593jones Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 That's probably the one that I remember. Looks like it's just Smiths/Modelzone, then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spookytooth Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 I spoke to a supervisor at our local WH Smiths ( Southsea ) and he said that they had been approach by head office to see if it was feasible to fit a Modelzone dept in their store. Simon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albeback52 Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 That is a nice display, though I wonder if having one of the kits in a part made, or made but unpainted, state might generate even more interest? I was a bit surprised to see that cardboard box with a glue tube on display. I haven't used such for years, and was confirmed in this by my sister-in-law who borrowed a "bottle with brush" polyglue for some reason and was ecstatic about how much easier it was than the glue tubes she was used to, when helping her son with his kits (hi Pete, some years ago now!). I find the needle applicators even better, but they should be sold with a piece of household wiring to push down them to keep them clear! I'm surprised that you're surprised by the tube cement Graham! Just goes to show how different we are! I wouldn't be without it. I've never found it difficult to use and, I consider it superior in some respects to liquid glue - especially where strength is required. I use BOTH types by the way. As to models in WHS, the only Edinburgh branch I have been in recently was at Fort Kinnaird retail park. No models of any description and, the shop itself seems to be half the size it used to be!! . Unimpressed but, none of the Edinburgh branches are all that big and, none of them are central . Allan Allan 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roymattblack Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Still..... Ipswich has nothing. Roy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanSAR95 Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Modelzone at WHMZ metrocentre has been doing great, at least in the model kits as i talk everytime I visit with the staff about how their doing. I had noticed they've got some zvezda airliners in now. They are also gonna get the new airfix kits in when there released. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MPaul Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 I was quite impressed also when I visited there too Dan. Had a good selection, Italeria, Airfix, Revell, even a Ghostbusters Ecto 1 (AMT?). Good selection of paints too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jabba Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 Does anyone know if the number of outlets in W H Smiths is to be increased at all? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spruecutter96 Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 Jabba.... I suspect the answer to your query is "probably not".... but this is simply an educated guess on my part. Cheers. Chris. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skodadriver Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 Finally made it into Glasgow Sauchiehall Street yesterday. I wasn't greatly impressed and apart from the prime location it certainly isn't a serious rival to Ian Jamieson (may the gods preserve him). I'm not knowledgeable about die cast cars or model railways but my impression is that Model Zone are trying to have something of everything on display in a fairly limited space and not really catering in depth for the specialist in any modelling discipline. As an airliner enthusiast all I could see was a rather forlorn looking Zvezda 748 and a Revell Lufthansa 744. Sorry MZ but I won't be back anytime soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBOHMSS Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 Went to the Croydon Smiths yesterday, after going into the old Allders (the residue of the Model Zone receivership resides down there with some cheap kits but kits that no one really wants - hence why they were not snapped up in Model Zone). I spent about three minutes in Model Zone in Smiths - I think the title Joke Shop is very apt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arpie Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 Have to say I disagree with you JBOHMSS the MZ in Croydon Smiths is pretty good. They have done a lot with the limited space on offer. The range of kits is good and vitally is constantly rotated, every time I go in there is something new. So far I have purchased the new Airfix Harrier, Warrior & Lightning, the new Revell White Knight/Spaceship 2 and the latest issue of the Zvezda 787. Thanks to Smiths constantly running £5 off next shop or 20% off promotions on everything in store these include MZ so I've been able to get many at a price cheaper then online. They stock a full range of Humbrol and most of the ModelCraft tools and even some plasticard, which means that you can still pick up consumables if you run out mid build without having to wait for delivery online. Considering that HobbyCraft have pretty much stopped selling models (the Croydon branch has had no new stock since mid last year of paint or kit) there is no where else to get new releases. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanSAR95 Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 Have to say I disagree with you JBOHMSS the MZ in Croydon Smiths is pretty good. They have done a lot with the limited space on offer. The range of kits is good and vitally is constantly rotated, every time I go in there is something new. So far I have purchased the new Airfix Harrier, Warrior & Lightning, the new Revell White Knight/Spaceship 2 and the latest issue of the Zvezda 787. Thanks to Smiths constantly running £5 off next shop or 20% off promotions on everything in store these include MZ so I've been able to get many at a price cheaper then online. They stock a full range of Humbrol and most of the ModelCraft tools and even some plasticard, which means that you can still pick up consumables if you run out mid build without having to wait for delivery online. Considering that HobbyCraft have pretty much stopped selling models (the Croydon branch has had no new stock since mid last year of paint or kit) there is no where else to get new releases. I'm sure hobbycraft have no intentions to stop selling models. Whenever I'm in the model section always has people browsing it. They seem to sell