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Membership Benefits
What is the MBF?
Why should non-members join the MBF?
Is the MBF only to do with models?
What sort of model buses does the MBF cater for?
The Model Bus Journal
Model Bus Meetings
The MBF Shop
Other Publications
The Model Bus Federation Website
Monthly Colour Magazine
Sales department offering a wide range of spare parts etc., together
with the largest selection of whitemetal, resin and plastic bus kits in
the UK
Exclusive model bus kits only available to Model Bus Federation
members
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,
please send an A5 (9"x7") SAE to:
Ron Rushton, MBF Publicity Officer,
Lower Bank House, High Street, Caverswall,
Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, ST11 9EF
or e-mail:
publicity@model-bus-federation.org.uk
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 everything from wheels and tyres, kits and
transfers, to books on models and full-size buses - mostly at reduced
rates. A sales sheet 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. |