All About the Model Bus Federation |
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On this page:
Monthly Colour Magazine Sales department offering a wide range of spare parts etc., together with some whitemetal, resin and plastic bus kits Helpful hints and tips on building and converting models Regular local and national meetings Plans and Liveries registers Model competitions
The Model Bus Federation was formed in 1968 by two enthusiastic bus modellers as a means of extending their hobby by communicating with other modellers, and swapping ideas and tips to help improve their modelling. Little did they realise that, over the years, the MBF would grow into a world-wide association. The MBF is still the only organisation devoted to the world of model PSVs which has its strength and base in the UK. Indeed, the growth of the bus kit industry over the years is due in no small way to the efforts of the MBF and its members who have helped to stimulate the growth of a new industry to cater for the demand.
If your interest in buses extends to the world of models - then becoming a member of the MBF is the ideal way to help you develop your hobby. A monthly journal, regular local and national meetings, model competitions, the exchange of ideas with fellow modellers, a sales shop and special supplements are all part of the membership benefits of the MBF.
Whilst much of the information produced by the MBF inevitably concerns model buses, the full-size bus is not ignored. Regular articles and plans look at full-size vehicles to help you with your modelling.
The MBF caters for all model buses, no matter what scale, or whether they are kits, scratchbuilt or ready-built models. Indeed our members' models come in just about every shape, size and colour imaginable - and some are even remote controlled! But they all have one thing in common - they are models which appeal to the modellers themselves.
The primary means of communication between members is the Model Bus Journal. This monthly colour magazine which all members receive, contains articles, written by members, covering a wide variety of subjects, which typically include scratchbuilt models, kit reviews, a look at the latest die-casts from all around the world, kit modifications, plans, and articles on full size vehicles, hints and tips and plenty of photographs. A lively letters column and small ads section are also included. For details and FREE sample copy of MBF Journal, Karl Kingston, MBF Publicity Officer, or e-mail:
The MBF holds regular local and National meetings to which all members are invited. It is the ideal opportunity to meet other modellers from all over the country and look at the models, many of which appear or have appeared in the journal. At some of these meetings, model competitions are held and prizes awarded to the winning models. The competitions are divided into categories, giving every member the opportunity to win. The MBF is structured into geographical areas, each of which is the responsibility of an Area Secretary who will organise regular meetings for local members. Indeed, the area meetings regularly attract members from all parts of the country, and have a great atmosphere.
The MBF operates its own sales department which is exclusive to members. Operating on a mail-order basis, and attending major events, the MBF Shop stocks a variety of speciality bits and pieces for the bus modeller, such as wheels, radiators and seats - mostly at reduced rates. A sales list is included with each journal.
The MBF also produces an optional quarterly supplement for the benefit of model fleet operators. This contains news and views related purely to this aspect of the hobby. Occasionally, special publications are produced by the MBF, which cover a wide range of subjects.
The MBF Website has been 'on-line' since early-2000, and contains many photos of members' models of a wide variety of vehicles and operators. A 'sample' copy of the Model Bus Journal can be viewed, with regular updates on the contents of the current Journal issue. A 'sample' Supplement can also be seen. The website contains details of public exhibitions which MBF members are to attend, where their models and layouts can be seen at close quarters. A most comprehensive list of 'links' to bus and model bus related websites, and Operators, Enthusiasts and Museum websites, is also included. |