Gone but not forgotten

[Graham456]

Does anyone remember Baileys Dailies in Brislington?

At one point there were two shops, a newsagents and general toy shop (hence the name) and across the road and up Sandy Park, a model shop.

N

Yep I remember Bailies Dailies Models very well, because I workied there for two and a half years in 1979-81 great years with all the new Mainline and Airfix stuff coming out, we had a good stock of bits for kit builders and mow thirty years on I wish I had stocked up on a lot of things you can't get now MW 1001 motors,all the lost wax castings we had in stock Ks Kits, the Newcast Flower kit that I wanted but all ways was out of reach haveing all ready spent half my wages in the shop! Could co on and on , but I will Finnish in saying John Baggot the owner is still with us as I see him some times

[Graham456]

Max Williams of Bristol was always an aladdins cave, I used to badger my parents to take me there, even though it was the other side of town.

Your right about Aladdin's cave he had every thing and knew where it was, but as a school boy my trouble was that unless I knew what I wanted I could never find it , and as I didn't know what was available and who made what back them, I spent hours rummaging but never finding what I wanted as I didn't want to ask for a due fur to fit a thingy, and look dumb it was just information overload

I know the shop was run by his daughter towards the end but I wonder just what happened to the literary tons of bits when it shut down

[Ramrig]

In Derby (depending on your age) We had:

 

Sharratts on Cock Pit Hill. Pet shop down stairs, Model shop upstairs. Closed and demolished when they built the Eagle Centre Market in the early 70's.

 

Sheila Hames on Reginald Street. Probably the smallest model shop you have ever seen!  Closed again about 1977 ish

 

C & B Models on Normanton Road. Top Model shop, opened around 1977, changed hands about 4 years ago when the owner retired and it became a Radio Controlled car and plane shop (recently started to do a bit of railways again)

 

Midemodels on Upperdale Road at the back of a DIY shop (Midequip I Think) long gone since the early 80's

 

Goodere's on Nightingale Road. Again long gone.

 

Trainlines of Derby. At various locations around the city over a period of years. Started at Chester Green, moved to Ashbourne Road and finally at Nottingham Road untill he too retired and moved to North Wales. Loughborough Models are now in the shop.

 

Derby also had Triang/Hornby available at one time at 

 

Ratcliffes Toy Shop on The Spot. 

 

The White House on Babington Lane

 

The Co-op's Toy Department on East Street. 

 

All long gone................................ But left with good memories from my childhood.

[ELTEL]

In the mid to late 70s there was also a radio shop which sold models on the corner of Navigation Street and Stephenson Street and I seem to recall a shop somewhere around Bull Street but I could be mistaken on that in addition to Argylle Models before they became Beatties and Rackhams toy department too.Moving northwards to Wolverhampton there was Fenwicks on Pitt Street - http://www.flickr.com/photos/8050359@N07/1083518092/ (guns and railways ) as well as the shop on Bell Street at the side of the Mander Centre. Modellers Mecca used to be in Albion Parade at Wall Heath (cracking shop), I have forgotten the name of the shop on Bridge Street in Walsall but I think it was the only place where I ever saw a Wrenn Brighton Belle in stock and there was a small shop on Stafford Styreet in Dudley which still had Kitmaster stock in the mid 70s.There's only one name in there which is still with us!

Trust you are feeling better!

 

We must not forget Bagnalls Model Shop in Stafford originally in South Walls Stafford and in later years opposite the Gatehousr Theatre in Stafford.

 

Now long gone, but at least we have a new dedicated Model Railway Shop on Topp Trains Marston Rd Stafford.

 

To add the Bagnalls model shop was nothing to do with Bagnalls Locomotive works which of course was also situated in Stafford as I understand in name only

 

Eltel

[melmerby]

I remember the one in Walsall, used to go there whenever I had a job in the area.

The shop in Navigation St was Horntons.

There was the Model Aerodrome in Birmingham, churchyard end of Cherry St I think. Remember going there to get bits and pieces.

