Some 'off topic' news is that following the release of the Sentosa model bus souvenir last year, some further models have just been released, not of buses, but of the new Sentosa Express, which is due to open later this year. Details of the Sentosa Express, and the models, are as follows:-

1.  The actual trains are built by Hitachi to Sentosa's own specifications
2.  It will start operating in December 2006
3.  There are total of 4 trains, each with its own colours
4.  Customised tooling, based on actual engineering drawings, was created to produce this model
5.  The model is 1:120 scale
6.  Retail price is SGD18.00 each or about USD 12.00
7.  Available now at selected shops on Sentosa, Singapore
8.  Sentosa accept mail orders and will ship based on pre-payment of item and postage charges - further details can be obtained from Ms Jaslyn Neo who can be contacted at jaslyn_neo@sentosa.com.sg

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Dennis Chan

The P & T resin dual door KMB Bedford OB (B0018), announced on this site on 24th May was released in Hong Kong on 18th June, and a new page has tonight been added,

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Thomas Tang

The above picture, taken today, shows a new LongWin Enviro 500 (No 805) on it's first day of service, operating on route no E33,

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Carl Bentley

Thanks to Carl Bentley, further photographs of the KMB Metrorider have been added to the appropriate page in the Models that never made it into final production section of the site.

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Carl Bentley

Carl has also provided photos of the resin New World First Bus liveried Guy Arab tow truck, 150 pieces of which were specially commissioned by Digby's Miniature Automobiles some years ago. Further photos will be added shortly.

I am informed that the Citybus Olympians (mentioned in yesterdays News) are for use by Citybus on their City Sightseeing service, as they have secured the franchise fom the UK. Thanks to Andy Lee for this information.

Pictured above is a second version, not previously recorded, of the Principal Insurance Dennis Dragon from Collector's Model. This version carries different panel adverts than D108B and also comes with a limited certificate stating a quantity of 500. If anyone can provide any further information on this model, please e-mail me.

The 'Updates' section of the site has now been removed and I am slowly catching up on my outstanding e-mails, so please bear with me - thank you.

The Hong Kong Model Co. website lists two further models in their 'Coming Soon' section, these being a Ford (USA) 'School Bus' (8020A) of which China Motor Bus ordered 18 such vehicles and a second KMB Bedford OB (8142A), this being of the 5 window bay body type and carries registration 4249. 

And finally, a special thank you to Jacky Ho, Dennis Chan, Philip Chan, and John So for their recent supply of excellent photos. 

New pages have also been added for the 1/120 scale Best Choose CMB 'Hotline' liveried Leyland Victory (05062) and the Cars Workshop KMB Volvo B9TL/Enviro 500 (39403).

Photograph courtesy and copyright of
80M Bus Model Shop

The Cars Workshop Kowloon Motor Bus Volvo B9TL/Enviro 500 AVBE1 (39403) was released today. It is on route no. 118 and is limited to 1,900 pieces. The model features an opening rear engine cover. This model retails for HK$288.

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Jacky Ho

Also released today is the Best Choose 1/120 scale CMB Leyland Victory Mk 2 with diorama (05062). The model features LV18 (CG 4376) on route no. 4 to Wah Fu. It is limited to 5,000 pieces and retails for HK$79.90. I am advised that the diorama represents Mong Kok!

Two new resin releases from the Hong Kong Model Co. are as follows:-
 

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Jacky Ho

8141A is a 1964 KMB Bedford OB, reg. no 4250, on route 6 from Star Ferry to Lai Chi Kok. 2. This model is not certified and retails for HK$288.

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Jacky Ho

8125A is a KMB Tilling-Stevens Express K5LA7, registration no. 4685, on route 2 from Star Ferry to So Uk Village. This model carries no limited edition certificate and retails for HK$288.

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Jacky Ho

A second Best Choose release is this Peak Tram model with diorama

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Philip Chan

Pictured above is the new look Volvo B9TL/Wrightbus (Class AVBW), allocated to Kowloon Bay Depot, which carries '2006' decals on both side of the bus. Further photographs will shortly feature in an Xtra page. 

For various reasons, I am currently struggling to keep the site as up-to-date as I would like it to be. As most of you will realise, it is maintained solely by me, as a hobby, in my spare time. In an attempt to reduce the amount of time spent on updating the site, I propose discontinuing the 'Updates' pages. I would welcome any comments you may have regarding this proposal prior to making a final decision. 

Photograph courtesy and copyright of Dennis Chan

An unexpected and surprise release in Hong Kong today - an all-white Wright-bodied B9TL (KMB's AVBW class) from 80M Bus Model Shop (a Drumwell model) (80851). It is limited to 800 pieces, and retails for HK$198 258.