Exclusive First Editions

Lore & Background

Exclusive First Editions released its first models in summer 1989, featuring an AEC bus and truck. The AEC Regent III RT bus received much acclaim, and the range expanded in 1990 with single-deck coaches (Harrington Grenadier & Cavalier), the Atkinson Knight truck, and four sports cars. Passenger service models proved most popular, making bus and coach models the main focus. Over the years, the bus range grew to include the AEC Routemaster, Leyland National, Bristol MW, MCW Atlantean and Fleetline, Bristol VRT, Leyland Titan, AEC Regal IV, and the London Transport GS class Guy Motors single-decker. Truck types doubled with the Bedford TK and Ergomatic cabs in 1996, and between 2005 and 2007 four more cabs were added: AEC Mark V, ERF KV, Foden S24, and Ford Thames Trader. The original AEC Mammoth Major cab was retooled into the Mark III version in 2004. In 2005, EFE moved into 1/24 scale with highly detailed London Transport Daimler Fleetline (DMS) models, followed by the MCW Metrobus Mark I in 2007; a planned 1/24 single-deck AEC RF had no announced release date. Gilbow also produced a series of White Star Line ocean liners (Titanic, Britannic, Olympic) between 1998 and 2000. A range of London Underground tube train models (1938, 1959, and 1962 stock) was launched, mainly plastic and designed for motorization. In 2009, trackside accessories (tube station seating, escalator sections) and roadside items (pillar boxes, telephone kiosks, London Bus Stop flags) were released. Later castings included the series 1/2 Bristol VR with flat windscreens and Alexander's Y-type bodywork.

Reader's Guide

Exclusive First Editions established itself as a significant manufacturer in the 1/76 scale die-cast model market, focusing on UK road vehicles. Its initial success with the AEC Regent III RT bus set a pattern that led to an extensive range of bus and coach models, which became the company's core. The expansion into 1/24 scale buses and the production of White Star Line ocean liners and London Underground tube trains demonstrated diversification. The company's influence is evident in that other manufacturers, such as Corgi Classics Limited with its Original Omnibus Company range (now over 800 models), Creative Master Northcord, and Britbus, launched their own OO scale bus ranges following EFE's success. The acquisition by Bachmann Europe plc in October 2016, after Gilbow (Holdings) Ltd entered administration, ensured the continuation of the Exclusive First Editions range.

Did You Know?

• EFE's first models, released in summer 1989, were an AEC bus and truck.
• By the end of 2010, EFE had produced over 2000 model items.
• Gilbow (Holdings) Ltd, the company behind EFE, entered administration on 5 October 2016.
• Bachmann Europe plc acquired the Exclusive First Editions range on 17 October 2016.