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REVIEW OF THE LAST 5 YEARS

5th November 1998
The first news announced on the site confirms the release of Corgi's Capital Citybus Olympian in the UK whilst Corgi's Dennis Trident/Duple Metsec in Citybus Cityflyer livery is also announced.

December 1998
Corgi unveil their planned releases for early 1999, which include three NWFB Olympians, KMB's Year of the Rabbit, a KCRC liveried Olympian and a KMB champagne Trident.

January 1999
Further details of the three New World First Bus Olympians 43211-3 appear together with news of a 25th anniversary model for Singapore Bus Services

February 1999
Corgi's New Lantao Dart is released together with KMB's 'Year of the Rabbit' Olympian

March 1999
EFE release a Bristol Lodekka in early Citybus livery. Two more Citybus Duple Metsec Tridents are announced, another in Cityflyer livery with 'Airport-City' stickers and 2100 in it's original yellow livery. A Leyland Atlantean AN68, again for Citybus, is also announced. News also of a dual-door New World First Bus Dennis Dart. EFE listings are added to the site.

April 1999
Further details and an exclusive photograph of the Citybus Leyland Atlantean AN68 are unveiled. 'Photo gallery' section added.

May 1999
News of a new manufacturer, Collector's Model.  Several new photographs of models added.

June 1999
The name of the site changed from 'Unofficial Site for Corgi Oriental Buses' to 'Oriental Model Buses'. Photographs of the first release from the new "Collector's Model' range are added.

July 1999
The 'Updates' section is added to make it easier to keep track of the constant changes and improvements made to the site. The site received it's 10,000th hit.

August 1999
The first model from newcomer ABC Models is unveiled. The 'Books' section is added to the site. It is announced that New World First Bus are to model a dual-door Dennis Dart, with 2,000 being offered in the UK to EFE Collector's Club members only. The model of the 100th new bus for New World First Bus, a Duple Metsec bodied Dennis Trident, is released.

September 1999
Exclusive news on ABC Model's second release and Corgi release their Millennium catalogue, featuring no less than six Oriental Omnibus models.

October 1999
It is rumoured that New World First Bus are holding back a supply of their inaugural 'wave' liveried Dennis Trident, pending the opening of their new shop in Hong Kong. EFE announce to their subscribers who have ordered the New World First Bus Dennis Dart, that they have rejected the production of this item owing to concerns over quality and potential damage to the models in transit. They go on to say that a new production run is underway and it is hoped the models will be despatched in mid November.

November 1999
Exclusive, photographs of the forthcoming Citybus 'Stagecoach Set' and 'Millennium' release. Exclusive photograph of the C'sM 'Red A' Victory appear.

December 1999
Drumwell release the first model bearing their name - a KMB Neoplan Centroliner. ABC Models announced a new casting, a CMB Tilling Stevens K5LA7 long-wheelbase single-deck bus.

January 2000
The result of your 'Favourite Model of the Year 1999' is as follows:-
      1st   -  New World First Bus Dennis Dart -  Model No. 99005
      2nd  -  Kowloon Motor Bus Neoplan Centroliner  -  Model No. DW10101
      3rd  -  ABC Models 'jumbo' Daimler Fleetline  -  Model No. 000101.
Collector's Model are to launch their own 'Fan Club' together with a Website - further details are to be
announced when known. C'sM also announce the imminent release of CMB Dennis Condor 'DA' Class.
Citybus plan to release a model of their sole MAN double-decker, Fleet No. 2500, with Volgren bodywork.

February 2000
Citybus are to release a DMS which is to be based on Citybus D20, CP 2781. Exclusive news that CMB Dennis Dominator (Fleet No. SD1) is to be the first release from a new manufacturer, Model Express. A new domain name 'www.oriental-model-buses.co.uk' is acquired. More exclusive photographs of new C'sM models. ABC Models produce a range of 1/76th scale street furniture for the model bus enthusiast.

March 2000
Collector's Model release a gold-plated and a silver-plated Dennis Dragon, which are available only to members of the Collector's Model Fan Club. The 'Forthcoming Releases' page is added, giving details of new and recently released models. The 'Collector's Model Catalogue  January - June 2000' is published. The photo-gallery page of the site is removed.

April 2000
Collector's Model issue 'kits' of KMB Victory's Mk2/Jubilants. Citybus announce they will be issuing a DMS/Lodekka set. The first photographs of Corgi's new Leyland Victory Mk2, in KMB, livery appear.

May 2000
ABC Model's first Leyland Fleetline SF is released. EFE announce that due to the financial difficulties created by Beatties within our parent company, ERA Group Plc., there will be serious disruption to our planned release programme and there will be  a period of several months before we can resume our normal programme of model releases. It is announced that Leyland Fleetline, SF31, is returning 'home' to Falkirk, Scotland, having left Hong Kong on 12th May.

June 2000
NWFB announce that SF8 and SF31 and are to be modelled. Exclusive photographs of Citybus's forthcoming DMS/Lodekka set.

