My mate Dave tells me there are several model shops around Wupperal. Well, there were a few years ago, but now there is only one within strolling distance of the Scwebebahn. Still, it's a good one.
Modellbahn Apitz Wuppertal has been in its current location for 25 years, but has been open for a lot longer. The current proprietor is the son of the original owner. He's friendly, and speaks excellent English, so we enjoyed a good chat.
The shop specialises in model railways. No radio control, planes or boats to be found in here!
To be fair, the place is massive, and stacked out with stock. There are a lot of road vehicles from many different manufacturers.
Loads of building kits in different materials too. On the continent, they enjoy a fabulous array of plastic kit model buildings. I'll admit I'm envious of this, especially as it's pretty much impossible to anglicise them. There is just something undefinably "foreign" about a lot of the architecture. Wonderful for the tourist, less handy for the modeller!
On top of this, plenty of tools and materials. One browser was busy matching pre-coloured building sheets to kit parts he's brought along, and there was plenty of choice.
As far as my haul goes, the ever-present limits of my rucksack kept me under control.
But you have to buy something, so the last pot of Humbrol Track Colour in Europe (possibly) and a car kit for something suitably Germanic. Then a cheap light. No idea, it just looked interesting. Finally, from the very well-stocked Faller rack of mini kits, some of this do look very usable in the UK context, possibly the weirdest thing I've seen injection moulded - HO scale cuddly toys. I've no idea what I'll do with a load of tiny teddy bears, but I just can't miss out on them!
Handily, there is a Modellbahn Apitz website.
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