According to Ramsay's, this is one of 4950, produced in 1981. That's a big run for a small shop. I wonder if they have any left on the shelf?
I can ask, because I was pleasently surprised to discover from the shop website, they are still open!
At three hours drive away, I can't nip in for a look around, but if I can find a reason to be in the area, I definitely will! If any blog reader is familiar with the shop, please tell me how hard I need to find a good reason...
1 comment:
Hi Phil,
I suspect this van dates from the time when Ken Moorton (spelling?) owned it. In the late '70s when I first visited, the place was an absolute gold mine, you really never knew what you'd find!
Ken was a bit of a character; there was a notice the door announcing that "SHOPLIFTERS WILL BE KILLED AND EATEN" and another inside with a rather uncomplimentary definition of "browsing" which involved cattle...
There have been several changes of ownership since Ken passed away; the current owner took it over a year or so ago after a period when it had looked likely to close, he'd been in the trade before so has a good knowledge of the market.
It was my local model shop from 1981, when we moved to the area, until 2001 when I moved away, but as my mum and sister still live in Eastbourne I try to pop in when I'm visiting.
Certainly when I was last in a few months ago, it seemed in a much better state than it had been, which has to be a good thing.
Cheers,
Simon.
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