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Yet another model shop closes it's doors.....

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  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: A secret workshop somewhere in England
Yet another model shop closes it's doors.....
Posted by TANGO 1 on Sunday, June 29, 2003 7:02 PM
I went to visit my friend today. He happens to own what I believe is one of the most magical,inspiring places that I've ever been to. A model shop. A local model shop that has been serving many people in the north west of england for over seven years.

My friend taught me and many others how to use an airbrush, found that elusive kit that can't be found on the 'web, built and displayed his own kits there, as well as letting others do so and always did his very best to help his customers get the most from our hobby. If he did'nt have it-he'd get it. If he could'nt get for you-he'd give the the name and no. of someone who could.
In short, this was a great model shop for a reason-it was run by a modeler who loves our hobby.

Sadly, the cold hard facts of modern economics have stared my friend in the face and he has made his decision. People are not buying models the way they used to and not as many are being sold as they used to. Something has to give. Therefore another model shop goes out of business because of rising overheads and overwhelming competion from internet and mail order giants.

I'm really going to miss The Model Shop, Southport. I have many fond memories of discussing kits and techniques, drooling over that first sneak peek of a new release when the box has just arrived in the shop. I'm going to miss the small community of customers who always had a story to tell, I'm going to miss the laughs and fun I always had there.

Our world will be a poorer place when those doors close for the last time. But don't think of this as a melodramatic obitury. This isn't what this post is about-I wanted to share with you what is going on in our hobby and to give you an idea of what a great shop many of us will miss. Most of all I wanted to pay a tribute with great respect to my friend Phil. He gave us a somewhere special to meet ,to buy our kits and supplies and most of all, he gave us his time.
Thanks Phil, for everything.

Darren.Wink [;)]
Regards, Darren. C.A.G. FAA/USNFAW GB
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 29, 2003 10:05 PM
Amen! This is really becomming a sad state of affairs.

There used to be six hobby shops within 10 miles of my home, four within 5 miles. Now there are only two left.

For the last couple of years, most of us who frequent these shops, have been ordering those special kits and supplies through them. They will order on-line from anyone domestic for us. We pay the same price, even special sale items and never any shipping. It never takes more than a week, and most of the time only 3 working days.

I look forward to visiting these hobby shops and hob-nobbing with my fellow wizards.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL HOBBY SHOP!!!

Pete
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 29, 2003 10:43 PM
I would love to support my local hobby shop.
But unfortunately the guys who own and run the place are big jerks who act like I'm bothering them when I come in there.
I think it has something to do with the fact that I don't wear one of those cute little engineers hats that all the other guys who hang out in there have on.
Anyway, I don't bother them anymore with my inane little plastic purchases. They don't have to worry about me interrupting their important choo choo conversations anymore so that I can hand over my money.
My "local" hobbyshop is right at my fingertips now.
Sad but true.
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Rain USA, Vancouver WA
Posted by tigerman on Sunday, June 29, 2003 11:42 PM
I've supported my local hobby shop for over 25 years. Since then I discovered another shop in my area that has a wide range of models and at times has 50% sales. I have ordered from other sources, but nothing beats being in the shop surrounded by boxes of kits, stacks of books, and piles of painting supplies. The staff is always curtious and knowledgable. Looking at a screen doesn't beat it.

   http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/wing_nut_5o/PANZERJAGERGB.jpg

 Eric 

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: NE Georgia
Posted by Keyworth on Monday, June 30, 2003 12:33 AM
My local shop has been around over 15 years, with second generation management that listens to customer needs and wants. Special orders?- no problem. Carries mostly plastic, but some RC and a few trains. Good bunch of folks to deal with.
"There's no problem that can't be solved with a suitable application of high explosives"
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 30, 2003 10:05 AM
My local hobby shop has my unfettered loyalty. I get five dollars every other week, and it goes straight into their hands ASAP. Any extra money, when I'm not saving it up for something goes to them. I'm starting to wonder if I'm the only reason they're still in business ;)...
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 30, 2003 10:45 AM
Amen Merlin!

My local (about a 45 min drive, if you want to call that local) is one of those "National Chains" If there not too busy talking to each other, they MIGHT help with a question or problem you have.

Alas, I have resorted to buying 99% of my kits online. I think a great many more people are doing the same, just for convenience. I would much rather buy from a person, who owns their own shop and is proud of what they do. Not someone who is just collecting a paycheck behind the counter.

Want to know if you local shop is serious about the hobby? Just ask them if they carry the 1/300 snap-tite Tamiya Titanic kit Wink [;)]

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Medina, Ohio
Posted by wayne baker on Monday, June 30, 2003 11:14 AM
My local shop decided they want to be like the rest of us and have the weekend off. If I want tao look around or buy something, I've got an hour after I get off work, to drive through rush hour to get there. Hello on-line.

