Out & About: Get on the buses with Bachmann Collectors Club

This Sunday (10th December) members of the Bachmann team will be at the Epping Ongar Railway (North Weald) as we launch the first EFE models in the brand new packaging. 

The 1983 Aldenham Spectacular Titan Twin Pack, item No. E99938, will be launched in the presence of preserved Leyland Titan T66 which features in the pack. A limited stock of Aldenham sets will be available to purchase on the day from the railway shop.

Above: London General liveried Titan T66 will be on hand offering free trips during the day

Bachmann Collectors Club members can enjoy free rides on T66 around the local area, simply turn up on the day from 10am and present your Bachmann Collectors Club membership card. We are also offering members a free train ride aboard the 16.25 departure from North Weald – complete with complimentary mulled wine and mince pie!

Please call the club office on 01455 245565 to book your train ticket as spaces are limited!

A New Look & A New Twin Pack from EFE

The Bachmann Roadshow Team took a trip down to Brooklands for the 2017 Cobham Spring Gathering, a few weeks ago, for a lovely sunshine filled day amongst the buses and enthusiast's set against the backdrop of the historic race track. Watch highlights of our day here!

Those who attended would have been lucky enough to have caught a glimpse of our new prototype EFE packaging displayed on our stand. Our new styling gives the original EFE boxes a fresh new look which we feel really complements the models and will roll out to all EFE marketing and advertising for the brand over the next few months.

Another highlight of the show for EFE collectors was the announcement of a new twin pack, with the upcoming release of E99938, a Leyland Titan Twin Pack commemorating the Aldenham Works open day in 1983. Aldenham Works was originally built as part of the 1930's Northern Line extension to Bushey Heath. The planned rail extension was never completed, so London Transport decided to use the site as a bus overhaul facility which opened for operation in 1956.

During the 1983 London Transport Golden Jubilee celebrations, many garages held open days. The Aldenham open day was held in September 83 under the name 'The Aldenham Spectacular'. Our modelled T112 in London Buses livery & T66 in London General Aldenham Diplomat livery were on display along with all the special liveried Jubilee buses.

(Click to View Larger)

E99938 set is priced at £59.95 and is available to pre-order now from Bachmann retailers, order early to avoid disappointment.

For more information on our EFE range and other items please visit our product pages.

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 - March 2016

Now available from Exclusive First Editions stockists!

17231 - Leyland National - Northumbria
In the striking livery of Northumbria this Leyland National should be popular, as the last model in these colours quickly sold out. Fleet number 772, registered LUP 903T is working route 46 to Gosforth via Newcastle.
RRP £34.50

28829 - Leyland Titan - Oxford Bus Compan
Buses from the City of Oxford are always popular with collectors and in this model we feature fleet number 973 carrying adverts for Fox Radio. This ex London Titan registered KYV 493X makes an interesting variation to the fleet as it works route 52 to Oxford City Centre.

RRP £34.50

EFE Upcoming Releases - January 2016

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

12123 - Harrington Cavalier - Royal Blue NBC

Ex Southdown Vehicle. Registration number 8739 CD, fleet number 2204. En route to Brixham.

Scheduled for a March release

15720 - Plaxton Panorama - Ribble

Registration number HRN 966G, fleet number 966. Operates route X40 to Keswick.

Scheduled for a February release

17231 - Leyland National - Northumbria

Registration number LUP 903T, fleet number 772. Works route 46 to Gosforth via Newcastle.

Scheduled for a March release

24108 - Bedford TK Dropside - Alder Valley NBC

Registration number TPJ 780S, fleet number 60.

Scheduled for a March release

28829 - Leyland Titan - Oxford Bus Company

Registration number KYV 493X, fleet number 973. Operates route 52 to Oxford City Centre.

Scheduled for a March release 

31910 - RML Routemaster - Arriva London

Registration number NML 611E, fleet number RML 2611. Works route 73 to Tottenham Swan.

Scheduled for a March release

EFE In The Shops - January 2016

Available from Exclusive First Editions stockists from this week onwards!

28828 - Leyland Titan 2 Door - Bexleybus

Continuing to build south London based Bexleybus model fleet. Our two door Leyland Titan T952, registered A952 SYE works route 229 to Foots Cray and displays Pan Am adverts. 

