Top 10 Diecast Buses January–June 2010

Here are the favourite diecast model buses as chosen by the Diecast Collector team.

EXCLUSIVE FIRST EDITIONS

BET 4 Bay RC Class Bus – Green Line
PRICE £26.99 LIMIT NOT SPECIFIED SCALE 1/76 REF NO 35701

The express route to Windsor was the stomping ground for this attractive pale grey and green communter bus. The model captures the look of the real thing very well and is a credit to EFE's catalogue.

CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD

Scania OmniCity – East London
PRICE £38.99 LIMIT 1284 SCALE 1/76 REF NO ukbus 9001

In shout-out post box red, this East London double-decker is the Number 106 to Whitechapel which has the operator's letters and vehicle number painted on its white roof. Bright orange grab handles stand out well through the bus windows, as does the pale and dark blue interior.

CORGI - ORIGINAL OMNIBUS

Wright Eclipse Urban – East Yorkshire Motor Service, 2006
PRICE £27.99 LIMIT 1100 SCALE 1/76 REF NO OM46013

A very smart version of Wright's single-decke, adorned with the traditional cream and burgandy of East Yorkshire Motor Service. The model offers very good interior and exterior detail, and a choice of destinations. 

EXCLUSIVE FIRST EDITIONS

Bristol MW – Crosville NBC
PRICE £25.99 LIMIT NOT SPECIFIED SCALE 1/76 REF NO 16223

An interesting and unusual version of the MW coach, as down-graded and finished in bus livery in its later years, under National Bus Company control.

EXCLUSIVE FIRST EDITIONS

Leyland National Mk II long single-door – Western Scottish
PRICE £26.99 LIMIT NOT SPECIFIED SCALE 1/76 REF NO 17508

Another new version of a well-known model. Especially in an attractive livery like this one, age has lent the much-reviled National a certain charm, which this model captures well.

CORGI ORIGINAL OMNIBUS

Wright Eclipse Gemini, Gateshead Tyne & Wear
PRICE £29.99 LIMIT 1300 SCALE 1/76 REF NO OM41222

In hot cerise pink and with excellent Angel of the North artwork, this Gemini double-decker is truly eye-catching. The Number 21 bus’s destination is Newcastle via Chester le Street. As with all Corgi limited models, a collector’s card is included.

EXCLUSIVE FIRST EDITIONS

Leyland TD1, enclosed stairs – Scout Motor Services
PRICE £26.99 LIMIT NOT SPECIFIED SCALE 1/76 REF NO 27314

Few liveries look as good as that worn by Scout Motor Services, and this Leyland is a classic example in beautiful cream, black and red. The model depicts fleet number 29, en route to Preston.

CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD

Alexander Dennis Enviro500 – Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
PRICE £39.99 LIMIT 1000 SCALE 1/87 REF NO nabus 1001

Second version of this model of the Enviro developed for the North American market (as is the model – note the 1/87 scale). Excellently detailed throughout, especially the interior. It comes with a detailed engine under the hood, and a lovely cycle rack on the front.

OXFORD DIECAST

Routemaster – East Yorkshire
PRICE £4.95 LIMIT NOT SPECIFIED SCALE 1/148 REF NO NRM008

Looking classy in its dark blue finish, this ex-LT Routemaster was bought for operations in Hull to compete with Kingston-upon-Hull City Transport. Detail is good on this great value model, even in such a small scale.

CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD

Leyland Olympian Alexander IX – Stagecoach Western School Bus
PRICE £38.99 LIMIT 888 SCALE 1/76 REF NO hkbus 2011

There’s no doubting the purpose of this vivid yellow, six-wheeled Olympian school bus, operated by Stagecoach. An ex-Hong Kong double-decker, it’s up to Northcord’s usual excellent standard, with fine detail inside and out, and with high-quality markings.

For your chance to win the Wright Eclipse Gemini, Gateshead Tyne & Wear, the Leyland Olympian Alexander IX – Stagecoach Western School Bus and two other collectible buses, enter the September issue competition either online or via the magazine. Good luck!