Stagecoach North West

CMNL is proud to release another brand new livery on its well-known casting – the Alexander Dennis ALX400-bodied Trident. This is ukbus 1042 carrying the special wholly wrapped “BRING ME SUNSHINE” livery.

Probably ukbus 1042 model is one of the most important bus replicas because of the fondness that this comedy duo has in the minds of the British public, that the bus model collectors will not want to miss it.

This model features Stagecoach North West 18362 (MX55 KPP).

During 2007/08 Stagecoach North West had a series of buses wrapped in special liveries celebrating local people, sporting teams and industry. When looking for a subject to celebrate in the Morecambe area, the late Eric Morecambe, one half of the much-loved Morecambe & Wise comedy double act sprang to mind.

John Eric Bartholomew OBE (14th May 1926 – 28th May 1984), took his stage name from his much beloved home town and made Morecambe a household name all over the UK. A statue of Eric was unveiled by the Queen on Morecambe promenade in 1999, and this statue, showing the characteristic Morecambe and Wise pose, features on the rear of the bus.

Stagecoach North West bus number 18362 was chosen to be wrapped in the celebratory vinyl. Now based at Morecambe depot, it started life on the 18th October 2005 with Stagecoach Manchester at their Princess Road depot and was collected on the 13th April 2008; part of a batch of 15 Tridents transferred in to replace older Leyland Titans and Olympians still on regular service work. The bus was launched at the superbly restored Midland Hotel in Morecambe, by Eric’s son Gary on 4th August 2008. It can now be found plying its trade on the 2/2A services between Heysham, Morecambe, Lancaster and the University, or it occasionally ventures out on the 40/41 services from Morecambe and Lancaster to Preston. 18362 always raises a smile with young and old wherever it goes and ensures that Eric will still ‘Bring Sunshine’ to the people of Morecambe for many more years to come.

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 1042 model is based on a Limited Edition of 1200 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 - 20th April 2009

ukbus 5022 Mercedes-Benz Citaro EURO5
Western Greyhound – Park for Truro

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 ukbus 5022, carrying allover blue colour with Park for Truro branding, in the Western Greyhound fleet.

This model features Western Greyhound 204 that is registered WK08 ESY.

Western Greyhound is an independent bus operator based in Newquay, Cornwall. It has recently awarded the contract to operate the new high quality Truro Park and Ride PR1 service and this vehicle was one of a batch of five (201 to 205) purchased specifically to operate this contract. It entered into service on the opening day of the service, 4 August 2008. WK08 ESY is painted in the blue livery exclusively designed for the “Park for Truro” service.

ukbus 5022 features the smooth, curved windscreen with the destination display set behind the windscreen glass.

The Mercedes-Benz Citaro EURO5 ukbus 5022 is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the square-mounted, double-glazed windows and the livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. Another main feature on the ukbus 5022 model is its extensive portrayal of handrails. The headlight / indicator units at the front and indicator / tail light units at the rear are made of individual, translucent components to look more realistic.

The brand new single door Mercedes-Benz Citaro EEV 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 5022 model is limited to 1000 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 17th April 2009

ukbus 1043 Alexander ALX400-bodied Dennis Trident
Finglands

CMNL is proud to release another brand new livery on its well-known casting – the Alexander ALX400-bodied Dennis Trident. This is ukbus 1043 carrying Manchester-based Finglands Coachways livery.

This model features Finglands 1760 (X584 XKH).

Established in 1907, Finglands has developed into one of Greater Manchester’s leading public transport operators.

Finglands operates buses to the University from Sale, Northenden, West Didsbury, East Didsbury, Didsbury, Withington, Rusholme and Manchester Piccadilly. Buses run frequently from 07.00 am until the early hours.

Finglands became a subsidiary of the EYMS group in 1992 and its modern fleet of fifty seven buses and luxury coaches has retained its familiar livery of white with stripes of beige, orange and brown.

Four Dennis Tridents with Alexander ALX400 bodywork were delivered to the EYMS Group during August and September 2000. Two were painted in EYMS livery and operated from the Hull-based company’s depot. These were numbered 660 and 661 and carried EYMS’ “cherished” registrations 546 EYB and 46 EYB

The other two were painted in Finglands’ earlier livery (with brown skirt panels) and were numbered 1763/4 (X763 / 4 ABU).

All four Tridents shared the high-set roller blind destination with space underneath for the company name to be displayed prominently on the destination glass.

The two EYMS Tridents were later re-registered and were transferred to join their sisters in Manchester, in June 2006, where they were numbered 1759 and 1760 (X585 / 4 XKH). 1759 was the former EYMS 660, and 1760 was formerly EYMS 661.

The family resemblance through the EYMS house-style of low floor branding has been apparent all through their lives.

ukbus 1043 features the same bus that CMNL previously released as ukbus 1006.

The replica features excellent detailing, inside and out, including an opening engine door and engine detail at the rear. 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 1043 model is based on a Limited Edition of 1000 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.

