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News Release -
9th
May 2008
ukbus 8005 Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart
East Yorkshire
Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of
Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart ukbus 8005, the 10.7m long wheelbase
version with gasket windows of the new casting of this distinctive
modern single-decker in the United Kingdom.
The second livery to be carried on this version of the brand new model
is East Yorkshire Motor Services Limited.
ukbus 8005 represents fleet number 352 (YX56 HVJ).
Four ADL Enviro200Darts entered service with EYMS in Hull during January
2007. Carrying fleet numbers 349 – 352, these 10.7m buses are fitted
with Euro IV specification 4-cylinder engines and 38-seat bodywork.
They are allocated primarily to route 154 that serves both Hull Royal
Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital as well as passing by the EYMS Head
Office and depot.
The model features the ultimate destination COTTINGHAM and via point “K
C Stadium”. The Kingston Communications Stadium and associated community
sports complex offers state-of-the-art facilities for all types of
professional and amateur sports, embracing the whole city. The Stadium
is owned by the Hull City Council and managed by the Stadium Management
Company (SMC) who hold a 50 year lease. Located next to a Victorian
Park, the stadium complex is the first in the UK in a parkland
setting. The Stadium manages 34.2 acres of land.
The Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart ukbus 8005 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 8005 model is limited to 1200 pieces worldwide.
News Release -
8th
May 2008
ukbus 6013 Alexander Dennis Enviro400
Stagecoach East Midlands
Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of
Alexander Dennis Enviro400 ukbus 6013. Probably it will be one of the
more significant models in its well known range of Enviro 400 castings
in 2008 because it has a significant allover route branding livery for
the famous Robin Hood Airport Lynx.
ukbus 6013 represents fleet number 19132 (FJ07 OSZ).
Funded by Nottinghamshire County Council and operated by Stagecoach
Midland, 19132 (FJ07 OSZ) is one of two Enviro 400s, carrying a special
“Robin Hood Airport Lynx” livery, that service route X29 from Retford to
Robin Hood Airport. Aside from the special livery, these buses are
fitted out internally with luggage racks for the safe stowage of
passengers’ luggage. These two Enviro 400s entered service in May 2007
and were the first time within Stagecoach UK Bus to have Euro IV engines
with additional Ad-Blue tanks. Two Enviro200Darts carry a similar livery
for route X30.
The X29 and associated 29 services offer an almost hourly daytime
service, Monday to Saturday, with the X29 giving a quicker journey time.
X29 provides a 2-hourly service on Sundays.
Robin Hood Airport is situated in the heart of the Yorkshire and Humbler
regions and is within one hour’s traveling distance by car from the
major cities of Sheffield, Leeds, Hull, Nottingham, York and Lincoln.
The Robin Hood Airport Lynx buses offer onward connections at Bawtry,
Worksop and Retford to destinations in the rest of Nottinghamshire and
surrounding counties.
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. A
brand new luggage rack is being fitted at the lower saloon, making the
replica is 100% correct as the real vehicle.
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 6013 model is limited to 1500 pieces worldwide.
News Release - 30th April 2008
CMNL UK Release Update
Update on planned releases for Period 1 (January – April) 2008
1. ukbus 3000 range : The Plaxton Dennis Dart MPD
ukbus 3030 : Go-North East Twin Pack (registrations TBC) - August
2008
2. ukbus 5000 range : The Mercedes-Benz/Citaro
ukbus 5014 : Arriva Surrey & West Sussex (3903 – BX56 VTW) – in
production
3. ukbus 8000 range : The Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart
ukbus 8005 : East Yorkshire (352 – YX56 HVJ) – production completed
Future planned releases for Period 2 (May – August) 2008
1. ukbus 0000 range : Commissioned Models
ukbus 0022 : Bluestar (718 – SN56 AWX) - July 2008
2. ukbus 1000 range : The Alexander
ALX400/Dennis Trident
ukbus 1040 : Stagecoach Cambridge (17079 – T679 KPU) - August 2008
3. ukbus 2000 range : The Plaxton President/Dennis Trident
ukbus 2016 : Lothian Buses (543 - V543 ESC) - August 2008
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 5018 : Southern Vectis (457 – HW07 CXY) – July 2008
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 6015 : Stagecoach Cambridge (19300 – AE07 KZA) - June 2008
9. ukbus 7000 range : The Scania OmniCity
ukbus 7011 : First Potteries (65040 – YN06 WMO) - July 2008
10. ukbus 8000 range : The Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart
ukbus 8007 : Stagecoach in Hampshire (36028 – GX07 HUV) – May 2008
ukbus 8008 : Yellow Buses (515 – HF57 BKN) – June 2008
11. hkbus 2000 range : The Alexander RX-type/Leyland Olympian
hkbus 2010 : Stagecoach Devon (13601 – BIW 4977) - May 2008
12. ukplus range of associated street furniture
ukplus 1002 : Transport for London (Bus Stop, Bus Shelter, Bench
Seat and Ticket Machine) - July 2008
13. ukvan range
ukvan 1004 : Sprinter Panel Van London Buses (WM57 DYN) – July 2008
14. Other right-hand drive models (outwith UK)
ausbus1001 : ACTION Scania/Custom Coaches (BUS : 371) – June 2008
iebus 0001 : Dublin Bus Airlink (00-D-70118) – April 2008
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.
Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL)
The World’s Miniature Bus Co.
http://www.cmn.com.hk/en/index.php
News Release -
28th April 2008
iebus 0001 Alexander ALX400-bodied Volvo B7TL
Dublin Bus
Creative Master Northcord Limited (CMNL) is again writing another new
chapter in both Irish and UK model bus history. CMNL has released its
first replica in the Dublin Bus special Airlink livery on its well-known
casting – Alexander ALX 400. It is the third low-floor double-decker bus
replica with Dublin Bus colours.
iebus 0001 represents fleet number AV118 (00-D-70118).
Dublin Bus Airlink vehicles are based on the Volvo B7TL chassis with
Alexander ALX400 body. These vehicles were built in 2000 but differ from
the standard vehicles built that year for Dublin Bus as they are fitted
with centre doors and have special additional luggage pens.
They operate solely on the two Airlink airport express routes out of the
Summerhill depot. Route 747 operates between Dublin Airport and the city
centre, the city terminus is at Busaras – the central bus station for
services from Dublin to all parts of Ireland – and adjacent to Connolly
rail station, also served by the Luas light rail system. Route 748 links
Dublin Airport with Heuston rail station, the Dublin terminus for trains
to the south and west.
The replica features excellent detailing, inside and out. The most
outstanding feature on the model is the additional luggage racks in the
lower saloon.
This is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and
livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible,
in both Irish and English. The model has no ugly metal poles to hold it
together.
The brand new Dublin Bus model is based on a Limited Edition with 1600
pieces produced. They 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.
News Release -
24th April 2008
NEW CASTING
ukbus 5017 Mercedes-Benz Citaro
EURO5
Plymouth Citybus
Creative Master
Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of ukbus 5017, in
Plymouth Citybus livery, the first single-door model of the brand new
Mercedes-Benz Citaro EURO 5 casting with protruding destination box
above the windscreen.
ukbus 5017 represents fleet number 91 (WA56 OZR) that was new to
Plymouth Citybus in 2006.
This Mercedes-Benz Citaro is one of seven such vehicles manufactured to
Euro 5 specifications for this municipal operator and delivered in the
winter of 2006. The vehicles commenced service from January 2007 and
have been used predominantly on one of the company’s flagship routes the
City Centre to Ernesettle service 43 where in their striking livery they
are assisting in changing the perception of ‘die hard’ car user that
public transport is a realistic alternative mode of travel.
The Mercedes-Benz Citaro EURO 5 ukbus 5017 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 5017 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 EURO 5 bus models will be
distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing
Company (Japan), TransitGraphics (Australia), cnmycar.com (P. R. China)
and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The ukbus 5017 model is
limited to 1100 pieces worldwide.
News Release -
11th April 2008
New casting
ukbus 5016 Mercedes-Benz Citaro EURO5
First Bus
Heathrow Airport and more specifically Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 have
been popular among the headlines on worldwide news channels within the
last couple of weeks. Following the great success of the launch model of
the brand new casting, ukbus 5015 replicating the 3-door British Airways
Citaro EURO5 bus, Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to
announce the release of ukbus 5016, the first model of a Euro 5 Citaro
with curved windscreen which also serves Heathrow Airport.
ukbus 5016 represents fleet number ES64035 (LK07 CCN) that was new to
First in 2007 and is a single door vehicle.
Bus services between Slough and Heathrow took another step forward
during 2007, when ten Euro5 Mercedes-Benz Citaros replaced the Euro3
versions operating on routes 75/76 (Maidenhead – Slough – Heathrow). A
new image was designed by Best Impressions to replace the silver livery
which was now four years old (ukbus 5003) and incorporated details for
route 77 (Windsor – Slough – Heathrow) which had been introduced the
previous year. The 77 was the new home for the displaced silver Citaros
but it was common for Euro5 buses to appear alongside them, as this
model illustrates. These ‘7-series’ Citaros featured even further
reductions in engine emissions compared with the earlier Citaros, but
retained features such as double glazing and air-conditioning. The
addition of racks behind the driver provided airport travellers with
improved storage space for large items of luggage.
