Supermodels, Rugby

 

On bank holiday Monday, I'd planned to go to Stanford Hall VW Show. I toddled off, and when I arrived, the gates were shut. Odd, I thought. So I drove on to a spot where I could park, and check the times on my phone. 

The gates would have been open. If I'd turned up the day before...

What to do? OK, it's only a 23-mile trip, but it seemed a shame to waste petrol. However, there was a model shop that had been popping up on my social media for months, and it was in Rugby, and I was on the northern edge. 

A quick check to make sure it would be open, and the satnav guided me to Hillmorton, about 15 minutes before opening time. A little stroll allowed me time in the fascinating Maddens hardware store and newsgents - a place that has obviously been part of the street scene for many years, and all the better for it. 

Going back to Supermodels as the doors were opened, I enjoyed a browse. The shop contains some of the stock seen on the website, but what is there is an excellent selection of plastic and figure modeller paints, including ranges I don't know, but will do when I try some of my purchases. No Humbrol, but Maddens have a rack of that. 

There are plastic kits, and loads of tools. Some interesting 3D-printed figures too, but I don't really need a sandworm to add to the project pile, tempting as it was. It's the sort of place where railway modellers can find useful equipment that you don't often see at shows. 

Talking of railways, there are none here. An agreement with the nearby Tony's Trains ensures that they don't step on each other's toes in this respect. Since both are so close, if you visit one, you might as well drop in on the other. An excellent arrangement. 

More on the Supermodels website.  

The Paint Rack, Coventry

 

Finding myself with a load of spare time last Saturday, after an event in Coventry, I idly asked Google maps about local model shops. I expected nothing, but to my surprise, there was one 40 minutes' stroll away. It was a nice day, so of I went. 

The route took me along Gosford Street, one of the few areas of the city left reasonably unscathed by both wartime bombs, and post-war town planners. There are some interesting buildings that give a hint as to how the city might have looked. 

Towards the end is Fargo Village, an area of "fiercely independent" shops. Plenty of trendy clothes, skateboards and comic books, but also The Paint Rack. 

While the shop is modest, it's well stocked, obviously by a keen modeller who recognises the tools and materials other keen modellers will require. There are at least eight different paint ranges, including Humbrol, from where I picked up a couple of pots of 173 (Track colour), normally unavailable. 

Plastic kits are the thing, and what an eclectic selection. I spotted the Santa Tank I've already built and the Future Boy Conran Robonoid awaiting my attention. You don't see those in most shops! And yes, there was much more temptation, especially a working kayaker - but I reminded myself I really don't need any more projects for a few weeks. 

Materials-wise, plenty of Mr Hobby and other specialist potions. 

There's also Airfix beginners set, QuickBuild and knock-off Lego. Something for all abilities!

Chatting to the owner, he knows his stuff, and this is a bit of a passion project. I think the location is perfect, a stroll from the city centre, and hopefully cheap enough to make the shop viable. 

You can find out more on The Paint Rack Facebook page.  

Modellbahn Apitz, Wuppertal

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. 

Tony Green Steam Models

 

A visit to Tony Green Steam Models has been on the cards for several years. I see them at every garden railway show, and have been invited to go up and take a look around, but the timings never worked out. Ideally, I wanted to time it so I could visit the transport museum next door. Well, I had a free Saturday, to coincide with their open day. Cake was promised, and although the musem only opens on Sunday, this didn't matter after all. 

The main business of the shop is larger scale model railways, and spares for these. The spares are normally made by the family engineering business behind the shop. I had a look around there too, and it's fascinating. 

Obviously, there isn't just large-scale stuff. A small selection of OO and N gauge second hand can be found, as well as paint, plastic sheet and shapes, balsa and other materials. The owner is aiming to build up a good general model shop, and it's certainly worth a visit for this alone. 

But, LGB and other G scale brands, both new and pre-loved, are in evidence, with a fantasic range on offer. Oh, and if you have an old Hornby 3 1/2 inch gauge Rocket, there are plenty of bits for this, including tender bodies. I must dig mine out, as it needs a new one of those. 

Finally, boats!

The Tony Green range has found a home, with hulls and fittings produced in house. Those fittings are available separately too. As you can see, there are plastic kits for all sort of things on the shelf.