John Ayrey Announcement - 3rd April 2009

Alexander Dennis Volvo B9TL Enviro400
ukbus 0026 East Yorkshire Motor Services

2009 JOHN AYREY SPECIAL COMMISSION

By 2009 still the only examples of Enviro 400 bodies in the 320-strong East Yorkshire bus and coach fleet, five buses of this type, based on the company’s current standard Volvo B9TL chassis, were bought at the end of 2007 for use on local and interurban routes in and around Hull. The buses seat 77 passengers and are authorised to carry 12 standees which gives them a slightly higher total capacity than most other modern EYMS low floor double decks.

Finished in East Yorkshire’s burgundy and cream bus livery introduced shortly after the company was bought from the National Bus Company by its management in 1987, the buses carry fleet numbers 722 to 726 and are registered YX57 BWD to BWH. The model represents fleet number 7022 (YX57 BWD) operating on route '155 - HULL CITY CENTRE via Elloughton'. The real vehicle is based at the original EYMS Depot at Elloughton.

News Release - 3rd April 2009

Mitsubishi Fuso MP
JB1012 Osaka City Bus

Creative Master Northcord Limited has proudly released another brand new non-ukbus series replica. It is JB1012, a Mitsubishi Fuso MP Non-Step model carrying Osaka City Bus colours.

Osaka City Bus operates a large fleet of vehicles in the biggest city of Kansai area. The latest state of art vehicles in the fleet are these environmentally friendly buses with the CNG tank on the roof. JB1012 features such a vehicle with an additional brand new air-conditioner as well.

JB1012 features a piece of standard equipment that is fitted onto all Osaka city buses. This is an additional, protruding wheel arch that is fitted over the standard rear wheel arch but only on the nearside, where it is located immediately to the rear of the centre door. Such a safety wheel arch is not popular in other Japanese cities but it is a common sight on the buses that work the streets of Osaka. The replica captures this significant feature.

JB1012 features excellent detailing, inside and out, including an opening engine door and engine detail. JB1012 is based on a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible respectively. The model has no ugly metal poles to hold it together.

The JB1012 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 (P. R. China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively.

News Release - 2nd April 2009

TransBus Mini Pointer-bodied Dart
ukbus 3030 Go North East

There has been a bit of silence of its Plaxton Pointer-bodied Dennis Dart  replicas in the past 28 months, but now Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL) has proudly released its latest version of this casting. It is ukbus 3030, carrying Go North East Doxford Clipper branding colours.

ukbus 3030 represents fleet number 606 (NK54 NUB).

Eight similar Mini-Pointer Dart buses are painted in silver base livery with white and purple flashes and Doxford Clipper branding for operation within the City of Sunderland on linked route 29 and 39.

Both routes serve the same catchment area but follow clockwise and anti-clockwise paths around the outer areas of Hylton Castle to the north of the City Centre, and Doxford International Business Park to its south.

Four of the Mini-Pointer Darts in Doxford Clipper livery (544 – 547) were new in December 2002 and the remaining four (603 – 606) were new in December 2004.

This is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the gasket 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.

In particular CMNL has paid attention to the specific requirement of the Go Ahead Group specification in replicating the full width and fully informative rear destination display that is set above the rear window. To accommodate this full destination, the registration plate has been relocated to an inset location within the rear bumper.

The brand new TransBus Mini Pointer-bodied Dart ukbus 3030 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 3030 model is limited to 1000 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 30th March 2009
 
ukbus 8010 Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart
Stagecoach East Midlands

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart ukbus 8010, utilising the 10.7m long wheelbase model with gasket windows to represent the 10.9m version of this distinctive modern single-decker in the United Kingdom, that carries a significant allover route branding livery for the famous Robin Hood Airport Lynx service.

ukbus 8010 represents fleet number 36003 (FJ07 OSW).

Following on from the recently issued Enviro 400 in a similar livery (CMNL model ukbus 6013), Stagecoach East Midlands 36003 (FJ07 0SW) is one of two 10.9metre Enviro200Darts in “Robin Hood Aiport Lynx” livery, funded by Nottinghamshire County Council for the X30 service linking Worksop and Robin Hood Airport.

The X30 service offers an almost hourly daytime service Mondays to Saturdays and two hourly on Sundays. Aimed at providing links to employment and to offer a service to airport users, journeys on X30 start as early as 0345 hrs and run until 0130 hrs providing an almost 24-hour service.

The Robin Hood Airport Lynx network also has services to Retford and connections onto other services are made at Bawtry.

Aside from the special livery, these buses are fitted out internally with luggage racks for the safe stowage of passengers’ luggage.

Two other Enviro200Darts carry a pseudo Stagecoach/Nottinghamshire County Council livery. These four buses are specified with the larger 6-cylinder engine that necessitates the additional length of 20cm that can be seen in the rear overhang.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart ukbus 8010 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.  Other outstanding additional items inside the replica are the brand new luggage racks on the front wheel arches on both sides.

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 8010 model is limited to 1000 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 23rd March 2009

ukbus 6023 Alexander Dennis Enviro400
Arriva Northumbria

Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of Alexander Dennis Enviro400 ukbus 6023. It is carrying Arriva’s corporate “inter-urban” livery.

ukbus 6023 represents fleet number 7511 (NK57 GXD) that was new in January 2008.

