Good model shops i can visit

[zorba_the_greek]

Hi everyone,

I live in North London Harrow area and i was wondering if anyone knows of any good model shops selling static diecast model cars/bikes i.e. Autoart, minichamps, Kyosho etc..

There use to be a fair few round my way (Harrow model shop & old town models in Windsor etc..) but they all seem to have closed down.

I know there are plenty of online shops i can order from but you can beat seeing them in the flesh or shall i say metal.

After seeing the traders at Autosport with their stalls full of models i really want to get back into collecting.

[zorba_the_greek]

cheers for that will look them up not too far from me.

[zorba_the_greek]

Eric Mc said:

St Martins Models in Aldwych (I think).

Cheers Eric! another one to put on my list to visit. Easy to get to too!

[zorba_the_greek]

Eric Mc said:

Although yhe internet has its uses, there's still nothing to compare with the Alladin's Cave effect of being in a decently stocked model shop.

Local model shops are a dying breed and it would be a pity to see them all go.

Couldn't have put it better myself tbh.

Quite a few websites do not allow returns if you find that the model you ordered is not quite to your liking plus i have been looking on various ebay sales and the P&P is quite simply shocking even though they might have a good choice of models!!!

You may save on the model but you soon pay for it on P&P.

[zorba_the_greek]

hman said:

Just stay away from phil greeno's in rayners lane, rubbish unless you like rc cars, and even then he's an aging poseur.

I know these are a little further afield but theres some model shops in MK centre, and maybe watford (beatties if its still there).

Most model shops are succuming to the internet, i fly RC and have to travel about 30 miles in any direction to get to a decent shop, so if i need something quick then I ring the shop and they mail it to me. Its cheaper that way.

Sad to hear that harrow model shop has gone, on a weekend as a teen I used to go there and then to the cinema just along the parade there. we even used to smoke in the cinema back then!! (until we got chucked out).

Happy Days.

yeah i know only too well to avoid the Phil Green lol

Al's models is good and so is west london model.

Yeah Harrow model shop was amazing back in the day! Pitty it closed down. Alan the the RC/static model dept always gave very good discount. BTW that cinema is now a GOLDS gym lol

[zorba_the_greek]

Eric Mc said:

St Martins Models in Aldwych (I think).

Visited the shop yesterday during my lunch break.

Managed to find a v.nice Kyosho model of a red Ferrari GTO for a friends Bday pressy

Great little shop

[zorba_the_greek]

motormania said:

robzi said:

I would suggest Modelzone, there are loads of shops around and they've all got models in cabinets where you can see them....
Modelzone all the way..

Modelzone.... there in lies the problem.

All part of the mighty model beast in this country

Yeah, im too am not a fan of modelzone.

[zorba_the_greek]

beefcake42 said:

Hannants have (used to have) a mega shop in Colindale near RAF museum... by a hospital IIRC.

http://www.hannants.co.uk/

never heard of them before..... Think they do more Planes the diecast cars

[zorba_the_greek]

Evening all,

Thought it might be worth resurrecting and updating this thread.

Long shot, are there any new model shops worth a visit.

St.Martins in C.london seems to be the only place you can visit and buy static quality diecast models.

Cheers

p.s. Has anyone visited to MOTOLEGENDS in Guildford? They seem to be more like a warehouse but have alot of stock.

Edited by zorba_the_greek on Tuesday 2nd February 09:25