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Four new Kowloon Motor Bus models have been announced today. The first two feature Gemilang bodied Volvo B9TLs. The top photograph shows AVG3 (VT4112) on route 61M with a destination of Lai King (North), which is limited to 950 pieces (KMB2021222). The bottom photograph shows the second release, which features an unregistered example, with a destination showing a test screen, and this is limited to 700 pieces (KMB2021223).

Next come two MCV bodied Volvo B7RLEs, both in the driver training fleet. First is AVC16 (PG2693), which is limited to 700 pieces (KMB2021221) and the second features AVC1 (PE5313) with is limited to 500 pieces (KMB2022012). Further details of this model can be found below.

New pages for all four models are currently being added.

26th June 2022

Bravo Transport has today issued the following press release:-

Citybus Received Hong Kong's First Hydrogen Double Deck Bus.

"Citybus today achieved a global first by receiving the first tri-axle hydrogen double deck bus specifically designed and built for Hong Kong. This is a historical moment for the public transport sector in Hong Kong and for Citybus in our journey towards zero emissions. This is Hong Kong's first bus to be powered by hydrogen and is yet another milestone achieved by Citybus after the recent introduction of Hong Kong's first electric double deck bus. Citybus will continue to work with the government closely to design relevant regulations and ordinance in order to allow the operation of hydrogen vehicles in Hong Kong.

The vehicle is designed and built by a consortium of experts led by Bravo Transport and Wisdom (Fujan) Motor Company Limited ("Wisdom") following the success of the electric double deck project. To ensure the vehicle will achieve its maximum potential, we have adopted key components and products from renowned international partners and suppliers. The fuel cell, which is the key component that converts hydrogen into electricity, is provided by the world leading fuel-cell producer Ballard Power Systems; and the Type 4 hydrogen storage cylinder system is provided by CIMC-HEXAGON, a joint venture company of CIMC Enric and Hexagon Purus. Both Ballard Power Systems and CIMC-HEXAGON will work with us to develop the application of existing technology and more hydrogen double deck buses for ongoing trials in Hong Kong.

Bravo Transport Chairman Mr Cliff Zhang said "We are very proud to be the first public transport operator in Hong Kong to bring both hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric tri-axle double deck buses to our city. These vehicles demonstrate Citybus's leading position in Hong Kong's public transportation sector's zero-emission transformation journey. We have teamed up with with renowned international and mainland Chinese partners and suppliers on the project, to deliver a top quality and fit for purpose hydrogen bus suitable for Hong Kong's operating environment. We thank the government for its ongoing collaboration to assist us in bringing this product into Hong Kong and will continue to work with the relevant government departments closely to design legislation and guidance to obtain the necessary approvals for the bus's official public launch."

He continued "We aim to operate a full-fleet of zero emission buses by 2045 and we believe that hydrogen fuel cell technology, alongside battery electric, are both viable options for Hong Kong's challenging operating environment. With both battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell double deck buses being tested in parallel, we can partner with the government in formulating a comprehensive plan for our city's transition to carbon neutral transportation."

The bus is a prototype to showcase hydrogen fuel cell electric capabilities to meet one of the world’s most challenging operating environments, comprising of steep road gradients, high passenger loadings and continuous use of air-conditioning systems. The side panels of the bus have been made with carbon fibre. which is a lightweight but strong material often used in the production of airplanes and brings further new innovation to bus design and operations, with a space frame body of stainless steel tubes."

Released 20 years ago today is this Collector's Model 11 metre Duple Metsec bodied Dennis Dragon with all over advertising for Promise (CM-DGR2202).

21st June 2022

News not related to Oriental Model Buses in any way, shape or form is that Hong Kong's world renowned Jumbo floating restaurant, which left Aberdeen Harbour earlier this month for a new home somewhere in China, sank today whilst being towed, in adverse weather conditions, in the South China Sea. The above photograph was taken on 5th June 2022.

20th June 2022

Citybus placed Hong Kong's first electric double-deck bus into revenue earning service today. Further photographs have been added to the XTRA section of the site - just click on the image below.

With the current lack of model bus news I am grateful to the regular contributors for allowing me to share their photographs of the 'real' buses.