 I may get so drunk, I have to crawl home. But dammit, I'll crawl like a Marine.

  • Member since
    December 2002
Posted by garyfo on Monday, June 30, 2003 11:32 AM
Not so long ago, I drew up some real rough business plans to open my own shop.

It's still in the 'dream' stages as the economy blows chunks.

But..ah..to dream...
Gary
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 30, 2003 11:39 AM
merlin -

You're right! Train guys and, let me add, RC guys, are a separate species. For the most part, they couldn't care less about plastic modelers. Sad [:(] For your sake, I think you did the right thing.

As far as the larger chain hobby shops, I guess that all that they are concerned with are those "big ticket" sales. Angry [:(!] Although, before the internet and before they went to catalog sales, there used to be a very large Squadron Shop in my area. They were always very helpful to anyone with any modeling question, no matter how small. They also ran a "how to" clinic on saturday mornings once a month. Smile [:)] Very smart! This undoubtedly led to increased sales of better kits, air brushes, compressors, etc. They also sponsored several local modeling clubs by offering members special discounts and helping with their yearly open contests. Do the large chain shops do this today? I don't think so.

Pete
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 30, 2003 11:59 AM
Yes it's sad when the small privately owned shops shut down -- regardless of what business they are in. With the rising costs of insurance, medical and utilities it's amazing that some of these stores hang on as long as they do.

I had to reply to the last question -- "Do the large chain shops do this today?"

Now from what I understand, some of the HobbyTown stores are independently owned and operated. Not all stores are operated the same way. For example, the owner of the HobbyTown right down the road doesn't participate in the card program for his own reasons (which made sense). Anyways, this store sponsors quite a few events. It rents out another space in the same strip mall (which is not cheap!!) for open gaming and other events. Last week I saw a notice for a series of 4 painting classes later this month.

So...although a store might be part of a huge chain, don't judge all shops because of one shop in the chain. There are a few who do really care about their customers. I would hate to see someone miss out on one of those shops because of a stereotype.
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: Lewisburg , Tenn
Posted by fuzzy on Thursday, July 3, 2003 12:54 AM
TANGO 1,
Sorry to hear that you're losing a great
shop.Folks like that are a true asset to the hobby. I have to
drive an hour to the nearest shop and it's worth it. Nice
people who make you feel welcome,answer questions,
special order and let you look at kits up close.Cool [8D]
merlin,
We used to have a shop that catered
to the serious plastic modeler and model railroader.They
went out of business because of a nasty attitude towards
ALL customers. When I started plastic modeling again I
went to several meetings of the nearest model club. Some people were nice and answered my questions. Other than
that I felt like I wasn't welcome. First time I'd seen these
people and I hadn't done anything to anyone.
Maybe my questions were too basic
or because I didn't have the latest and greatest, who knows.
Would have had a warmer reception on the South Pole.Sure
was a disappointment, started to forget modeling altogether.
But had I done that I would have missed meeting some great people who have helped me with the hobby. Yes some model railroaders are flaming jerks. Some of the finest people I know are model railroaders.They're great people who encourage me to build and learn to improve my skills reguardless of the project ! Thanks guys!
fuzzy
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: A secret workshop somewhere in England
Posted by TANGO 1 on Thursday, July 3, 2003 12:01 PM
Fuzzy & Keyworth-you are both very lucky to have good model shops still nearby, as for the rest of us we will have to endure the big,out-of-town,just don't care or know shops. I don't know about everyone else but I'd rather use the net than go to a shop where I can't look inside the box or get an honest answer to an honest question.

I agree with B.Recon that we should'nt judge all the big chain stores on one bad experience, however I honestly can't think of another shop within 100 miles of my location that could offer the same service that my local shop does. Believe me folks if you have a decent shop near you-support it, before it's too late.........

After my friends place closes, I will be shopping online for my kits & supplies, I hate to do it, but it's easier than driving miles out of town. Okay, it's convinient. But is this really progress? Somehow, I don't think so...................

Thanks.

Darren.
Regards, Darren. C.A.G. FAA/USNFAW GB
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, July 3, 2003 1:42 PM
Thanks Darren.

I do agree that my local Hobbytown is most likely an exception to the norm. Wink [;)]

If you don't have any other hobby stores nearby and a big chain store opens up, at least give it a visit and see if it's an exception or the norm. You'll never know if you don't go. Smile [:)]
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 4, 2003 1:23 AM
Anybody live in the DFW area? I heard that Phil's Hobbies recently closed. Awesome shop. He had practically everything. Only place I saw better was Hannants in England....
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 4, 2003 5:41 PM
im so lucky... my hobby shop is like 20 min walk and the other one is 10 min drive and the other one is 30 min drive... all have great prices
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 4, 2003 5:58 PM
The Edmonton area seems to be severely lacking in decent hobby shops. The one model shop that had a decent supply of kits and a respectable staff closed down this winter (although I scored a King Tiger at 1/2 off). Now I'm stuck between a store that is about as big as a cardboard box with a staff that wont let you leave without buying something, or one that is a general hobby store that seems to ignore the armor modeler, and has prices about 10 dollars higher than at normal stores.Dead [xx(]
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Third rock from the sun.
Posted by Woody on Friday, July 4, 2003 6:09 PM
I wish I had a shop to support. I do have a backwater Hobby Lobby an hour away, so I guess it could be worst. Couldn't it?Tongue [:P]

