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I'm visiting central London next week (mainly as bag carrier and card-holder for my wife and daughter, who scranned the trip for her 18th) but I will get a bit of time to myself, so would like to see if there are any model shops worth visiting.
In the past, it has been Hannants, in Colindale, but I know they have nothing train-like (certainly not in N) so I'm hoping for some suggestions that don't involve massive tube journeys. All such gratefully received! :beers:
I do not think that there are any left in central London any more.
I am agreeing can only think Jane's tooting.
The LT museum in Covent Garden had a few models on my last visit, can't remember if there was any N gauge but it was all Underground related.
I was in the LT museum shop a couple of weeks ago, and there was very little there.
Jane's Trains in Tooting is the best option. They have a good selection of new and second-hand N.
Quote from: Ossian on July 05, 2022, 08:35:48 PM
I'm visiting central London next week so would like to see if there are any model shops worth visiting.
A big fat zero I'm afraid.
I'm afraid its a reflection of British retailing as a whole (long pre-pandemic by the way - simply priced out of town). I can think of no major railway modelling country where there is no model railway shop in the capital city...
There's harburn hobbies Edinburgh, lendons Cardiff but back to the point maybe worth calling or emailing first see if they are open http://www.northfieldsmodelshop.co.uk/ (http://www.northfieldsmodelshop.co.uk/)
Thanks, folks. Northfields looks interesting, as does the one in Tooting, although both are more than a slight trek!
Quote from: Gordon on July 05, 2022, 10:54:39 PM
Quote from: Ossian on July 05, 2022, 08:35:48 PM
I'm visiting central London next week so would like to see if there are any model shops worth visiting.
A big fat zero I'm afraid.
I'm afraid its a reflection of British retailing as a whole (long pre-pandemic by the way - simply priced out of town). I can think of no major railway modelling country where there is no model railway shop in the capital city...
I'm in the music business - and with the pretty much complete demise of Denmark Street our capital is fast becoming bereft of music shops too. In fact anything that isn't a restaurant, fast food outlet or a bar.
I'm afraid our addiction to buying online and the huge prices of keeping 'bricks and mortar' shops open (I have High Street premises in East London and they are bad enough) are condemning our city centres to be for corporate retail giants and late night revellers only.
I can't see any way of reversing this trend now - at least without major reform to business rates, perhaps in part funded by fair taxation of internet retail giants like Amazon!
Quote from: Ossian on July 06, 2022, 08:02:36 AM
Thanks, folks. Northfields looks interesting, as does the one in Tooting, although both are more than a slight trek!
Jane's Trains is local to me so I'm lucky in a way, but it doesn't cover my specialist area very much so I only go there occasionally. Most of the basics are stocked and I usually come away with something
Memories of trekking Oxford Street area in the 80s and early 90s for W&H, Beatties in Holborn etc. I used to be able to do those in my lunchtime when I worked in London. All gone. What was the place somewhere around Angel Islington? I went there too though IIRC that was American models mostly. I use to pop in to Wheels of Steel behind Grays Antiques, picked up a few fair priced second hand bits and pieces from there.
Doesn't help with the OP's current quest though.
Quote from: ntpntpntp on July 06, 2022, 11:39:49 AM
Memories of trekking Oxford Street area in the 80s and early 90s for W&H, Beatties in Holborn etc. I used to be able to do those in my lunchtime when I worked in London. All gone. What was the place somewhere around Angel Islington? I went there too though IIRC that was American models mostly. I use to pop in to Wheels of Steel behind Grays Antiques, picked up a few fair priced second hand bits and pieces from there.
Doesn't help with the OP's current quest though.
victors ?
4D Model Shop, E1 (for modelling supplies, materials, consumables, etc,); Addlestone Model Shop (kits, RC, trains, etc,); and a bit further out; Roxley Models at Gt Bookham and Alton Model Centre, Alton (both for model railways).
Quote from: ntpntpntp on July 06, 2022, 11:39:49 AM
Memories of trekking Oxford Street area in the 80s and early 90s for W&H, Beatties in Holborn etc. I used to be able to do those in my lunchtime when I worked in London. All gone. What was the place somewhere around Angel Islington? I went there too though IIRC that was American models mostly. I use to pop in to Wheels of Steel behind Grays Antiques, picked up a few fair priced second hand bits and pieces from there.
Doesn't help with the OP's current quest though.
Yes, I remember getting the 29 bus to Beatties in High Holborn, although in those days I lived nearer to their other shop in Southgate which was always better for second hand items. When did the Holborn shop finally close?