The opening of Terminal 5 in March 2008 brought further expansion and
two existing routes in Slough area were projected to Terminal 5 and
renumbered into the 7-series. Coincidentally, an additional seven new
Citaros were required to operate the improved network and with the
silver Citaros repainted blue during the first few months of 2008, the
total number of 7-series Citaros rapidly grew to 27, which equated to
over 50% of the vehicle allocation at Slough garage.
ukbus 5016 features the smooth, curved windscreen with the destination
display set behind the windscreen glass.
The Mercedes-Benz Citaro EURO5 ukbus 5016 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 5016 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. As part of the new casting,
representing the smoother look of the Euro 5 Citaro, a newly designed
air-conditioning pod is fitted to the roof.
ukbus 5016 is the latest model in the CMNL Heathrow Airport collection.
Details of all other members of this exclusive collection can be found
below to help you complete your CMNL “Heathrow Airport Collection”.
ukbus 3025 Dennis Dart MPD / Travel London West DP1 (LJ56 ONH) on route
441 (Heathrow Airport via Staines). Production date : February 2007
ukbus 4006 Volvo Olympian / Alexander Royale N116 UHP on route A1
(Heathrow Airport Terminal 4 only). Production date : December 2005
ukbus 5003 Mercedes-Benz Citaro / First Slough EC2013 (LT52 WXB) on
route 75 (Heathrow via Slough). Production date : December 2005
ukbus 7003 OmniCity / Menzies Aviation T54 (YN53 GFG) on London
Underground Replacement Service. Production date : December 2006
ukbus 7005 OmniCity / Metrobus 543 (YN05 HFG) on route X26 (Heathrow).
Production date : January 2007
ukbus 5012 Mercedes-Benz Citaro / Arriva 3901 (BU06 HSD) on Green Line
724 service. Production date : April 2007
ukbus 5015 Mercedes-Benz Citaro EURO5 / British Airways BU0461 (FLY
747T) on Heathrow Terminal 5 airside service. Production date : March
2008
Your models can be purchased from your local model retailer or from many
of the dealers who advertise online. They, in turn, can order through
the distributors listed below.
The brand new single door Mercedes-Benz Citaro EURO5 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 5016 model is
limited to 1100 pieces worldwide.
News Release -
7th April 2008
ukbus 5111 Mercedes-Benz Citaro G
University of East London
Creative Master Northcord Limited has proudly released its third version
of the popular wholly-wrapped University of East London adverts on the
Mercedes-Benz Citaro G model.
ukbus 5111 carries the wholly-wrapped University of East London pink
colour advert livery. The bus itself was originally operated by
Stagecoach East London and is now operated by the East London Bus Group.
It represents fleet number 23033 (LX03 HEJ).
The University of East London (UEL) is a modern, fast-growing university
situated close to the heart of the UK's capital city.
Originally founded as a technical institute in 1898, UEL received its
charter establishing it as a university in 1992. Since then it has
undergone dramatic growth, and has achieved recognition for both its
teaching and research quality.
With over 20,000 students from more than 100 nationalities, UEL is also
one of the UK's most diverse universities, with a vibrant and dynamic
learning community. UEL now offers over 220 undergraduate and
postgraduate degrees across nine Schools: Architecture and the Visual
Arts, Business, Computing and Technology, Distance Learning, Education,
Health and Bioscience, Law, Psychology, and Social Science, Media and
Cultural Studies.
The livery on this model Mercedes-Benz Citaro highlights UEL’s wide
range of programmes and flexibility of delivery. It also uses the slogan
‘change the way you think’, reflecting UEL’s mission to perspectives,
and to challenge established thinking.
The bus went into service in summer 2007 and operates on the Number 25
route between Ilford in East London and Oxford Circus in the heart of
the capital.
The Mercedes-Benz Citaro G ukbus 5111 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 ukbus 5111 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 5111 is limited to 1100
pieces worldwide.
News Release -
28th March 2008
JB5002 Isuzu BX141 Bonnet Bus
Japan National Rail Bus
Creative Master Northcord Limited has proudly released its second livery
on the long-awaited Isuzu BX141 bonnet bus replica, JB5002, in Japan
National Rail Bus colours (cream / green).
The Isuzu BX bonnet bus series was one of the most popular city bus
types in the late 1950s and 1960s in Japan.
The replica features excellent detailing, inside and out, including 2
small windscreen wipers, marker lights on both front and rear,
box-shaped front and rear destination blinds and individual translucent
headlights and turning indicator lights placed on the front wings. To
make this a more personal item for collectors, a set of alternative
destinations is included with the model.
Japan National Rail Bus (JNR) operated local and inter-city bus routes
all over Japan until privatisation in 1984. JB5002 features an Isuzu
BX141 with JNR 212 type made in 1957.
