The model
- The first 1/50 scale Hong Kong model from the main producers of 1/76
scale buses is this Collector's Model MCW Metrobus, released in early April
2001.
The bus
- The MC (Metrobus Coach) class consisted of 12 MCW Metrobus Mk 1. These
vehicles were purchased new in 1978 in order to encourage the motorist
to commute by bus to the Central business district in conjunction with
the other bus priority schemes introduced at the time. They were the first
double-deck coaches operating in the Territory.
In September 1978, 10 MCs were allocated
to two new coach routes introduced between the Central district and the
more affluent residential areas of Stanley and Chung Hom Kok. No standing
was allowed, thus avoiding overcrowding.
These vehicles continued to serve on these
two coach routes until they were relieved by single-deck air-conditioned
Dennis Darts in late 1991, when they were re-allocated as buses to operate
on route 13, on the mid-levels of Hong Kong Island. The MCs contributed
significantly to CMB's order for the very high capacity buses, forty 11
metre two-axle MB class vehicles and eighty-four 12 metre three-axle ML
class vehicles in the following years.
When CMB lost its franchise of Hong Kong
Island, and cross-harbour tunnel routes in 1998, all 12 MCs, among others
in the fleet, were sold to New World First Bus. In an attempt to convert
the whole New World First Bus fleet to air-conditioned vehicles, the MCs
were withdrawn from passenger service in 1999 and three of them were converted
to training vehicles, to assist in the massive recruitment programme. |