The Model shop

[barrythornton]

Nice little piece about `old school` model shops, and a quick look at some original old kits. Enjoy
[youtube]t06MnTwR79g[/youtube]

[Twokidsnosleep]

Interesting.
Have a similar old hobby shop in my city passed down to a second generation. It will die when this guy retires.
Video guy needs to switch to decaf coffee..bit hyper for my taste

[barrythornton]

Video guy needs to switch to decaf coffee

I hear ya, but i`ve quite got into some of his history vids, must be an `eccentric Brit` style.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Interesting.
Have a similar old hobby shop in my city passed down to a second generation. It will die when this guy retires.
Video guy needs to switch to decaf coffee..bit hyper for my taste

I had a long talk with my LHS guy on Saturday
He is probably 4 years away from shutting it down, though lease is currently up for renew. Hoping he keeps going a while, cause they could just punt him.
Apparently there is ZERO resale value in trying to sell the business....just cannot find serious buyers
Was an interesting talk

[DRUMS01]

This is an international epidemic for sure. Living in the center of the mid-west (USA); I have seen several really nice hobby shops simply "go away".

There was a really nice one in a town 35 minutes away that took up 1/2 of a large hardware store (4,000 square foot in a store called "Slaters" located in Lancaster, Ohio). Being in business for several decades (three generations), they had everything you wanted for models, radio control aircraft and cars, trains, and any kind of detail, upgrade, paint, or after-market parts. I still remember the large scale RC aircraft of every type hanging from the ceiling. They even sponsored a real nice IPMS hobby club. The biggest thing I see that cannot be replaced is the people, specifically the decades of knowledge. A place where you can get your "hands-on" along with the personal one on one knowledge / experience.

Another privately owned hobby shop was 30 minutes in another direction, called Hobbyland (Reynoldsburg, Ohio). They had the same vast array of product, people, and knowledge. If you needed it, they had it, now G-O-N-E.

Still another one locally here in Newark, Ohio; they had a large selection of plastics but they excelled in RC kits of all type and slot cars. They had three slot car tracks (one was 8 lanes) that took up well over 3500 square feet. They also had a wonderful outside track for RC cars. Yes, they are liquidated as well.

For cost of operation alone, there is no doubt that web stores are here to stay. What I really miss is the personal and knowledgeable attention you got from the local businesses as well as the friends you get to know from the "shops".

I guess this brings me back to ISM. Sure glad this forum is still alive and ticking; I hope to be a part of it for many years to come.....

[Stokesy44]

I'm lucky enough to have a proper model shop about 40 minutes drive from where I live. Its only open at weekends but it stocks a great mix of kits and an excellent paint and products range. Its a proper oasis in the desert as far as old style shops go. The guy who owns it is a lovely fella but I get the feeling he is swimming against the tide as far as long-term viability is concerned.

Whenever I go there I feel compelled to spend money just to support him. Even if I just want supplies I end up getting a kit. The problem is I cant justify adding to my stash now so I'm hesitant to go.

Quite sad really

[digger303]

I'm lucky enough to have a proper model shop about 40 minutes drive from where I live. Its only open at weekends but it stocks a great mix of kits and an excellent paint and products range. Its a proper oasis in the desert as far as old style shops go. The guy who owns it is a lovely fella but I get the feeling he is swimming against the tide as far as long-term viability is concerned.

Whenever I go there I feel compelled to spend money just to support him. Even if I just want supplies I end up getting a kit. The problem is I cant justify adding to my stash now so I'm hesitant to go.

Quite sad really

That's a bad attitude Stokesy....you must feed the stash and revitalize the economy like the rest of us
Else he will never survive, then the manufacturers won't create new exciting kits of obscure subjects then they will close up......You must fight logic and persevere with the STASH.... ...SPEND Stokesy SPEND ...Ya tight wade...SPEND I say like there's no tomorrow !

[barrythornton]

Its only open at weekends

Thats either an ideal for living or a big clue as to what comes next.
I really wish that its a dude in semi retirement who can afford to just open weekends.

[Willem]

I'm lucky enough to have a proper model shop about 40 minutes drive from where I live. Its only open at weekends but it stocks a great mix of kits and an excellent paint and products range. Its a proper oasis in the desert as far as old style shops go. The guy who owns it is a lovely fella but I get the feeling he is swimming against the tide as far as long-term viability is concerned.

Whenever I go there I feel compelled to spend money just to support him. Even if I just want supplies I end up getting a kit. The problem is I cant justify adding to my stash now so I'm hesitant to go.

Quite sad really

Keep meaning to pop in there on a Friday afternoon as it's on the way home from work. Might have to wait until the end of the month though so that the wallet is sufficiently loaded.

[Stokesy44]

I'm lucky enough to have a proper model shop about 40 minutes drive from where I live. Its only open at weekends but it stocks a great mix of kits and an excellent paint and products range. Its a proper oasis in the desert as far as old style shops go. The guy who owns it is a lovely fella but I get the feeling he is swimming against the tide as far as long-term viability is concerned.

Whenever I go there I feel compelled to spend money just to support him. Even if I just want supplies I end up getting a kit. The problem is I cant justify adding to my stash now so I'm hesitant to go.

Quite sad really

Keep meaning to pop in there on a Friday afternoon as it's on the way home from work. Might have to wait until the end of the month though so that the wallet is sufficiently loaded.

Its only open on Saturday and Sunday and Bank Holidays.