The Isuzu BX141 bonnet bus is the fifth 1/76 scale diecast bus or coach
casting for the Japanese market from Creative Master Northcord Ltd since
2000. It is also the second classic Japanese bus model, following the
JB3001 Mitsubishi Fuso Aerobus Coach.
The JB5002 model is limited to 400 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 -
25th March 2008
New Casting
ukvan 1002 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Traveliner – Mini Bus
Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of
ukvan 1002, the launch model of the second new casting introduced during
2008.
The launch model of the new casting is the RHD Traveliner minibus
version. The panel van ukvan 1001, launched in September 2007, and
Traveliner minibus ukvan 1002 are part of the ukvan 1000 series of new
shape Mercedes-Benz Sprinters that will also include LHD panel van and
Traveliner minibus versions.
The new casting is based on the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Traveliner
Mini Bus with long wheelbase and high roof. The new Sprinter was
introduced to the UK in late 2006 and the mini bus model featured is
based on a Traveliner with 4325mm wheelbase, 6940mm overall length and
2820mm overall height.
The ukvan 1002 launch model is painted in Silver and can become part of
a standalone collection of the ukvan 1000 series of Sprinter vans and
minibuses or can be used to add authentic detail to a railway layout or
transport diorama.
ukvan 1002 carries the registration mark SB57 TMB which, at the time of
the model’s release, was still unissued by DVLA.
Key features of the ukvan 1000 series, exemplified on ukvan 1002,
include interior detail showing the driver’s instrument binnacle,
steering wheel, single driver’s seat and eleven passenger seats and also
chassis detail that includes replicated drive-train and exhaust system
as well as fuel tank and spare wheel. The model shows that, behind the
rear seats, there is a small space available for luggage. The windscreen
wipers are individually made pieces and therefore the models are not
suitable for children under 14 years of age.
The ukvan 1002 model carries a numbered Limited Edition Certificate
showing that it is one of a run of only 1400 pieces worldwide.
The brand new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Mini Bus models will be available
through model shops and online dealers in the UK who will be supplied by
John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited. The ukvan range will also be available
through Transit Graphics (Australia), Porte Publishing Company (Japan),
cnmycar.com (P. R. of China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively.
News Release -
20th March 2008
NEW CASTING
ukbus 5015 Mercedes-Benz Citaro
EURO5
British Airways
Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of
ukbus 5015, the first model of the new casting introduced during 2008.
The first livery to be carried on the brand new model is British Airways
and this significant release is timed to coincide with the official
opening of Heathrow T5 that took place on Friday 14th March, the opening
ceremony being carried out by The Queen. The £4.3bn terminal opens to
the public on 27th March and will be used exclusively by British
Airways.
ukbus 5015 represents fleet number BU0461 (FLY 747T) that was new in
2007 and is a 3-door vehicle, with offside centre door, which is used in
service airside at Heathrow Airport Terminal 5.
British Airways is using a fleet of Mercedes-Benz Citaro EURO5 buses in
the newly built terminal at London Heathrow Airport. The buses are being
used to move customers around the terminal campus, which covers 260
hectares – about the same size as London’s Hyde Park.
The fleet of 38 buses was specifically designed for British Airways to
use at Heathrow Airport. The fleet forms part of a £2.5million
investment by British Airways in purchasing more than 500 new ground
transportation vehicles, which move people, baggage and equipment around
Terminal 5.
The buses have all been modified to allow a large number of customers to
stand and also to use luggage racks for their carry-on hand luggage.
Capacity is set at 100 with 20 seated and 80 standing, although British
Airways operates its buses with an average of 45 people onboard to
increase levels of customer comfort.
The Mercedes-Benz Citaro EURO5 ukbus 5015 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 5015 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. As part of the new casting,
representing the smoother look of the Euro 5 Citaro, a newly designed
air-conditioning pod is fitted to the roof. Demonstrating their use
airside at T5, the model carries an orange warning beacon on the roof.
The brand new 3-door Mercedes-Benz Citaro EURO5 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 5015 model is
limited to 1800 pieces worldwide.
News Release -
3rd March 2008
ukbus 1039 Alexander ALX400-bodied Dennis Trident
ARRIVA
CMNL is proud to release another brand new livery on its well-known
casting – the Alexander ALX400-bodied Dennis Trident. This is ukbus 1039
carrying ARRIVA the Shires and Essex “line five-hundred” route-branding
on the Arriva “inter-urban” livery.
This model features ARRIVA 5432 (W432 XKX).
Arriva the Shires and Essex provide local bus services across the
northern Home Counties, Transport for London tendered routes and Green
Line coach services with a fleet of 645 vehicles.
Dennis Trident W432 XKX, fleet number 5432, entered service in 2000 on
Service 38 between Luton and Dunstable, based at Aylesbury Depot.
