G-BOAF Posted September 29, 2010 Share Posted September 29, 2010 Now seems to be my 'local' although not preferred retailer. Popped in today to buy a Bachmann waggon, and though I'd try their price match policy. 'do you match prices in magazines' 'yes, if its a current magazine and in stock' 'OK, could i have Bachmann XXXXXX, and could you match this price (pointing to an advert in Model rail)' 'oh I'm not sure I can go that low, I'll check with my manager' (it was only £2 less, i.e. equal to postage!) comes back 'sorry, we only match 'Signal Box'.' (they didn't advertise in the magazine copy I had) I did query the fact that signal box was part of modelzone (therefore its not exactly a competator), but they said they couldn't find their prices on the MZ system. So a case of nice in theory but not in practice! Suffice to say I did buy the item, but won't be doing that again! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butler Henderson Posted September 29, 2010 Share Posted September 29, 2010 Is this price match a Holborn branch doing only or available in all Modelzones? Never seen any details of it on their web site or in my local branch. I know another (Leeds) does or did offer 10% discount to model railway club members. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyman7 Posted September 30, 2010 Share Posted September 30, 2010 I've only ever seen the price match in the Holborn shop. I'd sort of ignored it as they are the only model shop left in London so not many people to price match to...interesting that they will apparently match with the Signal Box price (I know they are in common ownership). Whilst the Holborn branch are not particularly competitive on regular prices, the marked down stuff (of which there is always some) is always worth a look. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butler Henderson Posted September 30, 2010 Share Posted September 30, 2010 Cheers, I too find regularly visiting Modelzone useful for any marked out stuff. Also I have found a number of items at less than full price despite any obvious sale - for instance a Oxford hot dog van was nearly a quid less than its full selling price. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny Emily Posted September 30, 2010 Share Posted September 30, 2010 Modelzone Manchester also have a little note in the loco cabinet that they will price match any local price. I've never put it to the test, as the only other retailer that they couldn't argue out of being local is Ian Allen at Piccadilly, and usually they are pricey too.Ian Allen were, however, offering the Ribinson O4 from Bachmann at a price to match Hattons, which Modelzone weren't. But it isn't a loco I'm really in the market for so I didn't put them to the test. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ragtag Posted September 30, 2010 Share Posted September 30, 2010 Modelzone Newcastle will price match any 'local' retailer. No definition on "local" though. The only other retailer in the city centre is Fenwicks who also tend to sell at the RRP. The nearest dedicated railway shop is about 9 miles away - there is in fact another Modelzone closer than that. Might put it to the test sometime just out of interest. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-BOAF Posted March 31, 2011 Author Share Posted March 31, 2011 OK, well, I have to hand it to MZ Holborn. Price matched with Signalbox (on presentation of print outs form their website). They phoned Signalbox to double check price and stock status, and then matched the price. The upshot is that, with Signalbox always being competatively, I've foun the perfect combo of box-shifter prices and city-centre, counter service (i.e. no postage, and inspection of models!)! They were a bit suprised as how signal box could 'do them so cheap'! Just saved over £10 on two Bachmann Mk1s! They also matched a loco for me last week bought for spares (for which they deducted £33!) This said, they are not a 'proper model shop', and this dicatates where major purchases continue to be made! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Lambton58 Posted March 31, 2011 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 31, 2011 I've just had a weird experience in the Milton Keynes branch. I happened to be in town and passing so I thought I'd have a browse. Now it did seem a little odd that there were hardly any 4mm diecast vehicles out - only a few Trackside ones - and I wondered if they'd stopped selling them. To be honest they're never displayed very well and you can spend a good 10-15 min's wading through them. Anyway, there at the back of the shelf was an Oxford Diecast Morris 6. "Nice, I'll have that" I thought. "Sorry sir the Oxfords are off-sale at the moment. We're stocktaking. That one shouldn't have been on the shelf" Somewhat bemused I left, declining the offer to reserve it for later. I can only think that MZ rules are too rigid or their stock control database to inflexible or the staff too lacking in imagination or initiative to make a sale. Will I go back and buy it another time? Maybe,maybe not. Or I might just leave it till my next Hattons order as they sell it £1 (ie 25%!)cheaper. And people wonder why High Street shops struggle. Ralph Lambton58 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Oldddudders Posted March 31, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 31, 2011 OK, well, I have to hand it to MZ Holborn. Price matched with Signalbox (on presentation of print outs form their website). They phoned Signalbox to double check price and stock status, and then matched the price. The upshot is that, with Signalbox always being competatively, I've foun the perfect combo of box-shifter prices and city-centre, counter service (i.e. no postage, and inspection of models!)