All Aboard: It's an RT for February

We are pleased to confirm the EFE release for Feb/March 2018 will be E34112, an AEC RT in London Transport livery.



Our model depicts RT2177, registered KGU 106 and shown in the iconic red livery of London Transports fleet. Operating out of south London's Walworth garage and on route 12 to Oxford Circus. Unusually for a London RT it has been modelled without advertising which makes it an interesting addition to any collection.

E34112 is the last Gilbow announced bus to leave our factory and as such it is also the last new release to be housed in the original EFE brown box.

E34112 is currently set for a Feb/March release and is available to pre order now from your local Bachmann retailer now RRP of £34.95.

Please visit our stockist pages to find your nearest retailer, or our dedicated product pages for more information on our wide variety of products.

E31515 - AEC RM Routemaster - London Transport

We are pleased to announce a new model in our recently acquired Exclusive First Editions range. As seen at Victoria Coach Station last weekend, E31515 is an AEC RM Routemaster in London Transport livery.

 E31515 - AEC RM Routemaster - London Transport

Our latest depiction of one of London's iconic Routemasters is RM177, shown operating out of London's New cross garage (NX) which is said to be one of London's biggest garages. Registered VLT 177 and shown working on route 177 to Abbey Wood via Elephant and castle, New cross, Greenwich and Woolwich, whilst displaying Pan Am advertising 'Take a breath of fresh airways'.

Our latest release has an RRP of £34.95 and is available to order from your local Bachmann retailer now. Please visit our stockist pages to find your nearest retailer.

25711 – Daimler DMS – London Transport Selkent Bus & Coach Council

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

Image Source: Stuart Johnson on Flikr

In the early eighties, a change was afoot in the bus industry. The government regulated ownership, which had reigned since the late 60's was now under threat from a new government who wanted to introduce more competition amongst operators in an effort to help waning passenger numbers.
The Bus and Coach Council (now the CTP) an organisation that campaigns for the interests of those in the bus and coach industry, were opposed to this new transport act, fearing that deregulation would damage the industry as services would be lost and traffic congestion in cities would increase due to more cars being used on the roads.

To gain support from the public the Bus and Coach Council rolled out an advertising campaign which included many bus operators nationwide repainting their buses into the 'We'd all miss the bus' livery. London Transport although not as badly affected by these new proposals, supported the Bus and Coach Council's campaign, though unlike other operators, London Transport chose to keep its red body colour rather than adopting the cream/beige used elsewhere.

25711 – Daimler DMS – London Transport Selkent Bus & Coach Council

Our model depicts one of London's many Daimler DMSs in use in the 1980's. GHV 63N, fleet numbered DM 1063 and shown running on route 70 to Victoria. This Selkent District vehicle displays the eye-catching slogans 'Ease the rush, use the bus' and 'We carry more passengers per gallon' along with the Bus and Coach Council logo with its row of passengers or as they were commonly nicknamed 'performing seals'.

This model is priced £39.95

Quantities are limited so an early response is recommended.

Order now from Bachmann stockists!

Special EFE Model - 23324A RF London Transport

News of a model by Julian Bowden for Bromley Garages open day last weekend.

23324A - AEC RF Bus - London Transport

The ever popular AEC RF bus makes a welcome return in Central London Transport red livery. Registered MLL 945 and working out of Kingston garage, RF 527 operates on route 227 to Bromley Garage via Beckenham.

This model costs £28 inc P&P and is available by writing with payment to:

JB Photocards, 21 Forde Ave, Bromley, BR1 3EU

Or by calling Julian on 07932 812268

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 Collectors Association - Subscriber Special Model

Exclusive First Editions are pleased to present our Collectors Association Members with this very special London Transport model. We feel that we owe you our thanks for your continued support and it is for this reason that we bring you this special limited model to enhance your collection.

32006 - RT Bus - London Transport

Our model is registered NLE 940, fleet numbered RT4276 and is shown operating on Express route 93 to Epsom Station.

£32.50 Free UK P&P

EFE Collectors Association - Subscriber Special Model

Exclusive First Editions are pleased to present our Collectors Association Members with this very special London Transport model. We feel that we owe you our thanks for your continued support and it is for this reason that we bring you this special limited model to enhance your collection.

32006 - RCL Routemaster Coach - London Transport Driver Trainer

Our model is registered CUV 245, fleet numbered RCL2245 and is shown operating as a driver training vehicle out of camberwell garage.

