Porthmadog Model shops

An embarrassment of riches here - first up is Porthmadog Models in Bank Place. Deceptively large, the shop specialises in plastic kits. Most are military models with a smattering of cars and boats. To assemble them, a full range of paints and glues are tucked at the back of the premises.

Along the sides are cabinets full of painted military diecasts. Above these are groundworks for those who engage in role playing games.

Update: Porthmadog Models have moved. More details here.

Railway modellers are advised to try both of the stations belonging to the preserved railways. At one end of town the Welsh Highland Railway is home to one of the best bookshops in the country. Nearly 40 feet of wall is devoted to a breathtaking range covering UK and foreign lines. Special sections exist for narrow gauge fans too.

Should this tempt you to some modelling then most of the Parkside Dundas range, both standard and narrow gauge can be found on another wall.

For larger scales the Ffestiniog station has a small selection of kits. Dig deep though as we are talking about the 16mm scale Slaters range along with 016.5 and 009 whitemetal kits. They even have the chassis required for these, something a lot of traders can't always manage !

Finally for the RTR fan, Craft Cymru, an otherwise unremarkable souvenir shop aimed at the passing tourist, stocks a good range of Hornby items. Rolling stock and track are there along with Scaledale buildings and vehicles. You need to work your way to the back of the shop past ceramic dragons and mass-produced loving spoons but they are there.

Four shops in one town - not bad !