289 AEC Routemaster Bus (1964-80)

Jonathan, thank you for your much appreciated and very valuable response. You have explained well why this cannot be a real promotional and that clarifies a lot. That's why I also added photos from all sides to be able to properly assess the model. Indeed, it is noticeable that route 221 on model 289 is the usual London route designation through Meccano Liverpool, with the exception of 21B at Visit Blackpool Zoo, but that obviously applies to a Blackpool Transport route in Blackpool and not London Transport. There are indeed all kinds of decals in circulation with which a code 3 can easily be made. You are right to warn to pay attention to this when purchasing. I am attaching a photo of a Routemaster Bus with Dinky Toys advertisement, which I found on Planetdiecast. Unfortunately never issued by Meccano Liverpool as a model. Jan O

Jan -- all well said, and by the way, the Blackpool Zoo stickers were not applied at Binns Road; Meccano just supplied the cream-coloured Routemaster, and the stickers were to be affixed by the purchaser. Here are some more picures of the promotional Routemaster, as well as a genuine -- or so Vectis had claimed -- version of the model made to commemorate it. As you say, it's too bad Dinky didn't make a more accurate copy of the real thing.

The Meccano Routemaster has been made as a code 3 on an original Dinky Toys casting. It is a great job of professionnal quality.