K15 Bus Ghost Models

[Martin Avis]

I have been trying to compile a complete list of all the known variations of the humble K15 bus, and it is a lot more difficult than you might expect!

So far I have 68 variations catalogued and either own, or have pictures of most of them. There are, however, a few models that are mentioned in various places, but which I have not been able to verify.

In Frank Thompson's Guide (1983) he mentions two models that I have never seen so much as a sniff of (and are not mentioned elsewhere): one is painted green with 'London by Night' side panels and the other is Cream and Red with 'Buy British' on one side and 'Visit Britain' on the other. Both, he says, were issued in 1975.

Ramsay's volume 5 specifically mentions a different London Dungeon label that said 'London Dungeon Museum' from 1981. I have never seen such a thing.

Geoffrey Leake, in Lesney Link March 1987, talks about a new issue with 'London Palladium' on the side. I have seen a picture of this but believe it may have been a prepro that never made it into circulation. Can anyone prove that theory wrong?

Vectis had another mixed lot auction in 2008 that mentioned a 'Southampton Toy Exchange' K15, but didn't elaborate or show pictures. This may have been a code 3 but I'd be interested to know if it was a one-off or a small limited edition run.

Finally, Vectis referenced a P&O Ferries K15 in a 2001 auction (again, with no pictures). I know that there were YY P&O buses, so I wonder if tey just got the cataloguing mixed up?

Any help, opinions or thoughts would be gratefully received.

Martin

[Idris]

It's a long time ago, but I think the Southampton Toy exchange was a smallish shop run by Gary Hames. If so, a Code 3 seems almost certain.

[nearlymint]

Hi Martin, recently picked up this K15 which is new to me. Not so much the London Dungeon label but a silver bus with yellow interior, first time i have seen one of these.
Just wondered if it,s on your list.

London Dungeon

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Jason

[Martin Avis]

Hi Jason,

I haven't seen a silver/yellow London Dungeon before. The ultra rare Iran bus was the only silver/yellow I knew about until I came across a Carnaby Street version (which may have been produced from existing Iran stock). Very recently I have acquired a silver/yellow with no side labels at all (and no sign that it ever had them). The Iran, Carnaby and my non label one all have the same destination label: Hackney 30 (in green). What is the destination on yours?

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Martin

[AJR]

This one sold for £395 on eBay recently. Silver with yellow interior and green Hackney destination.
The description said .... "Produced to commemorate a proposed trip by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip to the Middle East in 1979, but was never released as the trip was called off due to the impending revolution in Iran".

[nearlymint]

Hi Martin,
Thanks for checking, this one has London Bridge 48 on the front.
Jason

[charliep]

Hi Martin,

I have checked my collection and found 2 buses with "London Palladium" labels which if I recall correctly they were described as prepros.
1. Red body/ yellow interior with "London Bridge 48" front label.
2. Silver body/blue interior with "London Palladium" front label.

Would it be possible to publish your list of K15 buses? It would be interested to see what is out there. Thanks.

Charlie

[matchboxmarcel]

I have 30 code-1 K-15 busses including some variations and I also have a few code-3 Busses and the Cada bus which some say is a code-2.

I have a silver London Dungon bus with blue interior (original pricetag of WILSON;s at 2.95 gbp)

I would be very interested in your list.

My own small list in 2 parts:




I have seen a shopdisplay for the silver Royal wedding bus many years ago on german Ebay which I missed and have seen it again a few years ago but can remember where I saw that one.

I also have some interesting sets with this bus inside by example this nice set of which I have the original outher box also.





I also have this photo on file of a bus I don't have.



marcel

[Moyboy]

I have the Iran bus as well as the special box that goes with it now and a few more stashed away somewhere in cupboards but they would be run of the mill versions I think but will check.

[ritchie]

Hi Marcel,

Is this the one with Chinese Lettered Labels that was referred to on your list?

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Thanks