From specialist DCC equipment and sound to new and pre-owned locomotives, rolling stock, track, scenery and complete layout solutions, there’s a huge amount of expertise available to railway modellers across the UK. We take a look at some of the businesses featured in the latest Masters of Models advertising feature in Rail Express.
Railway modelling really is a hobby for all. It can combine creativity, engineering, history, storytelling and technical know-how, with layouts ranging from a simple first train set to intricately detailed recreations built over many years.
Whatever stage you’ve reached, finding knowledgeable suppliers can make a real difference – whether you need help choosing a locomotive, want to take your first steps into DCC, are searching for a hard-to-find pre-owned model or need the foundations on which to build an entirely new layout.
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Here are some of the model railway specialists featured in the latest Rail Express Masters of Models feature.
Coastal DCC – digital expertise from fellow modellers
For anyone exploring Digital Command Control, Coastal DCC in Ipswich has built its business around a straightforward principle: DCC by modellers, for modellers.
The company specialises in Digital Command Control equipment and offers advice to help customers find the right solution for their particular railway, whether they are converting an existing layout, building a new one or simply trying DCC for the first time.
Its extensive range includes products from manufacturers including Digitrax, ESU, Gaugemaster, Lenz, NCE, Roco, SoundTraxx, Train-O-Matic and Zimo, alongside decoders, accessories and other equipment for digital layouts.
Just as importantly, there is specialist knowledge behind the products. Coastal DCC offers friendly advice, support and installation services, making it a useful destination for modellers who want some guidance rather than simply buying components from a catalogue.
Based at Ipswich Model Railway Centre, Unit 2, 48-52 Tomline Road, Ipswich IP3 8DB, the company also has an online store at www.coastaldcc.co.uk.
AC Models – plenty to discover in Eastleigh
A good model shop is somewhere you can go looking for one particular item and emerge having discovered three other things you didn’t know you needed – and AC Models in Eastleigh offers plenty to browse.
The independent shop stocks products from major manufacturers including Bachmann, Graham Farish, Hornby, Peco, Scalextric and more, catering for a wide range of modelling needs.
Gift vouchers are available, while the shop also promotes its eBay presence for customers who prefer to browse online.
AC Models can be found at 9 High Street, Eastleigh, Hants SO50 5LF, with on-street parking outside the shop.
Find out more at www.acmodelseastleigh.co.uk.
Ron Lines – new, pre-owned and those elusive finds
The pre-owned market is one of the joys of railway modelling. A model that disappeared from manufacturers’ catalogues years ago might still be out there somewhere – and specialist retailers such as Ron Lines can be particularly useful when you’re tracking down something specific.
Based at 342 Shirley Road, Southampton, SO15 3HJ, Ron Lines carries large stocks of pre-owned railways, with many available through its website.
There’s new equipment too, with major brands including Hornby, Bachmann, Graham Farish, Peco, Accurascale, Rapido, EXPO and Gaugemaster represented.
Ron Lines is also keen to hear from anyone with unwanted railway items. Whether it’s a single item or a whole collection, the business says it is always happy to help.
The Southampton shop is open Monday to Saturday, 11am-4pm.
Visit www.ronlines.com.
Model Railway Solutions – start with the foundations
Every great layout needs somewhere to live, and Model Railway Solutions in Poole can help with both the models and the foundations beneath them.
Established in 2010, the business stocks products from many well-known railway modelling brands, while one of its particular specialities is its modular baseboard and helix systems.
That makes it worth investigating if you’re at the beginning of a new layout project and need to turn an idea into something physical before the first length of track goes down.
The company also purchases unwanted railway items or collections, while free on-site parking and gift cards are available.
Model Railway Solutions is based at Unit 1, 10-12 Alder Hills, Poole, Dorset BH12 4AL.
Visit www.modelrailwaysolutions.co.uk.
YouChoos – bringing sound and digital control to life
Digital control has transformed what is possible on a model railway, and YouChoos specialises in DCC sound and associated technology.
Its latest offering includes RailRunner, described as a universal mobile WiFi throttle designed to put control of a digital railway onto a smartphone.
The system supports functions including locomotive control, accessories, track plans and programming, and works with a range of popular digital systems.
For modellers who enjoy combining traditional railway modelling with modern technology, find out more at www.youchoos.co.uk.
Buxton Railworks – a model shop in the heart of the High Peak
For railway modellers in and around Derbyshire, Buxton Railworks offers both new and pre-owned model railways from its shop in Buxton.
The family-run business carries model railways in N, TT:120, OO and O gauge, with customers able to browse in person or order online or by telephone.
Gift vouchers are available, and Buxton Railworks also buys quality second-hand UK-outline stock, including entire collections. The business can also provide layout dismantling where required.
Find Buxton Railworks at 9 Bridge Street, Buxton SK17 6BS, or visit www.buxtonrailworks.com.
Redcar Models & Hobbies – more than just railways
At Redcar Models & Hobbies, railway modelling sits alongside a wider range of model-making interests.
The shop at 130 High Street, Redcar, Cleveland stocks OO gauge model railway products from manufacturers including Bachmann, Hornby, Peco and Gaugemaster, alongside model kits, diecasts and other modelling accessories.
There is also free parking for the first hour nearby.
Find out more at www.redcarmodelsandhobbies.co.uk.
Crafty Hobbies – modelling in South Cumbria
Further west, Crafty Hobbies in Barrow-in-Furness caters for model railway enthusiasts alongside its broader range of craft and dolls’ house products.
Based at 41 Cavendish Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria LA14 1SF, it is another independent specialist retailer serving hobbyists in its local area and beyond.
Find out more at www.craftyhobbies.co.uk.
Supporting the specialists
Online shopping has made model railway products easier to find than ever, but specialist retailers continue to play an important role in the hobby.
For beginners, they can provide the advice that turns a box of unfamiliar products into the beginnings of a working railway. For experienced modellers, specialist knowledge can help solve technical problems or uncover precisely the locomotive, decoder, accessory or long-discontinued model they’ve been searching for.
Whether you’re starting your first layout, embracing DCC, adding the finishing touches to a long-term project or simply fancy treating yourself to another locomotive, the businesses in Rail Express’s Masters of Models feature are a good place to start.
You can see the full Masters of Models advertising feature in the September issue of Rail Express.