All in all, well worth a visit if you are in the Lincoln area. There is parking outside the shop, which makes it very handy. Not too far to carry that big box back either...

Full details on the Tony Green Steam Models website.  

Of course, there is mail order. My Mum used them a few years ago for my Christmas present, and said the service was excellent.  

Weldon Tabletop Wargaming Store - Corby indoor market

 

I love an indoor market, especially one that includes a very friendly model shop. WTW has been running for nearly two years, and while its main market is WW2 military wargamers, they offer a modest range of plastic kits and some Jarvis scenic products. 

There's a bit of Humbrol going on too, but no paint rack. A small selection of acrylics aimed at wargamers were on the shelf.  

Obeying the laws about buying something when you visit a model shop, I came away with a very nearly TT scale Star Wars X-Wing kit for a tenner. 

In the market, there's a nice cafe, and a store claiming to sell magic. I gave that one a miss! 

Check out their Facebook page to find out more.  

Pires & Thadeu, Lisbon

 

"I want to go into that tat shop", I said. 

"Why? We've been in loads already.

I point at the picture of a train on the awning. That, and the stack of Oxford Diecast models in the window. 

The shop is in Lisbon's old town - the touristy bit if I'm honest. But, inside it's more interesting than most shops. Apprently, this is one of the city's oldest toy shops. You can tell that because of the somewhat faded plastic kits on the top shelf. 

There was a little bit of train track in a cabinet, but no trains. No paint or glue either. Loads of diecast cars though. Oxford ones mainly, so better than a lot of the horrors in other shops. 

The rules say that if I'm in a model shop, I have to buy something. Ryanair's rules say that if your bag is too big for the tester, it goes in the hold, at a price somewhat more than buying the airoplane. So I bent the rules a bit, and bought some stamps. To be fair, not the easiest things to get your hands on!

Address: R. Áurea 148, 1100-063 Lisboa, Portugal

Mobil Box - Lucerne

 

I nearly gave Mobil Box a miss - the shop doesn't open until 2pm, and my time in Lucerne was limited. However, in the window were some fascinating G1 UK prototype locomotives, and I couldn't resist hanging around that end of town.As it was, I found some excellent souveniers for presents, and visited the Bourbaki Panorama, which was fascinating.It's not far from the lake, so I ate lunch watching boats. 

Back at the shop, I followed the owner in once he unlocked, and has a mouch. There's a lot in there - mainly plastic models and related stuff, but some trains. Also, a work area, so the place is obviously frequented by modellers who use it as a social area. 

The shop has been operating for 20 years - pretty good for what is a city centre location, and not a small one! 

Those locos in the window belong to the proprietors father, and for the right money (I didn't ask), they might be for sale. 

The electrical models appear to be mostly Marklin, but there is one that isn't, although I couldn't identify it. 

Sadly, all were to large to fit in my rucksack, so I settled on a card kit for a German lifeboat becuase it is flat and fitted in the back pocket of the bag!

A really nice shop with a freindly owner. Well worth dropping in. Check out the Mobil-Box website. 

Schaufelberger AG, Thun

 

Strolling around Thun, a really nice city with many pretty features, and very little in the way of tourist tat shops, I spotted a Marklin sign dangling from a department store. Looking in the window, it seemed to promise more than just a toy department, so of course, I investigated. 

There is a toy department, a great big one, on the third floor. But looking around, I could see stairs, but no escalator, to a fourth. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, I had a look. 

What I found was the sort of model shop any city would be proud of. Well stocked with plastic kits, boat and flying aircraft kits, glues and materials. The only omission seems to be paint. A few spray cans, including some Humbrol, but not a rack full of colours. Odd, that's the sort of thing that encourages repeat visits. 

Scenicly, all the main European manufacturers were represented with racks, and spinny display things, stuffed full of product. I liked the look of the 3D sheets from Noch, although I have seen these before, and Carson HO scale radio control vehicles. A quick play showed them to be very controlable. Not cheap, but hey, Switzerland. 

Of course there is a cabinet full of trains. A 30% sale was on, but with what I took to be DCC locos costing over 500 Swiss Francs, those are still scary prices, although the models are sublime. 

