A while back I posted a picture of a new model of one a Dennis Trident in Tamar Link livery and then on the
5th May I pictured a few models representing the Plymouth Citybus fleet. Well news has come through of more new models available soon:
CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD LTD PRESS
UKBUS4008 Alexander Royale-bodied Volvo Olympian
First Devon & Cornwall
Since the operation of London’s Airbus routes ceased a couple years ago, the new lives of the ex-Airbus Volvo Olympian / Alexander Royale's have been of interest to British enthusiasts. Creative Master Northcord Limited is releasing the third livery on the Airbus / ex-Airbus replica – UKBUS4008, in First Devon & Cornwall “X80 take it easy” colours.
UKBUS4008 represents fleet number 34200 (V00 273). 34200 was delivered new to London United in the spring of 1996 for London Airbus services. National Express purchased the Airbus operation from London United in 1999 along with the 19 Olympians which operated it. These vehicles were unusual in having Air Conditioning, only 9 seats in the lower saloon, luggage racks and a wheelchair space & lift.
Following the reduction of Airbus services, First acquired many Olympians from the dealer Ensignbus. The Olympian / Royale was introduced into First Devon & Cornwall fleet on 29th October 2004, and they were dedicated vehicles on the X80 route from Plymouth to Torquay. The vehicles can seat 43 people on the top deck and 22 on the lower deck plus one wheelchair. They are still fitted with air-conditioning, which comes in very useful during the summer months for visitors and residents alike who enjoy the warm climate of the Devon Riviera.
Similar to those Airbus / ex-Airbus replicas, UKBUS4008 has a new combination of the UKBUS4000 series casting, with a single door, front staircase and bonded windows, as well as chair lift poles at the entrance, brand new seats and luggage rack in the lower saloon and ventilation windows on the roof.
UKBUS4008 is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the bonded windows and livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. The 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), Porte Publishing Company (Japan) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The UKBUS4008 model is limited to 1700 pieces worldwide.
CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD - PRESS RELEASE
Plaxton Mini Pointer-bodied Dennis Dart UKBUS3023 First Devon & Cornwall
Further to the previous successful release of the Mini Pointer Dart replicas with other operators’ colours, CMNL is releasing a further MPD model. This is UKBUS3023 carrying the eye-catching Tamar Link colours.
The UKBUS3023 First Devon & Cornwall MPD replica carries the fleet number 40002 and registration number S764 RNE.
This Plaxton Pointer-bodied Super Low Floor Dennis Dart was registered on 15th December 1998 and was fully operational on First’s Torpoint service 80/81 in March 2005. The vehicle re-branding was the result of a successful Urban Bus Challenge bid submitted by Plymouth City Council, supported by Cornwall County Council and was jointly funded by the Department for Transport and FirstGroup plc.
The bus provides an enhanced service for commuters travelling from South East Cornwall to Plymouth across the Torpoint Ferry. The striking design was the result of extensive market research carried out by First Group and has been well received by regular customers on the service.
The bus was named by local youngster Jack Jerrard, after birds which can been seen in the Tamar Estuary; Spoonbill, Egret, Cormorant, Swan & Heron are Trident deckers with this Mini Pointer Dart being named Kingfisher.
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 engine. All grab rails feature inside the replica and in their correct positions. The construction method of this replica permits realistic-looking front and rear lights – in particular the front headlamp / indicator assembly whose headlamp is transparent and indicator is translucent.
The brand new UKBUS3023 Tamar Link bus models are limited to 1400 pieces produced. It will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively.
To keep up with all bus model news then just about the best site to visit is
British Model Buses which as all the up to date news and press releases.