Service 38 was re-equipped with Scania L94 single decks in November
2005. Three Tridents, including 5432, moved to Aylesbury Depot for use
on Service X15 from Aylesbury to Milton Keynes. Double deck operation
was affected by the height restriction that applied because of a railway
line between Aylesbury and Watford.
Fitted with a Cummins C Series engine and Alexander ALX400 body, 5432 is
a long wheelbase Trident with seats for 78 passengers – 31 in the lower
saloon.
The replica features excellent detailing, inside and out, including a tv
monitor in the upper saloon, 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.
Collectors may wish to compare ukbus 1037 with the 2003 release of
sister bus 5429 (W429 XKX) as ukbus 1010 that carried the route 38
branding referred to in a paragraph above.
The brand new ukbus 1039 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 -
29th February 2008
hkbus 2009 Bluebird Buses
Tri-axle Leyland Olympian/Alexander Coach
After a long silence in the past 18 months, Creative Master Northcord
Limited is proud to release hkbus 2009 - the first time Stagecoach
standard corporate livery has been replicated on the well-known
11-metre, tri-axle Leyland Olympian / Alexander R-type coach model.
The model represents Bluebird Buses 13625 (WLT 439) in “Buchan link”
route-branding colour. 13625 is one of five former Hong Kong Olympians
operated on heavily used interurban services linking Peterhead and
Fraserburgh with Aberdeen to provide high capacity and comfort on
commuter journeys. hkbus 2009 appears with the destination set to route
268 Mintlaw – a small town in the heart of Buchan in North East
Aberdeenshire, 30 miles north of Aberdeen and inland from Peterhead.
The bus itself has had a long service history in different fleets and
liveries.
Delivered new to Hong Kong as Citybus 145 (ES 4877) in September 1990,
this Alexander-bodied 11-metre Leyland Olympian coach was numbered 13625
by Stagecoach when she returned to the UK in 2004 to operate services
for Megabus.com. 13625 was registered H511 FRP and entered service in
May 2004 from Leamington depot.
During July 2005 she worked special services, including being one of the
12 Megabus ex-CTB Olympians used to ferry passengers from London to the
“Making Poverty History” events in Edinburgh timed to coincide with the
G8 Summit at Gleneagles and then was used for the Golflink services
between Leuchars Station and St Andrews Golf Course for the (British)
Open Golf Championship. Following her time away from Megabus duties
13625 returned to them at Leamington.
After moving around a bit thereafter, 13625 retired from Megabus.com
service at the end of 2006 and re-entered service in early 2007 with
Bluebird – repainted into Stagecoach corporate livery with Buchan link
branding, fitted with a new LED destination screen and carrying former
Routemaster registration WLT 439. 13625 is now one of the few to retain
a toilet and luggage racks on board.
As on the previous successful hkbus 2000 series models produced by CMNL,
hkbus 2009 has many innovative designs on the tooling – including the
specially designed luggage racks, 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.
The model also features an accurate representation of the small twin
headlights, which replaced the standard Citybus style, by using tampo
printing to good effect.
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 2009 model is limited to 1100 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 -
1st February 2008
ukbus 1037 Alexander ALX400-bodied Dennis Trident
Lothian Buses
CMNL is proud to release another brand new livery on its well-known
casting – the Alexander ALX400-bodied Dennis Trident. This is ukbus 1037
carrying Lothian Buses “harlequin” livery.
This model features Lothian Buses 504 (T504 SSG).
Lothian Buses’ only Alexander-bodied low-floor ‘deckers’ were 501-505
that were delivered in the summer of 1999. To add to their unique status
within the fleet, they were also low-height.
During the winter of 2006-2007, 501-503 were converted to fully Open-Top
configuration for the City Sightseeing tour of Edinburgh. Concurrent
with the re-entry into service of 501-503 in their new guise, 504 and
505 were repainted and, in the process, lost their mega-rear Direct
Debit Ridacard adverts. These 2 buses were usually found on route 8 that
runs from Muirhouse to the Royal Infirmary.
Towards the end of summer 2007, 505 was withdrawn for conversion to part
Open-Top format thereby leaving 504 as the last ALX400-bodied Trident in
normal service before it, too, was withdrawn for a similar conversion.
The replica features excellent detailing, inside and out, including a tv
monitor on upper saloon, 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.
It will be a good opportunity to make a full fleet of the three Lothian
Buses ‘“harlequin” liveried Trident models produced by CMNL to date,
comprising the newly released ukbus 1037, ukbus 1004 - the ALX400-bodied
Trident 503 (T503 SSG) and ukbus 2004 - the Plaxton President-bodied
Trident 601 (SN51 AXF).
