EFE Bachmann Exclusive - 28825 Titan Prototype London Transport

We have been asked by Bachmann Europe Plc to produce a new exclusive model which will be available solely from Bachmann Stockists.

The Leyland Titan was created during a difficult era for London Transport. In the face of labour shortages, the move to one-person-operation and the loss of the ability to design its own buses, LT gambled on a batch of Fleetlines, Swifts and Merlins to take them into the future. Unfortunately, these vehicles proved unsuitable for the task, as they were unpopular with passengers and had a construction that made them not easy to fit into LT's already well-established maintenance routine, meaning that replacement vehicles would eventually need to be found.

The Leyland Stand at the 1976 Commercial Motor Show  - Image by Brian on Flikr

With the implementation of the New Bus Grant, restrictions on building rear entrance buses and the lack of viable British manufacturers LT turned to Leyland to create a new bus for London's roads. Leyland's aim was to create a double decker bus which would capture the market the way that its single decked Leyland National had, so in 1973 'Project B15' commenced. However, the project was beset with delays due to Leyland's bankruptcy. Nationalisation of the company in 1975 and government funding got the plans back on track and by November 1975 the first B15 (B15-04) was given to London Transport to begin its well publicised trial, by 1977 the B15 had been renamed, Titan.

Leyland B15-05 - Image by George Woods on Flickr

In 1978 a new B15 prototype Titan, B15-05 had entered into service replacing B15-04. This new version had ironed out some of the problems encountered by its predecessor and so cemented plans for production of 250 new Titans to enter LT's Fleet.

 28825 - Leyland Titan Prototype - London Transport

Our model depicts B15-05 (BCK 706R) as it would have appeared in the Spring of 1978. Shown working on route 24 to Victoria Station and operating out of Chalk Farm. It carries the white top deck London Transport livery of the time and a route blind box still masked for NBC specification.

This model is priced £39.95

Quantities are limited so an early response is recommended.

Pre-order now from Bachmann stockists!

EFE In The Shops - July 2016

Available from Exclusive First Editions stockists from this week!

16016 - Leyland PD2 Lowbridge - Todmorden / British Rail

This Lowbridge Leyland PD2 would have taken in some beautiful scenery whilst on route to Keighley. Jointly owned by Todmorden and British Railways fleet number 3 registered GWW 39 carries a period advert for Webster’s Brewery of Halifax.

RRP £34.50

20652 - Plaxton Pointer Dart - Orpington Buses

The first in a new fleet for our models sees this Plaxton Pointer Dart in Orpington Buses livery. Registered P411 MLA this early two step entranced Dart works route R9 to Orpington Station via The Walnuts Shopping Centre.

RRP £34.50

24906 - Reeve Burgess Minibus - First Capital Citybus

This ex-Eastern National Reeve Burgess Minibus is seen in First Capital Citybus red and yellow livery. Registered F257 RHK, fleet number 567 works the popular route 212 to Walthamstow.

RRP £34.50

27319 - Leyland TD1 - Scout Motor Services

Scout Motor Services Leyland TD1 fleet number 24, registered CK 4569. Seen operating on route to Blackpool from Preston, a route that was shared with Ribble under an agreement between the two companies.

RRP £34.50

EFE Invicta Model Rail Commission - 99207A Leyland TD1 Plymouth City Transport

Don't miss your chance to get one of our special commission models for  Invicta Model Rail & Plymouth City Transport Preservation Group, at this weekend events!

99207A will be released over the weekend of July 16/17 2016 at the Bretonside Bus Station closure event on Saturday 16th July and the PCTPG’s annual Bus Rally and Running Day at the George Junction Park & Ride site on Sunday 17th July. 

99207A - Leyland TD1 - Plymouth City Transport WWII

Our limited edition WWII model is registered DR 7405, fleet numbered 124 and shown work on a route to the Theatre. It is shown displaying adverts for Plymouth City Transport Preservation Group.

Only 200 models will be produced. 

RRP £19.99 plus UK P&P £4

Advance orders are being taken now by Invicta Model Rail

please order early to ensure your model and help preserve Plymouth’s transport history!

Available from www.invictamodelrail.com or by calling 0208 302 7774

Also available in store at 130 Station Road, Sidcup, Kent, DA15 7AB. 

or from the www.plymouthcitytransport.co.uk & the PCTPG sales stand at many rallies 

Enquiries should be directed to 0208 302 7774 or emailed to invictamodelrail@btconnect.com

EFE Upcoming Releases - July 2016

Exclusive First Editions are pleased to be able to publish the latest pre-production shots of our upcoming releases for July 2016.

16016 - Leyland PD2 Lowbridge - Todmorden /British Railways

Registration number GWW 39, fleet number 3, En route to Keighley.

July Release - RRP £34.50

  16231 - Bristol MW/LS - Eastern Counties

Registration number PNN 774, fleet number LE 998 Works on service 207. 

 July Release - RRP £34.50

20652 - Plaxton Pointer Dart - Orpington Buses

Registration number P411 MLA,  Operates route R9 to Orpington Station. 

July Release - RRP £34.50

 24907 - Reeve Burgess Minibus - First Cymru

Registration number E299 VEP, fleet number 299. Works route 44 to Grenfell Park. 

July Release  - RRP £34.50

20457 - Bristol VRIII - Eastern Counties

Registration number BVG 219T, fleet number 219. Operating route 604 to Martham.

August Release - RRP £34.50

35213 - 36’ BET Weymann - Maidstone & District

Registration number EKJ 117C, fleet number 3757. Working route 180 to Brighton. 

August Release - RRP £34.50

EFE In The Shops - July 2016

Available from Exclusive First Editions stockists from this week!

26330 - Guy Arab II Utility - Plymouth City WWII

Plymouth was one of the most heavily bombed U.K. City’s of World War two, with so much destruction there were few landmarks left for the buses to head for. This Guy Arab Utility, registered CDR 679, fleet number 249 works route 22 to Theatre, one of the few recognisable buildings left.

RRP 34.50

28013 - Daimler DMS 1 Door - Chaserider / Midland Red North

This DMS retained its N.B.C. green colours as it entered the Midland Red fleet in Chaserider livery. Registered TGX 831M it is working route 156 to Cannock. This model adds to the growing number of liveries on these ex London buses.

RRP 34.50