 

Edit - Beaten to it on Horntons

Model Aerodrome also had a shop on the Stratford Road, Camp Hill end., not far from another model shop, opposite Vale Onslow (remember them you Bikers?)

 

Keith

[Derekl]

Your right about Aladdin's cave he had every thing and knew where it was, but as a school boy my trouble was that unless I knew what I wanted I could never find it , and as I didn't know what was available and who made what back them, I spent hours rummaging but never finding what I wanted as I didn't want to ask for a due fur to fit a thingy, and look dumb it was just information overload

I know the shop was run by his daughter towards the end but I wonder just what happened to the literary tons of bits when it shut down

 

All (or most) sold off at ridiculously cheap prices in the weeks up to shut down. I seem to remember "cashing in" on a few items at the time (with some regret, as I would have preferred the shop to stay). The daughter was well-informed and gave me some useful advice on various products now and then.

[Brit70053]

As posted by Simon Hudson in #38, Applegarth's Model Shop in Claypath, Durham was one source of model railways in the city. I remember leaving the shop with a flea in my ear after innocently  asking for a Tri-Ang item, being told in 'no uncertain terms' never to mention "that rubbish" in Mr Applegarth's hearing again. If I recall, he mainly stocked Trix stock which was way beyond my means in those days.

 

Alternative sources of Model Railways in Durham City were Staddons in North Road, who dealt in quality furniture on the first floor of the store and toys and models of all descriptions on the ground floor.

Hornby Dublo, Tri - Ang and latterly Wrenn products were stocked.

 

Finally, near Elvet Bridge was Boydells, which was primarily a toy store who stocked Tri-Ang, then Tri- Ang Hornby model railways.

 

I believe all three of these stores had closed by the late 1970s, due to proprietor's retirement in the first two cases, but I think, sadly due to economic over commitment in the case of the latter, who took on one of the two Beatties premesis (Eldon Square Newcastle) and were unable to make a go of it.

 

Most memorably in Newcastle was 'The Model Shop' originally located on Blenheim Street before re development enforced a move to Marlborough Crescent. I loved going 'Upstairs to the trains' in the original store which was  treasure house of RTR, kits and small parts. Sadly the re located store closed sometime in the last 3 years or so.

 

For too short a time, Northumbria Models provided an alternative source of Model railway equipment in Waterloo Street, Newcastle, but it is possibly 20 years since they closed their doors for the last time.

 

Regards,

 

              John

 

Edited for typos

Edited March 28, 2013 by Brit70053

[simon hudson]

I forgot about Northumbria Models and I new Chris very well (we were both members of Birtley Model railway Engineers club)originally he started at Forest Hall then moved into the city centre.There was also another shop in Sunderland I think called the "Railway king"? There was also Chippy's models more boats and planes but when he closed he had a good few Airfix railway kits I ended up buying about 15 Airfix brake vans as I was buying them he kept dropping the price I got some bargains that day without even haggling!!

Edited March 28, 2013 by simon hudson

[andytrains]

I forgot about Northumbria Models and I new Chris very well (we were both members of Birtley Model railway Engineers club)originally he started at Forest Hall then moved into the city centre.There was also another shop in Sunderland I think called the "Railway king"? There was also Chippy's models more boats and planes but when he closed he had a good few Airfix railway kits I ended up buying about 15 Airfix brake vans as I was buying them he kept dropping the price I got some bargains that day without even haggling!!

That's when the shop owner was allowed to sell stuff off cheap, just to realise some cash.

I had a similar experience with Hadley Hobbies in Middlesex Street, City of London, I got some bargains.

I hadn't long moved to the smoke from Birmingham, so was discovering the model shops in London.

I just managed to visit these, then they were gone:-

Kings Cross Model shop.

Hadley Hobbies.

Victors, London N1.

BEC Models at Tooting Bec.

Puffers, Kenton. (Now in Pickering).

W&H, New Cavendish Street.

