The Volvo B5LH die-cast model was launched by Knackstop on 12 December 2021.
Knackstop, a retail arm set up by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), sells a collection of public transport-inspired keepsakes and souvenirs. The Volvo B5LH is the third die-cast bus model to be put on sale, retailing at $114. Earlier die-cast bus models sold were the MAN A95 and the MAN A95 (Euro 6); however, these were retailed at $98 each.
As of December 2021, the first batches of models have been delivered to customers, and both quality issues and product damage were noted by several customers. More on this in the section below.
On 5 April 2024, another batch of models were released for sale at a revised price of $116.13.
The Volvo B5LH Bus Model
LTA procured 50 of these Volvo B5LH single-deck hybrid buses back in 2017, and the diecast models based on them are built to 1:76 scale (bearing the registration SG3000T). The rear half of the bus has the dark green-themed Eco Bus advertisement wrap as featured on some buses when they were launched.
The wrap can no longer be found on Volvo B5LH buses, with the last one removed from SG3018T in August 2021
![Bus Service 272 - SBS Transit Volvo B5LH (SG3003K) [Rear]](https://landtransportguru.net/web/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/3003_272-R1-300x200.jpg)
Similar to previous bus models in the Knackstop product line, each bus comes screwed to a plastic base plate, with a clear acetate display case and a colour card outer box.
According to online sources (Oriental Model Buses), the Hong Kong-based diecast bus manufacturer Model 1 supplied only the plinth and plastic case (their logo can be found on the underside of the plinth). The diecast bus itself is supplied by a different manufacturer.
For the Electronic Display Signages, the bus model displays “Volvo E6 Diesel > Hybrid Bus” (two lines) on the front, “SG❤️Bus” on the side and “SG Bus” (two lines) on the rear. The registration number affixed to the bus model, SG3000T, was the first registration number for the 50 Volvo B5LH buses procured (SG3000T – SG3049D).
Quality Issues
According to social media posts and customer reviews online, it appears that several buyers had received damaged products, and the quality of these models left a lot to be desired for collectors who place a premium on diecast buses that faithfully reproduce details of the actual bus.
One of these damaged models were delivered to us as follows, with the diecast bus exterior and interior detached from the chassis. The plastic case was also cracked (not photographed).
The diecast metal bus exterior – having broken off from the chassis – released the interior fittings of the bus, which is photographed here:
Knackstop has since started a 1-to-1 exchange exercise for damaged bus models, with customers asked to book an appointment for their flagship store inside the Land Transport Authority Hampshire Office.
Product damage aside, the accuracy of the model falls short in many areas, in spite of its high retail price of $114. Aside from general build quality, specific flaws in the model include but are not limited to the following:
- Inaccurate size dimensions of the EDS displays
- Side EDS+PIDS modelled as window stickers rather than electronic display signs
- Interior sidewalls of the bus are green – rather than grey
- Missing third brake lamps
The interior of the model is based on original specifications, which does not include the various modifications made post-revenue service debut.
Video
Promotional means & Sales
The Volvo B5LH diecast bus model was featured in Knackstop “Commuting Gifts You’ll Adore” posters at various MRT Stations in November 2021.
The model was released on the official Knackstop online store at e-commerce platforms Shopee & Lazada at about 12 midnight on 12 December 2021. The model was also put up on Qoo10 at a later date.
Customers buying the model from Shopee & Lazada were not allowed to purchase them in bulk due to restrictions set by Knackstop on the retail platforms.
- SG Bus Model – Volvo (Diesel Hybrid) – Shopee
Limited to 1 model per Shopee account - SG Bus Model – Volvo (Diesel Hybrid) – Lazada
Limited to 1 model per line item
- SG Bus Model – Volvo (Diesel Hybrid) – Qoo10
Gallery (Bus Model):
Gallery (Actual bus):
Related Content:
- MAN A95 bus models launched by Knackstop
- MAN A95 (Euro 6) bus models launched by Knackstop
- Volvo B5LH
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After hearing all the complaints on quality issues, I am so glad I didn’t purchase one in the first place.
Just back from knackstop, the person in charge told me that they had change the supplier and they acknowledged that more improvement can be done in the bus model after number of negative feedback such as bus model detached from the base etc.
For the price issue, it is due to Covid-19 situation causing a increase in cost price of raw material etc.
The SG Bus Model MAN A95 (Euro 6) costs only $92. Unless the Volvo B5LH is larger than 1:76 scale, I can’t see a reason for the higher price.
Exactly. It’s definitely the same scale as the A95. This one is a single deck, if anything it should be slightly lower than the double-deck model so its very strange that it costs more. Greed clearly. They’ve marked it higher because they know people will buy it. They saw how well the double-deck models sold, so they marked up the price for this one.
how come the bus model so expensive?