The Marklin Start-up sets look interesting. A step above the My World range, these are still dead rail radio controlled locos, for modest prices. Conversion potential perhaps? 

My biggest problem was working out what to buy. I didn't want to spend a fortune, and the space in my rucksack was minimal, so it had to be tiny. See what I ended up with tomorrow. 

In the meantime, the Schaufelberger AG website is here.

That's not a model shop!

 

You're going to be hearing a lot about my recent Swiss holiday on the blog - partly because I enjoyed it, but mostly because prepering to be, and being, on holiday, hasn't left much modelling time. 

Anyway, here's the first post.

Arriving on Lucerne station, what do I see, but a Bachmann shop.

Is it full of model trains? 

Nope. 

Sadly, this is the boys from Barwell branching out. Pity really, as I was looking forward to some rather tasty review items from them...

As it is, I can say the vanilla donut was delicious, but it took ages to clean all the icing sugar off my clothes afterwards!

RIP Classic Train & Motor Bus

 

We start the week with some sad new - my local model shop has closed down. After 25 years, the owner has retired. 

(Click to expand)

To be fair, the shop never recovered from Covid. Tiny, they never engaged with online sales and so there wasn't much in the way of new stock much of the time. That said, they could get stuff in, and seemed to have a healthy number of locals who would drop in and buy ordered items from them. They also offered a service where you could put things away in a box, and pay for them as and when you could afford to. 

I always got the feel that the shop was a bit of a social service. Aside from the railway enthusiast hangers-on, various locals, I think living in the attached flat above, seemed to drop in and bother the owner, who was IMHO a bit too nice to them. 

That said, I managed to leave money there over the years. 

I bought my APT set from there. There was also the purchase of a Hornby operating accesory, the blog post for which I can't find, even after 20 minutes searching. I bought this the day they reopened from Covid closure. 

I'm sure there are other buys, on the rare occasion I bought big ticket items, I tried to do it at the shop. 

There were also a few occasions when I'd drop in there looking for an emergency project. Something from the second-hand pile to turn into a magazine project. 

Like all shops, sometimes it even surprised me with something random and good tucked in the back, including a tea pot that had, I was told, been around the West Midlands in a Class 37!

Sadly, I didn't know about the closure until someone mentioned it at the railway club. Pity, as I'd liked to have dropped in on the last day, for one more purchase, just for old times sake. And a final chat. There was a lot of chatting about trains, and I'll miss that. The scuffier end of Leamington is worse for the passing of this little shop.

Trains4U, Peterborough

 

When visiting a new (to me) town, I can't help typing "town Model Shops" into Google, to see if there is anywhere worth adding to my itinery. This time it was Peterborough, and the result was a visit to Trains4U.

It's a big shop, with a main floor and a mezanine - all stuffed full of stock. 

Railways are the main feature, but there's also Warhammer, plastic kits (big range) and even Tamiya RC cars and trucks. All this plus loads of paint (at least 3 ranges), tools, glues and scenic items. Railway fans will find N, OO and O gauge a plenty.

Upstairs is a reasonable selection of second-hand models. No giraffe cars, but the NOS packs of OO gauge Graham Farish wagons looked tempting. I have too much stuff I keep reminding myself...

Not really needing anything railway modelling, or any other sort if I'm honest, related, I came away with a Peco point for the BRM NG7 project, and some paint. Were money, and space, no object, I'm sure I could have added more, but Peterborough isn't that far from the office, so I'm sure there will be more visits as it wouldn't be that hard to swing by on the way home.

M&V Models, Alcester

 

Only 25 minute drive from me is this little gem of a model shop.Focussing mainly on plastic kits (Airfix, Revell and some other makes), there is space for a small amount of railway stock on show (more on the eBay shop), including some second-hand items, but the best thing is the ranges of consumables stocked. 

Humbrol paints, both enamel and acrylic, proper full racks. These alone will bring me back. Then there is plenty of Wills kits and Woodland Scenics items, plus Jarvis and a few other bits. Quite a lot of Deluxe Materials glues etc. too.

If jigsaws are more your thing, then there is a shelf of these too. Diecast car fans will be happy too.

I'm not sure how long the shop has been there, but it's accumulated plenty to rumage through as well as the new stuff.  