Quote from: Bazza on July 06, 2022, 12:19:00 PM
4D Model Shop, E1 (for modelling supplies, materials, consumables, etc,); Addlestone Model Shop (kits, RC, trains, etc,); and a bit further out; Roxley Models at Gt Bookham and Alton Model Centre, Alton (both for model railways).
With respect, 3 of those (the actual railway shops) are all outside the M25, which is probably stretching the definition of "Central London". Alton is over an hour by train, which means you could include large swathes of the Midlands as closer ;)
Sadly I am not aware of any these days. Long gone are Beatties of Holborn, Hamblings in Cecil Court , and W&H in I think it was 14 Cavendish Street. All of which were full prices suppliers.
And I also recall a shop up the road alongside Kings Cross station, and another in Pentonville RD. All long gone I fear.
Quote from: Portpatrick on July 06, 2022, 02:37:50 PM
And I also recall a shop up the road alongside Kings Cross station, and another in Pentonville RD. All long gone I fear.
Ah yes, Kings Cross Models and Victors, who specialised in Continental and US outlinle.
Don't forget Hadley Hobbies at Liverpool Street - great shop that did Sommerfelt catenary.
Quote from: njee20 on July 06, 2022, 02:10:29 PM
Quote from: Bazza on July 06, 2022, 12:19:00 PM
4D Model Shop, E1 (for modelling supplies, materials, consumables, etc,); Addlestone Model Shop (kits, RC, trains, etc,); and a bit further out; Roxley Models at Gt Bookham and Alton Model Centre, Alton (both for model railways).
With respect, 3 of those (the actual railway shops) are all outside the M25, which is probably stretching the definition of "Central London". Alton is over an hour by train, which means you could include large swathes of the Midlands as closer ;)
Nope, 4D and Addlestone MS are both inside the M25. The other two I did say were further out.
Ah ok, Addledtone is within a mile of the M25, point still stands, I doubt they'd consider themselves Central London. I agree that 4D is Central, and great for styrene, trees etc, but just managing expectations that it isn't a model railway shop per se.
Beatties of Southgate were well established before they opened in Holborn (and didn't they take over the Bassett-Lowke shop that was there before, at 112 High Holborn), and I think Bold & Burrows Ltd. had a shop in Mill Hill as well as in St Albans in the 60's.
There's Invicta in Sidcup. It's not central London but it's only about 30 mins from Charing Cross and within travel fare zone 5. It's a nice little shop and well worth a visit if you can get out of town for a couple of hours. Just be sure to check opening times before you make the journey.
https://www.invictamodelrail.com/ (https://www.invictamodelrail.com/)
Many thanks - I remember Beatties from my youth, when I lived in London.
By the sound of it, I need a time machine more than an Oyster Card!
The last shop selling model railways in any sensible way in genuine central London was Ian Allan in Waterloo, but sadly that also closed last year
Quote from: ntpntpntp on July 06, 2022, 11:39:49 AM
I use to pop in to Wheels of Steel behind Grays Antiques, picked up a few fair priced second hand bits and pieces from there.
Also went 18 months - 2 years ago
Quote from: Foonting on July 06, 2022, 09:11:13 AM
I can't see any way of reversing this trend now - at least without major reform to business rates, perhaps in part funded by fair taxation of internet retail giants like Amazon!
This is definitely a 'British problem' I was in France recently and most French towns still have quite a few 'niche' type high street shops that must have a low footfall due to the demography of France, but they are still open and functioning.
Gordon reminds us of the Ian Allan shop. I used to look in there during my 6 years working at the General Offices on Waterloo Station. Very rarely found its limited model range much help. Books and magazines a treasure trove. Adam Warr had mentioned Hadley Hobbies. I had found that when I worked for 2 years at the BR Property Board HQ at 274 Bishopsgate.
To OP
I feel your pain....hate shopping with my girls but......
Just enjoy the day with your daughter and missus !
You can go model shopping any day of the week !
Medal to be awarded later ........ :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Quote from: Portpatrick on July 07, 2022, 09:00:21 AM
Gordon reminds us of the Ian Allan shop. I used to look in there during my 6 years working at the General Offices on Waterloo Station. Very rarely found its limited model range much help. Books and magazines a treasure trove. Adam Warr had mentioned Hadley Hobbies. I had found that when I worked for 2 years at the BR Property Board HQ at 274 Bishopsgate.
