Categories
Information
A mischievous piece of Scottish nostalgia is heading to model shop shelves this year as EFE Road unveils a special limited-edition bus model celebrating 75 years of Dennis the Menace.
The new release – the E36720 Dennis Dart SLF/Pointer 2 “Dennis the Menace 75th Anniversary Special” – has been created in partnership with Beano Studios and publisher DC Thomson as part of the nationwide “Year of Mischief” celebrations for 2026.
The highly detailed die-cast model combines one of Britain’s most recognisable buses – the Dennis Dart – with Scotland’s most iconic comic character, creating what collectors are already calling the ultimate “Dennis on a Dennis” release.
Featuring authentic artwork of Dennis and Gnasher, alongside a fictional “Service 75” destination board for Bash Street School and Beanotown, the model captures the humour and spirit that have entertained generations since Dennis first appeared in The Beano in 1951.
Produced by EFE Road, the model is designed to complement OO gauge model railways in 1:76 scale and will arrive with Bachmann stockists later this year.
Scottish model shops are expected to see strong demand for the collectable release, with transport and railway modelling continuing to enjoy a surge in popularity among enthusiasts, families and younger hobbyists alike.
Leading Scottish retailers stocking EFE and Bachmann products include Rainbow Railways, Harburn Hobbies, Scoonie Hobbies and Wonderland Models, all of which have become destinations for collectors searching for limited-edition transport and railway models.
Independent retailers say products linked to recognisable British brands and nostalgia themes continue to perform especially well, bringing in everyone from lifelong collectors to parents introducing children to the hobby for the first time.
For many enthusiasts, model shops provide far more than simply a place to buy trains, buses and accessories.
Across Scotland, traditional hobby retailers have increasingly become valued community spaces where customers can slow down, talk to fellow enthusiasts and enjoy a calming escape from modern life.
Retailers report that visitors often spend hours browsing displays, discussing layouts and sharing memories linked to buses, railways and favourite childhood comics such as The Beano.
Mental wellbeing charities have previously highlighted the positive benefits of hobbies that encourage focus, creativity and social interaction, and model railways and die-cast collecting are often praised for helping reduce stress and isolation.
Shops such as Rainbow Railways have built reputations as welcoming destinations for enthusiasts of all ages, combining extensive product ranges with expert advice and a relaxed atmosphere that many customers describe as therapeutic.
With the Dennis the Menace anniversary bus set to blend Scottish heritage, transport nostalgia and collectable appeal, retailers are expecting the model to become one of the standout novelty releases of the year.
And for many collectors, it may prove impossible to resist the charm of putting Dennis the Menace behind the wheel of a Dennis Dart.
