Review
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a new model to a prototype that was withdrawn almost 30 years ago, of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
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