The only other bad news of the day was that owing to recent minor problems, Dave Rogers' Citybus Olympian fleet number 102 (now actually carrying original fleet number C51) was unable to attend. Whilst the problems had been fixed at the 11th hour, there was insufficient time to prepare for the day. The only consolation was Dave's photo album, showing the vehicle in it's newly repainted "Hong Kong - Shenzhen route 500" livery.

In the EFE tent, as mentioned below, the two Hong Kong special subscriber models were on display. ABC Models were in attendance for the second year running, with a range of models at very competitive prices, such that by mid afternoon, their remaining stock occupied very little table space! Eye catching bargains included the second version of the Long Dragon and newly released Argos liveried Fleetline, each selling for £20. On display was AV8, in CMB blue and cream livery, due for release in a few week's time (see photograph below). Jotus Model Depot were also present again this year, with an excellent range of models at discounted prices - a China Paint ML for £15!  The two recently released Buses Model Olympians, at only £28 each, soon sold out, as did the excellent Corgi KMB Metrobus and Car's Workshop second version AEC Regent. Bus stops were another interesting line which sold well. Allsorts, JB Photocards and Rotherham Model World were all in attendance, with many other stalls having a range of Hong Kong models. Prices varied considerably, with many bargains being in evidence, although some other dealers were asking, in my opinion, totally unrealistic prices. 

Members of the Diecast Buses Group met up, as arranged, (sorry I was late yet again!). 

Finally, a big thank you to Joe and Sindy of Jotus Model Depot for giving me the opportunity to share their stall, which again enabled me to meet those of you visiting - my apologies to those I missed during my walkabouts! 

Why not post your thoughts on Showbus, or in fact any other matter, on the Club message board 

ABC's Ailsa Volvo AV8 - due for release soon
Photograph courtesy of ABC Models

Unfortunately, as the journey home took two hours longer than expected, further details of today's event will have to wait until tomorrow!!

I have now received my Collector's Club members only Nikon liveried Dragon (DGR111), however, it carries no front registration number, nor does it come with a limited edition certificate.

According to the vehicle entrants list, Citybus 102, owned by Dave Rogers, is scheduled to appear again, whilst Allsorts and Jotus will both be present. 

Please let me know your views, comments, or better still, why not post them for all to see!! 

Just uploaded is a photograph of the actual 3000th Alexander bus supplied to KMB, click here to view.

The latest posting by C'sM on the Collector's Model Members Club e-group explains the "Siemen's saga" and also how a certificate "299 of 288" with a "Transportation" Dragon came about.

My thanks to David Rowe for advising that two further "Matchbox" scale Metrobuses in the Peak Horse range are MMC02, in KMB driver training livery of white and red, and MMC03, which carries KMB red/cream livery and has destination blinds for route 51.

Both use a UK style dual door MkII casting, so are not too accurate.

The "Kits" section of the site is currently being re-vamped, following information and photographs from Peter Owens. If anyone can provide me with any additional information, please e-mail me
 

"Regarding the members orders. All I know is that they were sent from Hong Kong on the 23rd of August to someone else within the UK. Maybe someone out there is aware of there whereabouts........."

The postings go on, with one member apparently placing an order today with a dealer for the UK only Siemens "Transportation" model, to be told that the dealer was expecting the said model shortly, together with the "Chinese only" and "Collectors Club only" Siemen's models.

As you would expect, this has caused quite a stir - perhaps the Co-ordinator, or C'sM themselves, could let me know what the policy is regarding "Members only" models and "HK/UK only" releases, in order that I may pass this on to all those collectors who regularly visit this site.

I received my EFE newsletter today, which includes details of Showbus. It also states that the Neoplan Centroliner offer proved very popular, and is now sold out. Mention is also made that the next mailing, due in early October, will include details of two further interesting Subscriber only offers on special Hong Kong bus models. Does anyone out there know what they are ??? - guesses welcome !!
 

Thanks to Keith Wood for confirming that the C'sM "Siemens Transportation" Citybus Dragon (CM-DGS-003) is now available in the UK.

The second version of ABC's MCW Super Metrobus (000821) was released in Hong Kong on Thursday, and new photographs have been added to this page.

Thanks to all of you who contacted me confirming that Corgi's Citybus MAN with "Year of the Snake" decals (OM45403) has in fact been released here in the UK. 

As several e-groups have advised their members that the photo of the A1 Ailsa is available at this specific page, I have again included it.
 

Photograph courtesy of ABC Models

Whilst not an "oriental" model, I couldn't resist taking the opportunity of being the "first" to publish a picture of ABC Model's Ailsa-Volvo, carrying A1 Service fleetname and livery. This is a specially commissioned model and it is a strictly limited CERTIFICATED edition of only 200 models. It is available from S. Cameron, 8 Allander Drive, TORRANCE, Glasgow, G64 4LG at a price of £37.50,
including P&P.

Do you have a Collector's Model Dennis Condor - DA26 - (DGR002) in the first air-con livery? If the answer is "yes", what version do you have! Tomorrow's "News" will include a photo of a variation.

Just a reminder that the Millennium Showbus will be held at Duxford on Sunday 23rd September. I hope to be able to provide further details of Hong Kong related entrants/stallholders shortly.