Thanks chaps!  The Southdown Atlantean will go nicely with my Southdown Plaxton Panorama, which I really like.

Ex VAT incl P&P, Hattons will be sending it for £10.49 - now where's the 'smug' icon???

Maybe it's just me, but I seem to have a completely separate scale for trains... $16 for an oil change on the car, $16 for a tiny little toy bus... guess which I think is the bargain!

Today I bought a Southdown Atlantean and compared it with my Scenecraft version bought last year:

The B-T Models is to British N scale 1:148 as opposed to the Scenecraft version which is to 1:160. More single door versions were produced than dual door types.

These comments are also based on the images found on Flickr on these Atlanteans https://www.flickr.com/groups/2145774@N24/

The front windscreen is modelled better on the Scenecraft version as it incorporates the wraparound corners around the pillars and the distinctive curved top and body recess above which is absent on the B-T Models example.





On the other hand the body panel joins are more discreet on the B-T Models version and the rear bonnet is more detailed including the distinctive square indentations either side of the "Atlantean" badge which are absent on Scenecraft's version.

see image at https://www.flickr.com/photos/79716601@N02/8660581395/in/pool-2145774@N24



The B-T Models version doesn't include any moulded or printed side window ventilators which may be useful if one wants to model a specific operator's vehicle which may or may not had all the vents whereas the Scenecraft's version has hopper vents moulded onto all the large windows.

Southdown's version correctly includes a rear route number indicator, however the Scenecraft's front destination panel looks better in size and in the typefaces used.

The Scenecraft version's finish isn't as glossy as B-T's version, which appears to be fresh from the paintshop.

Finally, the B-T version has two rather overscale wing mirrors mode from a flexible material whereas there are none on the Scenecraft model.

I'll keep both types for my Fisherlea layout as the Scenecraft version, displayed on its offside, as Southdown never ran dual-door Park Royal Atlanteans, can stand beside its similarly underscale Bristol VRT in NBC green, and the B-T version can be displayed alongside my Oxford Diecast "Queen Mary".

The windscreen on the B-T Models version is more like those found on the 'Manchester' style Atlanteans/Fleetlines.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/SELNEC_bus_EX1_%28PNF_941J%29%2C_MMT_Atlantean_50_event_%286%29.jpg/800px-SELNEC_bus_EX1_%28PNF_941J%29%2C_MMT_Atlantean_50_event_%286%29.jpg
Whether that is by design or luck I can't say.

Thanks, Bernard, for your link. I've looked again at B-T's model and windscreen looks closer to the "Manchester" version rather than the NBC spec.
The body is moulded plastic but with thick corner pillars, maybe for strength, or to make it easier to fit the wing mirrors.
This model was intended to be downsized from the Britbus OO versions:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-76-Scale-Britbus-AN1-01-Ltd-Ed-Diecast-Southdown-Leyland-Atlantean-AN68-/171363224622?pt=UK_ToysGames_DiecastVehicles_DiecastVehicles_JN&hash=item27e60b4c2e

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Britbus-AN1-12-Leyland-Atlantean-Bus-East-Yorkshire-NBC-Red-MIMB-/180853534394?pt=UK_ToysGames_DiecastVehicles_DiecastVehicles_JN&hash=item2a1bb5eeba

Looks like something got "lost in translation" from OO to N for those wanting the NBC/Park Royal version.
On the other hand the B-T Models version offers another option for those wanting the earlier "Manchester" version.
There are two screws on the chassis for dismantling the model (I haven't investigated yet)

Any of you bus enthusiasts know what companies operated which buses in the Matlock area of Derbyshire in the late 50's early 60's please?

Six more planned B-T releases have been announced on the British Model Buses website. See the News page here and the item dated 10 October 2014. http://www.britishmodelbuses.com/

These cover London Country, Ribble, Tyne & Wear, Grey Green, Maidstone & District and Ribble again.

Something I keep wondering is that given that more people model the GWR than any other region but there are hardly any buses or coaches available or am I being blind.   

Quote from: Caz on October 10, 2014, 06:39:07 PM
Something I keep wondering is that given that more people model the GWR than any other region but there are hardly any buses or coaches available or am I being blind.   

None that I can think of either, as you say it is odd.

I would love to see some buses in Thames Valley Livery I did buy one of the Bachman Farish double deckers but it's far to small why did they get that wrong,
Bob

Quote from: NtasticShop on October 10, 2014, 06:44:10 PM

Quote from: Caz on October 10, 2014, 06:39:07 PM
Something I keep wondering is that given that more people model the GWR than any other region but there are hardly any buses or coaches available or am I being blind.   

None that I can think of either, as you say it is odd.

Some investigation into the main bus operator in the Oxfordshire area in the late 50's/early 60's led me to 'Redline' but no one makes anything in their livery that's RTP :'(