Topic: What would make you use a UK Model Shop?

Another +1 for Model and Hobby World, Lancaster. Run by Andy, well stocked for anything RC. Always happy to order bits in for you (even if its only pennies) to finish your latest project. 

Of course you get the mickey taken out of you, while he empties your pockets but you do get a free coffee to num the blow.

http://www.lancastermodelshop.co.uk/

Also use GiantCod, HobbyKing etc for there outstanding prices.

Just wondering what peoples reasons are for using UK based model shops rather than use ones from abroad?

No names please, just reasons.

Also what could the UK trade do to improve the service it provides?

I think we all know that the prices from abroad are sometimes cheaper but is that all it takes?

Which bit of NO NAMES PLEASE do you not understand?

This was not meant to be a free advert for different model shops but an attempt to let the model trade know how best to servo it's customers.

"let the model trade know how best to servo it's customers."
Is that where the all the LMS customers become automata robots at the control of the shop owner? 

Cant see the problem in a pat on the back for those shops who go the extra mile?

Can't really see the point to this thread, most of us do use UK models shops, many, I'm sure, use their LMS, I bet it is a very small minority that exclusively buy overseas. 

It's interesting nevertheless to see the perceptions about distance and quality of stock from people who live in differently populated areas.

Whereas to some a 50 mile round trip for a shop which doesn't always have exactly what is wanted is too far, I need to travel a 250 mile round trip for a shop which has something which will do the job.

Note to fellow modellers - don't move north of the M8 if you wish to have a model shop you could dub "local"... 

It's interesting nevertheless to see the perceptions about distance and quality of stock from people who live in differently populated areas.

Whereas to some a 50 mile round trip for a shop which doesn't always have exactly what is wanted is too far, I need to travel a 250 mile round trip for a shop which has something which will do the job.

Note to fellow modellers - don't move north of the M8 if you wish to have a model shop you could dub "local"... 

or a summer! Yes Jamie, the main thing people want from a model shop is STOCK. It is difficult though, in these hard times, to tie up money in stock which may or may not sell. Years ago, the shop would just order stuff in for you, these days anyone can do that themselves if they want.

Indeed and I've just done so myself as it happens, albeit a UK supplier. These days postage is cheaper than even the closest of us can travel to our LMS and back.

Indeed and I've just done so myself as it happens, albeit a UK supplier. These days postage is cheaper than even the closest of us can travel to our LMS and back.

Yes, but a Local Model Shop with stock can see that build or repair back on track in an hour or so whereas the best mail order can do is "next day" - and that isn't always met.
I have 4 so called local model shops within 45 minutes drive.  Two have mostly gone over to static models and model railways but have a few "odds and sods" left over which sometimes help.  One of these will order glow fuel in at a good price if given a couple of days notice.  A third shops changed hands a year or two ago and is still finding its feet.  The final one is part of a well know small chain.  They have all the big stuff and quite a lot of the small stuff - BUT they are often out of basic modelling items for weeks on end and always have the same excuse - "We keep asking for them but HQ won't send them|".  As "HQ" lists them as in stock on their web site this is puzzling to say the least.  It's those small "wanted now" items that get people into model shops and which according to Fred Coulson (named as no longer trading as a model shop) is where they actually make money rather than sell at zero margin!  I still try to use them all but it gets harder .....

I think one of the problems now regarding 'stock' is that there is such a huge range of 'stock' to choose from.

Many people on here seem to think that 'stock' should be 10x6 props, 5% glow fuel, balsa and profilm.

That would be useless to me.  23x8 props, CM-6 spark plugs, high torque servo's etc is what I generally buy.

I do use a model shop, and I guess it helps that it is run by my best mate, but I just ring up and get him to order what I want and then pop over and pick it up when its in stock.

I also try and keep a stock of spares so that if I do brake a big prop, I have another to bolt on etc.

So a quick phone call a week or two in advance with a shopping list avoids dissapointment.

Also I'm, not one for saving every last penny etc.  If for example I planned to go flying on a Sunday and I needed something urgently to be able to fly, then i would ring around on the saturday and travcel the length and bredth of the country in order to get what I want.

How dfo you put a price on a good days flying, ie not work!

CM

YOu're quite right Clive. When I first got into this (and there was a choice of LMS, even in Aberdeenshire!), people tended to build things roughly the same size, using similar methods and operated by fairly similar equipment. Internet shopping didn't exist and the only way you found out about a new product was via magazine or poking around inside a club mate's model.

Folk were generally more content to use whatever the LMS had, so the LMS turned over more of the same stuff which made stocking it worthwhile.

Still, I think most folk recognise this, and when they say "stock", they really mean "the specific stuff I'd want to buy".

Modelling has become very ARTF or cottage industry driven. People buy tiny components from various different manufacturers/suppliers to get their favourite stuff. It would be very difficult for any traditional model shop to stock everything that any given individual would need to complete any model more complex than a basic .40 size trainer or a foamy park flyer.