! They were a bit suprised as how signal box could 'do them so cheap'! Just saved over £10 on two Bachmann Mk1s! They also matched a loco for me last week bought for spares (for which they deducted £33!) This said, they are not a 'proper model shop', and this dicatates where major purchases continue to be made! I suspect that as Signalbox is part of the Modelzone "empire" they are not too fussed when you buy at SB prices but over the counter. I have found the mail-order business to be reliable. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cromptonnut Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 they are the only model shop left in London so not many people to price match to I'm pretty sure The Engine Shed at Leytonstone would disagree with you there - they're most definitely "in London" (zone 3) and in fact just a straightforward trip on the Central Line from Holborn then a 5 minute walk from the tube station. 0208 539 3950 - definitely worth a visit. There's an exhibition across the road from there in May too - http://www.rodingvalleymrg.co.uk/ Norwood Junction Models and Janes Trains at Tooting would also probably disagree that Modelzone are "the only model shop in London" unless you take London to only be zone 1. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plumloco Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 Modelzone Holborn is clearly geared at city boys looking for novel and/or expensive toys, so it isn't a discount store. I had an odd experience when I asked about the lack of Dapol N gauge to be told in no uncertain terms that there was 'no call for it'. This despite a display case full of Farish. Nevertheless, I still go in there to see a new models in the flesh before buying mail order, usually from The Signal Box, whose service is excellent. I presume Modelzone has the same attitude to the boss of Dixons who remarked that people hardly ever buy anything in its Oxford St store, which is now just a showroom for its - and everyone else's - internet operation. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Revolution Mike Posted April 1, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted April 1, 2011 I didn't know MZ Holborn will price match to SB - will have to try that on some Farish stuff! Cheers, Mike Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-BOAF Posted May 26, 2011 Author Share Posted May 26, 2011 Stupidly LOW prices at MZ in Holborn today. An NRM 2004 Scotsman for £75 (with deflectors) Hornby Maunsells (all liveries) for c£21, Gresley LNER TEAKS (in teak, all versions, 2010 issue) for £29.99. Never seen this before. Acocrding to the other side of the counter, Hornby were visiting, asked what was not selling and adjusted the prices accordingly. Hornby own their stock and dicate the prices. Snapped up a teak, would have bought more but other railway commitments at moment! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stewartingram Posted May 26, 2011 Share Posted May 26, 2011 I had an email from Modelzone last week, saying there was a 2-day nationwide sale (Funnily enough I got another this week, seems to be the same sale but unlimited time!). Popped into Holborn on Saturday, picked up a Hornby Clan 72009 for £79.99p thank you very much! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonathan452 Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 'REFURBISHMENT SALE - ALL STOCK MUST GO' (!) Well not quite but selected sectorisation liveried Hornby Class 56's (new model) and Bachmann Class 37's/47's reduced to £49.99. Also the Bachmann/Farish prototype Deltic (one only) reduced to £64.99 - could not resist! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brenn Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 I'm pretty sure The Engine Shed at Leytonstone would disagree with you there - they're most definitely "in London" (zone 3) and in fact just a straightforward trip on the Central Line from Holborn then a 5 minute walk from the tube station. 0208 539 3950 - definitely worth a visit. There's an exhibition across the road from there in May too - http://www.rodingvalleymrg.co.uk/ Norwood Junction Models and Janes Trains at Tooting would also probably disagree that Modelzone are "the only model shop in London" unless you take London to only be zone 1. There is also a model shop in Northfields near Eailing ( 2min walk from tube) which is run by a very friendly guy who will match Hattons/ Rails prices if you wish to order stock from him. I have order quite a lot of locos from him over the last 6 months since finding this shop as I feel it important to support local model shops of any kind as independant model hops are endangered in London. Mike Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stewartingram Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 There is also a model shop in Northfields near Eailing ( 2min walk from tube) which is run by a very friendly guy who will match Hattons/ Rails prices if you wish to order stock from him. I have order quite a lot of locos from him over the last 6 months since finding