Waddells Models, Glasgow

[newbryford]

Found this shop on Bell Street, a few minutes walk from my hotel on Argyle St in Glasgow.

 

Just intending to browse, I ended up walking out with a few bits and pieces for my upcoming DL layout.

 

A quick glance at the "big ticket" items and the prices seemed to be competitive with the larger box shifters.

 

Friendly, knowledgeable staff and well worth a visit if you find yourself in the city.

 

Cheers,

Mick

[Roddy Angus]

I think that this is the rebranded D&F models, following the previous owner's retirement.

 

Roddy

[caradoc]

Sign in the window of Waddell's Models stating shop is closing as from May 20th. Another one bites the dust.

[warren lodge]

Sorry to hear that they are closing,Glasgow in the sixties was well served by some great shops,Glasgow Model Centre,Argyle Model Dockyard,D&F,MacMillans(two shops I believe)MacKays in Paisley,and the shop in Cambridge St(think it was called Glassfords,it was an experience to shop there!I remember a small premises.in St Enoch Square,up several flights of stairs,ModelmastersI think,All a sad memory now

Where will we go now?

Warren Lodge

[RANGERS]

Sorry to hear that they are closing,Glasgow in the sixties was well served by some great shops,Glasgow Model Centre,Argyle Model Dockyard,D&F,MacMillans(two shops I believe)MacKays in Paisley,and the shop in Cambridge St(think it was called Glassfords,it was an experience to shop there!I remember a small premises.in St Enoch Square,up several flights of stairs,ModelmastersI think,All a sad memory now

Where will we go now?

Warren Lodge

Sad news indeed. As a kid in the 70s visiting Glasgow was a real treat, the shops stocked just about everything, not just RTR. The St Enochs shop was SMS Models which moved to Anderston Cross, combined with a newsagents before becoming Modelmasters. The St Enochs place had a lift which modern health and safety inspectors would have kittens if they came across it.

 

Argyle Model Dockyard under the Central Station bridge was a real goldmine, the basement was crammed with all manner of new and used stock, I still have some Ratio kits bought in there in 1977. All these shops seemed to thrive but times change and undoubtedly the way we buy our models has been transformed, ghe very thought of a model shop in Argyle St is almost laughable now.

[pH]

Argyle Model Dockyard under the Central Station bridge was a real goldmine, the basement was crammed with all manner of new and used stock, I still have some Ratio kits bought in there in 1977.

 

Am I showing my age when I say I remember that when it was the Clyde Model Dockyard in the Argyle Arcade?

[Legend]

I remember Scale Models Scotland which was in Wellington Street for a while, ironically just round the corner from Railmail which was a basement shop in St Vincent Street . I think it would have been 1979. We also had Glassfords , which was a bit eccentric but where there was always something of interest and of course Argyle Models. I remember the small shop under the Hielandmans Umbrella best, but it then expanded further along in Argyle St and I think only lasted a few more years.

 

Pastimes in George's Cross and I think there is a place in Patrick, near the library , remain the only model shops in Glasgow .

 

It's always a shame when a model shop closes down.

Edited May 16, 2017 by Legend

[warren lodge]

The model railway dept.at Argyle Model Dockyard was down a flight of stairs,if I can remember correctly,very claustrophobic,and hot,but always plenty to see,happy days!

[luckymucklebackit]

Sign in the window of Waddell's Models stating shop is closing as from May 20th. Another one bites the dust.

 

Although very sorry to hear this I cannot say that I am in any way surprised, I was in the shop a couple of weeks ago and the stock was very low and the guy behind the counter didn't seem the least bit interested when I asked him a couple of questions.

 

Jim

[davefrk]

The model railway dept.at Argyle Model Dockyard was down a flight of stairs,if I can remember correctly,very claustrophobic,and hot,but always plenty to see,happy days!

You should have tried working there.... I did in my youth, Saturdays only thank goodness, one year there then two in the new shop which was modelled on Beatties.

 

Dave.

[Guest eddie reffin]

Although very sorry to hear this I cannot say that I am in any way surprised, I was in the shop a couple of weeks ago and the stock was very low and the guy behind the counter didn't seem the least bit interested when I asked him a couple of questions.

