N Gauge Forum

General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: brbluewill on November 27, 2011, 10:47:02 PM

Title: shop recommendation
Post by: brbluewill on November 27, 2011, 10:47:02 PM
been a while since i shopped online for model bits and bobs and i am looking to purchase track/points.could you recommend a good online retailer who's mail order is reliable :thumbsup:
Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: davieb on November 27, 2011, 10:55:32 PM
hi will

i have never bought online but according to many you cant beat Hattons

i go to their shop as it is not that far away and always get good service if it's not in the shop but in the warehouse they will post it out to you the same day  :thumbsup:

dave  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: Tank on November 27, 2011, 10:57:27 PM
Yes, Hattons, Rails of Sheffield....lots of them are good and competitive in price as well.
Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: brbluewill on November 27, 2011, 10:59:01 PM
cheers guys :thumbsup:
Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: zwilnik on November 27, 2011, 11:25:29 PM
I'd also recommend Osborn Models. Especially good for limited edition GWR stuff.

Bought from both Hattons and Antics in the past too with no problems.
Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: Lawrence on November 28, 2011, 08:26:13 AM
Alternatively, Macs models are up in Kirrie (bloomin pricey though!)or if you are down Dundee way pop in and see Gus at Invergowrie Model Centre - not a huge stock but always has some stuff in might be worth a call first just to check
Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: cookiescrumble on November 28, 2011, 08:48:01 AM
I've used Hattons and the Kernow Model Centre with no problems whatsoever! I've had mixed experiences with Rails of Sheffield.
Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: Pengi on November 28, 2011, 08:56:42 AM
I've used Kernow, Hattons, Gaugemaster - all are excellent. As I am using Kato Unitrack, I can also recommend the excellent Train Trax (Kato only) and PlazaJapan.
Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: brbluewill on November 28, 2011, 10:30:35 AM
Quote from: Lawrence on November 28, 2011, 08:26:13 AM
Alternatively, Macs models are up in Kirrie (bloomin pricey though!)or if you are down Dundee way pop in and see Gus at Invergowrie Model Centre - not a huge stock but always has some stuff in might be worth a call first just to check

yes i know gus always good for a cuppy and biscuit ;Dbut as you say limited stock :(what is scoonie hobbies in kirkcaldy like these days as i'm often through there for fishing???? now ordered track and point motors and a few extra bits and bobs from hattons  :thumbsup:just don't tell the missus what it costs ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: OwL on November 28, 2011, 10:34:03 AM
Definately Hattons, I have also used the signal box of Rochester, these guys are good and occasionally have good bargains on their site :) :NGF:
Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: Lawrence on November 28, 2011, 10:41:25 AM
Went into scoonie about a year ago (it used to be my local shop back in the days when it was on the corner) and they told me there wasn't much call for N gauge these days!

Too busy with their model boats now I think  ::)
Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: brbluewill on November 28, 2011, 10:51:31 AM
Quote from: Lawrence on November 28, 2011, 10:41:25 AM
Went into scoonie about a year ago (it used to be my local shop back in the days when it was on the corner) and they told me there wasn't much call for N gauge these days!

Too busy with their model boats now I think  ::)

there loss then because i need loads ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: SmileyFace on November 28, 2011, 11:10:17 AM
Has to be Hatton's every time as my first choice supplier. I have ordered many, many items over the years and have always found their delivery time is excellent, often next day. If there is a problem with the item they have always replaced it with no quibble whatsoever and even refund the, (2nd class), postage.

For US 'N' Gauge items, including MicroTrains couplings, Model Junction in Slough is very quick and reliable and they have an excellent website.