this shop as I feel it important to support local model shops of any kind as independant model hops are endangered in London. Mike Last time I went to Northfields to visit the shop, it certainly wasn't in its normal place on yhe corner - I thought it had closed down! Has it in fact moved to new premises? Stewart Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-BOAF Posted February 3, 2012 Author Share Posted February 3, 2012 Well, I can't complain. I've just picked up two Bachmann 37s (37428) with change from £100. Incredible. I did have to ask them to test 4 before I found two OK, but they had 6 in stock. Be warned, a couple suffered from the dreaded 'bogie rocking on central axle', hence the extreme testing, but I reckon there are still a couple of good ones left! I will be re-bodying of them into LLB, the other will be respreyed (when I've saved up the cash). What is more amazing is that in 1997 I bought a Lima Royal 47 for £45 from Blunts of Mill Hill, London (wonderful wonderful place, sadly missed), featuring a good livery and glazed (non functioning) light lenses, but pancake drive to 2 axles, traction tyres, and a slice of lead for weight! Now, 15 years later, despite inflation I can purchase a loco with AWD chassis with flywheel drive, lights, opening doors, heavy cast chassis, radio aerial, etched fan grill ..... If livery is not a problem, these bargains are amazing. I can’t imagine the price is much above normal trade prices, nor will we be seeing anything like this soon (come to think of it, nor have we often before – I think Hattons did a DRS 66 for £45 a few years ago) Class 47 Titan still avaialble beloww £50. Accross the river at Ian Allan Waterloo, there was (as of 7 days ago) a Bachmann Kolhapur DCC Sound fitted for £150 if its still there and anyone's interested (no connection) Thanks MZ. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbishop Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 I'm pretty sure The Engine Shed at Leytonstone would disagree with you there - they're most definitely "in London" (zone 3) and in fact just a straightforward trip on the Central Line from Holborn then a 5 minute walk from the tube station. 0208 539 3950 - definitely worth a visit. There's an exhibition across the road from there in May too - http://www.rodingvalleymrg.co.uk/ Norwood Junction Models and Janes Trains at Tooting would also probably disagree that Modelzone are "the only model shop in London" unless you take London to only be zone 1. There won't be a Leytonstone exhibition in 2012. Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhiteRoseRambler Posted February 10, 2013 Share Posted February 10, 2013 Visited the Holborn store on Saturday and enquired about a price match with Signal Box only to be told they don't do that anymore. Head office decision and all that! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-BOAF Posted February 13, 2013 Author Share Posted February 13, 2013 Yes 'tis true. Just had the same message today. Sham as I was about to pre-order about £70 of rolling stock. I will now be going to the cheapest online retailer (either SB or MR-Direct) and forced to pay £4 to Royal Mail, which is very very annoying. Didn't particularly 'like' using them, but the only shop I could access to inpect before purchase. I manage to get non-banana bogie 37s, non crushed cab-corner Evening Star... and others. Note had tried to purchase thee models elsewhere but had had to return about 3 times in each case. Ah well, just means wherever I do shop will be getting more returns, and if its Signal Box, the MZ group will be refunding me multiple lots of postage Either that or Hornby/Bachmann improve their QC standards. Still worth keeping an eye on for eyewatering bargains. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Joseph_Pestell Posted February 14, 2013 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 14, 2013 I had a quick look in there yesterday. Range of available locos and stock in both OO and N pretty disappointing. They had some good prices on coaches though - particularly Hornby Maunsell Brakes. Interesting this as there was concern that Hornby would not build enough brakes to make up typical BR(SR) sets. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom J Posted February 14, 2013 Share Posted February 14, 2013 It always amuses me how the Farish stuff is all hidden away behind the counter. You have to know what it is you want, or have laser sharp eyesight and be able to read the box end labels! Anyone would think you were buying fags, or porn... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dseagull Posted February 14, 2013 Share Posted February 14, 2013 They used to match prices everywhere - I picked up a Hornby 31 in Brighton years ago for about 20 quid less than the price on the label by showing them a (I think) Hereford Model Centre advert in a magazine. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
40F Posted February 15, 2013 Share Posted February 15, 2013 It always amuses me how the Farish stuff is all hidden away behind the counter. You have to know what it is you want, or have laser sharp eyesight and be able to read the box end labels! Anyone would think you were buying fags, or porn... Probably to deter sticky fingers. Most shops keep N gauge behind glass or out of reach Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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