Sample model kindly supplied by
Creative Master Northcord Ltd

Following the great success of the previous models in the cnbus 1000 range, Creative Master Northcord Limited is pleased to announce the development of the cnbus 2000 series that will feature the Shanghai Sunwin Bus SWB6110 coach in 1/43 scale. This is the first time that Creative Master Northcord Ltd has developed a bus or coach replica in such a scale.

The launch model, cnbus 2001, carries demonstration colours in red and silver for Shanghai Sunwin Bus. The debut public appearance of the Sunwin SWB6110 was at Busworld Asia 2009 that was held in Shanghai in April 2009 and CMNL is proud to be able to launch the model version within the same calendar year as the first appearance of the full-size coach. The Sunwin SWB6110 coach is based on an overall length of 10560mm, with a wheelbase of 5160mm. Its height is 3160mm and width is 2500mm. Within its length there are 45 seats for passengers (plus one driver seat and one for the courier/tour guide). The Sunwin SWB6110 coach is powered by a Sunwin-developed Euro-3 engine that is rated at 177hp ~ 184hp.

Shanghai Sunwin Bus Corporation is a joint venture invested by SAIC Motor Company Ltd., Volvo (China) Investment Corporation and Volvo Bus Corporation (Sweden). Shanghai Sunwin Bus is one of the major sponsors of Shanghai Expo 2010.

The model features a high level of detailing as befits this new scale for CMNL models. At the front, the SWB6110 coach features a distinctive swept-back windscreen with its windscreen wipers parked at the bottom edge of the screen. At the top of the screen is a blacked area of the glass, which covers the first part of the roof structure, just below which is a translucent anti-glare sun strip.
The front panel incorporates the large, winged Sunwin badge that incorporates the updated “S” logo in its centre. The main lighting
clusters contain driving lights, sidelights and indicators that are set into a black background and behind a glazed panel. The foglights are placed separately to, and in a recessed panel below, the main driving lights.

The registration plate reads 'Shanghai Sunwin'. The driver’s exterior mirrors protrude from the front of the coach to give the driver a good view of the sides of the coach and of other road users. The model features the intricate and slim lattice-work style of mirror arms to an accurate scale. The silver paintwork on the sides of the model is offset by the bright red flashes. The model’s sides feature the repeater indicator lights, near the front and rear, and also the marker lights that are incorporated above the recessed handles for opening the side lockers. The Sunwin “S” logo again features – this time as the centre to each of the four hubs.

At the rear, the large light cluster is represented in translucent plastic with additional detail represented with tampo printing. Below the rear window the Sunwin “S” logo is carried above the large high-level brake light repeater. The registration plate, set into the engine access door, carries the legend ????. To the left of the registration plate is the SWB6110 badge and, to the right, is badging and the word SUNWIN. Similarly to the front, the rear window curves and extends over the metal at the rear section of the roof. On the roof a full air-conditioning unit is carried, with two additional extractor units, one at the front and
one to the rear.

The seats are individually made and placed into the saloon floor rather than being made in a single unit. This allows better detailing of the seats. The main seat colour is blue, with a white contrasting colour in the manner of an antimacassar for each seat. The armrest is picked out in black whilst the seat sides are the same grey colour as the 'cage' around the driver’s seat. On the underside of the very detailed overhead racks the lights, air-con vents and switches are clearly shown. In the centre of the ceiling, the air-con unit and extractor units are shown in detail. The driver’s cab area reveals the detailed instrument binnacle, complete with switches, steering wheel with indicator and wiper stalks and the gear stick for the manual gearbox. Above the driver’s head is the interior rear-view mirror that is angled correctly to allow the driver a view through the coach interior. Just inside the entrance door is the crew seat that is shown with the seat cushion and armrest folded up so as not to obstruct passengers’ entry or exit. Alongside the crew seat is a fire extinguisher that is picked out in red with a black handle.

Although the model does not feature an opening engine access door, the engine and drive-train detail is shown on the model from
underneath. The exhaust box and pipe are picked out in silver. At the front axle, the brake pipes are clearly shown in very fine detail. The spare wheel is located below the front platform. 

Because CMNL does not set the pricing of its models in the countries where they are sold, retailers and collectors will be informed of the pricing structure through their usual distributor. In Hong Kong the brand new Sunwin SWB6110 models will retail for 438HKD.
The brand new Sunwin SWB6110 coach models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK & I), Transit Graphics (Australia), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), cnmycar.com (P. R. China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The cnbus 2001 model is limited to 888 pieces worldwide.

Photograph courtesy and copyright of
80M Bus Model Shop

Released in Hong Kong today is Drumwell's Kowloon Motor Bus Mercedes-Benz 0305 (DW10406). It features prototype vehicle ME1 on route 68 to Un Long and is limited to 2,000 pieces. A new page and further photographs have now been added for this model along with the 1/60th scale New World First Bus Dennis Trident released yesterday (16002).

Photograph courtesy and copyright of
80M Bus Model Shop

Released in Hong Kong today is the 1/60 scale New World First Bus Dennis Trident (16002). Produced by 80M Bus Model Shop, it features fleet no. 1001 on route 701 to Mong Kok. Is limited to 1,200 pieces and retails for HK$398. A new page and further photographs will be added shortly.

This former China Light and Power Leyland Olympian was (by my reckoning) the only former Hong Kong bus to attend Showbus this year. Registered J534 CEV, it appeared alongside several Lodge's vehicles, all carrying this simple but smart livery. J534 CEV was formerly with Talisman and was originally numbered 304 (FC1714) when new to China Light and Power in 1992. It previously appeared at Showbus in 2006 in Talisman livery and at the same event Lodge's displayed former China Motor Bus MCW Metrobus. Further photographs of this vehicle can be found by following this link.

As you will see from the blue sky in the above photograph, the weather was glorious. Digby's Miniature Automobiles had a comprehensive display of Hong Kong models, both new and old. Large numbers of the early 'oriental omnibus' range from Corgi could be found easily on many stalls. The new resin model of London Transport's Volvo Ailsa AV3 attracted large numbers of visitors to the Jotus.com stall - I am sure all who viewed it would confirm what a superb model this is. Unfortunately, due to this large demand, the available stock soon disappeared, however, they can still be purchased through the Jotus.com website. My special thanks to Joe for allowing me to uses his stall as a base - it was certainly good to meet up with some old friends, and some that I had never previously met! 

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Grant Ng Kwok Kuen

Following the report last week that a new livery had been applied to MTR Dennis Trident No. 606 and Alexander Dennis Enviro200 Dart No. 902, my special thanks to Grant Ng Kwok Kuen for sending me photos of these two buses, and also Volvo B10M-55/Northern Counties No. 401, which has received the same livery. These photos have just been added to the  section of the site. 

Photograph courtesy and copyright
Dennis Law

MTR have unveiled another new livery, this being applied to short Dennis Trident No. 606 and ADL Enviro200 Dart No. 902. As always, my thanks to Dennis Law for providing this news and photograph. It is rumoured that this vehicle may be the subject of a new model.

Photograph courtesy and copyright
Dennis Law

My thanks to Dennis Law for providing photographs of the newly arrived Kowloon Motor Bus Scania K310UDs. More will be added to the  section of the site shortly.

Photograph courtesy and copyright of
www.Network-Shuttle.com

Due for release tomorrow in Hong Kong is this resin Duple bodied Dennis Falcon from Concorde Hobby Shop (CHS0907). It features Kowloon Motor Bus fleet no. AF1 (DH743) on route 200 with a destination of Airport. It is limited to 300 pieces. A new page and further photographs will be added shortly.