The website has all the details of the range.

Better still, behind me as I took the photo is an amazing old-skool hardware shop, and if you can't find the Humbrol enamel you want, there is a craft shop 5 mins walk away (near Waitrose) with another rack!

 

Area 51, Bristol

Running early for a photo shoot last week, I parked up opposite an interesting row of shops in Bishopton. I'll admit that the main attraction was Joe's Bakery, well, that and a parking space I could fit the car in. 

However, I struck lucky. Opposite the car I spotted Area 51. A model shop!

Inside they spcialise in the Dungeons & Dragons style of models, but not in a Games Workshop way, the place is full of tubs containing sprues of the plastic parts used in these games. There's also a fine selection of ready-built, to various standards, models. I can't claim to know the prices, but they look to be quite a bit cheaper than buying the kits new. 

I'll admit to being more than slightly tempted by some sci-fi scenery, but decided to be sensible. Don't need any more projects. If I have to go back again though, I may not be so restrained. 

As well as model, there is the range of Citadel paints and materials. Plenty of sci-fi books (not Logan's Run though, still looking for that one) and board games, both news and pre-owned. There's a bit of comic book action too, both on paper and in miniature form.

It's an unusual shop, a bit weird for some tastes perhaps, but that's not a bad thing to my mind. 

Check out their Facebook page.

(I know you are wondering, the bakery was as good as it looked. Much more retraint was called for!) 

Salopian Models, Shrewsbury

 

Stroll into Shrewsbury from the station, and you can't really miss Salopian Models - it's the building with the spire on top. Possibly the grandest model shop in the UK? 

Inside the modest shop, it's very nicely stocked with a good range of paints and glues. There are plastic kits, and a very impressive range of RTR model railway items. To see Accurascale models on the shelf in the same way we expect to see Hornby and Bachmann is a surprise and should give the older brands pause for thought. After all, the average punter won't know the difference, and will assume that the upstart is as big as the old timers. 

If there is anything missing, it's a second-hand selection, useful to persuade people to drop in on the offchance something interesting has come in on a regular basis. As it is, were this down the road from me, I'd be a regular just for the consumables. 

Salopian Models website

Think Tank - Shrewsbury

 

There are a couple of model shops in Shrewsbury, so I'll cover each in seperate posts to make it easy for Google. 

First up, we have Think Tank - Military Model Kits and scenic supplies. 

Located in the Parade Shopping Centre, two minutes stroll from the main street, it's a small single unit, but absolutely stuffed with goodies for the military modeller. Plenty of plastic kits, including a load from the Mini-Art range. I was tempted by both a crane and pack of pigeons. Being 1/35th scale, they would both be pretty useless, and so I stopped myself. 

I did come away with some glues, Plastruct sections, and a vac-formed bridge unit that looked like a bit of fun for a fiver. There was a lot of similar terrain on offer, not something I've seen in a shop for a long while. There wasn't even that much at the IPMS last year. That, and a tiny gold coloured mini Budha from a rumage box. No, I'm not sure why either.

The other big name on the shelves is Jarvis scenics. Again, more than I recall seeing in one place before. I'm not a great fan as I recall the dyed sawdust losing it's colour very quickly, but then that was over 30 years ago, so things may have changed. There are a lot of resin cast walls and hedges that defintly have model railway applications. 

Looking at some of the flyers in the shop, there is a healthy wargaming community locally, and plastic kit builders too.

If all this sounds like too much work, there were several completed dioramas for sale so you can have the pleasure of ownership, without all the trouble of building models. Me, I'd see that as a way to clear space so I can build more models...

Sadly, no website, but well worth a look if you are in town. As an added bonus, the excellent book/antique shop I bought the miner from is downstairs. Since it has a massive transport section, you might find it expensive!

And why was I in Shrewsbury? Well, I fancied a day out, and the town has one of the few Wimpy's left. Time to enjoy a Brown Derby - desert of kings!

Grand Palance Models - Brussels

Of course I typed "Brussels Model Shops" into Google when I planned to visit. Sadly, the only one within striking distance in the time available was Grand Palace Models, but I couldn't resist a visit. 