£32.50 Free UK P&P

EFE Upcoming Releases - October 2015

Exclusive First Editions are pleased to be able to publish the latest pre-production shots of our upcoming releases for October 2015.

22914 - Bedford TK Boxvan - Rail Express Parcels

Registration number RAE 716M, fleet number 4TK 6714 MW.

Scheduled for a November Release RRP £31.00

24823 - Plaxton Minibus - Norfolk Green

Registration number N967 ENA, fleet number 402. Works route 47 to Magdalen.

Scheduled for an October Release RRP £34.50

25212 - Bristol RELL Bus - Southdown N.B.C.

Registration number UCD 603J, fleet number 603. Works route 48 to Old Steine.

Scheduled for a November Release RRP £34.50

28608 - GM Standard Atlantean - First Greater Manchester

Registration number SND 522X, fleet number 4522. Operating route 559 to Bolton.

October Release RRP £34.50

29807 - Wright Dennis Lance - Southend Transport

Registration number M764 JPA, fleet number LSL 004.

Works route 6 to Eastwood, Kent Elms.

Scheduled for a November Release  RRP £34.50

31515 - RM Routemaster - London Transport

Registration number VLT 177, fleet number RM 177.

Operates route 177 to Abbey Wood.

Scheduled for a November Release  RRP £34.50

33802 - Bristol RELH Coach - Lincolnshire Road Car

Registration number WVL 515, fleet number 2822. Operating an Excursion.

Scheduled for an October Release RRP £34.50

All models will be available to pre-order from your local model shop, online or from us direct from this week onwards!

EFE Bachmann Exclusive - 31514 RM Shop Linker

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

In April 1979 London Transport announced a new 'Shop Linker' bus service designed especially for shoppers to enable quick and easy travel to many of London's greatest West End stores.

Image Source: AndrewHA's on Flikr 

A fleet of sixteen Routemasters were selected for the new service, which was to operate out of Stockwell garage, all were repainted in a distinctive yellow and red livery and fitted out with a speaker system so that they could play music and advertisements to their onboard passengers.

PRE-PRODUCTION SAMPLE 

The service started at Marble Arch and traveled on a circular route, running in both directions, via Regent Street, Piccadilly, Knightsbridge, Kensington and Oxford Street. No route number was allocated to this service, instead, the route blind displayed the flat 30p fare, which did lead to confusion amongst some would-be passengers who mistook it for the route 30 to Hackney and so it was later removed.

PRE-PRODUCTION SAMPLE 

Although the Shop Linker was very popular with shoppers, London Transport did not consider it a financial success and so by September of the same year the service was withdrawn and the fleet were returned to the standard LT livery after just six months in service.

PRE-PRODUCTION SAMPLE 

31514 - RM Routemaster - London Transport Shop Linker

Our model depicts one such Routemaster, RM 59, registered VLT 59, as it would have appeared in the first few weeks in service as a Shop Linker. Shown running out of Stockwell garage, displaying in-house advertising for the shop linker service and running with the early blind displaying the 30p fare.

This model is priced £37.50

Quantities are limited so an early response is recommended.

Pre-order now from Bachmann stockists!

EFE In The Shops - June 2015

Available from Exclusive First Editions stockists from this week!

16325 - Bristol LS - Bristol Tramways

Originally in service with Bristol Tramways our Bristol LS also worked for Bristol Omnibus and Bath Tramways in its lifetime. Registered PHW 922, fleet number 2832, operates route 125 to Bristol.  RRP £34.50

18110 - Park Royal XA Atlantean - London Transport

Registration CUV 3C, fleet number XA 3, working route P3 to Peckham via Nunhead Lane and carrying advertisements for BOAC.

RRP £32.50

36711 - Plaxton SLF Dart 1 Door - Arriva Medway

Converted from two to one door, this once red Arriva Plaxton SLF Dart now operates in the Medway area. Registered Y301 TKJ, fleet number 3301 operates route 334 to Maidstone via Sittingbourne & Detling. RRP £32.50

EFE In The Shops - April 2015

Available from Exclusive First Editions stockists from this week!

