News - December 2016

[diecast models] - [information] - [links] - [news] - [plastic models] - [resin models] - [trams] - [xtra]

	*December 2016* *- News*
Previous month's News	To find a specific month's News, click here	Next month's News

Wishing you a happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Network Shuttle

Two further releases from Model 1 have been announced and these feature Duple Metsec bodied Dennis Tridents of the Kwoon Chung Motors fleet - on the left is HU 7617 on route B2 (63403) and on the right is HT 9500 with a destination of Kwoon Chung Bus (63402). Each is limited to 450 pieces.

Photograph courtesy and copyright of
80M Bus Model Shop

Set for release in Hong Kong tomorrow is this plain white Alexander ALX500 bodied Volvo Super Olympian from Go Idea (JA526006).

Photograph courtesy and copyright of
80M Bus Model Shop

On the subject of plain white buses, the 80M Bus Model Shop website has just added the above two kits from Cars Workshop - a 10.6 metre Duple Metsec bodied Trident (92007) and a 12 metre MCV bodied Volvo B7RLE (94007).

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Chun On Yeung

Surely the subject of a future model - New Lantao Bus MAN A95 MD01 has been decorated with 'Year of the Rooster' decals. My thanks to Chun On Yeung for allowing me to share his photograph.

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Grant Ng Kwok Kuen

..... and an off-side view

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Grant Ng Kwok Kuen

As mentioned yesterday, the second Kowloon Motor Bus to receive 'Year of the Rooster' decals is Wrights Gemini bodied Volvo B9TL AVBWU429 (TS 3933).

30th December 2016

Photographs courtesy and copyright of Watt Yung

New World First Bus has started to put into service it's lowheight ADL 'facelift' Enviro400s - noted operating on route 25 today were 3800, the first of the batch, and 3803. My thanks, as always, to Watt Yung for allowing me to share his photographs.

A second Kowloon Motor Bus has been decorated with 'Year of the Rooster' decals, this being Wrights Gemini bodied Volvo B9TL AVBWU429 (TS 3933).

I am a little perplexed, but very pleased, with todays delivery from the postman - two well packed Hong Kong bus slides dating from 1981 but with no covering note and no details of the sender!

29th December 2016

Photographs courtesy and copyright of Charles Lam

Kowloon Motor Bus has decorated Enviro500NG ATENU139 (SH 6188) with 'Year of the Rooster' decals and thanks to Charles Lam I am able to publish the above photographs.

28th December 2016

Photograph courtesy and copyright of
80M Bus Model Shop

The Kowloon Motor Bus MAN A95 is set for release in Hong Kong tomorrow (KLE16029) and it is presently available to order (except for Hong Kong customers) on the 80M Bus Model Shop website. (Update 28th December 0930hrs - now showing 'Sold Out').

Photographs courtesy and copyright of Grant Ng Kwok Kuen

Citybus 6804 is the third 12.8 metre 'Cityflyer' Enviro500 to be registered and it was noted on Christmas Eve working route S52.

27th December 2016

May I take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas

Photographs courtesy and copyright of Jacky Ho

My thanks to Jacky Ho for sending me photographs of the production models of the two AsianBus models mentioned yesterday - the decals have been produced and applied by Jacky.

And here is the real SV13!

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Jacky Ho

Photograph courtesy and copyright of John Prentice

My thanks to John Prentice for allowing me to share his photograph of the new 'Cooler Tram' (TT33702).

Photographs courtesy and copyright of Network Shuttle

These three Buses Model Co. MCW Metrobuses are set for release in Hong Kong tomorrow -

China Motor Bus MB1 (BW 8167) on route 113 to West Point (BMC01113)
China Motor Bus MB8 (BY 9488) on route 720 to Shau Ki Wan (BMC08720)
each is limited to 500 pieces
Kowloon Motor Bus example delivered new, with a destination of 'MCW' and with trade plates (BMC00MCW)
this is limited to 200 pieces

24th December 2016

Photograph courtesy and copyright of AsianBus

Two further AsianBus releases feature New World First Bus liveried service vehicles. The first (top) is Guy Arab Mk V AD 4563 (CB17) and is limited to 672 pieces whilst the second is Guy Arab Mk V DE 7931 (CB18), which again is limited to 672 pieces. As neither is licensed by NWFB, no fleetnames or logos are applied. Both will be available in the UK around February/March time.

