Ainsty Castings Derelict School Bus

A couple of months ago I ordered three 28mm scale resin cast model vehicles from Ainsty Castings. The jewel in the crown was this model - set 8054 Derelict School Bus from their Streetwise: Car Park range.

I have always wanted an iconic American yellow school bus to add to my collection of vehicles. They are almost impossible to find here in the U.K. so when I saw that Ainsty Castings had one in their catalogue I knew I had to have it. I waited a long time to buy. If Ainsty hadn't announced a sale with 20% off the price of all their models I might still be waiting now. Anyway, I ordered it and now I'm a proud owner of it.

I know it is a wreck and not roadworthy, but that doesn't bother me too much. Also, I know that WWG have a school bus in their Mayhem Vehicles set but I really don't like that version. It looks fine from the back but from every other angle you can see it is not the same as this model. It is just the WWG coach with a new skin. The shape is all wrong.

Here's Vampifan showing off as he stands on the roof. "Look at me, ma. Top of the world!" The model came with three wooden platforms to fix to the roof and three sets of wooden barricades for fixing to some of the windows. I deliberately left them off as I have other plans for them. As you can see, other wooden planks have already been sculpted onto the model.

This side view of the bus shows just how big the model is, as Vampifan stands next to it. The base measures 9" (23cm) long by 3" (8cm) wide and the bus is 2" (5cm) tall. It is not solid resin as the inside has been hollowed out to help keep the weight down.

I used a Rotring technical drawing pen to write in the word "School Bus," the registration plate and the "1974" date, rather than trying to paint them. The windows were painted black and given a coat of gloss varnish for that glassy look.

I primed the model with Foundry black paint, as I do with almost all of my figures and models. I had to give the bus five coats of yellow paint to get it looking as good as it does now. I know that if I'd used Games Workshop's foundation paints I'd have got away with just two coats but I no longer use GW paints. To be honest, I didn't consider it a chore. It was just something that had to be done and I got on with it.
The detailing on this model is of a very high standard. This is a great model for use in a zombie apocalypse game. It could be the centre-piece of numerous scenarios. A small group of survivors could be holed up inside it and in dire need of rescuing. Or it could be the source of a plague of zombie kids. Or just use it as an awesome piece of cover.
If you want one, I have some good news for you. Ainsty have reduced the price of it from £20.00 to £16.00. Yes, it is still expensive, but look at the size of it. It is a fantastic model and I'm looking forward to using it in my ATZ campaign. Next time I'll show you the other two Ainsty vehicles I bought.