July 2000
The use of bulk e-mails to notify subscribers when the site has been updated ceases. SF31 arrives in back in the UK. The New World First Bus Cyber Shop opens, selling models 'on-line', with the inaugural 'wave' liveried Trident now being available, as predicted back in October 1999. Citybus are to issue a new casting of a 10.4m Dennis Dragon, the model being produced by Collector's  Model.

August 2000
Exclusive photos of the Model Express Dennis Dominator. Exclusive photographs of the first model from Model Bus Evolution. NWFB announce they will release a model of Leyland Victory LV30, which has specially decorated in a 'Farewell Victory' to mark the end of the Leyland Victory . The site received it's 100,00th hit.

September 2000
Review of Showbus 2000

October 2000
Currency converter added to the site. It recently struck me that despite joining the Cs'M 'Fan Club' and forking out about £20 plus currency draft fees, I don't appear to have received much in return. Mike Davis's book 'New World First Bus - The First Two Years' is published. Two new kits, from C'sM, this time featuring Dennis Dragons/Condors are released.

November 2000
Cars Workshop release their first model, a KMB Daimler D model, Fleet No. D331. Buses Model Co release their first models, two similar Guy Arab IV single deck buses. Creative Master Northcord release their first model, a NWFB Volvo Super Olympian. It was also rumoured that there will be a NWFB Centroliner in the not too distant future.

December 2000
Computer breakdown resulting in a new computer being purchased!

January 2001
The results of Best New Casting 2000 competition are announced:-
             1st   -  Cars Workshop Daimler "D" in KMB livery - 38001
             2nd  -  Corgi's Leyland Victory Mk 2 in NWFB livery -  44805
             3rd  -  Collector's Model Fleetline SF31 in NWFB (purple "Peak") livery -  20003
New World First Bus announce they will be issuing the 'Snake Bus of Bliss' model. The Alexander ALX500 bodied Trident would come with a key which opens of the engine compartment and can also be used to completely dismantle the model !!

February 2001
Corgi's Original Omnibus Catalogue for May - August 2001 includes four Oriental Omnibus models, all Citybus vehicles, namely the Ocean Park set, the "Greener  Buses" Duple Metsec bodied Trident and the new casting of the MAN/Volgren.

March 2001
Exclusive news and photos of a pre-production sample of ABC's ML2, a three door CMB MCW Metrobus. Another exclusive, from Collector's Model is a KMB Victory in an all-over crime prevention livery as well as exclusive photos of their new 1/50th scale Metrobus. The site's guestbook is removed.

April 2001
'Diecast Buses Interactive' launched. The second volume of 'Hong Kong Bus Models' is published. The site received a record 10,203 hits for the month.

May 2001
The first pictures of ABC's MCW Metrorider CM1 published. The NWFB Centroliner is released, as forecast in November 2000. Both C'sM and Drumwell/Cars Workshop release a CMB Condor, in the same 'air-con' livery.

June 2001
The 'Collectors Model Yahoo Club' is launched, The site receives it's 200,000th hit. UK elections are held - Labour are again elected.

July 2001
The 'Video' section added to the site. The 80M Bus Model Shop website is infected by a virus. C'sM announce three 'Siemens' models based on the 10.4m Citybus Dragon.  11,000 hits were received in the month - a new record.

August 2001
The 'World of Diecast' shop in Hong Kong closes. Below is an extract of a letter recently received from ABC models:-

 'ABC Models wish to advise that as from the 1st of August 2001 the former Authorised agent for the
 United Kingdom and Europe, Mr Bram Osborne, has advised that he is no longer in a position to carry
 out his contractual obligations.

 ABC Models deeply regret the situation with regards to information and supply over the recent months
 and hope that any inconvenience caused in the past will be rapidly remedied and both information and
 supplies will once again return to normal.  All ABC Models will once again be readily obtainable
 throughout the region from selected retail stockists pending the eventual appointment of a new
 representative for the region.

 ABC wishes to thank all those many persons that have supported ABC Models during this difficult
 period.'

September 2001
The 'Oriental Model Buses Yahoo Group' is launched. Showbus 2001 is reviewed. Exclusive photograph of ABC's Ailsa-Volvo AV8. Buses Model release their superb air-conditioned CMB Leyland Olympians.

October 2001
Another exclusive - news of another release from Model Bus Evolution, a 12-metre Dennis Dragon of Citybus, this time representing fleet no. 803, with United Airlines (daily non-stop Delhi) allover advert.  Hong Kong Model Co. announce their first diecast models, Guy Arab UF single deck buses in CMB livery.

November 2001
KMB release a model of their pearlescent green Neoplan Centroliner. To commemorate and coincide with the launch of Singapore Bus Services's new name (SBS Transit) and livery, Creative Master Northcord release a set featuring two 12 metre, Alexander-bodied Volvo Olympians. The site received its 250,000th hit on 30th November. Exclusive news to the site is that KMB are to release a model of their Berkhof bodied MAN,. The site is the first to publish photos of Citybus's new Scania with Volgren bodywork in the new 'Stagecoach style' corporate livery.

December 2001
Exclusive announcement marks the launch of the British Model Buses website. It is announced that New World First Bus are to issue a model of their Volvo Super Olympian carrying the 'Euro III Buses Lead the Pace' special livery.

