27 November 2019
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Rapido Trains are now shipping their 4mm scale model of a Birmingham 'New Look' Guy Arab bus via Rails of Sheffield. We have now had the chance to carry out a full review which will appear in the February issue of BRM.
The model is superb, a road vehicle to the same high standard as the best of our locomotives and rolling stock featuring:
◆ 100% accurate proportions based on a 3D scan of the real thing
◆ Injection-moulded plastic and metal construction
◆ All body weld lines, extrusions and rivets accurately rendered
◆ Full, multi-coloured interior with no large posts blocking aisles
◆ Separate metal wire handrails and rear platform grab pole
◆ Separate etched-metal interior grab poles
◆ Steerable front wheels with rubber tyres
◆ Flush-fitting windows
◆ Accurate, even paint finish that does not obscure the details
◆ Several routes/destinations available
◆ Deluxe versions feature working headlamps & interior lighting
◆ Deluxe versions also feature illuminated destination blinds
The Guy Arab is a local icon with service from 1950 - 1977 in two distinct liveries, the early dark blue and cream Birmingham City Transport livery and the paler blue and cream of the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive from the early 1970s onwards. There are eight different destinations and registrations in the BCT livery and three in WMPTE guise. The standard model is priced at £39.95 but we have reviewed the £49.95 deluxe version which includes interior lighting, headlamps and destination blind. You'll need an external power supply but the lights can be turned on and off with the magnetic wand which is included.
Watch below as Jason Shron, founder of Rapido Trains, talks us through the finer details of this latest model using a real-life version at the Transport Museum.
