New EFE models just announced

Variety is the keyword for the latest releases as EFE offers exciting new castings, variations and colour schemes. The flat fronted Bristol VRT gets off to a great start and there is the promise of more delights to follow with this well detailed model. There are plenty of classic operating companies, bus and coach types to choose from, whether you are a loyal Ribble fan or have a taste for Manchester’s ‘Tomato Soup’! Other options include a single and double decker reminding us of the days when we took the bus from central London to get to Heathrow Airport.

NEW CASTING – The first of EFE’s all new models of the flat fronted Bristol VRT have appeared. Seen above is the Midland Alexander blue and cream liveried version (38101), registered SMS 35H, fleet number MRT 5. Within the distinctive route number/destination indicator box we see that this one is working route 37A to Scone/Highfield. The model features a one-piece casting with interior details including a glazed entrance, bulkhead and handrails. Rumour has it that a future release of the Bristol VRT wlll feature in Eastern National livery, watch this space!

NEW CASTING – Another new arrival from EFE is the Alexander Y Type Bus B single decker. The first release of this type is seen here in Western SMT red and cream livery complete with decorative garter emblem on the rear panel (38301). It is working route 04 to Glasgow, fleet number AL 2509, registered HCS 794N. Built in 1975, this combined an Alexander B53F body with a Leyland Leopard PSu3/3R chassis. Western Scottish Motor Traction Co Ltd operated services in south west Scotland until 1985 and employed a large fleet of Alexander Y Type bodied variants.

NEW VARIATION – Another ‘must have’ for Scottish bus collectors is EFE’s first release of the Alexander Y Type Bus with folding four leaf doors. This is an example from the Midland Scottish fleet (38701) and it would look good alongside the flat fronted Bristol VRT (38101) in the same livery. It is registered DLS 353V, fleet number MPE 353 and is depicted working on route 79 to Grangemouth.

First Manchester’s so-called ‘Tomato Soup’ orange livery remains very popular with collectors and is now featured on this GM Standard Atlantean No 4603 (28606). It is registered ANA 603Y and seen working on route 615 to Leigh. Many of the GM Standard Atlanteans found their way into the First fleet and this vehicle will be appreciated by their fans who recall them in this livery   rather than contemporary buses in First’s standard white, magenta and blue colour scheme.

A winning combination of a classic coach in a much loved operator’s style is this Southern Vectis Bedford OB Coach (20137).  Registered GDL 796, fleet number 221 is pictured working on route 24 service to Sandown. Not only does it appeal to the legion of Southern Vectis enthusiasts, it doubles up as a great souvenir for Isle of Wight visitors. If you are thinking about getting one, don’t leave it too long!

The classic lines of a Leyland PD 2 in the red and cream livery of Tynemouth (20011), complete with ‘Shop at Binns’ adverts front and rear. Registered AFT 930, fleet number 230, it is seen working route 1A to Whitley Bay via Broadway.

Yet another Ribble winner is this 36’ BET 6 Bay Single Lamps (35209) in their bus livery. Registered CCK 611C, fleet number 611 is on route 113 to Wigan. This release follows the success of EFE’s coach liveried 36’ BET Leopard. Details include the ‘Pay as you enter’ signs by the door and on the front.

EFE has announced more new models which are all reviewed in this issue of Diecast Collector magazine. For more information you can contact EFE direct via www.exclusivefirsteditions.com