 

Jim

 

That was my experience of being in the shop, shame really as when it was D&F, it was buzzing. I suppose i am lucky up here having access to a decent wee model shop out in Dingwall. Brilliant friendly owners and competitive prices.

[Mad McCann]

My first paid employment was in SMS but it has to be said, I wasn't a rip-roaring success in the post.. !   

 

D.

[Alex TM]

Although very sorry to hear this I cannot say that I am in any way surprised, I was in the shop a couple of weeks ago and the stock was very low and the guy behind the counter didn't seem the least bit interested when I asked him a couple of questions.

 

Jim

Hi again,

 

I have to agree with Jim on this one.

 

As has already been suggested, this shop was in the premises fromerly used by D&F.  Sadly the new business never seemed to carry much in the way of new stock, and the used items were always a bit overpriced.  That said, it is always sad to see a model shop close.

 

If, however, you are in Glagow city centre and are looking for basic modelling tools, acrylic paint, etc then there remain three other sources that immediately spring to mind:

 

Static Games in King Street (specialise in wargamming);

Millers Art Shop in Stockwell Street;

Class Art in Queen Street.

 

Pastimes in Maryhill Road are also worth checking out although neither Ann nor Gordon would describe themselves as modellers; they do, however, carry new Bachmann and Hornby stockas well as a good used range.

 

I have no connection with any of the above businesses other than as a happy customer.

 

Regards,

 

Alex.

[flubrush]

Am I showing my age when I say I remember that when it was the Clyde Model Dockyard in the Argyle Arcade?

 

I probably am showing my age when I note that no-one has mentioned the Caledonian Model Company - originally in Pitt Street but moved onto Argyll Street near Anderson Cross before closing - maybe late 60s/early 70s.

 

Jim.

[vitalspark]

I was just about to mention the Caley!..I believe it was known as 'Caledonia Model Co' 

 

It was the premium specialist model shop in Glasgow and carried all the bits and pieces like motors and gears plus loco Kits like Jamesion and components from Wrenn and other less mainstream suppliers plus they marketed accessories of their own like the  hypodermic

 

oiler..of which I still have!

 

Clyde model dockyard in the Arcade was from memory a great emporium of colour and toys with alongside the extensive range of Hornby and Tri-ang displays cases of  Meccano  Baco building systems and some expensive model boats.

 

It was an impressive place and in the centre of the busy Arcade a huge draw but noir that specialised and the deserved title of best model shop from a railway modellers point of view had to be the Caledonia.

 

I remember it well and it played a big part in stimulating my interests beyond train sets.

 

It was swept away along with the tram tracks when they redeveloped Anderston cross.

 

There was also a toy shop on the north side of Argyle St about midway between Central station and Anderston ..Hobby something?..that specialised in dolls houses but also carried some rtr Hornby and Triang.

 

Memories right enough..jeez am I that old?...(to Davy Franks.. that does not require an answer!) 

 

Dave.

[flubrush]

I was just about to mention the Caley!..I believe it was known as 'Caledonia Model Co' 

 

Sorry - with me modelling the Caledonian that means that there's a tendency for me to include the "n" on the end. :-)

 

And I remember the Argyle Arcade and the Clyde Model Dockyard.   When the family made shopping expeditions from Dumbarton to Argyle Street,  a visit to the Arcade was mandatory,  with lunch in Sloan's restaurant and noses pressed to the glass at the Dockyard at the corner in the Arcade.

 

Back just after the war,  I remember going to Forbes with my father to get model railway parts.   I also think we went to Blackadders to do the same,  although I'm not so sure about that.  I think that Blackadders was primarily a photographic shop and my father was a keen photographer so he could have been following his own interests. :-)

 

Jim.

[luckymucklebackit]

All may not be lost for Glasgow!! - Wildcat Models are reporting "New Lines! Hornby and Bachman Model Trains and Accessories" on their fledgling webside.  Think we all owe the owners a visit to support this venture!

 

Get along to 251 Dumbarton Road Glasgow G11 6AB, it is open seven days a week.