23rd December 2016

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Martin Wong

The first of Citybus's 12.8 metre Cityflyer liveried 'facelift' Enviro500s entered service today and is seen here operating route S52. Thanks to Martin Wong for allowing me to share his photograph.

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Bobby Liu

New Meets Old!

Wrights Gemini bodied Volvo B9TL AVBWU459 was registered yesterday (21st Dec) whilst Duple Metsec bodied short Dennis Dragon ADS219 is one of the final batch of 50 such vehicles registered back in 1999 and soon to be retired.

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Hong Choi

As reported below, Kowloon Motor Bus MAN A95 AMNE1 has received modifications to its livery and the comparison can be seen with this shot, taken today, and that below. My thanks to Hong Choi for allowing me to share his photograph.

22nd December 2016

Photograph courtesy and copyright of J Hong Wong

My thanks to J Hong Wong for allowing me to share his photograph of the soon to be modelled Kowloon Motor Bus MAN A95, AMNE1, displaying the same route number and destination featured on the model (KLE16029). A larger image has been added to the model page.

21st December 2016

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Keith Wood

Following yesterdays news on the release of the Tiny China Motor Bus depot, my thanks to Keith Wood for providing this superb shot of the Wong Chuk Hang Depot.

Photograph courtesy and copyright of BusByBono

BusByBono will soon release its Dennis Dragon 3N3 Training Bus, with pre-order commencing online on the 24th of December. BusByBono will also offer "BUY 1 GET 1 FREE" Christmas promotion (buy any bus model and get a FREE Dennis Dart AA48) between the 24th and the 31st, on first come first served, while stock lasts.

Dennis Dragon – Alexander R
Limited Edition: 250 units
Route: ROUTE TRAINING
Reg. no.: CW 5424
Fleet no.: 3N3 (TRAINING BUS)
Model Material: ABS
Model Scale: 1:76

It is confirmed that Kowloon Motor Bus MAN A95 AMNE1, which is the subject of an imminent model release, has had the same treatment as AMNF1 in that it has lost its black between decks vinyl.

As a trial, I have made some amendments to the

page, which includes reducing the column width of the bus operator and instead uses the operators initials together with its main livery colour, the idea being to see at a glance the various operators releases. Any thoughts, good or bad, would be welcome before completing this project - please e-mail me.

20th December 2016

Photographs courtesy and copyright of Philip Chan

The first of the New World First Bus lowheight 'facelift' ADL Enviro400s have started to undergo testing and 3805 was noted earlier today. Of note is the restyled front tree guards and asymmetric front entrance doors.

Back in July I featured the 1/76 scale Kowloon Motor Bus Bus Depot from Tiny - just released is this China Motor Bus example based on their Wong Chuk Hang Depot.

Whilst on the subject of these Tiny bus depots, I do intend to add details of the other Tiny bus and tram related releases over the next few weeks. As a starter, pictured above is a non-licensed 12.8 metre 'facelift' Enviro500 in New World First Bus colours on route 116 to Quarry Bay (L02) together with an official KMB release, this being Enviro400 ATSE15 (RU 2798) on route 276 to Sheung Shui (18). A new Index page has tonight been added and any further information or photographs would be most welcome.

19th December 2016

The plethora of new models continues with Buses Model Co. announcing two further versions of their China Motor Bus two-axle MCW Metrobus, this time featuring MB1 (BW 8167) on route 113 to West Point (BMC01113) and MB8 (BY 9488) on route 720 to Shau Ki Wan (BMC08720). Each is limited to 500 pieces and they are set for release on 25th December.

Photographs courtesy and copyright of Philip Chan

Citybus Volvo Olympian 315 continues in service and was noted today operating route 88R to City One Shatin.

Photographs courtesy and copyright of Philip Chan

Citybus has begun to deploy its 12.8 metre Enviro500s on Hong Kong Island routes 5X and 10 - noted operating route 10 today was the first 12.8 metre bus in the fleet, 6300 and 6385, which was registered on 9th December.

