FLEETLINE AND LEYLAND NATIONAL NEWS
RAPIDO Trains has announced the second run of its successful 1:76 scale Fleetline buses in a variety of new liveries. Buses decorated in liveries of operators that acquired buses from the former WMPTE fleet are included for the first time. They include Midland Fox; Andrews of Sheffield; Stotts of Oldham and A1 Services of Ayrshire.
More West Midlands styles are offered alongside heritage No. 6311 which is based at the Transport museum at Wythall. It will be adorned with period adverts for Rapido. Also included are West Midlands liveries with West Bromwich, Quinton and Coventry markings. Rapido is currently inviting preorders which have a February 1, 2023 deadline. Delivery is anticipated for later in 2023 and the price is set at £54.95 regardless of livery.
www.rapidotrains.co.uk
A swathe of colourful authentic operator liveries are being applied to the successful Rapido 1:76 scale West Midlands Fleetline bus including operators in other districts.
Leyland National CADs
The first impressions of the Leyland National Mk.1 bus were revealed by Rapido Train recently, showing how the 1:76 scale model of this 1970s transport icon will appear. The model marks the 50th anniversary of a bus design which, like many contemporary diesel locomotive classes, has endured, despite mixed feelings towards its design.
The models will sit neatly on D&E era themed layouts from the 1970s and 1980s and is a very important model given the durability and wide reach of the full size buses.
Whilst prices, liveries and numbers are yet to be announced, the specification for the model will follow the West Midlands Fleetline bus in having a finely tooled plastic body with flush glazing; steered front wheels, detailed interior and lighting. Whilst your editor would hint at a Maidstone & District version, the large number of operators should keep Rapido Trains busy for years to come!