" I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm's way." --John Paul Jones
  • Member since
    June 2003
Posted by gbarnes on Friday, July 4, 2003 6:43 PM
http://www.finescale.com/fsm/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4696

Build a model, just for the fun of it!
Gerald
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by fussionboy on Monday, July 7, 2003 2:37 PM
The demise of the mom&pop hobby shop is going to be the bain of this hobby, I just read that scale auto is cutting back by 2 issues a year because of money.
When ever I need a place to just veg it's always been the local hobby shop. My wife about fainted when one opened up a mile from my work, man was lunch time looked forward to then, 2 min drive to hobby shop. 2 min drive back left 26 minutes of b.s. ing bliss and plastic looking. great way to loose weight. hobby shop or food hhmmm no choice there, HOBBY SHOP.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 8, 2003 3:27 AM
IT'S A SHAME THAT THE SMALL BUSINESS HOBBY SHOP IS GOING THE WAY OF THE DINOSAUR AND I WISH I COULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT !!!!!!!!! IT JUST
MAKES ME MAD !!!!!!!!! WE SHOULD ALL GET TOGEATHER AND SPREAD THE
WORD ABOUT OUR HOBBY AND GET PEOPLE INTRESTED IN IN OUR
PLIGHT . WE NEED TO HOST MODEL SHOWS & COMPETIONS , OPEN HOUSES
TO INFORM THE PUBLIC AND MAKE THEM AWARE OF HOW REWARDING
AND FUN IT IS . SHOW THEM THE POSITVE AND ARTISTIC ASPECTS OF
OUR ENDEAVOURS AND SHOW THEM IT ISN'T AS HARD AS IT SEEMS
THAT WITH A LITTLE PRACTICE , TRIAL AND ERROR AND BE ARTISTIC
PEOPLE WILL LEARN THAT IT IS NOT AS MUCH AS WHAT YOU PUT INTO
IT AS MUCH AS WHAT YOU GET OUT OF IT IN THE END THATS WHAT
COUNTS MOST. ALSO ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THE PRICE OF MOST KITS
ARE GETTING A LITTLE OUTRAGEOUS .!!!!!! THATS PART OF THE
PROBLEM WHY PEOPLE SHY AWAY FROM OUR HOBBY , THINK ABOUT
THIS A NEWCOMER INTO THE HOBBY GETTING STARTED HE'LL PAY
ABOUT 12 TO 22 DOLLARS ON JUST THE KIT THEN PAINT WILL PAY AT
LEAST 10 TO 20 DOLLARS ON PAINT & THINNER 10 TO 15 DOLLARS ON
BRUSHES AND SANDPAPER &AT LEAST 5 DOLLARS ON GLUE THAT 'S AT
LEAST 60 DOLLARS JUST TO GET STARTED IN THE HOBBY THAT'S ALOT
OF MONEY TO THE AVERAGE PERSON IT'S A SHAME IT REALLY SAD BUT
THATS JUST MY OPINON EVERYBODY
THANK YOU
MICHAEL .









7
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Bicester, England
Posted by KJ200 on Wednesday, July 9, 2003 6:43 AM
It appears that I am lucky in that I have a specialist aviation hobby shop just 2 minutes drive from work , while also enjoying an excellent model shop that also supports my railway modelling habit a 15 minute drive from home. But why oh why do model shops insist on closing on Sundays. Has anyone else noticed that this is often the day you actually get some time to actually get some modelling done! Model shop owners you might be missing a trick here!

As for costs, the price of a kit in the UK is easy to work out, just take the price of the US kit, and substitute a £ sign.! The situation is even worse if you are a railway modeller, where the models are only just the standards US and American modellers have enjoyed for years. By the way I don't wear a hat while railway modelling!

Currently on the bench: AZ Models 1/72 Mig 17PF

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, July 9, 2003 5:54 PM
I remember when I tried to get into RC planes.. It seems that RC shop owners need a full credit reference from you before you even want to walk across their pavement. Over here in Holland I know of 1 modelshop which is 30 minutes away, and one which is part of a toy shop chain. The old guy who works the model department (which is one of the best collections here (Intertoys, Amsterdam center)) is somehow seeing me as a regular now, as he seemed to recognise me after 3 months since my last visit.. Nice of him to remember, but it would be more reassuring for the hobby if he didn't have a clue who I was..
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