When I was much younger, the only model buses one could get were Dinky or Corgi toys. These weren't really models of course - they generally bore only a passing resemblance to what they were based on and it was almost impossible to buy a model of anything other than a London bus. The best Routemaster model was the Spot On version, although I never owned one and only saw one for real recently (a fairly beaten up example on a stall at Showbus). Corgi's Routemaster was marginally better than Dinky's, but only just (Corgi have changed their Routemaster casting since and it is much better than the original).
Most of all when I was a child, I wanted a model of a Maidstone & District bus. I did have a cream Matchbox Daimler Fleetline and it was a simple matter to add the green stripes. Still, I was a stickler for authenticity at even a tender age and it wasn't quite right. I also had a Dinky Leyland Atlantean in green and white (bearing the fleetname 'Corporation Transport') but even that didn't suffice. Eventually this was discarded (I would love to have one now!) along with the Matchbox trolleybuses painted brown to look like Maidstone Corporation ones (I didn't attempt to remove the rear set of wheels).
Now of course, the model shops are awash with buses from every operator. I must have at least 12 M&D buses and I'm building up a sizeable East Kent collection too. I even have a proper Maidstone Corporation trolleybus (actually I have 2, counting the big Corgi one). All I need now is somewhere to put them.
Given that it is Christmas, I thought it might be fun to have a quick look at what's currently available and nit pick.
 |
My most recent acquisition. Corgi's M&D 5204, a mark II Metrobus showing exactly why Arriva are not my favourite company. I put off buying this for a while, memories of Corgi's previous Metrobus casting still fresh in my mind. Luckily, they've removed the hot wheels for the OOC version. |
 |
One M&D model that I won't be adding to my collection. I like buses, not bread vans and this (to my mind) is decidedly a bread van. |
 |
I like this though. This is Corgi's superb Aldershot & District BET Federation style bus (I'm sorry, I don't know exactly what it is). It's a very striking model and my credit card started twitching in my pocket when I laid eyes upon it. |
 |
By contrast, there's something not quite right about Corgi's Lodekka. I think it's the corner window pillars at the front top, which is a shame because the Lodekka is one of my favourite vehicles - this United Counties example reminded me of one of my few Lodekka trips from Bedford to Aylesbury in 1978. Corgi must do better, given that EFE produced a decent FLF a few years ago. |
 |
This is the current object of my affection, although the picture doesn't do it justice. EFE's East Kent Guy Arab is in a more familiar livery than Corgi's example (the white bits are cream on the actual model). If anyone would like to buy me this, they will be rewarded with my gratitude naturally. |
Thanks to all those who responded to last month's diary (the only time anyone has!) I'll have to come up with a few more predictions about major groups if that's what it takes!
Happy holidays to you!