Oxford Diecast Alexander M Type Western (1:76)

Alexander M Type - Western Includes: - Detailed diecast model - Cab detail - Maroon moulded interior detail - Front grill and headlight features - Western Black/white livery - Display stand - OO Scale Vehicle information and history: The history of Western Scottish Bus Company can be traced back to 1929, when the Scottish General Transport Co. Ltd was renamed Western Scottish Motor Traction Co. Ltd. The company was formed as a result of the 1930 Road Traffic Act, which encouraged the consolidation of bus companies into larger groups. Western Scottish quickly became the largest bus operator in south west Scotland, with depots in Kilmarnock, Ayr, Cumnock, Girvan, Stranraer, Dumfries, Annan, Ardrossan, Carlisle, and Whithorn. The company operated a wide range of services, including local bus services, interurban connections, and cross-border journeys into north west England. In 1949, Western Scottish was nationalised and became part of the Scottish Bus Group. In 1985, in preparation for privatisation, the company was split into Clydeside Scottish and Western Scottish. Western Scottish was privatised in 1994 and was purchased by Stagecoach Group. The company was renamed Stagecoach Western Scottish and adopted the corporate Stagecoach white with red, blue and orange stripes livery. Stagecoach Western Scottish continued to expand its operations, purchasing Arran Transport in 1994 and A1 Service in 1995. The company also opened new depots in Brodick on the Isle of Arran and Dunoon in Argyll. In 2006, Stagecoach Western Scottish was merged with Stagecoach Strathtay to form Stagecoach West Scotland. The new company operates a fleet of over 1,000 buses and employs over 2,000 people. Today, Stagecoach West Scotland is one of the largest bus operators in Scotland, providing essential local bus services to communities across south west Scotland. The company also operates a number of intercity and express services, connecting towns and cities across Scotland and England. The Alexander M Type was a single-deck coach built by Alexander Bus Builders in Falkirk, Scotland in the early 1970s. It was developed for use by the Scottish Bus Group on its growing Anglo-Scottish motorway express services. The M Type was a popular choice with the Scottish Bus Group and other operators, and over 1,000 were built between 1974 and 1980. It was used on a wide range of services, including express services, long-distance tours and charter work. The M Type was gradually withdrawn from service in the early 1990s, as it was replaced by newer and more modern coaches.

Oxford Diecast Land Rover Lightweight - Hard Top - Fred Dibnah (1:76)

Land Rover Lightweight - Hard Top - Fred Dibnah Includes: - Diecast model - Distinctive grill and front end - F Dibnah Steeplejack Bolton branding - Custom livery and paint finish - Spare Tyre on the front - Hard top rear - Wheel detail - Display stand - OO Scale Vehicle information and history: Fred Dibnah was an English steeplejack and television personality. He was born in Bolton, Lancashire, England, on 29 April 1938. He became a steeplejack in 1956, and worked on many of the industrial chimneys in the North West of England. He was also a keen collector of steam engines and other machinery. In 1973, Dibnah was featured in a documentary about steeplejacks for the BBC. The documentary was a success, and Dibnah went on to present a number of other television programmes about his work. He was also a regular contributor to radio and newspaper articles. Dibnah was known for his love of old machinery and his traditional methods of working. He was also a skilled storyteller, and his programmes were full of anecdotes and insights into the world of steeplejacking. Dibnah died on 6 November 2004, after a short battle with cancer. He was 66 years old. He was a popular and respected figure, and his death was mourned by many people. Dibnah's legacy lives on through his television programmes and his books. He is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of steeplejacking, and his work helped to preserve a traditional craft.