Public transport enthusiasts and diecast model collectors alike rejoice, as you can soon own a miniature replica of a Rapid KL bus. Debuting at the upcoming Malaysia Diecast Expo 2023 event in a couple of weeks time is a 1/110 scale model of the local public transport operator‘s inter-city coach, which is produced by Singaporean hobby company Masterpiece Collectibles.
Based on the promotional image provided by the brand, the tiny diecast replica depicts the public transport operator’s bus almost accurately – complete with the signature red, white, blue and black livery as well as visible interiors. It is unclear whether it is based on the King Long, MAN or Scania coaches, as Masterpiece Collectibles may be using an existing mould that’s also used to produce other miniature buses under its selection.
Fine details featured include the moulded wipers and side/rear mirrors, marquee displays on the front and left side, licence plate, as well as silver covers for coach’s front and rear wheels. Even though it does come with various branding and signages throughout, enthusiasts will undoubtedly notice that some decals are absent from the replica, namely the Rapid KL logo in front. It is also worth pointing out the included marquees suggest that this particular bus operates along the 450 route, which connects numerous stops between Hentian Kajang and the Lebuh Pudu Hub.
Unlike other similar hobby brands such as Hot Wheels and Tomica, Masterpiece Collectibles is a smaller outfit that’s based in Singapore. Apart from 1/110 scale buses, it also produces miniature diecast models of other vehicles as well as 3D Scan figurines of varying sizes. The Rapid KL bus itself is part of the company’s Masterpiece City collection, and is also the first product to be released under the new Malaysia series. The latter indicates that we’ll be expecting even more replicas of different buses and other potential vehicles in the near future.
As mentioned earlier, you can get the new 1/110 scale Rapid KL bus replica during the Malaysia Diecast Expo 2023, which will be happening on 20 to 21 May at the Tropicana Gardens Mall Convention Centre. The model is offered at a special price of RM 69 just for the event, and will then retail for RM 79 afterwards via Masterpiece Collectibles’ online store.
(Source: Masterpiece Collectibles [Facebook])
