EFE Exclusive First Editions Diecast Model Trams

EFE: diecast model trams

EFE manufacture a wide range of diecast models in 00 scale 1:76. These models include buses, trucks and trams. They have produced a model of the Leeds Horsfield tram since 1991 and have issued it in a variety of prototype liveries. Most of the models are now out of stock and not available, although often appear on the second-hand market.

EFE are currently producing a range of London Underground tube train carriages and in 2009 issued a limited release of Melbourne trams.

Leeds Horsfield trams

The Leeds Horsfield trams were named after the new manager, Mr. R. L. Horsfield, who arrived in 1928 and died in 1931. They were also called 'Showboats'. Four prototype cars were built by Leeds C.T. in 1930 (151-154) and 100 similar cars (155-254) were ordered from Brush for delivery in 1931.

The Horsfield cars were popular and worked successfully until the end of trams in Leeds in 1959. Horsfield car number 180 is preserved at the National Tramway Museum, Crich.

• The diecast models have
  • metal body parts and rotating wheels,
  • plastic overhead equipment, trucks and lifeguards
  • clear plastic glazing.
• The liveries and adverts are beautifully printed.

Model Number	Picture	Livery/Adverts	Description
13402		Maroon livery CWS Co-op and Tizer adverts	The maroon livery was used after 1950. The car has a bow collector. Car 194 is on route 9 to Dewsbury Road.
13403		Maroon livery Jacob's Cream Crackers and Andrews Liver Salt adverts	The maroon livery was used after 1950. The car has a bow collector. Car 196 is on route 3 to Roundhay.
13404		Khaki livery Melbourne Ales adverts	The khaki green livery was used during the World War II, with white safety markings on the fenders, steps and trucksides. Antiblast shatter protection netting is depicted on the windows and the headlamps are masked for the blackout. The car has a bow collector. Car 223 is on route 14 to Town End via Armley Road.
13405		White and silver livery All over Road Safety adverts for Leeds Accident Prevention Council.	The white Road Safety livery was applied in 1945. The car has a bow collector. Car 230 is on route 3 to Oakwood via City Square.
13406		Maroon experimental livery Mackeson's, Tetley Beer and Melbourne Ales adverts	This experimental maroon livery had no gold lining to the lower deck, pale blue-green bands around the body and silver truck sides. The car has a bow collector. Car 242 is on route 4 to Kirkstall Abbey.
14301		Light blue livery The Yorkshire Post and Stylo Shoes adverts	The later 'electric blue' livery was introduced in 1933. The car has a trolley pole. Car 161 is on route 12 to Middleton.
14302		Light blue livery Whitbread's Ale & Stout and Stylo Shoes adverts	The later 'electric blue' livery was introduced in 1933. The car has a trolley pole. Car 161 is on route 12 to Middleton.
14303		Dark blue livery Yorkshire Evening Post and Pagodoa Tea Tips adverts	The earlier dark blue livery lasted until well after 1945. The car has a trolley pole. Car 157 is on route 14 to Pudsey via Bramley.

Motorising the models

The Horsfield cars had an 8' 6" wheelbase truck, which is 34mm in 00 scale. The trams can be motorised with a 34mm wheelbase ready to run truck. Alternatively, a motorising service is provided by Alan Kirkman.

The Melbourne Cars

In 2009 EFE released a limited run of two models of Melbourne trams in 00 gauge - 1:76, being imported from Australia's Cooee Collectibles. They are W-class cars. One is in the normal green livery on route 1 to Coborg (a spelling error, it should be Coburg), the other in City Circular livery.

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