The brand new ukbus 1037 model is based on a Limited Edition of 1800
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 - 31st January 2008
New Casting : ukplus range
Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the launch of
the new ukplus range.
Items of street furniture are all around us but can be almost invisible
as we proceed with our daily lives. They have become so much part of our
lives that they go un-noticed until our street lamp does not work, or
until we are faced with the need to use something alien to our local
environment such as the first time we need to use on-street ticketing
machines. Yet, to modellers who make dioramas or railway layouts, they
have always been such an integral part of the general scene that they
are easily noticeable by their absence.
The ukplus range is a new range of “Street Furniture” that will include
items associated primarily with bus operators and bus operation. It is
anticipated that the items included within each pack will vary in type
and in number of individual parts included.
Just as the level of detailing on model buses has been improved over the
years, so the expectation that these models should be displayed on a
realistic display area, if required, has also increased and the ukplus
range will offer such opportunities.
The items, if demounted from the plinth, can be used to add detail to a
transport display area, whether a railway dominated or bus dominated
display, and the ukplus items will offer a realistic touch.
Over time it is planned that items will be added to the range from
across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Sometimes, the ukplus items will mirror routes that have featured on
models within the ukbus range of collectible model buses produced by
Creative Master Northcord in the past or in the future, but this will
NOT necessarily always be the case.
In the case of the launch item, ukplus 1001, it features 4 items of
street furniture from bus stop “PE”, which is Green Park Station in
London. The items are : bus stop pole and flag, off-bus ticket machine,
bus shelter and bench seat. The routes served by the bus stop do not, as
yet, feature on any of CMNL’s London bus models.
This ukplus 1001 item has been officially licensed by Transport for
London for CMNL.
The launch ukplus 1001 is a Collector Item and can be displayed as a
standalone item. The individual parts are glued to a plinth and
displayed within a plastic display case, with card outer. Should
collectors wish to demount these items, the card covering the base of
the plinth should be removed and, perhaps using a small screwdriver
being rotated at the base of each of the plastic lugs to loosen the
small amount of glue, the items should then CAREFULLY be pushed free.
Creative Master Northcord Limited takes no responsibility for damage
caused to individual items should they be removed from their base unit.
The ukplus 1001 model detailing item is a limited, uncertificated
production for worldwide distribution. They will be distributed by John
Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), Transit
Graphics (Australia), cnbycar.com (P.R. China) and Concorde Hobby Shop
(HK) respectively.
News Release - 28th January 2008
cnbus 1010 Sunwin / Volvo B7R SWB6120V4
Shanghai Ba-Shi Group
Having made the significant success of its cnbus 1011, Creative Master
Northcord Limited has proudly released its second model of the newly
re-tooled Sunwin / Volvo B7R model, cnbus 1010. It is carrying the
standard Shanghai Ba-Shi Group livery.
Again, cnbus 1010 features the new face of the well known Shanghai
Sunwin / Volvo B7R. It has new front lights and front dome representing
the latest unique style of these Chinese-built bus bodies on the
European-made Volvo chassis. The model also replicates the new style of
driver rear-view mirror, replacing the “rabbit ear” style previously
replicated that is less expensive to repair and to replace. The new
style of mirror arm also includes the high-mounted door-step
illumination indicator within the mirror arm on the nearside of the bus.
The rear dome and deeper engine access door are further notable
modifications to the original cnbus 1000 range casting.
Shanghai Ba-Shi Group is the biggest bus operator in Shanghai. It has
placed a fleet of 3,500 Sunwin / Volvo B7Rs in service since the year
2001 representing around 50% of the entire fleet.
cnbus 1010 represents fleet number S2F-019 (B 22695) and it is featured
running on route 776.
The Sunwin SWB6120V4 / Volvo B7R bus has a Euro3 environmentally
friendly engine with 213kW horsepower. These buses are becoming more
common in service with Shanghai Ba-Shi Group in Shanghai. Although
slower to adopt the ‘Euro’ engine strictures than in neighbouring Hong
Kong, Shanghai Ba-Shi Group is now catching up fast in an effort to
improve the emissions placed into the environment and these Shanghai
buses bring compliance to current European standards one step further.
cnbus 1010 features excellent detailing, inside and out. This is a
one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and
application of the standard Shanghai Ba-Shi Group livery on which all
logos and lettering are clearly legible on the white / green paint. The
model has no unnecessary metal poles to hold it together.
The cnbus 1010 model is limited to 1100 pieces for worldwide
distribution. They will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited
(UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), Transit Graphics (Australia),
cnbycar.com (P.R. China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively.