18th December 2016

The latest edition of 'Buses' magazine (January 2017) is now available and contains the first of a two part interview with Lyndon Rees MBE. An excellent insight into the former Managing Director of Citybus and a major player in revolutionising bus transport in Hong Kong. Many thanks to Simon Ayres for such a well put together interview and looking forward to the next part, which will appear in the February 2017 edition.

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Bobby Liu

Today marked the end of the second hand Dennis Tridents in the MTR Bus fleet which were acquired from New World First Bus - the last two examples, 719 (JC 8013) and 723 (JD 1704) retired after their service earlier this morning.

Kowloon Motor Bus has modified the livery on one of its new Gemilang bodied MAN A95, AMNF18, which was registered yesterday. Gone is the black between decks, as shown in the above photograph of AMNF5. Also gone is the Lion's City chromework below the windscreen and the MAN badge is now gold. It is not known if this modification will apply just to this vehicle or rolled out across the rest of the batch.

17th December 2016

P & T Diecast are to release two further versions of their China Motor Bus 'DMS', one featuring XF145 on route 11 to Central (DC1003) whilst the other is XF148, also on route 11, but with a destination of Tai Hang Road (DC1004).

Buses Model Co. have announced a Christmas special version of a KMB liveried MCW Metrobus featuring an example delivered new, with a destination of 'MCW' and with trade plates (BMC00MCW). It is limited to 200 pieces and is scheduled for release on 25th December.

It is confirmed that the quantity of the Kowloon Motor Bus MAN A95 is 1,800 pieces (KLE16029). Whilst the Network Shuttle website advises it is presently 'sold out', I am informed that this relates to their initial delivery and that further quantities will be made available for overseas customers.

Photograph courtesy and copyright of
80M Bus Model Shop

This plain white Enviro400 has just been released - no further details are presently known but I believe the product code to be JA526005, thus making it a Go Idea product.

Photographs courtesy and copyright of Philip Chan

Undergoing tests earlier today were these 12.8 metre 'facelift' Enviro500s - Citybus 6800 is the first of the Cityflyer liveried examples whilst 6101 is the second of the New World First Bus batch.

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Alan Rowan-Jenkins

My thanks to Alan Rowan-Jenkins for allowing me to share his photograph of this Kowloon Motor Bus liveried Gemini 2 - taken today whilst in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It features a new mid-axle drive chassis.

16th December 2016

Photographs courtesy and copyright of Network Shuttle

Network Shuttle are accepting pre-orders for the Kowloon Motor Bus MAN A95 AMNE1 (KLE16029), the release of which is expected by the end of December.

The Hong Kong Public Records Office will launch the “Great scenery along the way” exhibition tomorrow at the Exhibition Hall, 2/F, Hong Kong Public Records Building, 13 Tsui Ping Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon. Opening hours are from 9am to 5.45pm, Mondays to Fridays (except public holidays). All are welcome and admission is free.

By displaying around 60 photographs and documents from a series of traffic survey files, the exhibition showcases the scenes of bus stops along the coast of Hong Kong Island. Under the themes of buildings, businesses, everyday life and transport, the exhibition enables people to revisit the unique and interesting scenes along the bus routes on Hong Kong Island in the 1970s, including General Post Office Building, Haw Par Mansion, tram trailer car, students carrying trendy school bags, etc.

In addition, roving exhibitions of “Great scenery along the way: Exhibition of street scenes at bus stops on Hong Kong Island in the 1970s” will be held at Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Public Library (from April 2 to 29, 2017), Chai Wan Public Library (from June 5 to 18, 2017), Sha Tin Public Library (from September 2 to 29, 2017) and Hong Kong Central Library (from October 19 to 24, 2017). Please refer to the Reference Resources Page of the website for details.

A sample of some of the on-line photographs
Courtesy and copyright of Hong Kong Public Records Office

15th December 2016

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Philip Chan

Now this is one livery that my young grandson would love! New World First Bus Enviro500NG 5584 carrying overall advertising for GP Batteries.