well too. Regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Batt Posted March 22, 2014 Share Posted March 22, 2014 This is all academic to me as I don't believe there's a WHS with MZ west of Reading, or possibly Bristol. However, I don't think the situation will be helped by anyone who just goes to see how the local MZ is doing without actually buying anything. They're a shop, after all, and if there're no sales they'll wind it up. I'd never buy something I'd not want, nor would I spend a tenner over the odds, but paying fifty pee or a quid over what I might do elsewhere is not unacceptable just to improve the chances of MZ sticking around (and that would apply to any other high street model shop I might find as well). Just a thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBOHMSS Posted March 23, 2014 Share Posted March 23, 2014 When MZ extend their range from just Airfix, Revell, Tamiya and a tiny bit of Italeri then maybe I'll buy something...no Dragon, no Trumpeter and on and on...I bought my latest from LSA at Hornchurch because he has new releases and better choice. Croydon Smith's MZ is quite poor. But then maybe I have high expectations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackKennedy91 Posted March 23, 2014 Share Posted March 23, 2014 I went in to the one Cardiff, and their range has grown more Italeri kits and more range in Revell and Airfix kits. They do have only a limited amount of space and are trying to cater to everyone so they are doing a reasonable job. I'm new to the model building world and I found the knowledge of some of the staff was very helpful. One bad point they have got rid of my favourite member of their team. I've also heard on the old grape vine that they are looking into expanding the number of stores, I've heard about Swansea and Bristol but another 30 stores as well. So its looking good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silver Fox Posted March 23, 2014 Share Posted March 23, 2014 The one in Meadowhall is ok, decent stock and lots of basics like glue and all the new Airfix weathering stuff, turns a boring couple of hours hanging around waiting for SWMBO and my little princess to do clothes shopping into a so-so experience. Glad it is there. If they are expanding that is welcome news, maybe they'll get more stock etc. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBOHMSS Posted March 24, 2014 Share Posted March 24, 2014 I think one of the problems is that as many have said on this thread Smiths have limited space...my point would be that if you are going to do a job then do it right. Smiths are a big enough company to fund the Model Zone project and make it right. The Croydon and Kingston stores have small representations of ranges that are over subscribed everywhere else. It appears to be a "that will do" attitude with a sample of this and that. I think it's a shame because it is obvious that Smiths are trying to attract younger folk when the core buyers of models and collectable die cast are adults. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete610 Posted March 24, 2014 Share Posted March 24, 2014 At least you've got/are getting a Modelzone - lost the local big Modelzone in St John's Precinct, Liverpool - have a big shiny new WHSmith on 2 floors - but apparently no room in a corner for MZ...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skodadriver Posted March 24, 2014 Share Posted March 24, 2014 I think one of the problems is that as many have said on this thread Smiths have limited space...my point would be that if you are going to do a job then do it right. Absolutely right. In the Glasgow shop which I criticised in my earlier post, Modelzone is shoe-horned into a back corner alongside a Post Office franchise. It's not satisfactory for anybody. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBOHMSS Posted March 24, 2014 Share Posted March 24, 2014 I actually don't think you are losing out in Liverpool - hey Telford is just down the road and once a year go knock yourself out! You will get bargains galore and new stuff by the bucket load! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Headroom Posted March 24, 2014 Share Posted March 24, 2014 At least you've got/are getting a Modelzone - lost the local big Modelzone in St John's Precinct, Liverpool - have a big shiny new WHSmith on 2 floors - but apparently no room in a corner for MZ...... Quite. Maybe they make more by subletting part of the second floor to the Post Office! If you want any kits in the town centre, Rapid has some old Modelzone stock even down to the same price stickers. It's by where the lamps used to be in the basement. It's all a bit pathetic with dented boxes of Italeri Impalas. I think once this lot is gone they won't restock. The Works in Lord Street used to have some Airfix starter sets, but none last week. As far as I know the only model outlet in Liverpool is Hattons by Penny Lane. ......and now back to the thread....... Trevor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chaddy Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 There is a 20% off voucher available in the Modelzone instore outlets. It can be used as of yesterday through 31st May. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karl Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 The one in Meadowhall is ok, decent stock and lots of basics like glue and all the new Airfix weathering stuff, turns a boring couple of hours hanging around waiting for SWMBO and my little princess to do clothes shopping into a so-so experience. Glad it is there. If they are expanding that is welcome news, maybe they'll get more stock etc. Was in the Meadowhall Smiths MZ on Saturday - as you say, not a bad little display. I picked up the (newish) 1/72 Airfix Vampire from there. I just hope that they open one up in the Hull branch as that is a bit nearer to home than Sheffield. Karl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Batt Posted April 30, 2014 Share Posted April 30, 2014 May I just say at this stage that I really don't want to hear about it if someone gets an Airfix big Tiffie from WHS/MW with the benefit of a 20% off voucher, OK. Not a word. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silver Fox Posted April 30, 2014 Share Posted April 30, 2014 Looks like Rotherham IPMS will be putting a semi permanent display on at Meadowhall, still negotiating but vey positive news for us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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