Model Shops

[topgazza]

I have a local model shop in town and they have been there years. Nice couple but the guy who runs it hadn't heard of ICM. So I asked a few more questions and it seem he really specialised in 00 trains. And quite impressive his displays were but he did mention that the cost of locomotives was putting people off and he felt he needed to expand more into models. He does a small selection of Airfix, Revel, Trumpeter but only Revel and Humbrol paints but seems to know his stuff regarding molds and looking out for old tired stock. But hadn't heard of ICM and was a bit unsure about Eduard. I feel he is losing out and the shop has that time worn appearance that I like but I need more confidence that he is up to speed a bit more. But at least he has recognised the need for change and whilst I prefer to support local shops where I can I think my major buys, models etc will be from our friend in SMS. Its important to me to support the good online shops as well.

Like garlic bread it's still the future but there's room for all

[Peter Gillson]

Gary

I too have a local model shop, which has just celebrated its 50th anniversary!

it too has a limited range of makes which is understandable given the limited market but has a reasonable range - it even stock a few of my busts for me. I think what limits him is that being a small retailer there is a limit to the number of distributers he can economically use which in term limits his choice to what they import. His main is The Hobby Company which does not distribute ICM. Perhaps it is the same with your shop?

since i started sculpting I have become a very poor customer of his - buying glue, plastic card and Milliput mainly. But when I did buy kits i would always try him before the WWW, and if I wasn't in a hurry for it I would order through him. My logic is that like all things if you don't use it you lose it and his market is so much smaller than any internet shop. Having said that, I am surprised that he doesn't have any internet presence.

interestingly he has diversified and about half of his shelfspace is taken up with the high end Lego kits which are surprisingly popular.

peter

[Guest]

whilst I prefer to support local shops where I can I think my major buys, models etc will be from our friend in SMS.

The solution, in as far as there is one, is to buy what you can from the local shops and the rest online.

[topgazza]

Peter, I think thats the issue for mine, limited access to distributors. He wanted to stock Tamiya models but the dist told him he had to buy £2k's worth which is ridiculous. His prices are OK and I will try and buy a few models through him so he is supported with SMS still getting a chunk of my business. Its a tough market for retailers in niche area such as modelling. So yes we need to support them where we can as Jakko says. It's a balance for me and as I say stuff he stocks or gets easy I'll get from him. Shame he has a limited supply of paints but I'll work it out

[Peter Gillson]

The solution, in as far as there is one, is to buy what you can from the local shops and the rest online.

Jakko - exactly what I try to do. Also, when in the UK I will always try to find any local model shop in the area and make a point of buying something from them - even if it is only some Milliput, just to try and support them.

[Peter Gillson]

Peter, I think thats the issue for mine, limited access to distributors. He wanted to stock Tamiya models but the dist told him he had to buy £2k's worth which is ridiculous. His prices are OK and I will try and buy a few models through him so he is supported with SMS still getting a chunk of my business. Its a tough market for retailers in niche area such as modelling. So yes we need to support them where we can as Jakko says. It's a balance for me and as I say stuff he stocks or gets easy I'll get from him. Shame he has a limited supply of paints but I'll work it out

Mine only stock Humbrol paints which is a shame because i use Valleyo acrylics. He has told me that he is too small to stock both.

[Ian M]

Our local (new) hobby shop closed after not even a year. Moved to smaller building and has dropped the models! The Next nearest is a 65 km drive away. Makes for rather expensive "I need it NOW" items.
He is mostly trains and RC and the model selection is small, varied and sadly old.
So for as much as I would like to support the "local" shop I am pretty much dependant on SMS and a Danish Shop that has both a proper shop and an excellent web-shop. thus saving me a 242 km round trip!

[wotan]

I must say that we had an enormous model shop in Montreal. More like a model warehouse in fact. They functioned as a shop and they operated a big online sales section. However even they are now closing down. The reality is that online purchasing from around the world, is getting more efficient, cheaper and more comprehensive than any local store can manage. It used to be fun wandering around the local store to see what was new etc. In reality this is just a nostalgic memory that is disappearing fast due to us, the consumer's wish for wider and more specialised purchasing power.

John

[topgazza]

My son has worked in Tokyo and visted on a holiday and tells me the "warehouse" retail outlet is alive and well in Japan. Fairly narrow but long shops crammed floor to ceiling with every model and manufacturer you can think of. Next time he goes he'll be more specific when he looks but he, and my daughter who is involved in Japanese art, tell me the modelling scene in Japan is massive and the choice of retail and online is extensive at least a couple of years ago anyway

[Jack L]

The best model shop I have visited was in Singapore. Apart from everything being 40% off (my suitcase wasn't big enough...had to get creative on the homeward journey) and it offered everything!! Kits of every make and scale, aftermarket parts, all the tools and paints imaginable. I wish I had more of an idea about the extent, I would have gone with a list (Tamiya large scale aircraft most likely). I was excited about another work trip later this year, but that has been canned unfortunately.

Sadly I don't think the UK market warrants such a store.

[AlanG]

I have no idea where my 'local' model shop is. The last one nearest me i knew of was in Inverness and that's now gone to. So i tend to look around online and buy from that. The ones i tend to use more than any are SMS, Hannants and Jadlamracing

[BattleshipBob]

I have one a few miles away, but after he took my money but then could not supply the kit i went nuts. Got a refund after threatening parking a StuG in his shop lol

Otherwise there's Antics in Cardiff city centre, nice blokes but prices can be a tad steep. Otherwise search on the web, often use SMS now

[peterairfix]

The only one I have had been there since the 1960s and has out lived at least four model shops has a small selection mainly airfix but has recently started doing tamiya gives good service anything else I need it's a 20 mile round trip.

[JR]

Think we have one in Peterborough, mostly rail, had a very small one in town, but he had model cars and not much else.
So go to SMS or the evil bay