Rapido announces Leyland National model

17/01/2023 Ashleigh Sinclair Features, Industry Heritage
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The new models promise to be accurate down to the rivets, in line with previous high-specification models by the manufacturer. RAPIDO

Model manufacturer Rapido has announced a major new range of 1:76 scale Leyland National models which will be available shortly in several forms.

Unveiled at the 1970 Commercial Motor Show at Earls Court, the National could be seen operating just about everywhere in Britain long after production ceased in 1985, and played a major part in post deregulation ‘bus wars.’

The high specification of the new Rapido model promises accurate proportions based on laser scans of the real bus, and even includes working lights. It will use a mix of injection-moulded plastic and metal construction, with all body weld lines, extrusions and rivets accurately rendered. Steerable front wheels, rubber tyres and flush-fitting windows are among the other features.

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“We love an underdog here at Rapido Trains and in many ways the National was that,” said Sales & Marketing Manager Richard Foster. “Our first batch of models comprises Mk 1 Nationals. Selecting the liveries for this batch was difficult. But we’re pleased to reveal 11 new colour schemes, covering a wide geographical spread and different eras. We’re extremely pleased with the first draft of the CAD design. There are a few areas that need attention but it already promises to be the definitive 1:76 scale National that we hoped it would be.

“The most difficult job has been selecting which liveries to include. There are just so many to choose from but we’ve tried to include as wide a geographical selection in the first run whilst keeping the number we produce as manageable as possible.”

Prices will be revealed shortly via the firm’s website at rapidotrains.co.uk.

The interior and cab area will feature a high level of detail. RAPIDO

Models to be produced in the first batch are:

HNE 647N – Greater Manchester PTE brown/cream

ABA 15T – Greater Manchester PTE brown/cream

NOE 544R – Midland Red (West) red/cream (as preserved)

NOE 551R – Midland Red (South) NBC red with white roof stripe

SKN 905R – Maidstone & District NBC green with white roof

SKR 556R – Maidstone & District green/cream

PCD 75R – Southdown East & Mid Sussex green/cream

BCD 807L – Southdown NBC green with white stripe

WFM 801K – Crosville NBC plain green (as preserved)

KMA 406T – Crosville green/orange

GFX 972N – Stagecoach Perth Panther

GRM 353L – Stagecoach Cumberland

OTO 594R – Stagecoach Mansfield & District

XNG 763S – Eastern Counties red with stripes

TVF 617R – Eastern Counties NBC plain red

DET 473V – Yorkshire Traction white/maroon

WWA 121S – Yorkshire Traction NBC plain red

NTC 624M – Ribble NBC plain red

PTF 758L – Ribble NBC red with white stripe

MOD 823P – Western National BR Sealink

GFN 552N – East Kent BR Sealink

AYR 394T – London Transport red, route 182 to Wembley

THX 124S – London Transport red, route 10 to Victoria

BYW 402V – London Transport

50th anniversary red, route 136 to South Harrow

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