Issue No. 53 of Bus Fan World's 'Bus Focus' is now available. This issue is made up of 38 pages, many in full colour.

The BSI Hobbies website confirms the impending publication of a KMB and Long Win Fleet Directory. Two covers are shown, but I am unable to translate the text as to why!!

My thanks to Mike Harvey for sending me photos of the resin China Motor Bus Ford (USA) 'School Bus' from Hong Kong Model Co. (8022A), which I had previously omitted to feature on the site. Whilst the their website gives this model a product code of 8020A, Mike advises the code on his reads 8022A. Can anyone else advise the product code on theirs? 

Watch out for the next 'Xtra' feature, to be added shortly, entitled 'A Shenzhen Selection', courtesy of Donald MacRae, a sample photograph being shown above.

Photograph courtesy and copyright of
Andrew Shirley

My thanks to Andrew Shirley for sending me the above photograph which features all three of the China Motor Bus models produced so far by Britbus for the Spanish partwork magazine. Andrew advises that the models are slightly different from the original releases, the MCW has printed wipers and none of the models have mirrors. Can anyone provide any further information on the magazines? 

The three models pictured above are (from left to right) Guy Arab Mk V Tree Trimmer registration number DE7930 (based on Ox Model X1003), Guy Arab Mk V Tow Truck registration number AD4562 (based on Ox Model X1001) and MCW-Scania BJ4859 (based on AsianBus AS1004). Further photographs will be added shortly.

Photograph courtesy and copyright of
Donald MacRae

My thanks, once again, to Donald MacRae for coming up with a photograph of the Albion Viking badge, captured in June 1982 on Northern Scottish NNV73, this showing it in full colour!

Photograph courtesy and copyright of
Donald MacRae

Whilst not directly related to model buses, the recent relocation of the Star Ferry Pier in Central to a new home, I am sure will interest those of us outside of Hong Kong, and thanks to Philip Chan and Donald MacRae, who have provided a selection of superb photographs capturing the event, I have just added a new page to the Xtra section of the site.

Photograph courtesy and copyright of
'Maho Sensei Super Bus'

My thanks to 'Maho Sensei Super Bus' for providing the above photograph of a newly delivered Enviro 500 to San Diego, USA. 

Hong Kong Tram No 102
Photograph courtesy and copyright of Donald MacRae

Above is a taster for the next Xtra page feature - 'Buses by Night', which has unfortunately been delayed until tomorrow.
 

KMB Metrobus S3M223
Photograph courtesy and copyright of Donald MacRae

I have received a superb selection of photographs from Donald MacRae following his recent trip to the Far East, and some of these will added to the Xtra pages of the site shortly. The above photograph is a taster for the first, which will feature KMB's 11-metre Metrobuses. 

Missed from the news item on 14th November on the Hong Kong Model Co. website is details of a second KMB Ford Thames Trader, this time being in 1962  style. One again no photograph is displayed, although a product no of 8132A has been allocated. 

Photograph courtesy and copyright of 80M Bus Model Shop

Due for release in Hong Kong tomorrow is this KMB Tilling-Stevens from Cars Workshop (39801). The model represents No. 4628 on route 1 between Star Ferry and Kowloon City. It is limited to 2,000 pieces and will retail for HK$288. 

An unusual request, but quite appropriate whilst on the topic of Albion Viking's, is that from the owner of the above Albion Viking badge, who would like to know where it came from. Any ideas? - if so, please e-mail me. 

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Jotus.com

A second resin KMB Albion Chieftain from Hong kong Model Co has today been released in Hong Kong (8162A). This version features L197 (AD7214) on route 70 to Sheung Shui. Just follow the link for more details and photographs.

I am advised that sales in Hong Kong of both the diecast KMB Metrobus and resin Dennis Jubilant have been such that both models are now in short supply -  Jotus.com have confirmed they have a small stock of both for their overseas customers, so if you want one I suggest you order one quick!! 

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Jotus.com

A previously unannounced release is this 1/120 scale China Motor Bus Daimler Fleetline from Best Choose (05052) It features fleet no. LF9 (BG 205) o route no. 102 to Shau Ki Wan. Further photos and details will be added shortly.

Catching up on other news, Independent Transport Videos have recently released several new DVDs, on of which is aimed at the Far East enthusiast. Entitled 'Macau's Buses', this programme takes you on a tour of Taipa and Macau. Filmed in 2005, it also includes some of Malcolm King’s excellent cine footage shot in 1984. Full details can be found on the independent transport videos website.

New pages have tonight been added for the two recently issued KMB resin models, but a lack of time has prevented me from uploading all the photographs.