YOu're quite right Clive. When I first got into this (and there was a choice of LMS, even in Aberdeenshire!), people tended to build things roughly the same size, using similar methods and operated by fairly similar equipment. Internet shopping didn't exist and the only way you found out about a new product was via magazine or poking around inside a club mate's model.

Folk were generally more content to use whatever the LMS had, so the LMS turned over more of the same stuff which made stocking it worthwhile.

Still, I think most folk recognise this, and when they say "stock", they really mean "the specific stuff I'd want to buy".

Modelling has become very ARTF or cottage industry driven. People buy tiny components from various different manufacturers/suppliers to get their favourite stuff. It would be very difficult for any traditional model shop to stock everything that any given individual would need to complete any model more complex than a basic .40 size trainer or a foamy park flyer.

It's undoubtedly difficult, but it can be done, to produce a traditional model shop that does have such things in stock (including those 23x8 props and hi torque servos, gas turbines, multicylinder radial engines, accessories of every imaginable type etc etc). There are shops around the country that do carry stock like that, I've been in them. They tend to be the larger name shops, though not always the largest premises. The one unifying feature that they all share is a very robust mail order side, supported by widespread advertising, hence them being the "name" shops. I guess they have also all embraced the idea of internet ordering and have an efficient mail order system in place. It's the way to survive in an increasingly competitive and probably overall shrinking market. Reliance on just local trade is likely to be the death knell for any specialist shop.

I don't think the "big ticket" items being in stock is relevant to use of your LMS.  If you are spending hundreds of pounds you will do the research and look for best prices etc.  Your LMS can then order what you want if you decide their price is acceptable and then you can collect by arrangement.  When I go to my LMS it's the less price sensitive "need it now" items are what I want to find.  On that very note, I have just returned from a visit to one of the LMS that I mentioned has turned over mainly to railway stuff - I was delighted to find a choice of good quality balsa in stock and came away with a sheet of 1/32nd and another of1/4.  Well done to them (and my build continues in the morning)!

Have 4 shops within 20 miles.
One is a helicoperist specialist.
Two is a car bias shop but he can do a weekly order
Three has a minimal range of fixed wing stuff, amongst other things, but is ok.
Four is fixed wing specialist, is ok, but obviously not got everything.

So I tend to mail order from the UK, usually its one in the Slough area, one in the Frodsham area, and one in the Newton Abbot run by Stan. I tend to rotate my purchases with them.
Most are next day and have what I want, so its sometimes not worth trying the local shop for specific items.
In the summer its the shows. It all depends on the items in question really.
wwl jnr

I never buy anything from anyware - I make it all from raw materials harvested and mined within the boundaries of the estate.

PDR

I never buy anything from anyware - I make it all from raw materials harvested and mined within the boundaries of the estate.

PDR

I make my own pins, can anyone else say that? 

Say it? Easy!

Mean it? Much harder...

PDR

I make my own because they are better than the ones in the model shops.

But do you smelt and roll the steel yourself, or buy it ready-made?

PDR

This is our local model shop proprietor.. I have absolutely no interest in powered models of an aerobatic nature.. 

You pair should really start some new build threads. It would be amusing to see the threads start with mining iron ore and planting balsa and plywood trees... tut 

But balsa is so yesterday - proper modellers fell the trees and bury them to make the coal that the carbon tow is extracted from...

PDR

But balsa is so yesterday - proper modellers fell the trees and bury them to make the coal that the carbon tow is extracted from...

PDR

Waiting for fresh coal! - That's the best excuse for late delivery of the latest project I have ever heard!  Even your lords and masters never tried that one on me!

I think PDR is joshing. I seem to remember him saying something about how wonderful the rx esc combination unit was that he procured for his Ratat2e. Or is he growing, mining, manufacturing, and then selling them to a company he has shares in and then buying them back so that he can occupy every position in the supply chain?

I think PDR is joshing. I seem to remember him saying something about how wonderful the rx esc combination unit was that he procured for his Ratat2e. Or is he growing, mining, manufacturing, and then selling them to a company he has shares in and then buying them back so that he can occupy every position in the supply chain?

You THINK? 

Me? Joshing?

How likely is that?

PDR

Well I wouldn't make a bet on you not joshing. Who is Josh anyway?

Even the most patient model maker would struggle to wait 300 million years for materials....

I struggle to wait a few hours for glue to dry.....

I struggle to wait a few hours for glue to dry.....

That 'll teach you to ensure that the epoxy you mix came from BOTH bottles rather than the same one twice...

 

PDR

That 'll teach you to ensure that the epoxy you mix came from BOTH bottles rather than the same one twice...

 

PDR

have you noticed that the instant you mix some 5 minute epoxy, the phone rings? Weird that....

Who is Josh anyway?

Pip's little brother

PDR

have you noticed that the instant you mix some 5 minute epoxy, the phone rings? Weird that....

Usually someone whom you never hear from other than when you're right in the middle of something which demands speed is on the other end, just wanting to exchange pointless pleasantries.