Arriva Northumbria received 13 ADL Trident / Enviro400 buses at the start of 2008. These buses are painted in Arriva’s corporate “inter-urban” livery. The model features 7511 that is allocated to Ashington depot where it regularly works on Express route X31 / X32 between Newcastle Haymarket and Newbiggin.

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 6023 model is limited to 1000 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 6th March 2009

ukbus 2016 Plaxton President-bodied Dennis Trident
Lothian Buses

There has been a bit of silence of its Plaxton President-bodied Dennis Trident replicas in the past 20 months, but now Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL) has proudly released its latest single door version of this casting. It is ukbus 2016, carrying Lothian Buses Park & Ride colours.

ukbus 2016 represents fleet number 541 (V541 ESC).

Lothian Buses’ 541 was delivered to Edinburgh in November 1999 as part of a batch of 5 vehicles (fleet numbers 541-545) for use on the blue-liveried “Airlink” service that links the City Centre to the Airport.  These buses were built to single-door format from new.

After Airlink service these 5 vehicles were repainted into standard Lothian Buses low-floor "Harlequin" livery for a short period before service 35 Airport – Ocean Terminal branding was applied. Originally, the route 35 branding was on a green background, but a second version was applied later that was a lilac colour after the route was varied slightly.

In February 2008 541-545 were again repainted, this time into the special "green top" branded livery, as depicted by this model, for use on the X48 service linking both Ingliston (to the west of Edinburgh) and Sheriffhall (south east Edinburgh) Park & Ride sites to the City Centre. Subsequently buses 542 and 543 were repainted into standard “Harlequin” livery during November 2008.

This model of 541 carries the destination "Ingliston" which was the first bus-based Park & Ride site to be opened by Edinburgh City Council in September 2005 and which, due to its popularity, was expanded during 2008

The Plaxton President ukbus 2016 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.

Additionally, ukbus 2016 brings some features which represent the special requirements of Lothian Buses e.g. including the representation of the electronic roller destination blinds to the front, side and rear. The Lothian Buses fleet still retains front and rear roller blind destination displays using white characters on a black background. This display normally includes a three point “via” blind box – a feature that is no longer retained on London’s new buses for TfL service – also a user of traditional roller blinds. In the instance of ukbus 2016, the “via” blind box contains the words “Park & Ride” in white on a green background that matches the roof colour to aid passenger identification, even at distance.

The interior of the 541 replica features the special layout of the lower saloon that includes two tables.

In November 2008, as sisters 542 and 543 were being repainted into fleet colours, Lothian Buses shared the highly confidential information about its planned changes to the service network starting on 18th January 2009. The repainting of CMNL’s original target bus 543 made the change to 541 necessary. Along with this, CMNL was advised of changes to many vinyls on the bus such as deletion of fares detail and “Bus Award” laurel wreath etc. This information was supplied well in advance to help ensure the model’s production within its allotted slot. All sub-assembly work was completed before Chinese New Year but at the very last eleventh hour a decision within Lothian Buses was made to change one small detail. The Day Ticket banner that was originally planned to show £3 was altered to read £3.00, but this change occurred too late to be reflected in production. The model, therefore, still carries the originally planned £3. Some may perceive this as an “error” but the information was supplied in good faith and was used as such. CMNL appreciates the very good relationship with Lothian Buses and is grateful for its ability to share such confidences with CMNL. CMNL hopes that collectors will still enjoy this colourful model.

LOTHIAN COLLECTION

ukbus 2016 is the latest model in the CMNL Lothian Buses collection.

Details of all other members of this exclusive collection can be found below to help you to complete your CMNL “Lothian Buses Collection”.

ukbus 1004 Dennis Trident / Alexander ALX400 503 (T503 SSG) on route 21 to Gyle Centre. Production date : March 2002

ukbus 2001 Dennis Trident / Plaxton President Open-Top 632 (W632 PSX) on City Sightseeing route. Production date : October 2002

ukbus 2002 Dennis Trident / Plaxton President 601 (SN51 AXF) on route 100 to Edinburgh Airport / Express. Production date : May 2003

ukbus 2004 Dennis Trident / Plaxton President 601 (SN51 AXF) on route 37 to Silverknowes (via Western General, Princes Street, Newington). Production date : December 2004

ukbus 4001 Volvo Olympian / Alexander Royale 268 (P268 PSX) on route 25 to Riccarton (via Gorgie, Princes Street, Leith Walk). Production date : June 2005

ukbus 4007 Volvo Olympian / Alexander Royale 433 (P433 KSX) on route X50 to Britannia (Express). Production date : April 2006

ukbus 4011 Volvo Olympian / Alexander Royale 431 (P431 KSX) on route 15 to Penicuik (via Tollcross, Princes Street, Portobello). Production date : May 2007

ukbus 1037 Dennis Trident / Alexander ALX400 504 (T504 SSG) on route 8 to Royal Infirmary H (via Goldenacre, St Andrew Sq, Newington). Production date : February 2008

The brand new Plaxton President ukbus 2016 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 2016 model is limited to 1100 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 4th March 2009

ukbus 7011 Scania OmniCity, First PMT

Having been silent for several months, Creative Master Northcord Limited is now releasing the twelfth replica on its popular Scania OmniCity model tooling. It is ukbus 7011 in First livery with special route branding.

ukbus 7011 represents fleet number 65040 (YN06 WMO).