27318 - Leyland TD1 - Wilts & Dorset

With the anniversary of Wilts & Dorset approaching it is time for a little reminiscing and here our Leyland TD1 registered MW 7048, fleet number 87 is working on route to Wilton. The small quantity available means this will sell out fast. RRP £32.50

28011 - Daimler DMS 1 Door - West Midlands P.T.E. 

It is some time since we released a model from the West Midlands P.T.E. fleet, so this Daimler DMS will be welcomed. Registered MLH 350L, fleet number 5564 is working route 9 to Quinton. RRP £32.50

28824 - Leyland Titan 2 Door - London Transport

 London’s Titans were a success and route 87 was serviced by them for over 20 years, quite an achievement. T119, registered CUL 119V is working route 87 to Barking and has adverts for Surf and Fare Deal. RRP £32.50

EFE Upcoming Releases - March 2015

Exclusive First Editions are pleased to be able to publish the latest pre-production shots of our upcoming releases for March 2015.

 15718 - Plaxton Panorama - C.I.E. Coach Tours

Registration number NZO 33, fleet number PL 33. Contracted to Columbus Travel.

Scheduled for an April release 

20307 - Bristol VR II - Southdown NBC (Silver)

Registration number GNJ 566N, fleet number 566. Operating route 740 Limited Stop to Southsea.

Scheduled for an April release 

18110 - Park Royal XA Atlantean - London Transport

Registration number CUV 3C, fleet number XA 3. Works route P3 to Peckham via Nunhead Lane.

Scheduled for an May release

27629 - Wright Volvo Renown - C.M.T. Buses

Registration number S456 KCW, fleet number 2045. Working route 79 to Liverpool.

Scheduled for an May release

29633 - Leyland Olympian - Go North East

Registration number C665 LJR, fleet number 3665.Works route 1 to Tow Law.

Scheduled for an May release

25814 - Daimler DMS 1 Door - Western Scottish

Registration number THM 656M, fleet number JR 14. Operates route 605 to Kilbarchan.

Scheduled for an May release

EFE In The Shops - February 2015

Available from Exclusive First Editions stockists from this week!

17311 - Leyland National MkI Long 1 Door - Green Line NBC 
The Leyland National is a very popular model with our collectors and this Green Line N.B.C. version is sure to please. Registered NPD 141L, fleet number LNC 41 works route 387 to Aldbury a lovely little Village not far from the vehicles base at Tring Garage. RRP £32.50

29632 - Leyland Olympian  - Northumbria
This very distinctive livery makes a welcome return on our Leyland Olympian as buses from the North East are proving very collectable. Registered C616 ANW, fleet number 313 operates route X 26 to Blyth.  RRP £32.50

34003 - AEC 2RT2 Bus - London Transport
Decorated in London Transport Central wartime livery this AEC 2RT2 works the popular route 28 to Wandsworth Bridge. Registered FXT 200, fleet number RT 25 carries nostalgic period adverts.  RRP £32.50

EFE Upcoming Releases - February 2015

Exclusive First Editions are pleased to be able to publish the latest pre-production shots of our upcoming releases for February 2015.

18014 - Daimler MCW Fleetline - Greater Manchester Transport

Registration number 4606 NE, fleet number 4606. Operates route 82 to Waterhead. 

Scheduled for a March release 

23323 - AEC RF Coach - Valliant Silverline

Registration number NLE 573. Route blinds showing that it is entry number 78 in the 21st British Coach Rally, Brighton in 1975.

Scheduled for a April release 

26626 - Plaxton Paramount 3500 - First Southern National

Registration number UFX 330, fleet number 2229. Operates route X96 to Bristol.

Scheduled for an April release 

27318 - Leyland TD1 - Wilts & Dorset

Registration number MW 7048, fleet number 87. En route to Wilton. 

Scheduled for an April release 

28011 - Daimler DMS 1 Door - West Midlands P.T.E.

Registration number MLH 350L, fleet number 5564. Works route 9 to Quinton.

Scheduled for a March release 

28824 - Leyland Titan 2 Door - London Transport 

Registration number CUL 119V, fleet number T119. Working route 87 to Barking.

Scheduled for an April release 

28910 - GM Standard Atlantean - London Country North West

Registration number XJA 523L, fleet number AN 809. Works route 142 to Brent Cross. 

Scheduled for an April release 

36903 - Park Royal Regent V - East Kent NBC

Registration number AFN 770B, fleet number 7770. Operating route 501 to Arlington and Town Centre. 

Scheduled for a March release