Thinking of returning to US modelling

[TravisM]

I gave up modelling the US scene mainly because dealers here in the UK were either retiring or closing up shop and I then had to rely on imported items directly from the US.  I’ve heard on the grapevine that a couple of new dealers have sprung up recently who stock Athearn, Atlas etc, etc.  Does anyone know who they may be as I might be interested in starting again in a small way.

[z4driver]

I've found Mech Models to be really good. They have a reasonable stock and will also pre-order for you.

[298]

It also depends whether you are after specific items, or just something that takes your fancy. 

 

I can't really vouch for shops selling new as I don't really buy new stock, but there is eBay and a US HO sale group in the UK on Facebook. The few specialist shows are good for sales, as are Anoraks Anonymous, and as it stands at the moment the NMRA convention in Derby is still going ahead on the 23rd-25th October.

[Alcanman]

Invicta Models have a good selection of US models. They have a lot of Athearn locos and freight cars at good prices.

 

I've bought a few cars from them and found their service to be good.

 

 

[Gilbert]

Worth keeping an eye on these as well.

 

http://www.contikits.com/US HO.htm

[DanielB]

Ellis Clark is pretty good too.

[AndrewC]

Don't forget that Model Junction is still operating as mail order to clear their stock until the end of Sept. 

Rails of Sheffield stock Rapido. Hatton's and Gaugemaster both have a selection of North American. 

 

[TravisM]

5 hours ago, z4driver said:

I've found Mech Models to be really good. They have a reasonable stock and will also pre-order for you.

I’ve contacted Mech Models and I’ve pre-ordered a couple of items, so off to a good start.  Thanks for all the info guys, much appreciated.

[DanielB]

Mech Models have a really impressive bricks and mortar shop on an industrial estate. I stopped by when I was in the area a long while back, and their selection was vast.

[long island jack]

there this shop as well  http://www.kgrmodels.com/

[z4driver]

On 10/08/2020 at 09:47, Alcanman said:

Invicta Models have a good selection of US models. They have a lot of Athearn locos and freight cars at good prices.

 

I've bought a few cars from them and found their service to be good.

 

 

 

Before ordering from Invicta, just check that they have what you are ordering in stock. Unfortunately one of the owners has passed away recently and his partner has not been able to keep the website up to date. I spoke to her today and she informs me that she is continuing to deal in US items and are expecting a new delivery next week.

 

Lee

[Talltim]

The problem I find is none of the UK stockists ever actually have anything I’m looking for*. Even Rails as the Rapido stockist don't actually carry the freight vehicles I want, just the expensive locos, although of course they will order them in.
As 298 says, it depends if you are looking for specific items or just buying what you fancy.
*honourable exception being Mech Models who had the the Tangent X58 I was after

Edit:: Although KGR do have the Wheels of Time bulkhead flat 

Edited August 11, 2020 by Talltim

[Talltim]

Just had another look at the Mech Models site and it looks like they are expanding hteir range of manufacturers, which is good. every seems to stock the same Walther, Athearn and a bit of Atlas

[Zunnan]

Mech Models is probably my favourite for buying from within the UK with the demise of Model Junction and their slowdown with clearing online. I keep intending on going to the Mech Models shop as its not much over a 30 minute drive away.

 

One thing I do still do from time to time is look at the various American box shifters, it can still sometimes be considerably cheaper to import from the US if you can't find something in the UK, or also from Europe, which is another option...there are a few reasonable US model suppliers in Germany, though I forget which ones they are. The Trainworld bargain bin has proven VERY useful to me in previous the years, and dipping my foot back into US modelling it has again proven a useful supply, as well as Midwest Model RR and Eds Trains for Intermountain stuff. I have also found that buying a (full fat rivet counter) locomotive direct from the likes of Scaletrains is cheaper than buying the same model from a UK retailer, by around £25 once Royal Mail have taken their cut...exchange rates allowing. Small orders can be prohibitive, but sometimes its hard to get more niche items at a good price like detail components from the likes of Details West or Cannon & Co and also decal sheets from a UK retailer. The big one is always to check shipping options, as some places will otherwise ship high priority by default and that can cost upwards of $70 in shipping alone....don't ask me how I found that out!