The Scania CN94UB OmniCity buses were delivered to First PMT in August 2006. 65040 (YN06 WMO) carries route branding for route 101 between Hanley Bus Station and Stafford. The route operates to a 20 minute weekday daytime frequency with a journey time of just 1 hour each way.

The Scania OmniCity ukbus 7011 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 7011, 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 & I), Transit Graphics (Australia), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), cnmycar.com (P. R. of China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The ukbus 7011 model is limited to 1000 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 2nd March 2009
CMNL Consultation Exercise

Click HERE (14Kb PDF File) to read the announcement and find details of how you are able to respond.

News Release - 27th February 2009

ukbus 8011 Alexander Dennis Limited Enviro200Dart
10.7m 2 Door (NEW CASTING), Selkent

Creative Master Northcord Limited is proud to make the official announcement of ukbus 8011, the launch model of the 10.7m long, dual-door version of the Alexander Dennis Limited Enviro200Dart and long-awaited, brand new casting of this distinctive modern single-decker in the United Kingdom in this form.

The first livery to be carried on the brand new model is Selkent. The model represents fleet number 36010 (LX58 BZY), with standard Transport for London “London Red” livery, operated by Selkent, part of the East London Bus Group.

The bus is based at Selkent’s Bromley Garage and is one of a batch of five 2-door 10.7m long Enviro200Darts which entered service in September 2008 on route 246 between Bromley North and Westerham (extended summer Sundays to Chartwell).

The East London Bus Group which trades as Selkent and East London operates approximately 1300 buses from 10 garages throughout South East and East London.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart ukbus 8011 is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the 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 dual door versions have additional partitions by the rear door.

CMNL hopes that collectors will make a good comparison with ukbus 8001, the launch model of the 8.9m long bus that began the story of the Enviro200Dart models by CMNL, and also in Selkent livery.

The brand new ukbus 8011 ADL Enviro200Dart 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 ukbus 8011 model is limited to 1100 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 26th February 2009

nabus 0001 Alexander Dennis Limited Enviro500 (1:87)
GO Transit

Creative Master Northcord Limited is proud to make the official announcement of the launch model of the Alexander Dennis Limited Enviro500 nabus range - the long-awaited, brand new casting of this distinctive, modern, left-hand drive double-decker that is designed specifically for the North American Market.

The launch model is cataloged as “nabus 0001” and the first livery to be carried on the brand new model is GO Transit, based in Toronto, Canada. The bus that is represented in this model is GO Transit fleet number 8008 that carries license plate BN3-342.

The nabus 1000 range has been designed using the 40’ Enviro500 as its prototype example and is represented in true HO or 1 : 87 scale that will find favor with modelers of modern image model railroads in HO scale throughout North America and worldwide, as well as for collectors who will appreciate the fine design of this distinctive bus.

Because the GO Transit buses are based on the 42’ version of the Enviro500 lhd, the model is classified as “nabus 0001”, indicating slight variance between the true length of the GO Transit buses and their 1:87 scale representation.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro500 double-decker bus was launched into revenue service for GO Transit in April 2008. The buses operate on Highway 403 and 407, on a service that operates between Oakville GO Station and York University with plans to extend the route to service the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in Oshawa.

Each bus has two wheelchair locations and a seating capacity of up to 78 people. Alexander Dennis Limited is currently supplying a further batch of similar buses to GO Transit from its main factory in Falkirk, Scotland.

GO Transit is an interregional public transit system, linking Toronto with the surrounding regions of the Greater Toronto Area. GO carries more than 51 million passengers a year in an extensive network of train and bus services that is one of North America’s premier transportation systems.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro500 lhd nabus 0001 is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the bonded windows and the livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. The replica of this fine bus carries interior detail such as the handpoles in their yellow color, driver rear-view exterior mirrors and windshield wipers. Because of these small parts, CMNL recommends that the collectible models are suitable for adults only (14+ years).

The brand new nabus Enviro500 lhd 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 nabus 0001 model is limited to 1000 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 24th February 2009

ukvan 1005 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Panel Van
New Packaging

Creative Master Northcord Limited is proud to make the official announcement of its ukvan 1005, the third replica on its most popular Mercedes-Benz Sprinter panel van model tooling.

The ukvan 1005 panel van model comes in new packaging.

Rather than being presented in a collectors’ box, the ukvan 1005 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 and decorated card backing. The ukvan 1005 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.

The ukvan 1005 is painted in Dealer Stock White. This version will allow collectors to avail themselves of the opportunity to use this CMNL Sprinter model as the basis for super-detailing by adding decals of their choosing or by adding additional livery detail or paintwork in order to enhance their OO-scale modern image model railway layout or 1:76 scale general transport diorama where it could undertake the role of a delivery van or support van for a bus or truck operator.

ukvan 1005 carries the “personalised” registration mark SN58 VAN which, at the time of the model’s release, was still unissued by DVLA.