News Release - 24th January 2008
ukbus 6014 Alexander Dennis Enviro400 Travel West Midlands
Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of
Alexander Dennis Enviro400 ukbus 6014. Probably it will be one of the
more significant models in its well known range of Enviro 400 castings
in 2008 because the added value to the bus model collector will be that
the replica is carrying the previous version of standard Travel West
Midlands livery that has now been replaced already with the two-colour
scheme.
ukbus 6014 represents fleet number 4718 (BU07 LGO).
Travel West Midlands, part of the National Express Group, is now
operating Alexander Dennis Enviro400 vehicles on the 107 bus service.
The 107, operated by the company’s Perry Barr depot, runs from
Birmingham city centre to Sutton Coldfield via the Newtown and Perry
Barr areas of Birmingham. These innovative, low floor, easy access
vehicles, introduced in September 2007, are helping Travel West Midlands
to make travel simpler for their customers.
ukbus 6014 is carrying the previous Travel West Midlands standard colour
in which it was delivered new in the year 2007. Travel West Midlands has
just begun to apply another standard livery for their bus fleet as the
National Express Group is establishing a new identity across its entire
range of public-carrying enterprises – whether it is the inter-city
National Express coaches, local bus service fleets or to the locomotives
and coaches on its railway services – including the recently won
East-Coast Main Line network.
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 6014 model is limited to 1700 pieces worldwide.
News Release - 18th January 2008
ukbus 8006 Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart
Metroline
Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of
ukbus 8006, Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart, the third London-liveried
replica on the new casting of this distinctive modern single-decker in
the United Kingdom.
ukbus 8006 represents fleet number DES 801 (LK07 ELJ), running on
service E6 bound for Greenford Station.
DES 801 is one of a batch 12 8.9metre Alexander Dennis Enviro200Darts
delivered to Metroline in the summer of 2007. These were the first of
the type to enter service in the Metroline fleet.
Metroline is part of the Singapore based ComfortDelgro group and
operates nearly 1200 buses in North, North West, West and Central London
employing nearly 4000 staff.
DES 801 is based at West Perivale garage and operates on the busy West
London Route E6 between Greenford Station and Hayes (Bulls Bridge).
The Alexander Dennis Enviro200Dart ukbus 8006 is a one-piece casting
whose clean lines accentuate the square-mounted, gasket windows and the
livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible.
Creative Master Northcord is creating new design standards in the layout
of the interior in the replica. These features inside the compartment
represent the really outstanding layout of the Enviro200Dart, such as
the additional seats on the wheel arch on the offside, and extensive
portrayal of handrails in the compartment. The engine room door at the
back can be opened and there is a replica of the environmental-friendly
engine inside it.
The brand new Enviro200Dart bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey
Die-Casts Limited (UK), Transit Graphics (Australia), Porte Publishing
Company (Japan), cnmycar.com (P.R. China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK)
respectively. The ukbus 8006 model is limited to 1800 pieces worldwide.
News Release - 11th January 2008
cnbus 1011 Sunwin SWB6120V4 Demonstrator
Sunwin / Volvo B7R
Creative Master Northcord Limited has proudly released its first batch
of the newly re-tooled Sunwin / Volvo B7R model, cnbus 1011. It is
Shanghai Sunwin Bus SWB6120V4 Demonstrator.
cnbus 1011 features the new face of the well known Shanghai Sunwin /
Volvo B7R. It has new front lights and front dome representing the
latest unique style of these Chinese-built bus bodies on the
European-made Volvo chassis. The model also replicates the new style of
driver rear-view mirror (replacing the “rabbit ear” style previously
replicated) that is less expensive to repair and to replace. The new
style of mirror arm also includes the high-mounted side repeater
indicator within the mirror arm on the nearside of the bus. The rear
dome and deeper engine access door are further notable modifications to
the original cnbus 1000 range casting.
Shanghai Sunwin Bus Corporation (SUNWIN) is a joint venture invested by
SAIC Motor Company Limited (SAIC Motor), VOLVO (China) Investment
Corporation (VCIC) and Volvo Bus Corporation (VBC).
The Sunwin SWB6120V4 / Volvo B7R bus has a Euro3 environmental friendly
engine with 213kW horsepower. The buses are becoming more common in
service with major bus operators in Shanghai. Although slower to adopt
the ‘Euro’ engine strictures than in neighbouring Hong Kong, Chinese
operators are now catching up fast in an effort to improve the emissions
placed into the environment and these Shanghai buses bring compliance to
current European standards one step further.
cnbus 1011 features excellent detailing, inside and out. This is a
one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and
application of the Volvo demonstrator Euro III livery on which all logos
and lettering are clearly legible on the metallic blue paint. The model
has no ugly metal poles to hold it together.
The cnbus 1011 model is limited to 1200 pieces for worldwide
distribution. They will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited
(UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), Transit Graphics (Australia),
cnbycar.com (P.R. China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively.
