From the Manufacturer:
Around 12 million daily journeys are made on London public transport, which will be
significantly boosted during the Olympic Games. The excitement of 2012 is sure to
go into overdrive with Revell’s new iconic model kits designed for experienced
modellers, the London Bus and London Taxi. Both models were originally in
service at the same time so will have universal appeal.
The red Routemaster double-decker bus was a true London landmark. Introduced by
London Transport in 1956, it saw continuous service in London until 2005. Even after
being decommissioned, its amazing popularity resulted in heritage routes 9 and 15 in
central London, encompassing Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park.
It was developed specially for London, featuring the presence of a conductor for
efficient boarding time and security, plus open access in the rear to allow passengers
to board and alight quickly irrespective of stations. The pioneering design used
techniques developed in World War II aircraft production.
This model, the RML “lengthened” bus, replaced the RM class on central routes,
giving extra seats to cope with higher loadings. With original manufacturer AEC taken
over by British Leyland in 1962, the RML class was intended to be the “Routemaster
Leyland” designation.
The Hackney Carriage went into service in 1958, its black paintwork becoming a
typical feature of the British street scene. This model, the Austin FX4, was the classic
Black Cab. Designed in collaboration with a taxi dealership and coach builder, it was
sold under a range of brands.
A 2.2 litre engine gave the vehicle sufficient power for inner city passenger transport.
The vehicle ran until 1982 when regulations about exhaust pollutants prohibited the
use of this type and production ceased in 1997, to be replaced by the TX series.
Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers.
For further information visit www.revell.eu .