Trux Merc Mk II models

[Ray]

Not too worried about the mistakes as such (you're right about the route number size though) - but it does seem a bit "low rent" if you compare it to the quality of the Mk 5 model, even at the rough stage.

Don't want to be too negative - but I loved the STA Volvo model that came out a while back and would have loved to have seen something of that quality with the Mk 2s.

[The Inspector]

didnt take long for the wingers to speak up. If you dont like it then dont buy it however stop bagging the models that get offered before you screw it up for those that are just happy that we are finaly getting a good selection of Aussie bus models.

Whinge to many times and they may just stop doing models for us.

[Ben_Daui]

They look pretty good, I'll order the 2 of them.

[TAA727]

didnt take long for the wingers to speak up. If you dont like it then dont buy it however stop bagging the models that get offered before you screw it up for those that are just happy that we are finaly getting a good selection of Aussie bus models.

Whinge to many times and they may just stop doing models for us.

Whilst I don't like whingers and nit-pickers (and I'll agree some do go too far) I have to disagree that they will screw things up... look to the model railway market, whinging and models being criticised in the press hasn't turned the manufactures off, rather has inspired them to lift their game and do better. Look at the quality of models nowadays compared to even just 10-12 years ago (Austrains 80/C/421 compared to now?)
If we keep telling the manufactures that sub-standard models are ok and we'll be happy with anything, why would they bother trying harder?
So whilst I am very grateful for the Trux range and do and will continue to buy them, they are VERY out dated models. The level of detail akin to EFE from the early to mid '90s which really isn't acceptable today.
I really do think it is time they lifted their game.
Standard on a model now at the least should be separate mirrors and wipers; glazed destos and coloured plastic lights, not paint dots.
Every other manufacturer can do it...

[The Inspector]

We have to remember that our bus models currently have a very small market compared to that of the UK so with only 2 players in the market at the time we need to be careful.

Yes we would all like improvement but there are ways of saying this without offending the providers.

[aussie_ozfire]

I spoke to Trax regarding the mirrors on the denning mono's. They said they could not get the tooling correct to do it without having an issue with them breaking off the model. Im disappointed they continued the mirrorless and wiperless on the latest release. If cmnl, ooc and efe can do it, why cant trax ? I suppose it comes down to final cost, since there are so few models done (when i say few, most diecast companys demand at least 10,000 models of a single tooling to start making money ) and there is such a small market , cost cutting is a must to make a model possible. I would love to see more detailed models done, however, Im happy that anything is being done at all . Remember, the australian model bus collectors are a very unique and relatively small group.
I was in some serious stages of developement for an Australian scania fire engine to be done, but the cost involved, the market demand, and the retail network to make this possible just wasnt there. Ill be taking at least 1 of each of the trux range to keep these coming.
Maybe if we all collectively contact trax directly, we can see some changes, but keep supporting aussie diecast makers, as we saw with code 3 in the usa, they wont last forever.....

[Ben_Daui]

I have ordered my two this morning.

[Andrew]

I do hope that some strengthening creases are added to the roof (like in the real thing) which were done for the Leyland Nationals - the real smooth roof doesn't look especially right.

The quality and attention to detail of the models are akin to previous Trax/Trux offerings - which are not the ultimate in terms of details (like mirrors etc) but in the absence of anything else, they are definitely better than nothing! and a welcome addition to my collection. I'd much rather have a MkII without mirros sitting on my shelf than some Hong Kong or UK bus with mirrors that I've never been on and never will.

I ordered the Sydney Explorer liveried variant. I'd like to see a MkIII coming soon in Airport Express!

[RBC]

didnt take long for the wingers to speak up. If you dont like it then dont buy it however stop bagging the models that get offered before you screw it up for those that are just happy that we are finaly getting a good selection of Aussie bus models.

Whinge to many times and they may just stop doing models for us.

I couldn't agree more what do people expect for a lousy $45.00?

[wyth]

I think it looks great, I wish we had a co willing to take a leaf out of Trux book and do a CIE Bombardier single decker as operated in Ireland.....

[Busman444]

What Is the scale?

[Newcastle Flyer]

It's 1:(why-not-have-a-look-at-their-site)

Edit: Not sure, but I think they're OO.

[wyth]

The scale would be 1.76, same as all the other trux and EFE's, Im gonna post some pix of hand painted models and recent purchases to your site when I can download the snaps, bloody difficult website this!!

[busntruck]

I thought it looked good.
I hope they do a Newcastle version of one.

[Bus-1809]

Sending off for my 2 in the morning

[Dave C]

1951 has been sold out with only a few of 2498 left.

[Ben_Daui]

1951 has been sold out with only a few of 2498 left.

WTF, that was quick, so in other words they will be all sold out before shipping even starts, it looks like TG should think about a 2nd batch of these models.

[boronia]

There will be plenty of others in the future for those who missed out this time.

[Dave C]

Give it time they'll pop up on eBay aswell.

[Ben_Daui]

Does anyone know the release/shipping date?

[Andrew]

I got a catalogue in the mail from Top Gear recently and although I've since launched it to the paper collection, I think it said available in November.

[Ben_Daui]

I got a catalogue in the mail from Top Gear recently and although I've since launched it to the paper collection, I think it said available in November.

I phoned this afternoon & they stated ETA sometime in November.

[Busman444]

Does anyone have an idea of what they might do next? And when the release might be?

[boronia]

The scope is unlimited - several UTA/STA standard liveries, Airport Express, AOAs, privates.

I would imagine a new release at least every second month for a while. Hope you got a big cabinet

[boronia]

I placed my order a couple of weeks ago, and my credit card was debited today - this suggests that delivery in imminent.