When two buses come along together

[woodbury22uk]

Two recent bus arrivals are the Guy Arab II Utility double deckers by Graham Farish Scenecraft and Oxford Diecast. They are meant to be models of the same type of bus and both are described as N.

The red Farish one is closer to 1/156 scale on height, width and length and is largely in self-coloured plastic with cream detail printed on, whereas the Oxford green one mainly in metal is billed as 1/148 but varies quite a lot in all three dimensions, not helped by the thick coat of paint. It works out around 1/142.



















Dimensions                   Oxford                         Farish                         Real thing

Height                          31.0mm                       26.8mm                      174in. 4420mm

Width                           16.2mm                       14.6mm                      90in.   2286mm

Length *                       56.2mm                       50.0mm                      318.5in.  8090mm


The real vehicle width and height dimensions are nominal. * The length is based on several drawings quoting this figure but I have seen dimensions quoted between 316 inches and 321 inches with a permitted maximum of 324 inches!

The model dimensions are as accurate as I can measure them.

I'll let forum members judge for themselves whether either bus meets their need.

This is what a restored real one looks like.

http://www.britishmodelbuses.com/Real_bus_pictures_Large_Images/Guy%20Arab%202%20Utility_London%20Transport%20G351_N_Large.jpg

[Tank]

Many thanks for the comparison.

[Dorsetmike]

As you say neither is particularly close to scale, you could definitely not place them near each other on the layout, I would suggest the  larger  near the front at one end of the layout, the other at the far end near the back. If you intend to get more then make your choice preferrably based on which looks best to you, if the appearance is about equal then either based on which is closest to the scale of other vehicles. The Oxford seems to be cheaper so that may be an influence.

[47033]

The differences in sizes in buses seems to be very hit and miss. I'm very disappointed in the scale size of the Farish Atlanteans.

Jamie

[keithfre]

Wow, I'd never have expected the difference between a nominally 1:148 and 1:160 model to be so pronounced. Thanks!

[hairygit]

There is always the possibility that the Farish one is modelled on a "Lowbridge" version of the same bus, ie 13ft 9" as opposed to the full size 14ft 6" standard model, we had both types at a bus company I drove for many years ago in Sussex, they also had 2 different lengths, 28ft and 30ft 6", the longer ones seating 8 more fare paying passengers! Even if it was not intended, historical/artistic licence would make both models acceptable

[H]

Interesting and revealing comparison. Thanks.

Of particular note is that the Farish bus is very, very short - the scale size works out at nearly 1:162 which is tinier than continental/american N scale - and the platform pole thickness (see rear view pic). The ODC version looks to have a diameter of over one scale foot while the Farish pole is located too far inside the bus.

H.

[PLD]

Thank you for the comparison.

The Farish one is clearly the better model in terms of detail and finish, but all that is completely undone by being so far under scale. A poorly detailed model can always be detailed by a half-decent modeller and can be repainted but unfortunately there is absolutely nothing even the best can do about it being the WRONG scale...

Paul

[woodbury22uk]

Looking around the Bachmann website and a couple of online retailers I was surprised to find that both the Utility buses are out of stock at Bachmann, and either out of stock or available only in very low numbers at the retailers.

[mr bachmann]

all we need now is a 'smaller' bus pass 

alan

[Michael Hendle]

Hi

What I have done is in my goods yard at the front of my lay out is to have some Base Toys lorries and Oxford Models cars and a van.

On the over bridge and station approach which is at the back,I have the Bachmann cars and buses,so nothing is mixed together that way it also gives a bit of a optical illusion of distance.

Mike