RRP £34.50

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

Continuing our Southdown centenary model theme this time in N.B.C. colours.

Bristol RELL UCD 603J, fleet number 603 is seen operating route 48 to Old Steine near the Royal Pavilion, Brighton.

RRP £34.50

38125 - Bristol VRT 1 - Lincolnshire Road Car

First registered to Lincolnshire Road Car this Bristol VRT 1 has now been meticulously restored and put into the traditional Tilling livery. Registration number JVL 619H, fleet number 1904 operates route 103 to Scunthorpe and has Trustee Savings Bank adverts.

RRP £34.50

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 - 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 

EFE Bachmann Exclusive: 28823 London Transport Golden Jubilee Bus

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

Image Source:  kwk33f  on Flikr 

In 1983 London Transport celebrated its Golden Jubilee, in March of that year they took delivery of a brand new Titan, T747 (OHV 747Y). At first glance T747 appeared to be more of a celebration of Leyland rather than London Transport, decorated as it was with Leyland oriented branding adorning its gold livery with white and yellow trim.

For the 50th anniversary it received a commemorative fleet number T1983, an optimistic fleet number as orders for Titans did not continue further than 1125. As London Transport's Jubilee programme of open days got under way, T747 was allocated to a variety of routes in and around the south-east of London.

28823 - Leyland Titan -  London Transport Golden Jubilee Bus

 Our model depicts T747 in its Jubilee livery whilst carrying its temporary T1983 fleet number, operating out of the Camberwell garage and working route 188 to Greenwich Maritime museum.

Collectors Association - Subscriber Model - 25th Anniversary of EFE

Exclusive First Editions are pleased to present our Collectors Association Members with two special models, to mark our 25 years in the model industry!

Having started the 1:76 scale collectable market for detailed and accurate model road vehicles, in 1988/89, we are proud to be still at the forefront of this fascinating hobby after 25 years. Our first RT bus was launched onto an unsuspecting world in August 1989 and since 1990 we have delighted our collectors with a steady flow of between six and eight new collectable models per month. 

To commemorate the 25th Anniversary of Exclusive First Editions we have produced 2 special models for our subscribers to enjoy. One features a Leyland RTL bus and the other features a Leyland Titan bus, both in silver and red liveries. There are limited numbers available making them very collectable and valuable.

36006  - Leyland RTL Bus - Exclusive First Editions 25th Anniversary

Originally part of the London Transport fleet, these buses had a standard RT body adapted to fit onto a Leyland chassis. Extra buses were urgently required to help complement the production of the standard AEC RT bus to supply London with new buses after the war. The main distinguishing feature identifying the RTL bus from the standard AEC RT bus was the Leyland radiator. £32.50 including UK P&P

29207 - Leyland Titan Bus - Exclusive First Editions 25th Anniversary

To replace the problematic Daimler DMS fleet, London Transport designed their own specific version of the rear engine Olympian bus and used the Leyland Titan name to identify it. These Titan buses were successful in London and became the predominant rear engine buses in the London fleet. £32.50 including UK P&P

EFE Commission - Evolution of the London Bus

To commemorate 2014 the Year of the Bus, London Transport Museum commissioned three EFE models to be sold at their Regent Street Cavalcade which was held on the 22nd of June 2014.

 31503F - AEC Routemaster - LT Evolution of the London Bus

With a destination of Route 9 to Mortlake Garage, fleet number RM1563,

registration number 563 CLT.

Only 24 models were made!
*SOLD OUT* 

31510A - AEC Routemaster - LT Evolution of the London Bus

With a destination of Route 11 to Fulham Broadway, fleet number RM20, registration number VLT 20.

Available to purchase now from the London Transport Museum Shop £36.99
*Please note this model is only available online and in very limited numbers*

28822A - Leyland Titan - Evolution of the London Bus

Destination 184 to Elephant & Castle, fleet number T561, registration number NUW 561Y.

Available to purchase now from the London Transport Museum Shop £36.99
*Please note this model is only available online and in very limited numbers*

For other exclusive EFE models visit the London Transport Museum Shop!