Key features of the ukvan 1000 series, exemplified on ukvan 1005, include interior detail showing the driver’s instrument binnacle, steering wheel, single driver’s seat, twin passenger seat 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 brand new ukvan 1005 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter panel van model 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 ukvan 1005 model is not certificated.

News Release - 20th February 2009

ukplus 1003 Bus Stop set: Transport for London
Trafalgar Square, London
New Packaging

Creative Master Northcord Limited is proud to make the official announcement of its third Transport for London bus stop set. This is ukplus 1003 that replicates three bus stops and other items from Trafalgar Square, London.

The ukplus 1003 set contains the following six items:
1. Bus shelter that features TfL maps and travel information on its inward face, and TfL “Cleaner Air for Greater London” adverts on its outer face.
2. Bus shelter bench seat
3. Off-bus ticketing machine
4. Three bus stops from locations A (Trafalgar Square / Charing Cross Station – towards Parliament Square), C (Trafalgar Square / Charing Cross Station – towards Tottenham Court Road) and S (Trafalgar Square – towards Piccadilly Circus).

The individual items within the ukplus 1003 set have flat bases so that they can be displayed or mounted with ease for those wishing to use them for detailing a model railway layout or other transport diorama.

The ukplus 1003 bus stop set comes in new packaging.

Rather than being presented in a collectors’ box with cardboard outer, the ukplus 1003 items are contained within a specially shaped plastic blister tray that has a clear plastic cover to hold the six items securely in place. The blister is attached to a well presented and decorated card backing. The items are 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.

The ukplus 1003 bus stop set replica features excellent detailing on each of the component pieces on which all logos and lettering are cleanly printed. CMNL is officially licensed to reproduce these TfL items.

The brand new ukplus 1003 bus stop sets 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 ukplus 1003 set is not certificated.

News Release - 17th February 2009

iebus 0002 Volvo B7TL / ALX400 Open Top Bus
Dublin Bus
New Casting

Creative Master Northcord Limited is proud to make the official announcement of its second iebus model. This is iebus 0002, a replica of an open-top ALX400-bodied Volvo B7TL in the fleet of Dublin Bus.

The iebus 0002 model replicates the specially converted open-top bus AV24 (registered 00-D-40024) that was reworked by Dublin Bus itself.

Three buses from the Year 2000 delivery of ALX400 Volvo B7TLs from the main Dublin Bus fleet were converted in the Dublin Bus workshops during 2007. These were AV22  - AV24 and they formed the first tranche of  the conversion of the Dublin Bus Tour from step-entrance Olympian to accessible, low-floor operation. The buses are painted in a new Dublin Bus Tours livery.

Dublin Bus offers visitors to Ireland’s capital city a “hop on – hop off” city sightseeing tour using a fleet of 23 open top double-deckers. The tour operates daily at 10-minute intervals and can be joined at any of 23 stops, each located near one of Dublin’s most popular visitor attractions.

The iebus 0002 model, although based on the original ukbus 1000 ALX400-bodied Dennis Trident, follows the special and unique design of the Dublin Bus open-top conversion and has the lines of the Volvo access panels and grilles etched into the casting.

The ALX400 open-top 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.

The interior plastic blister has been redesigned to ensure the secure positioning of the model on the plinth by following the shape of the unique Dublin Bus open-top conversion.

The brand new Dublin Bus ALX400 Open Top iebus 0002 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 0002 model is limited to 1200 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 13th February 2009

JB2007 Hino Selega Coach
JR Bus Tohoku

After an absence in the past eighteen months, Creative Master Northcord Limited has now proudly released its seventh livery on the replica Hino Selega Coach model. JB2007 carries JR Bus Tohoku colours.

JR Bus Tohoku was inaugurated in 1988 after the privatisation of Japan National Rail’s bus section. The company operates route buses and chartered coaches in Tohoku region, Japan.

JB2007 features JR Bus Tohoku (H647-04401) with excellent detailing, inside and out, including an opening engine door and engine detail. The front windscreen has the sun visor effect.

The JB2007 model is limited to 200 pieces for the UK, Australia and Hong Kong. They will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Transit Graphics (Australia), cnmycar.com (P. R. China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively.

News Release - 21st January 2009

ukbus 5112 Mercedes-Benz Citaro G
Arriva London, route 29

Creative Master Northcord Limited has now proudly released the second Mercedes-Benz Citaro G bendy-bus replica with Arriva’s London operations. It is ukbus 5112 Arriva London Rt 29.

ukbus 5112 carries Arriva London’s “London Red” livery, representing fleet number MA 140 (BX55 FXC).

Arriva London North took delivery of 76 MA-class Mercedes-Benz Citaro O530G buses in 2004. These were allocated to serve both 73 (CMN Model ukbus 5107) and route 149.

In 2005 the company took a further 81 Citaro G buses for route 29 and 38. These 2005 buses featured the white roof panels on which the standard TfL descriptor is placed. The model features MA 140 operating towards Trafalgar Square on route 29, which was converted to bendy-bus operation on 14th January 2006.