14th December 2016

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Shop2gather.com

The 'Shop2gather.com' website confirms the imminent release of Kowloon Motor Bus MAN A95 AMNE1 (TP 1095), It is on route 265B with a destination of Tin Heng Estate (KLE16029). No indication of quantities are provided.

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Philip Chan

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Bill Wong

As reported yesterday, New World First Bus has registered its first 12.8 metre 'facelift' Enviro500 and my thanks to Bill Wong for allowing me to share his photograph taken earlier today whilst on route 8P to Siu Sai Wan.

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Plaxtonl's Bus Page

Retired last month and now in a very sorry state is the first of Kowloon Motor Bus's Neoplan Centroliner AP1 (HY 1677). My thanks to Plaxtonl's Bus Page for allowing me to share this photograph.

Photograph courtesy and copyright of
80M Bus Model Shop

Set for release tomorrow in Hong Kong is the first model tram release for over two years, this being tram no. 88, which is known as the Pilot Cooler Tram' as it is the first seventh generation tram to feature air conditioning (TT33702)

Tram no. 88 is seen here passing Victoria Park in bright sunshine - November 2016.

13th December 2016

The first 12.8 metre 'facelift' Enviro500 for New World First Bus was registered on 9th December, receiving the fleet no. 6100 (UM 722), and it was noted in service today.

12th December 2016

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Bobby Liu

Long Win Bus registered a further batch of 12 metre 'facelift' Enviro500s last week with 5539 being the newest in the fleet - it was noted today at Chek Lap Kok on route A33 carrying the slightly revised livery - but not the newest livery!

Photographs courtesy and copyright of Bobby Liu

Citybus 315 is the only surviving single doorway bodied Volvo Olympian in the fleet and is one of only two single-door double-deck buses in Hong Kong. On 4th December it was hired for a private tour. It is due to be retired shortly.

11th December 2016

Photographs courtesy and copyright of Network Shuttle

Pictured above are pre-production models for New World First Bus and Citybus 'Year of the Rooster' produced by Model 1.

The NWFB model features a 12 metre 'facelift' Enviro500 (fleet no. 5686 - TZ 8996) on route 101 to Kennedy Town (63338/20060).

The Citybus model features a 12.8 metre 'facelift' Enviro500 (fleet no. 6371 - UD 7005) on route 788 to Central (63339/CM118).

Quantities for each are believed to be 1,318 pieces and they are expected to be released in the new year.

Roadshow are to release a Kowloon Motor Bus MAN A95, on route 265B with a quantity of 1,800 pieces - this model is expected later this month.

Milestone achieved earlier this morning!

9th December 2016

Fast approaching another milestone for this News page!

8th December 2016

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Network Shuttle

Released today in Hong Kong are these four Citybus 12.8 metre 'facelift' Enviro500 models from Model 1, details of which are as follows:-

6521 (UB 8898) on route E11A (63334)

6526 (UC 8339) on route S1 (63335)

6355 (UD 1669) on route 962X (63336)

6303 (TW 9791) on route 962B (63337)

5th December 2016

The first glimpse of the Hong Kong Buses Yearbook 2017 from Northcord Transport - no further details are known,

4th December 2016

Photograph courtesy and copyright of
Beagle Hobbies

Photograph courtesy and copyright of
Beagle Hobbies

Two further Fulltech models have appeared carrying road safety decals, one being an AEC Regent V and the second a Daimler 'D' type. Further details would be most welcome.

As reported last month, AsianBus are to release three MCW Metroriders, as pictured above, these being :-

CB12 - MCW Metrorider - China Motor Bus (CM1) Route 10 to North Point

CB13 - MCW Metrorider - China Motor Bus (CM2) Route 504 to Wah Fu

KB01 - MCW Metrorider - Kowloon Motor Bus (AMR1) Route 299

Photograph courtesy and copyright of BusByBono

BusByBono has announced a further version of its Dennis Dragon, this time in the driver training livery of Kowloon Motor Bus.

2nd December 2016

	*December 2016* *- News*
Previous month's News	To find a specific month's News, click here	Next month's News

[diecast models] - [information] - [links] - [news] - [plastic models] - [resin models] - [trams] - [xtra]

This page last updated Thursday, 29th December 2016