Grand Palace are a high-end diecast models emporium with many superb vehicles in a huge variety of scales on offer. It might not be my sort of thing, but the range is impressive and it's all very well displayed. Prices don't seem particually outrageous either. Considering the pricey central location and quality shop, this is a bit of a surprise. 

Was there anything that tempted me? Of course. I'd love a 1/32nd (I think) Super Bugger Camper model, but even if I could have justified the price, I'd still have to lug the box back on the Eurostar and then work out what to do with it later. I'm just astounded the model exists at all. 

As it was, I satisfied myself with a bit of window shopping. If you are in the area though, it's well worth a look. 

Visit the Grand Palace Models website.

Bachmann Model Collect Create shop

  

Last week, with my BRM hat on, I visited the new Bachmann model store in Hinckley. The Model Collect Create shop is NOT a model shop apparently, because it only contains stock from the Bachmann range - but I beg to differ. There are kits and railways and loads of other great stuff, so I think it is a model shop. 

More importantly, the concept is inspired by Games Workshop. Look at their shops and you'll find people learning how to paint figures most days, and especially Sunday. Bachmann plan to have visitors wandering in off the street and building a kit, or some Woodland Scenics project. Basically, anything to get them into our hobby. 

I've done a fuller write-up over on World of Railways, complete with video tour. 

I love the concept. I love the ambition. If this shop works, then we can look forward to more appearing. They won't compete with the existing trade. Indeed, the top account holders were told about this before the press so there wouldn't be any disconcerting leaks, and they like it. Everything will be sold at RRP, but the target market is not the seasoned modeller, it's the general public. 

That won't stop me heading back one day though. 

Brownhills West Station model shop

On a chilly, but bright, February morning, I was visiting the Chasewater Railway's Brownhills West station, and was surprised to see that the model shop found at the end of the platform was open. 

It seem that both this, and the cafe, stay open, even when the railway itself isn't working. A popular spot with the locals for country walks around the resevoir, both do good business, even in the off season. 

Many preserved railway shops are full of train-themed stuff for the benefit of the visiting public, with perhaps a nod toward the enthusiast. To be fair, the public are where the money is, gricers being notorously tight-fisted. 

However, this shop is a bit different - it's a proper model shop stocking Bachmann, Hornby and Peco products. Streamline track is particually popular I'm told. 

There's plenty of Metcalfe plus tools and glues to assemble your kits with. The second hand cabinet is small, but managed to tempt me to leave a few quid behind for a W&T 6-wheel milk van kit. 

There are souveniers of course, and some nice tasteful ones. It's only forgetfulness, and the realisation I needed to get back out and do some work, that meant I didn't come away with some Hitachi Rail pens to go with my kit. My only complaint was the lack of railway postcards - I always send one to a freind when I visit odd places. 

Best of all, next to the shop is the cafe, purveyor of excellent cakes. 

So, if you find yourself in Staffordshire, looking for a nice day out, check out the railway and model shop. 

Chasewater Railway website.

Bradford Model Railway (Manchester) Centre bag

Would you like an old plastic bag from a model shop? 

Of course I would. 

Just around the corner from a Wimpy - can things get any better? 

The Bradford shop closed in 2006, but by then it had become "Frizinghall Models & Railways" to avoid confusion with the owners shops in Huddersfield, and Leeds as well as Manchester, and the closure was due to a move to an industial unit. 

FMR still exist an can be found here. 

 

Model shop news

 From the UK Modelshops newsletter*: 

Sadly we have lost 24 model shops this past year, but the good news is that 22 new ones have opened up, fairly similar to 2019.

 So, countrywide, we have a defect of two model shops for 2020 - considering what a s**tshow of a year we've "enjoyed" then that's pretty good.

Optimistically, I'd say that this year will have seen those with little or no online presence struggle and those heading for retirement decide that this is the year is the year to call it quits. There will always be gains and losses, hopefully, those that are left will be in a stronger position than ever.

Trade with a working website have struggled to keep up with demand over the last few months. Even raw materials have been difficult, but not impossible, to come by. While frustrating, strong demand will hopefully drive stronger supply in the future.

What this definitely isn't is the "death of the hobby" as predicted by doom-fetishists online. I'll take that. 

*If you aren't signed up for this, get over there and do it now.