Our weekly model railway news blog and product roundup, from Classic Collect models
BILT EZEI kits make a comeback
Since Freestone models closed down the kits from BILT EZEI and Prototype models have not been available. However they have now been acquired by Squires Tools. Roger Lewis the founder of Squires Tools, in 1992, has also acquired other ranges and businesses These include the Green Scene website and the Townscene range of backscenes.
BILT EZEI kits first appeared in 1958 and were marketed by Hamblings. They proved to be popular and were once a common site on model railways. However Superquick kits came along in 1960. Notably, these were die-cut and easier to assemble, hence the name. BILT EZEI kits are printed on 1mm card and have to be cut out. The designs have a period charm and they are great for kit-bashing, so their return is welcome.
New figures from Smart Models
Smart Models continue to grow their range of high-resolution resin-printed figures. The range includes figures from various eras up to the present day. Moreover, they are available in most scales from N to 0. Below is the 1930s seated passengers set. They are supplied unpainted, however we offer a figure paining service. Email sales@classiccollectmodels.co.uk
More Kingsway bus depots
Kingsway offer a wide range of bus depot kits these are not die-cut and require some skill to construct. The Image below shows Hilsea bus depot.
Hilsea depot was an art-deco styled building built for the Southdown Bus Company. We offer a kit building service for this model. The building is about 34″ wide so makes an impressive display for your Southdown bus fleet. Unfortunately, the building was demolished in the 2010s and is now the location of flats.
Southdown Motor Services were founded in 1915 and operated in East and West Sussex. The company was bought by NBC in 1969 and the kit can be built as an NBC depot. In 2015 the company name became dormant.