The Mercedes-Benz Citaro G ukbus 5112 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 brand new white-roof ukbus 5112 three-door Mercedes-Benz G bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), Transit Graphics (Australia), cnmycar.com (China), and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The ukbus 5112 is limited to 1000 pieces worldwide.

News Release - 15th January 2009

New Casting: 1:87 nabus1000 Range
Alexander Dennis Limited Enviro500 lhd

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL) is proud to announce the planned production of a new range of model buses for 2009. This is nabus 1000. It represents the Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) 40’ Enviro500 lhd for the North American market.

The model has been three years in development – from initial plans, through First Shot and pre-production prototype models to the stage where full production has now commenced and the launch model will be announced shortly. In the paragraphs below, I am pleased to introduce the company and our plans for this exciting new range to collectors and enthusiasts for whom the CMNL name might be new.

1.0 The Company

1.1 Creative Master Northcord Limited is a Hong Kong-based company that has married the model production talents of Creative Master Limited and the in-depth transport knowledge of Northcord Transport’s Danny C Y Chan.

1.2 Creative Master Limited has been engaged in the contract manufacturing business of producing die-cast collectibles for about 17 years. CML customers are mainly from the US, Europe, Japan and Australia, and include many famous brand names. The products that are manufactured include die-cast replicas of cars, trucks, buses, planes, trains, boats and other items. CML’s business mission is simple - to provide the highest quality items and customer service among independent manufacturers of die-cast collectibles.

1.3 CML’s Competitive Strengths include :
(a) Quality Products and Services
(b) Established Track Record
(c) Strong Customer Focus
(d) Vertically Integrated Operations
(e) Experienced Management Team
(f) Cost Management
(g) “Factories-in-Factory” approach
(h) Product Extension Capabilities

1.4 Website address for Creative Master Limited : http://www.creativemaster.com/

1.5 Northcord Transport is an independent Transport Publishing company that is based in Hong Kong. Northcord Transport was started by Danny C Y Chan where his talents as a renowned transport writer and transport enthusiast combined in the production of various series of transport themed books.

1.6 Born in Hong Kong in 1958, Danny C Y Chan graduated in the Stanford Professional Publishing Course from Stanford University, USA after which he has been employed as a news reporter, magazine editor, publishing consultant and publisher. From 1980 Danny Chan has written motor
test reports for newspapers and magazines and has undertaken test drives all around the world.

1.7 Northcord Transport published its first title, “Hong Kong Bus Handbook (Part One) Kowloon Motor Bus” in May 1996 and this book set new standards for enthusiast publications. In the years that followed, various handbooks were published relating to major bus operators in Hong Kong, China, Macau, Singapore and the UK. The first Hong Kong Buses Yearbook was published in 1997. Although buses were the main subject matter for Northcord Transport, some books covered other transport icons such as Hong Kong Tramways, Aircraft and the models of Tomica and EFE.

1.8

Danny C.Y. Chan, General Manager, Creative Master Northcord Limited, Hong Kong

1.9 Creative Master Northcord Limited produced its first model bus castings in December 2001.
1.9 (i) For Singapore Bus Services’ rebranding as SBS Transit, CMNL made special models of SBS Volvo Olympians with Alexander “Royale” bodywork. These models were in development for many months prior to the new livery’s launch in November 2001 and all development work was kept under a blanket of secrecy to protect its customer’s wishes.
1.9 (ii) In the same month, CMNL produced the first Alexander ALX400 / Dennis Trident model and the launch model was in the livery of First Capital (London).

1.10 In the 7 years since those first models were produced, CMNL has introduced over 260 different model buses – in addition to a Singapore MRT train, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans and TfL bus stop furniture. These models comprise 20 different main castings representing outline buses from the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Singapore and Australia.

1.11 CMNL strives to ensure that authenticity is paramount in its products. Therefore, although the models within a classification may appear identical, often CMNL has adapted its basic toolings to represent special features that are operator-specific and these differentiated items can include tree deflectors, interior seating plans, destination equipment, lights and door arrangements.

1.12 Details about the CMNL Model Classification System can be found, below, in Section 4.

1.13 Website address for CMNL : http://www.cmn.com.hk/en/index.php

2.0 The Prototype

2.1 The models within the new nabus 1000 range are based on the 40’ version of the Enviro500 produced by Alexander Dennis Limited based in Falkirk (Scotland, UK) and at Canyon Lake CA.

2.2 The current Enviro500 range for North American customers comprises the following :
2.2 (i) 42’ Double Deck Hybrid-technology Transit Bus
2.2 (ii) 40’ and 42’ Double Deck Transit Bus
2.2 (iii) 42’ Double Deck Commuter Bus
2.2 (iv) 40’ Double Deck Open Top Tourist Bus

2.3 The standard 40’ Enviro500 bus is based on the ADL Trident chassis featuring a Cummins ISM 6-cylinder turbocharged, intercooled diesel engine certified to EPA 07 emission standard. This engine has a capacity of 10.8litres and delivers 330 BHP @ 2100 rpm and a Torque rating of 1150lbf
ft @ 1200 rpm.

