As the Model Bus Federation celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, co-founder BOB HEATHCOTE looks back at why it came into existence, what it offers model makers and collectors today and how it hopes to develop to meet the needs of future generations
Martin Popplewell and I founded the Model Bus Federation in 1968 when there were lots of major changes taking place in the bus industry, but there was little to satisfy the wishes of those who wanted to mimic it in model form.
The Dinky Leyland Atlantean toy was one of the few modern model buses available and this had to form the backbone of any collection or model fleet. Perhaps it was this dearth of available diecast models that stimulated the imagination of how to produce other subjects.
One or two magazine articles at the time included features about bus modelling and it was these and the desire to expand our skills and knowledge that led Martin and me — who really should have been concentrating on our A level studies — to create the MBF.
It was immediately apparent that there were a lot of men in their teens and early 20s who also had a similar interest in model buses and, with some limited advertising, the MBF soon grew to 300 members.
From purely…
