I find it difficult to write reviews on new models at the best of times, but to try and compare a new model to a prototype that was withdrawn almost 30 years ago, of which only four were acquired and  which I have only seen a handful of black and white photographs, it is almost impossible! 

Upon receiving the model, the first thing I did was to consult the 'oracle', which in this case is Mike Davis's book 'The History of Hong Kong Buses - Volume 2 - Kowloon Motor Bus'. Fortunately, of the three photos in Mike's book showing this unusual bus type in normal service, two featured that modelled, namely G3. Having read Mike's description of the four buses, one point that I picked up on straight away was a noticeable difference between the four buses. G1 and G3 had single headlights whilst G2 and G4 featured twin headlights. A quick look at the model - this G3 had twin headlights! Surely such a simple error should have been picked up earlier, and if it had, the model could have then represented either G2 or G4. Putting this point aside for the time being, the model captured the overall look of the prototype well. 

The casting is one piece, with no poles. The paintwork is superb and the lettering crisp. I particularly like the front towing eye, which I have tried to capture in the photographs below. The 3+2 seating is accurately represented. 

Not being able to spot any further apparent errors, I contacted the producer querying the fact that perhaps the model of G3 should have single headlights and not twin, and promptly received confirmation that all four buses entered service with twin headlights. It was only in their latter life that G1 and G3 received single headlights. A colour photograph of G3 was attached showing it in service with twin headlights! 

As I mentioned above, it is difficult for me to review and confirm whether the model captures the size and shape of the real thing - in my opinion it does it extremely well, but by providing numerous photographs, I hope you will be able to decide for yourselves! 

Graham