Clarks

So sad to see another retailer dissappear. Obviously the big name in model railways along with Hornby, Peco & Bachmann etc to name just a few. Times are indeed hard but the Internet really doesn't help as the profit required for any business to survive just dwindles as customers shop around for the cheapest deal. A very big hole in the industry will be left.

Just a quick heads up for any local modellers. We are hosting an open day this Saturday ( 14th ) 7 layouts will be running including our large Ashburton to Totnes Quay although its not yet finished it is certainly worth viewing in its present form. DCC Concepts will be here with their large demo unit and some good discounts on their products for the day. £3 entry with a refund on any purchase over £5. Brews & pie and pies available. Look forward to seeing new and existing customers between 9.00am - 4.00pm.

Hope this pic uploads ok. Image from MRJ No 94 1997

The Model Train Centre We are open from 9.00am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday. 9.00am - 3.00pm on Saturdays. The shop is located on Every Street, Nelson, Lancs We are allowed 10 customers at a time as we have plenty of room to accommodate social distancing. We kindly ask customers to wear face masks. Our phone lines are open during the same hours ;- 01282 614088. The website address is ;- themodeltraincentre.com Thanks from Antony & Les.

A quick update for anyone interested in the outcome. The " unwanted visitor " attended Blackburn court recently and pleaded guilty. He was fined and had costs awarded against him. So justice prevailed and my thanks go to the Police for a fast and efficient result.

The Model Train Centre is set within a large Hardware shop. We are allowed to be open.

Hi to all RMweb members. If any readers are in close contact with their local Northern model shop please pass the word that we had a shoplifter in our shop today after Graham Farish stock. He entered our shop with the story that a loco ( second hand ) he had bought some weeks ago was faulty and wanted to exchange it for something new. As the shop was not yet open ( 8.50am ) the " customer " (who had entered the shop at exactly the same time as our milkman turned up ) was allowed upstairs to browse for the exchange whilst I spoke to the milkman. A minute or so later, I went upstairs to talk to the "customer", he said he had spotted something but needed to go to a cash machine to enable him to make a purchase. I explained we had a card machine, but he insisted he needed a cash machine. As he started to leave the shop i obviously became suspicious of his actions and noticed bulges in his pockets. To cut a long story short, he had pocketed some newly delivered G Farish loco's. 2 of which i retrieved before he drove off. Other stock was missing on inspection of the counter and a call made to the police. The offender was apprehended near Blackburn where the police found a further loco & 4 coaches in his car. The 50ish male about 5'-9" tall, medium build, greying hair and dressed in work clothes ( painter & decorator ) who stated he came from Morcambe was obviously out to deceive from the outset as the GF steam loco he brought in with him was not supplied by ourselves. If it turns out he is from Morcambe, he is willing to travel. So other shops please be aware and if any shop owner needs further details please e-mail me on les@themodeltraincentre.com Regards Les.

Hornby now stating that they will continue to supply retailers wherever possible. That's great news for our customers with back orders. We are also fully stocked up with Metcalfe Kits thanks to their brilliant service. Thank you Nick !

Bachmann just put a statement out saying they will try to continue supply whilst possible. Thats some good news. Les

Due to the current situation we have now reduced our " opening " hours. We are working between the hours of 9.00am and 3.30pm Monday - Saturday. Orders can be placed by phone 01282 601488 email - les@themodeltraincentre.com our ebay shop or through our website themodeltraincentre.com As we are within a part of Clarks Hardware, the hardware shop is still open so orders can be collected. We have safety precautions in place. Thanks for all your help. Les

Hi everyone, Les here from the Model Train Centre in Nelson. As we are a part of Clarks Hardware, the shop is still open to customers buying essential goods such as Calor gas, keys & locks etc. The Model Train Centre is still trading by mail order ( ring 01282 601488 ) either delivered or collection, our ebay shop, or through our website ;- themodeltraincentre.com Both myself ( les ) and Anthony are here to help with any queries and packing / deliveries for as long as the post office remain open. If you want to contact ourselves by email the address is ;- les@themodeltraincentre.com Thanks Les

Hi Benno, The model shop I first remember as a child was Webster's in Burnley. I think it was on Cannon St, which is no longer there. I used to go into the shop with my sister & mother on a Saturday morning. That store may probably be the reason I opened The Model Train Centre in Nelson. I hope you enjoyed your visit. Les ( The model train centre )

The name of the shop in Nelson is The Model Train Centre. It's above Clarks Hardware on Every Street. It is doing nicely so far, with a lot more planned for the future.

Thanks Nick, I will keep my eyes peeled tomorrow night to see if they return and try to get their names & numbers. As said above, a really unusual sound. I actually thought it was a helicopter hovering above the house.

Quite an interesting and unusual sight passing my house last night and tonight at 7.45pm. Two class 50 ' Hoover's' pulling a rake of coal wagons. Didn't get thier numbers ( I thought one was 50190, but that doesn't exist) but had DC frieght with a grey livery. The sound is the most unusual sound I have heard from a loco.