The five-inch model bus with the London 2012 logo, was copied from the vehicle driven around the "Bird's Nest" stadium in Beijing last year at the Olympics' Closing Ceremony and at the victory parade in London.

 

 

The 1:76 die-cast replica, made by Hornby, will be sold in London 2012-branded packaging from November and willo cost £30

 

Hornby was the first manufacturer to win a contract from London 2012 to make a range of themed Games toys.

 

The firm says it has been "overwhelmed with interest" from retailers and expects sales to run into millions.

 

Next year, London 2012-branded British Transport models will be in shops at about £8 as well as a "collect them all" series as a countdown to the Games.

 

There will be an Airfix replica of the stadium at Stratford, costing around £25, a Hornby model high-speed Olympic Javelin train and Airfix versions of the main venues.

 

Hornby chief executive Frank Martin said: "The team has been flat out so we will be able to meet demand and have the first of our products in stores by November."

 

A London 2012 spokesman said: "A year ago we welcomed the world to 2012 with our 'next stop London' bus in Beijing, so it is fitting that this will be the first toy in the Hornby series."