2.4 A choice of transmission is offered – either ZF 6HP 602 (6-speed automatic), Voith D864.5 (4-speed automatic) – both with integral retarder - or Allison B500 (6-speed automatic).

2.5 The Enviro500 bodywork consists of a 3Cr12 stainless steel underframe with extruded aluminum body framing with aluminum exterior body panels.

2.6 The Enviro500 features a single-step, low-floor entry with a height of 13” that reduces to only 10” when set in “kneeling” position. A Ricon powered one-piece entry ramp with 600lb capacity can be specified. The single-step exit from the low-floor area is 12”.

2.7 The entry doors are inward opening glider type, and the exit doors, where fitted, are outward-swinging plug doors.

2.8 Full air-conditioning is fitted as standard.

2.9 Typical carrying capacity is 83 seated passengers – 53 fixed seats in the upper saloon, and 30 fixed seats (or 25 fixed and 5 tip-up seats) in the lower saloon.

3.0 The Model

3.1 The nabus1000 range has been designed using the 40’ Enviro500 as its prototype example and will be represented in true HO or 1 : 87 scale that will find favor with modelers of modern image model railroads in HO scale throughout North America and worldwide.

3.2 The nabus 1000 range will include three main castings :
3.2 (i) 40’ two-door model – with separate front entrance and centre exit
3.2 (ii) 40’ single door model – with front entrance / exit
3.2 (iii) 40’ open top model

3.3 Any buses that are modeled on real buses that fall outwith the 40’ version will be numbered in the nabus 0000 range to indicate that the casting is at variance with the real bus to be modeled. (See paragraph 4.6, below, for a more detailed explanation of CMNL Model Classification).

3.4 The main bodyshell of the Enviro500 models will be made in diecast metal with other detailing parts made from plastic or from metal. The models will come complete with ready-assembled driver rear-view mirrors and windshield wipers. The models will feature a detailed interior that includes representative seating, handpoles and handrails in their correct colors. The Enviro500 models feature an opening engine access door that reveals the detail of the Cummins engine.

3.5 The main body colors are spray-painted and additional details, such as lettering and lights, are represented by tampo-printing. Some larger graphics will be applied using waterslide decal.

3.6 Because of the number of small parts in metal and in plastic, CMNL recommends that these models are collector items for adults (aged 14+) and should not be considered as toys for young children.

3.7 The models are presented in packaging that serves to act as a ready-made display case, as described below, as well as for protection for the models themselves.
3.7 (i) The model is mounted on a dark plastic plinth – generally models are not screwed onto the plinth so that they can be easily removed for use as part of a model railroad project, or to be placed in a display cabinet, but are held by plastic lugs that are secured into the chassis, whilst a plastic blister holds the model securely on to the plinth.
3.7 (ii) A clear acrylic plastic protective case fits on top of the plinth and is a good way to display the model whilst offering protection to the model and protecting small children from any small parts on the model.
3.7 (iii) To complete the packaging, a protective cardboard sleeve fits around the plastic case and plinth. This informative, decorative cardboard sleeve completes the professional look of the model.
3.7 (iv) The photographs (below) demonstrate recently released models in their full packaging. On the left is cnbus 1012 (Shanghai Shen Xin Volvo B7R bus with Sunwin bodywork) On the right is ukbus 6015 (Stagecoach in Cambridge Enviro400 in Park and Ride livery)

3.8 The photographs (below) are of pre-production models that were made to test-fit castings with the smaller parts etc. using liveries of operators of the Enviro500 to serve as illustrative examples of the potential for the casting but DO NOT CONSITUTE a definite proposal to make these buses in model form. Photographs are copyright of CMNL.

4.0 CMNL Model Classification system

4.1 Each new casting family that is introduced receives a specific alpha-numeric identifier.

4.2 Alpha identifier : The first two characters of this identifier usually indicate the country of origin for the particular casting – for example ukbus / ukvan would be United Kingdom outline items; hkbus would indicate Hong Kong etc. These identifiers are usually based on the Internet identifiers within web URLs. Special note : although CMNL has produced models of many UK-operated buses of Stagecoach companies (Megabus, Magic Bus, SWT etc) based on the hkbus 2000 casting, these models retain the hkbus prefix because the buses were designed as Hong Kong-outline
buses, before being returned to the UK for Stagecoach operation.

4.3 Because the lhd version of the Enviro 500 is operated across Canada and the United States of America, the generic nabus identifier is used in order to represent North America.

4.4 Numeric identifier : The first casting would receive the 1000 numeric identifier and subsequent new castings would be identified in multiples of 1000. For example, the current ukbus range encompasses ukbus 1000 / 2000 / 3000 / 4000 / 5000 /6000 / 7000 / 8000 and 9000.

4.5 Special range : 0000. The 0000 range identifies two main groups : i) models that are portrayed using an existing casting to a different style to the actual prototype and ii) Privately Commissioned models.

