The bus - AD4563 was new in 1963, being delivered as a short wheelbase single-decker. It was unique in the fact that it was the only one of it's type not to be rebuilt as a double-decker. In 1975 it was converted to a  service vehicle.

First impression is WOW. This new casting captures the original very well; there is a high level of detail, especially in the rear part of the vehicle. The inside of the body has cupboards that would contain tools and spare parts, but where do the crew sit? I would have expected to see an old bus seat, or at least the seat cushion provided. The whole interior has been painted, light blue - is this a first for a `bus` model in this scale?

The closed section is separated from the open rear by a mesh screen. The air compressor is a separate fitted piece, as are the two rearward facing spotlights on the roof. The headlights, windscreen wiper and rear view mirrors, radiator cap and front bumper are separate fitted pieces. The printing is correct in all detail. This model has steerable wheels and an opening bonnet, in common with the previous release by OX Models (a Guy Arab water tanker).

Are there any faults, well yes? One, the model is too long! It’s about one and a half feet (when scaled up) too long in the rear overhang. It looks like the same chassis has been used for both the water tanker and this tow bus. In reality the rear overhang would have been shortened. I presume this was to save on the cost of a new chassis. The wheelbase is thus correct for an Arab V.

A pack of loose items includes spare tyres, fuel and water cans, a towing bar, that will fit on the scale hook at the rear and a couple of small red boxes. 

Packaging is a yellow and blue cardboard box with a window lid, mine survived the post from HK without any damage to box or contents. One final point the tag with the model number on it is much easier to remove this time.

So to sum up, this is another innovative diecast model of a service vehicle, the type of model we thought no diecast manufacturer would tackle only a few years ago.

I give this model eight and a half out of ten.
 

Photograph courtesy and copyright of
Andrew Shirley

Photograph courtesy and copyright of
Andrew Shirley

This new version carries a fictitious registration number AD4562. Other differences include the removal of items like the rear view mirrors and some of the extra tampo printing found on the original. Like the original issue, the flag on the CMB logo on the nearside is facing the wrong way.