I agree the range of rolling stock items was limited but at least they sold paint, glue, PECO N gauge track, scenic items, lighting, kits etc
The best I can now do working near Euston is to occasionally get paints and brushes from the Wargaming shop in Tottenham Court Road.
Whilst on this subject, it is worth warning that the so called 'updated' information on UK Model shops about the 'model railway department' of Hamleys is, essentially, a little bit, let's politely say... 'rose tinted'
Hi All
Addlestone Models is only a 15 minute drive for me, it is a very well stocked shop for N gauge, prices are actually OK (usual 15% off Farish). As the box shifters are no longer cheap anymore, I don't see them being an option unless they are dumping hard to move stock. I have all the stock I need, so generally just buy paint and bits from Addlestone.
https://addlestone-models.co.uk/
I remember in the early 70's "chuffs" at Marylebone. That was one WEIRD shop.
Today on my rare trips to the UK I still try and visit JANES at Tooting. The shop is just outside TOOTING Overground station.
Please be advised that Janes Trains at Tooting is closed on weekdays from 01 August to 14 August, but will be open on Saturdays between those dates.
Normal opening hours will apply again after 14 August - see http://www.janestrains.co.uk/index.html (http://www.janestrains.co.uk/index.html)
Best wishes, Tfc49
Quote from: Jerry Howlett on August 01, 2022, 09:42:49 AM
I remember in the early 70's "chuffs" at Marylebone. That was one WEIRD shop.
Today on my rare trips to the UK I still try and visit JANES at Tooting. The shop is just outside TOOTING Overground station.
Thameslink not Overground
Quote from: Gordon on August 02, 2022, 01:14:57 AM
Quote from: Jerry Howlett on August 01, 2022, 09:42:49 AM
I remember in the early 70's "chuffs" at Marylebone. That was one WEIRD shop.
Today on my rare trips to the UK I still try and visit JANES at Tooting. The shop is just outside TOOTING Overground station.
Thameslink not Overground
I have given up trying to track the name of Train operating companies. Its Tooting overground as opposed to the Underground Station at Tooting Broadway. I even "worked there" back in the days of the original Thameslink.
Quote from: Jerry Howlett on August 02, 2022, 11:40:25 AM
Quote from: Gordon on August 02, 2022, 01:14:57 AM
Quote from: Jerry Howlett on August 01, 2022, 09:42:49 AM
I remember in the early 70's "chuffs" at Marylebone. That was one WEIRD shop.
Today on my rare trips to the UK I still try and visit JANES at Tooting. The shop is just outside TOOTING Overground station.
Thameslink not Overground
I have given up trying to track the name of Train operating companies. Its Tooting overground as opposed to the Underground Station at Tooting Broadway. I even "worked there" back in the days of the original Thameslink.
Yes, I think perfectly clear what you meant, and probably a clearer distinction than saying Thameslink, but some wonderful pedantry there!
I've never been to Jane's I must say. I cycle within 200m of it on the way home from work, must stop in some time!
Quote from: Tfc49 on August 01, 2022, 10:40:28 AM
Please be advised that Janes Trains at Tooting is closed on weekdays from 01 August to 14 August, but will be open on Saturdays between those dates.
Normal opening hours will apply again after 14 August - see http://www.janestrains.co.uk/index.html (http://www.janestrains.co.uk/index.html)
Best wishes, Tfc49
And you wonder why the so called traditional model shop is disappearing, effectively closes for 2 weeks and even in normal trading they are open just 4 days a week and only in the afternoon. No way to run a retail business. I tried to visit Janes Trains a while back when I was in the area, and guess what, they were closed. The aforementioned Addlestone Models is open 7 days a week and always has customers when I visit.
It's a bit of a vicious cycle I guess. I presume it's family owned/run. Presumably they want some time off, but don't have staff to cover midweek. To take on staff would increase overheads substantially. Having never set foot in the place I wouldn't be surprised if some weekdays they don't sell anything of note, so taking on staff becomes a significant overhead. One presumes it'll go when the owners retire, much like Morris Models down on the south coast.
Just to update this as the OP. I ended up going to the Northfield shop, an easy tube ride, and found the owner very helpful, although the shop itself reminded me of the Discworld Library (GNU Pterry....) and it wasn't really possible to get more than one customer inside at a time!
I got a (presumably) scratchbuilt LMS breakdown train, which is sadly missing on my layout and was pleasantly surprised by the suggestion to offer a fair price - 75 squid seemed very fair!
Cash only, but fortunately there was a money machine a few yards away.