There was also an excellent 2nd hand model railway shop in Green Lanes, Ilford, but I cannot remembers its name.

There must be loads of others that I missed.

[neal]

Yep I remember Bailies Dailies Models very well, because I workied there for two and a half years in 1979-81 great years with all the new Mainline and Airfix stuff coming out, we had a good stock of bits for kit builders and mow thirty years on I wish I had stocked up on a lot of things you can't get now MW 1001 motors,all the lost wax castings we had in stock Ks Kits, the Newcast Flower kit that I wanted but all ways was out of reach haveing all ready spent half my wages in the shop! Could co on and on , but I will Finnish in saying John Baggot the owner is still with us as I see him some times

Wow, it's a small world.

 

I remember they had a fire at one point, and I bought a smoke damaged Airfix Dakota from them.

 

Good to know the owner is still around, he always reminded me of Mickey Rooney. Nice chap and a friend of my Grandfather.

 

N

[Rob F]

During my teenage years in the mid 80s my regular haunt was Arkwright Models on Gordon Road in West Bridgford, Nottingham run by Peter Gurd. He could usually be found in the dark recesses at the back of shop hidden in a fug of cigar smoke. I think he still trades at swapmeets and the like.

 

He was responsible for my dual powered Lima HST with a Zero1 chip in each end.

 

Rob

[andyram]

In Derby (depending on your age) We had:

 

Sharratts on Cock Pit Hill. Pet shop down stairs, Model shop upstairs. Closed and demolished when they built the Eagle Centre Market in the early 70's.

 

Sheila Hames on Reginald Street. Probably the smallest model shop you have ever seen!  Closed again about 1977 ish

 

C & B Models on Normanton Road. Top Model shop, opened around 1977, changed hands about 4 years ago when the owner retired and it became a Radio Controlled car and plane shop (recently started to do a bit of railways again)

 

Midemodels on Upperdale Road at the back of a DIY shop (Midequip I Think) long gone since the early 80's

 

Goodere's on Nightingale Road. Again long gone.

 

Trainlines of Derby. At various locations around the city over a period of years. Started at Chester Green, moved to Ashbourne Road and finally at Nottingham Road untill he too retired and moved to North Wales. Loughborough Models are now in the shop.

 

Derby also had Triang/Hornby available at one time at 

 

Ratcliffes Toy Shop on The Spot. 

 

The White House on Babington Lane

 

The Co-op's Toy Department on East Street. 

 

All long gone................................ But left with good memories from my childhood.

 

 My goodness there are a few names even from my younger past!

Still miss C and B models. I used to spend a fortune in there. The new version of the shop is nowhere near as good.

Trainlines seemed to have a bigger selection of model railways than Loughborough Model Centre do now.

And "Midequip"! Now there is one from my childhood. It certainly lasted until at least 1984/85. I remember going in there as a young lad to spend my birthday money on a Palitoy "Leander" after being desperate for a model ever since I saw the real thing at Butterley in December 1983!

[Allegheny1600]

In Derby (depending on your age) We had:

 

Sharratts on Cock Pit Hill. Pet shop down stairs, Model shop upstairs. Closed and demolished when they built the Eagle Centre Market in the early 70's.

 

Sheila Hames on Reginald Street. Probably the smallest model shop you have ever seen!  Closed again about 1977 ish

 

C & B Models on Normanton Road. Top Model shop, opened around 1977, changed hands about 4 years ago when the owner retired and it became a Radio Controlled car and plane shop (recently started to do a bit of railways again)

 

Midemodels on Upperdale Road at the back of a DIY shop (Midequip I Think) long gone since the early 80's

 

Goodere's on Nightingale Road. Again long gone.

 

Trainlines of Derby. At various locations around the city over a period of years. Started at Chester Green, moved to Ashbourne Road and finally at Nottingham Road untill he too retired and moved to North Wales. Loughborough Models are now in the shop.

 

Derby also had Triang/Hornby available at one time at 

 

Ratcliffes Toy Shop on The Spot. 