January 2002
The results of Best New Casting 2001 competition are announced:-
                    1st place - Buses Model Co.- Leyland Olympian
                    2nd place - Corgi - MAN/Volgren
                    3rd place - Drumwell - Volvo Super Olympian
The results of the Best Advertising/Promotional livery 2001 are also announced:-
                   1st place - 3,000th Alexander - Volvo S/Olympian
                   2nd place - Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa - Dennis Dragon
                   3rd place - KMB Green Bus - Neoplan Centroliner
Citybus apply the 'Stagecoach style' corporate livery to MAN Volgren No 2500.

February 2002
Out of the ashes of ABC Models comes two new names, Best Choose and Ox Models, who both release their first model - the CMB Guy Arab water bowser!

March 2002
Two new sections are added to the site, one devoted to Resin Models whilst the other features Toys.

April 2002
'Oriental Buses plus' website launched, which is aimed to provide details and information on the real buses in Hong Kong. Best Choose announce they will be releasing a CMB Dennis Condor, DL1. Exclusive photograph posted of the C'sM Dennis Dragon with Gateway all-over advertising.

May 2002
Creative Master Northcord announce the release of a new casting, the Volvo B7R with bodywork by the Shanghai Sunwin Bus Corporation. Collector's Model send subscribers a CD and a copy of the planned releases for 2002.

June 2002
Creative Master Northcord unveil another new casting, featuring a Japanese prototype, the Hino S'elega R FD, one of the most popular coaches in Japan. Buses Model Co. present Bus Fan World with two Leyland Olympians to celebrate their 10th anniversary.

July 2002
NWFB announce they are to release a  model of their last non air-con 11-metre Dennis Condor, DM28. A model of KMB Metrobus, 3M1, a 12-metre 3-axle example appears at the the 'Exhibition on the History of Hong Kong Buses 2002'. 12,189 hits received for the month - a new record.

August 2002
New caricature models unveiled by Jotus.com. Bus Fan World announce, through their members' newsletter, that their AL1 model will be a members only release.

September 2002
Review of Showbus 2002. Exclusive photographs of the 'Double Happiness' liveried Dragon from C'sM.

October 2002
Creative Master Northcord Limited appoint John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited as their UK distributor for their non-British bus models. KMB announce the forthcoming release of a model of their ME Class (Mercedes-Benz 0305 /Alexander).

November 2002
I make my first visit to Hong Kong - what an experience!

December 2002
A new company, AsianBus, release their version of the China Motor Bus Guy Arab Mk V "S" class.

January 2003
The results of Best New Casting 2002 competition are announced:-
                  1st place - Drumwell - Mercedes-Benz 0.305
                  2nd place - Corgi - MAN/Berkhof
                  3rd place - Creative Master Northcord - Volvo Olympian
The results of the Best Advertising/Promotional livery 2002 are also announced:-
                  1st place - Euro III buses lead the pace - Volvo Super Olympian
                  2nd place - Bye bye my Hot Dog - Dennis Condor
                  3rd place - Festive Bus of Harvest - Dennis Trident

February 2003
Independent Transport Videos announce the release of three new videos. The new owners of ex-NWFB  DM17, currently on it's way back to the UK for preservation, launch a new website which provides detailed information about the bus as well as photographs in both New World First Bus and China Motor Bus colours.

March 2003
Ex-NWFB DM17 arrives in the UK. The Xtra section, which features news on real buses, is added to the site. SARS outbreak in Hong Kong infects over 1,200 people.

April 2003
The Big Bus Company in London begin operating ex-NWFB/CMB 12-metre Dennis Condors, having been converted into open toppers for London sightseeing work. The Cars Workshop KMB Daimler Fleetline with MetSec bodywork was released in Hong Kong.

May 2003
The first in a series of books from BSI Hobbies entitled 'The Fleet Directory of Hong Kong Buses - Kowloon Motor Bus' is published.

June 2003
A Dictionary of 1:76 scale Hong Kong Bus Models for the period 1994-2002 is published. KMB release a 10.6m Volvo Super Olympian, produced by Cars Workshop. Stagecoach agrees to sell its Hong Kong Citybus operation. The World Health Organisation removes Hong Kong from its list of areas with recent
local transmission of SARS.

July 2003
21 die in Hong Kong Bus accident. Allsorts of Croxley Green close down. John Ayrey Diecasts announce they are to import Ox Models. A record 519 hits were received in one day and a record 13,781 were received for the month.

August 2003
NWFB celebrate their 5th Anniversary with a specially decorated 'Give Me Five' Centroliner. The first 'crystal' bus is unveiled.

September 2003
John Ayrey Diecasts announce they are no longer importing Collector's Model. Showbus 2003 review. Four resin Citybus service vehicles are released

October 2003
A very quiet month, only the KMB Cars Workshop Leyland Fleetline was released. News and photos of another bus crash in Hong Kong. Another computer breakdown!

November 2003
You are invited to vote for your favourite casting and favourite livery in a special 5th Anniversary competition.

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This page last updated Wednesday, 5th November 2003
   
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