4.6 Models that are portrayed using an existing casting to a different style to the actual prototype include the very first model tagged with the 0000 identifier. This was ukbus 0001 which used the existing Alexander ALX400 / Dennis Trident casting to portray an Alexander ALX400 / Volvo B7TL of First Aberdeen. The subsequent ukbus 0000 models utilized the open top Plaxton President casting to represent various real buses that included MCW Metrobus, Leyland Olympian and Ayats Apollo. The use of existing castings reduces the overall development costs of producing one-offs, or
models with limited possibilities, and collectors benefit subsequently.

4.7 Privately Commissioned models : The 0000 number series is also used for models that are privately commissioned. Some of these privately-commissioned models ARE made available for purchase by the general public, but some are totally private items that are commissioned by bus operators to be used as gifts to staff, or as other corporate items.

4.7 (i) Examples of the former type (available to the public) include the three ALX400 models that have been commissioned by Susan Cameron (ukbus 0012 / 0017 / 0023) as fund-raising models for sale at the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum, or ALX400 models that have been commissioned by
Stagecoach in Devon for public sale through the company travel shop.

4.7 (ii) Examples of the latter type (not available for public sale) include the ALX400 models commissioned by Stagecoach West Scotland for gifts to staff on the occasion of the company winning the prestigious Bus Operator of the Year award for the second consecutive year or the Plymouth Citybus-liveried Citaro models commissioned as gifts to operators attending the ALBUM Conference in 2008.

4.8 The 0000 designation can be used for ANY of the appropriate castings within the CMNL range and is not specific to only one bus type. Also, CMNL takes the privacy of such commissions very seriously. CMNL does not make such commissions known publicly and will always leave the decision whether to publish information relating to the commission to the commissioning agent. Thus, collectors looking through the CMNL website will note some gaps in the various 0000 series because of this privacy agreement.

4.9 CMNL welcomes enquiries from retailers, bus operating companies and from private individuals who would be interested in commissioning a model for their own use (Note : special rules and quantities apply).

5.0 Distribution partners

5.1 CMNL does not distribute its products to retailers, but relies on a number of distribution partners worldwide.

5.2 Within North America : To be announced

5.3 Within the United Kingdom : John Ayrey (Diecasts) Limited – who supply TRADE ONLY

5.4 Within Hong Kong : Concorde Hobby Shop who supply to trade and retail

5.5 Within People’s Republic of China : cnmycar . com

5.6 Within Japan : Porte Publishing

5.7 Within Australia : TransGraphics (Australia) pty

Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)
The World’s Miniature Bus Co.
http://www.cmn.com.hk/en/index.php

News Release - 2nd January 2009

CMNL UK Release Update

Update on planned releases for Period 2/3 (May - December) 2008

1. ukbus 2000 range : The Plaxton President/Dennis Trident
ukbus 2016 : Lothian Buses (541 - V541 ESC) – In Production

2. ukbus 3000 range : The Plaxton Dennis Dart MPD
ukbus 3030 : Go NorthEast (606 – NK54 NUB) – Doxford Clipper – March 2009

3. ukbus 5100 range : The Mercedes-Benz/Citaro G
ukbus 5112 : Arriva serving London Rt.29 (MA 140 – BX55 FXC) – January 2009

4. ukbus 6000 range : The Alexander Dennis Enviro 400
ukbus 6020 : ADL Demonstrator Hybrid bus – May 2009

5. ukbus 7000 range : The Scania OmniCity
ukbus 7011 : First Potteries (65040 – YN06 WMO) – February 2009
ukbus 7012 : Arriva Durham County (4647 – NK05 GXA) – May  2009

6. ukplus range of associated street furniture
ukplus 1003 : Transport for London (3 Bus Stops, Bus Shelter, Bench Seat and Ticket Machine) – February 2009

7. ukvan range
ukvan 1005 : Sprinter Panel Van - Dealer Stock White – January 2009

8. Irish models
iebus 0002 : Dublin Bus Open Top (AV 24 - 00-D-40024) – in Production

Future planned releases for Period 1 (January - April) 2009

1. ukbus 0000 range : Commissioned Models
No releases are planned for issue through the CMNL distribution network

2. ukbus 1000 range : The Alexander ALX400/Dennis Trident
ukbus 1042 : Stagecoach North West (18362 – MX55 KPP) - March 2009
ukbus 1043 : Fingland, Manchester (1760 – X584 XKH) - April 2009

3. ukbus 2000 range : The Plaxton President/Dennis Trident
No new releases are planned for the current period

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

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
ukbus 5022 : Western Greyhound  (204 - WK08 ESY) – March 2009

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 6021 : First Devon & Cornwall (33420 – WA08 MVE) – March 2009
ukbus 6023 : Arriva Northumbria (7511 – NK57 GXD) – February 2009
ukbus 6024 : London Central Rt.36 (E99 – LX08 ECC) – April 2009

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 8010 : Stagecoach EMMS (36003 – FJ07 OSW) – February 2009
ukbus 8011 : Selkent (36010 – LX58 BZY) – January 2009

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

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

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

14. Irish models
iebus 0003 : quick PARK (07-KE-2610) April 2009

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.