 

Jim

[davefrk]

I was just about to mention the Caley!..I believe it was known as 'Caledonia Model Co'

 

I remember it well and it played a big part in stimulating my interests beyond train sets.

 

It was swept away along with the tram tracks when they redeveloped Anderston cross.

 

There was also a toy shop on the north side of Argyle St about midway between Central station and Anderston ..Hobby something?..that specialised in dolls houses but also carried some rtr Hornby and Triang.

 

Memories right enough..jeez am I that old?...(to Davy Franks.. that does not require an answer!) 

 

Dave.

 

Oh yes it does.... I knew you were older than me but geezo grandad, I'm surprised you can still chew yer meat....

 

Dave.

[Johnsy]

I remember Scale Models Scotland which was in Wellington Street for a while, ironically just round the corner from Railmail which was a basement shop in St Vincent Street . I think it would have been 1979. We also had Glassfords , which was a bit eccentric but where there was always something of interest and of course Argyle Models. I remember the small shop under the Hielandmans Umbrella best, but it then expanded further along in Argyle St and I think only lasted a few more years.

 

Pastimes in George's Cross and I think there is a place in Patrick, near the library , remain the only model shops in Glasgow .

 

It's always a shame when a model shop closes down.

I like the description of Glassfords as "a bit eccentric".  The proprietor seemed to regard customers as an unnecessary distraction to normal business.  From my own experience, if you went in looking for something mainstream (say Humbrol paints or anything made of plastic) you were treated with disdain or downright rudeness: on the occasion however when I asked for a few specific number drills then pulled out my micrometer and proceeded to check the diameters of every one I was treated like a prince among men!

 

The counter was always covered by a collection of weird tools and parts, but you were never allowed time to browse.  I think the owner was into model engineering rather than railway modelling and regarded anything smaller than 7 inch live steam as somewhat inferior.

[vitalspark]

..does that mean I'll be able to retire soon and while away my days casting buffers and the like?..oh joy bring it on.

 

D. 

[davefrk]

..does that mean I'll be able to retire soon and while away my days casting buffers and the like?..oh joy bring it on.

 

D. 

 

 A joy it is not..... Some days.

 

Dave.

[Legend]

All may not be lost for Glasgow!! - Wildcat Models are reporting "New Lines! Hornby and Bachman Model Trains and Accessories" on their fledgling webside.  Think we all owe the owners a visit to support this venture!

 

Get along to 251 Dumbarton Road Glasgow G11 6AB, it is open seven days a week.

 

Jim

Which is a nice wee trip round on the "Clockwork Orange" I think the shop is probably half way between Kelvin Hall and Partick stations . I did pass it in my car on Saturday, but it did appear closed. I will make a visit though. If well stocked they deserve the custom

[Thebigshot]

It's sad days for shops and even worse for me as it's no longer cost effective to even travel to Glasgow as it's now over £4.00 to travel to the shops and it's becoming cheaper for me to get it sent via mail order witch bugs me as I like to get out and about

 

Thanks

Alan

[luckymucklebackit]

Just back from a trip to Dumbarton Road, I found Wildcat Models a nice shop with a very enthusiastic owner, he has limited stocks of locomotives but he will order anything that you require.  Nice stock of paint, plasticard and other accessories.  He is very keen to develop his business but at the same time has the good business sense not to over stretch himself so I will watch with interest and pay regular visits.

 

I heard that the writing was on the wall for Waddell's for a while, he was behind on the rent and his lease was up this month so made the sensible decision to call it a day.

 

Jim

[darrel]

Sad to see the shop closing down I've been going in there since D&F opened and prior to that railmail in Parnie street when David and Irene,were there.

I even got a kitten from D&F!! Irene had a stray cat come into her garden and the cat had kittens.

There is another model shop Scott's Models in St Margaret place near the court. They don't sell model railways though (there was a gentleman's agreement between them and Waddles models. Whether they will now consider stocking model railways remains to be seen) the guy that owns it used to work in Jamisons models in the saltmarket.

The only other two shops as mentioned are pastimes on Maryhill road nearest subway is st George's cross. And wildcat models in Dumbarton road nearest subway or railway station is partick.