Model
Review
by Dennis Law
Since its official introduction in Hong Kong
in late June 2001, CsM's Nikon Dragon model has drawn lots of attention
from not only the bus fan circle, but also the general public. This is
mainly because Nikon has decided to present this model as a gift to their
camera buyers, which in turn has drawn up its market price in HK to the
level of HK$650 for a few months. An unknown number of stock has flowed
into the market starting from mid-August though, causing the market price
for this model to fall until it has reached the level of HK$250 in late
December 2001.
Despite the facts mentioned above, this model
would probably be a disappointment for those collectors who would focus
on the "reality" of the models. Owing to some unknown reasons, CsM has
used the mould for CMB's Dennis Condors (with rounded window surroundings)
to make this KMB Dragon, and yet 2+2 seatings can be seen in the model
when in fact KMB's AD272(GR8180) should have 3+2 seatings instead! The
upper deck tail-lights at the rear have also gone missing. With the additional
Nikon logo and "Air-Cond" wordings at the front of the model, which the
real bus don't have, such factors would not probably sound impressive for
those model buyers who would eager to buy a model which really looks like
a KMB Dragon.
The painting for the F65 ad livery looks
okay though. And in my personal point of view, the portrait of Ms. Joey
Yung being applied on the model looks superb. Indeed, this is one of the
reasons why this model can still become so popular in HK - probably due
to Joey's idol effect amongst the youngsters.
Dennis Law - 28th December
2001
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