Model rail shops

[LukeTrainsPlanes]

Hi all

Just wondered if any of you know of a decent sized model railway shop.

Especially south of england or as far as the midlands

I know Gaugemaster has one which I visited recently its not bad but quite expensive even compared to my local shop. I know Hattons is huge but that's way up north and a bit far to go in a day.

Just be nice to go have a browse at a decent sized store and part with some savings :)

Cheers

[96RAF]

Great Eastern Models of Norwich, highly recommended, not huge but always a good stock at good prices and very knowledgable and friendly staff. My local.

Trains4U at Peterborough, a little bigger in an industrial unit sized shop. Worth a visit if you are in the area.

[LukeTrainsPlanes]

Cheers Peterborough isn't too far, ill check it out :)

[joe_holmes1]

If you fancy a day out "down south" go over to Alton and into the Alton Model Shop in High Street. It is a short walk away from the Watercress Line as well, so doubly brilliant.

If you are in the Poole area, pop over to Model Railway Solutions. Steve always has a good selection of products from all the manufacturers.

You can also have a day at the seaside as well !

sunglassesgrinning Two excellent shops grinningsunglasses

[LukeTrainsPlanes]

Cheers ive heard alton one is good. Not far from me actually about 45 drive Ill take a nose next week :)

[Postman Prat]

Hi

Try AC Models at Eastleigh, less than 5min walk from the station. I can't remember the name of the shop in Salisbury but again 5 mins from Station in Fisherton Street.

Usual disclaimer - only connection is as a satisfied customer

yum

[Ducking Giraffe]

Hi Luke

You dont say where you are, but there's quite a good one in Twyford near Reading, the Berkshire Dolls house and model co, opposite waitrose, they've got a good selection of second hand too.

steve

[JJ73]

Hiya 🙂

In Chesterfield, Derbyshire is W. D. Models (My Local Model shop) He is really Friendly & Helpful 🙂🚂🚂🚂

[Yelrow]

Janes trains at Tooting.

[new lad on block]

Hi Luke, as you may be interested in planes as well trains, have you considered attending model railway exhibitions. Also collectors/ toy fairs which also may have model planes, if that is also your interest.

At the moment because of covid they have been suspended, but seem to be reopening late summer/autumn.

I have been attending collector fairs for over 30 years, and yes you do have to pay for admission usually £2 upwards, but there can be 50 to 500 stall holders.Usually model railways is well represented, prices are very competitive.Lots of new and used items. There are pitfalls, no guarantees some times,

most times not able to test model. For me it is a enjoyable day out as I get to speak to knowledgable, like minded people.

Regards

[atom3624]

Back to the OP by LTP.

Youngsters World in King's Lynn are very helpful and have a good stock.

Al.

[VESPA]

Is Norfolk too far? if not try, Bure Valley Railway (1991) Ltd., Aylsham Station, Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6BW.

http://www.burevalleymodels.com/

Good stocks and very good offers.

[morairamike]

One in Portsmouth, top end of Commercial road. Called Waterlooville Model Centre. Was in Waterlooville but moved hence name.

[The son of Triangman]

There's a great model shop in Norwich called Great Eastern Models, prices are good too. A small shop in March called Paperbox that does some model railway stuff, A newish one in Boston lincolnshire that I haven't found yet.

[96RAF]

Norfolk Coast Models as well but a tad elusive trying to find their shop.

Edited to correct name.

[Going Spare]

North Coast? Norfolk Coast, perhaps.

[LukeTrainsPlanes]

Hi all thanks for the info and what shops to look at. Ill be checking some out for sure.

I just prefer now that we can to go visit a shop instead of online.

As mentioned im looking forward to when model exhibitions start again. Ill be looking out for some to go visit.

I live in Hampshire but distance isnt an issue.

Cheers for the info all :)

[The son of Triangman]

Rop, Norfolk Coast Models won't be opening for the moment, spoke to the owners. They are busy setting up cabinets in a shop near Cambridge at the moment. There simply isn't enough trade in their own area for a shop from what I have been told by them. Their area has a load of model railway shops, a big shop in Peterborough nearby, a shop at Swineshead, March, Boston, King's Lynn, Hunstanton, Ely, Norwich, Dereham, Sheringham, Cromer and one in Downham market, the area is extremely well covered. Support from the local model railway clubs groups has been from what I can gather non-existant for another shop, so their area isn't viable. They told me the area which is a poverty pay minimum wage, high unemployment area, it simply won't support another shop.

[The son of Triangman]

I forgot to add, from what I can gather Norfolk Coast Models are concentrating on supplying the trade as it's where the money is in their own area. Their Cambridge outlet will simply be to display products and sell some s/h and new.

[96RAF]

Seems to me the owners of NCM know what they are doing Paul and are aiming for the correct market sector. All best wishes to them in making it work.

[DBfan]

I see the pipe dream of Norfolk Coast Models has raised it`s head again. in six weeks an announcement will be made saying it is closing.

[The son of Triangman]

Not a pipe dream DBfan, they are already producing models and products, but aren't ready to relaunch yet, a thing called covid has got in the way.

[The son of Triangman]

Found this, some of their products, I have permission to publish here. Hardly a pipe dream DB

[The son of Triangman]

They are selling to trade DB, the retail market in their area isn't profitable

[DBfan]

Time will tell