Pictured above (top) is Kowloon Motor Bus AVC66 (RK4220), a MCV Evolution bodied Volvo B7RLE, which carries all-over advertising for Gawr Gura, a virtual YouTuber. Meanwhile New World First Bus 5648 (TR7971), a 12-metre ADL Enviro500NG, carries all-over advertising for French May, one of the largest French arts festivals in Asia. It is staged every year with over 120 of the highest international calibre artists, covering a broad array of artistic disciplines that include the visual arts, opera, classical and contemporary music, dance, new circus, theatre and cinema as well as the culinary arts. The festival is a unique opportunity to discover the best of the French artistic scene in Hong Kong! See more at Frenchmay.com.

19th June 2022

Long Win registered two MCV EvoSeti bodied Volvo B8Ls on 15th June, the first such vehicles to be registered since January. UV6V47 (YA8936) and UV6X48 (YA9567) were captured earlier today.

18th June 2022

To mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Kowloon Motor Bus 12.8 metre ADL 'facelift' Enviro500 E6X142 (XA2898) and HongKong Tramways tram 59 have received this all-over livery.

The term 'NFT' appears to be 'flavour of the month' having appeared on the banner advertising of the Citybus model detailed below. It is a term I had never heard of prior to receiving details of this model. So, here we go, NFT stands for Non-Fungible Token. I would include a detailed description, however, I have decided against doing this as it confuses me just reading it, being the age I am!!!.

Meanwhile Kowloon Motor Bus has just announced it is to release its first batch of NFT collectables details of which can be viewed here. Perhaps someone could enlighten me as to what this all means!!! Anyway, buyers of the KMB NFT will receive a special edition of a physical bus model.

17th June 2022

Alexander Dennis launched a new brand identity yesterday which includes new logos.

16th June 2022

Automobile Magazine Hong Kong is to release both a 1/76 scale and 1/110 scale model of Citybus 12.8 metre ADL'facelift' Enviro500 6427 (VB1087) with NFT banner advertising, as pictured above. The 1/76 scale model is on route 182 with a destination of Central whilst the 1/110 scale model is on route 182X to Shatin.

Full details can be found on Automobile Magazine Hong Kong website, just click here.

15th June 2022

Available for pre-order until 14th June is this Tiny 1/76 scale Toyota Coaster B70 public light bus (Box 183 / ATC65594). It features XA571 with a destination of Chai Wan. A new page will be added shortly.

10th June 2022

2012

2022

2032

Same location - same route - different bus!

A gap of almost 10 years exists between the above two photographs which were both taken in Wai Kek Street, Kwai Chung. Captured in October 2012 is 10.6 metre Duple Metsec bodied Dennis Trident ATS23 (JK2026) whilst 11.3 metre ADL 'facelift' Enviro500 E6M82 (XA3277) was captured yesterday in exactly the same spot. My thanks to Bobby Liu for allowing me to share his photographs.

4th June 2022

Already announced by Tiny as a forthcoming 1/110 scale model is this Kowloon Motor Bus 12.8 metre MCV EvoSeti bodied Volvo B8L. It features V6X94 (XH199) in a livery I initially thought was a 'Thank You' to Hong Kong's health workers, but it turns out to be marking the company's 89th anniversary, with a small 89 on the rear nearside and offside of the bus. No doubt a 1/76 scale model will follow.

3rd June 2022

I missed the release of this Tiny 1/76 scale Toyota Coaster BZB70R (VD2068) with 'Striking poppy candy' all over advertising, which was issued on 26th May (Box 147 / ATC65532). This model appeared in Tiny's 2022 catalogue.

And now for something a little different!!

This bedding set is available to pre-order (Hong Kong market only) on the KMB Shop website. My thanks to Paul Hawkins for drawing my attention to this item.

The above model was a prize in a lucky draw for Manulife customers held in December last year. It was limited to 250 pieces and features Kowloon Motor Bus Wrights Gemini 3 bodied Volvo B8L V6B133 (WM3881) on route 5A with a destination of Kai Tak (Kai Ching Estate). I am grateful to NK364O for advising me of this model and I plan on adding a new page with some further images shortly. Meanwhile, if you were a lucky winner, do please contact me.

1st June 2022

	*June 2022* *- News*
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Page last updated Sunday, 26th June 2022