 

The White House on Babington Lane

 

The Co-op's Toy Department on East Street. 

 

All long gone................................ But left with good memories from my childhood.

Thanks for the memory jog!

I'd forgotten the name of "Midequip" - that's where I bought my first ever new loco, Hornby's "D1062 Western Courier" back in 1979! A replacement for this is currently on order with the WLA!

Anyway, in addition to the comprehensive list you made, I can recall the 'Post Office' in Park Farms, Allestree selling model railways amongst many other items and a tiny shop on Ashbourne Road just by the intersection with Uttoxeter Old Road. This may have only lasted a year or two, I remember when I went in it was mainly just old "Railway Modellers" for sale!?!

Cheers,

John E.

[steve22]

Trying to get Brit's Quote above my posting... 

 

Beatties took over Boydells in Eldon Square, Newcastle around 1983 or 1984.  Beatties Head Office renamed it 'Leisureworld', rather than 'Beatties'.  I left Beatties in Pilgrim Street, Newcastle in 1988 and sometime later (maybe around 1995) on a visit to the North East I went into Leisureworld when it had relocated to the large Metro Centre complex between Dunston and Blaydon.  

 

My hometown, Shrewsbury, was home to Hobby Specialists, 27, Wyle Cop.  Mr. and Mrs Smith and their son held a considerable amount of stock in that small shop.  A very sad day when that closed.  I still have my H&M Duette, working faithfully since 1968 and my Trix Scotsman, a Christmas present 1968, arrived June 1969 with one pair of drivers ever so slightly out of gauge and never to this day a good runner.

 

Incidentally, I recall Britannia class 70053 on Shrewsbury shed, around 1967 (?) shorn of nameplates, valves blowing off and standing at the entrance to the sheds by the old signal box.  I remember giving it a last look back from the nearby 'bus stop before heading home.  I would be twelve or thirteen at the time.

 

I believe all three of these stores had closed by the late 1970s, due to proprietor's retirement in the first two cases, but I think, sadly due to economic over commitment in the case of the latter, who took on one of the two Beatties premesis (Eldon Square Newcastle) and were unable to make a go of it.

[Porcy Mane]

Applegarths in Durham   the next year it was the Trix A2  Applegarths again.

Applegarths. Can't remember them. Was that the Model shop at the bottom of Claypath that closed in the early seventies?

RH is asking did you ever get the mods to that Trix A2 finished?

 

Porcy

[New Haven Neil]

Porcy, don't forget Blackies, or officially the Laygate Model Shop, New Green Street, South Shields.  The basement was the first home of the South Shields MRS, now the A19 MRC.

[RANGERS]

During my teenage years in the mid 80s my regular haunt was Arkwright Models on Gordon Road in West Bridgford, Nottingham run by Peter Gurd. He could usually be found in the dark recesses at the back of shop hidden in a fug of cigar smoke. I think he still trades at swapmeets and the like.

He was responsible for my dual powered Lima HST with a Zero1 chip in each end.

Rob

I remember this place well. I found a stash of Airfix mineral wagon kits there in the eighties when they were like rockin horse manure.

[simon hudson]

Applegarths. Can't remember them. Was that the Model shop at the bottom of Claypath that closed in the early seventies?

RH is asking did you ever get the mods to that Trix A2 finished?

 

Porcy

Applegarths was on Claypath in Durham he stocked allsorts.and yes the Trix A2 was fitted with double chimmney and renamed Bronzino has an early DJH chassis with portescap motor.One of Dave Dunns mates (Larry? the fireman) painted it and lined it for me

[Porcy Mane]

Applegarths was on Claypath in Durham he stocked allsorts.and yes the Trix A2 was fitted with double chimmney and renamed Bronzino has an early DJH chassis with portescap motor.One of Dave Dunns mates (Larry? the fireman) painted it and lined it for me

I'm with it now. Bought my first Railway Modeller in there. Paul Moore could have been the painter? but he worked in telecoms.

