Bus Eireann DAF VDL Futura 2 LC300 in 1/87 - Available to Pre-Order

[DJ Dangerous]

Retro Models' (AKA author and bus expert Ed O'Neill)'s Bus Eireann DAF VDL Futura 2 LC300 in 1/87 scale is available to pre-order here:

https://www.irishretro.com/new-products-2/bus-ireann-model-lc300-type

May be a bit modern for some folk, but with IRM's 22000's probably only a year away, this would be a nice model to squeeze in somewhere.

According to the Irish Retro website:

"The model will feature LC304 on the 132 Tullow route, however extra decals will be provided for you to apply should you prefer to show 109 An Uaimh (LC305) ; 101 Drogheda (LC322); 239 Corcaigh (LC316); 160 Newry (LC303).

The advance order price is €85.00 + p&p."

[the Bandon tank]

Why 1/87 scale?. Why not 1/76.

[DJ Dangerous]

1 minute ago, the Bandon tank said:

Why 1/87 scale?. Why not 1/76.

 

I'd guess that they have commissioned the models from a manufacturer who have the tooling in that scale already, but your best bet is to contact Retro Models and ask.

I'd also hazzard a guess that commissioning a bus requiring completely new tooling, ie a VDL in 1/76, would be cost prohibitive relative to the market.

I've pre-ordered, as I'm sure they'll look savage when set back a little from other models.

[DJ Dangerous]

Just had an email update from Irish Retro, saying that delivery of the VDL's is pushed back to next summer.

I assume that my fellow bus nuts like @DiveController, @skinner75, @ttc0169 and of course @Sean, have looked at ordering these?

Almost anybody ordering a 22000 could do with a VDL for their layout!

[DJ Dangerous]

 

I see you, @Sean!

 

 

[skinner75]

I wasn't even aware of their site! Ordered a couple of books straight off

[Gabhal Luimnigh]

13 minutes ago, skinner75 said:

I wasn't even aware of their site! Ordered a couple of books straight off

I just tried the link but it isn't working

[skinner75]

Link for the bus model didn't work for me either, and I can't find it listed on the site anywhere. The VDL wouldn't be my bag though - just happy to find the Atlantean book, with part two due next year too

[DJ Dangerous]

1 hour ago, skinner75 said:

Link for the bus model didn't work for me either, and I can't find it listed on the site anywhere. The VDL wouldn't be my bag though - just happy to find the Atlantean book, with part two due next year too

 

Maybe you could ask him about the bus if you're in contact about your book order? I guess he has stopped taking orders and removed the order page, but can't speak on his behalf.

[DJ Dangerous]

Not sure if either of you contacted / received a reply from Irish Retro, @skinner75 and @Gabhal Luimnigh, but I did, and he said:

"I’ve temporarily taken down the link as I want to be 100% sure of dates as we have missed the current production run."

I'm sure if anybody is interested, they can make contact via the website.

[skinner75]

Were the VDL the ones that had some chassis issue, which led to them being stored in Inchicore for a while?

[DJ Dangerous]

Model info here:

 

https://www.irishretro.com/new-products-2/bus-ireann-model-lc300-type

 

 

Edited November 9, 2023 by DJ Dangerous
Added reference screenshots