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The Northants Model Shop |
May 8, 2003 |
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Model shops are curious things. Some are small and select, where people shuffle around
in silence examining each display with great reverence. Others are more
like cavernous grottos with bright lights and shelves wheezing under the weight of inumerable boxes as far as the eye can see. Either way, the fact remains that we've all got one. Of course, they're not really our model shops - we just like to think
of them as ours because we spend so much time in them! At least I do. The fact that my own model shop is less
than 150 paces from my home, door to door, doesn't help matters. It means
the urge to venture out in search of that "must have" tinlet of
paint is a tad stronger than it would be were the shop on the other side
of town. Once I get there I tend to linger far too long - but then there's always
so much to see!
The Northants Model Shop is located in Northampton, a town famous for its
once mighty footwear industry and the ancestral home of Princess Di. The
shop resides on a street about a mile out of town, nestled amidst others
which contrive to form a small terrace. It has a large front window which
- like most other model shops - seems possessed of an almost hypnotic power
over passers-by. It never ceases to amaze me just how many people stop
and gaze through the glass at the display. Even those in a hurry appear
compelled to crane their necks to one side to snatch a glimpse of the latest
kits and trains.
 The
building is one of those tardis-like model shops which, upon first inspection,
appears to occupy no more space than your average box room. It's only once
you've passed through the door that it seems to unfold before
your very eyes. The first thing you notice are the boxes upon boxes of military
models all stacked in neat order according to manufacturer, scale and type.
In the distance I can just make out a large glass cabinet in which an entire
fleet of model railway locomotives are on display. It's also difficult to
ignore the looming presence of the enormous radio controlled aircraft which
is suspended from the ceiling above my head. There's already lots to see
and I've still only got one foot in the door.
The Northants Model Shop was opened in 1962 by Ted Evans. By that time,
Ted had already established himself as one of the most innovative model
makers in the industry. He spent a lifetime designing sailplanes and Wakefield
rubber powered aircraft which were sold throughout the world. He remained
actively involved in the business up until his death in 1971. At this juncture,
the Model Shop passed to his son, Nick, who remains at the helm today.
The shop is now one of the largest retail outlets of its kind in the region.
It carries a large and diverse range of stock which is certain to appeal
to almost every model maker regardless of his chosen pursuit. Military
modellers will find a wide selection on offer from manufacturers including
Dragon, Italieri, Tamiya, Academy and Hasegawa. Collectors of model railways
will be spoilt for choice between perennial favourites, including Hornby,
Bachmann and Lima who can be found alongside the likes of Ratio, Dapol,
Slaters and Metcalfe. There are also a number of specialist kits available
from DCK, Kestrel and Parkside Dundas.
Perhaps because of his father's long association with aviation modelling,
Nick has a keen interest in radio controlled aircraft and other vehicles.
An entire wall of the shop is stacked high with kits from Ripmax, Nichimoco,
Kyosho and ABC. Next to these you will find fully operational rockets from
Estes. The shop also stocks Lasercut boats, steam driven engines from Mamod
and even Brooklite kits. I could go on.
The Northants Model Shop is, in every sense, a model shop - as opposed
to shop which just sells models. Nick's easy-going, friendly demeanour
ensures a very welcome atmosphere. It's easy to step in off the street
and browse the shelves at leisure without feeling obliged to hurry or
make a purchase. What's more, with many years experience under his belt,
Nick has a practical knowledge of everything that surrounds him. The net
result is he always seems to know exactly what you need.
If you're in the area, I recommend that you pay the shop a visit. It's
within easy reach of all major forms of public transport and is almost
guaranteed to reflect a facet of the model making that interests you.
Failing that, the shop has a thriving mail order service - which is only
ever a phone call away!
The Northants Model Shop
203 Wellingborough Road
Northampton
NN1 4EJ
Tel: 01604 631223
Fax: 01604 471018
Web: http://www.modelshop-northants.co.uk
Email: info@modelshop-northants.co.uk
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