Rick sez, it's a long travel from North Wales to get to Calverts every day!

 

P

[Porcy Mane]

Porcy, don't forget Blackies, or officially the Laygate Model Shop, New Green Street, South Shields.  The basement was the first home of the South Shields MRS, now the A19 MRC.

I always think of Laygate Models living on. In spirit at least, just across the water at Mr Alexanders house. Some of the casting he sells still has Laygate models branding on it.

 

Must be something about ex Merchant Seamen retiring and opening model shops.

Perhaps the best model shop I ever knew was in Penzance. At the top of Causeway Head. Like Dave Alexander, the proprietor of this model shop was an ex merchant seamen and boy… for such a small shop every inch of shelving was stacked with goodies.

I spent virtually every school holiday in there, and every penny I could scrounge off my parents too.

 

I was about twelve maybe thirteen when the guy showed me difference between 00 and EM track, ERG three link and screw couplings, etc., etc. He set me of on a voyage of railway modelling that still continues.

It was a model shop where after spending a morning down at the station or poking about Ponsandane goods yard I could walk into, explain about a bit of rolling stock I’d just seen and a few seconds later have a kit for that bit of stock in my hands. Brilliant.

The guy eventually retired out to Goldsithney, were he could regularly be seen playing with his garden railway. Shame on me as I can’t remember his name: or that of his shop.

The original Knees in PZ  (When it was on the North side of Market Jew Street) was pretty good but that was used mainly for drooling over Corgi, Dinky and Spot-On stuff.

 

By coincidence I’m just in the process of building an Airfix 16 tonner that was bought in Boydells in Durham (I have a stash) around 1972/3 (ish). Before the Newcastle branch moved into Eldon Square they were in New Bridge Street and like Knees in PZ they were excellent for Corgi and Dinky.

Porcy

[andytrains]

Do Co-op,s count?

My first train set was  from the Co-op in Birmingham City?

[Ramrig]

Adding to the above Derby shops. Does anyone remember Constructeon Models  at 17 Nottingham Road Ripley. They produced an etched brass kit of a Class 14, still found on ebay. I think the business moved to Chapel Street/Butterley Hill. If I remember correctly the business was sold and it became ???? (anyone fill in the details).

Another shop long gone

[great central]

Adding to the above Derby shops. Does anyone remember Constructeon Models  at 17 Nottingham Road Ripley. They produced an etched brass kit of a Class 14, still found on ebay. I think the business moved to Chapel Street/Butterley Hill. If I remember correctly the business was sold and it became ???? (anyone fill in the details).

Another shop long gone

 

Moved to Ilkeston, first on the main street from the market place towards Nottingham, don't know the name sorry. Decent sized double fronted shop as I recall. Then he moved it in house (shop) with, I believe, a relative's electrical and light shop on the street from the market place towards Heanor, which I think had been paved by this time. His name was Eon (geddit?) Bailey.

Made the local TV news when he gave up a 'secure' job in the rag trade to open a model shop! 

[great central]

Another one for Derbyshire, Sydnope Models in Crich. Small lockup shop in what was almost a remote hilltop village. Probably still would be but for the tram museum

Then moved to an industrial unit in Alfreton, did us a superb price on the Peco track and points for Deepcar's fiddle yard, later still moving into a decent sized shop a short distance from the town centre.

Closed suddenly one day, much to the distress of the business partner working in the shop. The other partner, apparently, hadn't been paying the Vatman

Most of the stock went to auction in Eastwood, crying shame to see superb kit built locos under the hammer for less than £20 when bog standard Hornby was fetching up to £50  Unfortunately I was 'between jobs' then myself.

The partner who was in the shop at the time of closure managed to recover to trade as Stevenson carriages and

still does a few of the local swapmeets with bits and pieces.

Edited March 30, 2013 by great central

[simon hudson]

Dave sold me a Mainline J72 in 1980 and it was he that suggested I Join Birtley club.Has he still got the Mutton chop whiskers