News Release - 10th January 2008
ukbus 1038 TransBus ALX400-bodied Trident
Stagecoach in Cheltenham & District
CMNL is proud to release another brand new livery on its well-known
casting – the TransBus ALX400-bodied Trident. This is ukbus 1038
carrying University of Gloucestershire allover livery.
This model represents Stagecoach in Cheltenham 17728 (MK02 EGX). This is
the second Stagecoach in Cheltenham & District TransBus ALX400-bodied
Trident model with University of Gloucestershire livery that CMNL
produced. The previous one is ukbus 1022 with unimotion colours and
featured sister bus 17729 ((MK02 EGY).
The first fully branded Trident double-decker entered into service in
the academic year 2002/3 for the University of Gloucestershire. These
buses had briefly operated on special services for the Commonwealth
Games in Manchester. In 2006, an opportunity was taken to revise the
livery applied to these buses used on service U, to that depicted on
this model 17728, a bus operated by the Cheltenham depot of Stagecoach
West.
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.
It will be a good opportunity to make a twin University of
Gloucestershire bus model set with ukbus 1038 and ukbus 1022
representing the common street scene in Cheltenham.
The brand new ukbus 1038 model is based on a Limited Edition of 1100
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 - 8th January 2008
ukbus 6012 Alexander Dennis Enviro400
Stagecoach “Bus of Britain”
Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the release of
Alexander Dennis Enviro400 ukbus 6012, the fifth version of Stagecoach
livery on the re-tooled casting of this distinctive modern double-decker
in the United Kingdom. Probably ukbus 6012 will be one of the most
important models in 2008. The replica is carrying the standard
Stagecoach livery but with very special advertising on the bus.
ukbus 6012 represents fleet number 19152 (NK07 HBN).
Stagecoach in Newcastle (Busways Travel Services) 19152 is one of a
batch (19141 – 19163) that was delivered to Newcastle in 2007 to replace
a similar batch of Enviro400s delivered the previous year.
The 2007 buses brought the benefits of Euro IV engines to the local
environment through improved emissions quality and to the operator
through more fuel efficiency over the 2006 buses that were to Euro III
specification.
Bus 19152 carries “Stagecoach – Bus of Britain” adverts on each side and
a prominent Stagecoach fleetname in the lower rear advert position.
Creative Master Northcord is creating new design standards in the layout
of the interior of both saloons. The features inside the compartments
represent the really outstanding layout of the bus, including the
extensive portrayal of handrails on both upper and lower decks. The
headlights at the front are made of individual components to look more
realistic.
CMNL’s Enviro400 model ukbus 6012 has additional features to Stagecoach
‘Provincial’ specification, including redesigned windows at the driving
cab, an additional rear-facing seat at the rear of the upper-deck and
redesigned rear dome incorporating a representation of the opening
emergency window but lacking the indent for additional upper-saloon
ventilation equipment found on other Enviro400s.
The brand new Enviro400 bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey
Die-Casts Limited (UK), Transit Graphics (Australia), cnmycar.com (P. R.
China), Porte Publishing Company (Japan) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK)
respectively. The ukbus 6012 model is limited to 1200 pieces worldwide.
News Release - 7th January 2008
ukbus 7010 Scania OmniCity
uni-link Southampton
Creative Master Northcord Limited is releasing the tenth replica on its
popular Scania OmniCity model tooling. It is ukbus 7010 in Unilink
Southampton livery.
ukbus 7010 represents fleet number 37 (YN06 CGO).
The Scania OmniCity is fleet number 37 in the modern fleet of Unilink
buses. The vehicle entered service in April 2006. The bus is fitted with
2 doors which is the preferred Unilink specification, together with a
large standing area favoured by students.
The vehicle was chosen as a high capacity single-deck and is mainly with
double-deck buses on the main U1 service linking Southampton Docks, City
Centre, Airport and University. An unusual vehicle on the streets of
Southampton, it is expected that more of this type will join the fleet.
Unilink is operated by Enterprise Accord who works in partnership with
the University of Southampton and provides bus services for the
University and general public on scheduled local bus services.
The Scania OmniCity ukbus 7010 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 7010,
include two doors, an extensive portrayal of handrails and the headlight
/ indicator units at the front made of individual, translucent
components to look more realistic.
Collectors could make a fleet of Unilink replicas made by CMNL. Together
with the previous ukbus 5013 Mercedes-Benz Citaro model, ukbus 7010 is
the second batch of replicas showcasing Unilink colours.
The brand new Scania OmniCity bus models will be distributed by John
Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Transit Graphics (Australia), Porte
Publishing Company (Japan), cnmycar.com (P. R. of China) and Concorde
Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The ukbus 7010 model is limited to 1100
pieces worldwide.