SF
Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: Lawrence on November 28, 2011, 11:15:30 AM
Gus usually has plenty of track and points in, and you get some raffle tickets too, not that I have ever won anything  :(
Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: brbluewill on November 28, 2011, 11:36:36 AM
Quote from: Lawrence on November 28, 2011, 11:15:30 AM
Gus usually has plenty of track and points in, and you get some raffle tickets too, not that I have ever won anything  :(
;D ;D ;Dis he still doing that  ;Di never ever won anything either :thumbsdown:
Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: poliss on November 28, 2011, 02:26:08 PM
Model Junction is excellent, as is his after sales service and ££££Vouchers. :-)
Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: brbluewill on November 29, 2011, 06:22:56 PM
big thumbs up to hattons parcel arrived within 24 hrs :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: brbluewill on December 01, 2011, 08:20:20 PM
Quote from: Lawrence on November 28, 2011, 08:26:13 AM
Alternatively, Macs models are up in Kirrie (bloomin pricey though!)or if you are down Dundee way pop in and see Gus at Invergowrie Model Centre - not a huge stock but always has some stuff in might be worth a call first just to check

popped in to see gus today and he managed to dip my wallet ;D ;D shop has never changed ;D ;D
Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: Lawrence on December 01, 2011, 09:23:27 PM
Quote from: gwrwill on December 01, 2011, 08:20:20 PM
Quote from: Lawrence on November 28, 2011, 08:26:13 AM
Alternatively, Macs models are up in Kirrie (bloomin pricey though!)or if you are down Dundee way pop in and see Gus at Invergowrie Model Centre - not a huge stock but always has some stuff in might be worth a call first just to check

popped in to see gus today and he managed to dip my wallet ;D ;D shop has never changed ;D ;D

:smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing:
Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: 4x2 on December 01, 2011, 10:07:37 PM
Right then, Here's my top 9 online retailers... (just through using them myself and in no particular order)

1: Hattons
2: The Signal box
3: Gaugemaster (aka The Engine Shed)
4: Rails of Sheffield
5: Kernows
6: Osbournes
7: Model Junction
8: DCC Supplies
9: plazzajapan (on Ebay)

Why 9 ? Because I couldn't think of a tenth one !

Special Mentions for awesome service from other retailers who i've visited on my travels or mail order...

1: Cheltenham Model centre
2: Union Mills
3: Bath Model centre
4: South Gloucestershire model warehouse (Yate)
5: Bachmann USA (they have every USA spare part available - unlike bachmann UK)
6: East Somerset models
Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: Skyline2uk on December 16, 2012, 05:55:06 PM
Just been trying to access Gloucestershire model warehouse website, and it comes up saying the domain is for sale..

...are they still around? Is the shop still going?

Was thinking of maybe going to visit soon...

Skyline2uk
Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: 4x2 on December 16, 2012, 06:44:47 PM
I was there last week and it was well stocked and fairly busy. Lots of rarer dapol stuff like CCT's and Auto coaches.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: Skyline2uk on December 16, 2012, 06:45:51 PM
Excellent, thanks 4 x 2  :)

Skyline2uk
Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: Agrippa on December 24, 2012, 12:23:50 PM
Osborns pretty good, I've received a parcel within 18 hours, though I always
email to check stock first as they don't show stock level like Hattons.

Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: Tom@Crewe on December 24, 2012, 02:11:29 PM
I always shop around (internet) when I want or need anything and I have found that.......

Waltons models 90% of the time come out on top and are very good in my experience.

http://shop.waltonsmodels.co.uk/index.php (http://shop.waltonsmodels.co.uk/index.php)
Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: simong on December 24, 2012, 05:11:36 PM
Bath Model Centre has closed.  Best I have used on the internet are Hattons, Gaugemaster (free postage over £15)and Rails of Sheffield.  Rails of Sheffield and Hattons have the right price and service.  Unfortunately most others, including Kernow, charge too much.  No good competitive shops in the south west now. 
Title: Re: shop recommendation
Post by: justintime on January 01, 2013, 04:11:27 PM
Although new to the game I have been comparing prices a lot just recently and the signal box seems to be very competitive on some items.  Just bought 25yds of Peco Code 55 Flexi Track (concrete sleepers) for £53 which I think is quite good?