Model retailers within an hour’s drive of Bedford
Bedfordshire and surrounding counties are blessed with a good variety of model shops and stockists. Below
is a list and overview of known retailers selling plastic model kits within an hour’s drive from Bedford
town centre. This is by no means comprehensive and will be updated from time to time.
Bedfordshire
Goldings of Bedford, 107 High Street, Bedford MK40 1NE. Tel: 01234 352321
Traditional town centre ironmongers and hardware store. Rear section of shop devoted to models and
hobbies. Plastic kit selection majoring on Airfix, with Humbrol acryclic and enamel paint ranges and a
selection of tools and adhesives. Is regularly resupplied and usually has latest crop of new Airfix releases
stocked when announced by the manufacturer. Helpful and can order/reserve individual items if not
immediately available.
JE Beale Department Store, 26-36 Silver Street, Bedford, MK40 1SX. Tel: 01234 353292
Toy department (opened in April 2010) has a selection of entry level Airfix kits and gift sets.
Shuttleworth Collection Gift Shop, Old Warden Aerodrome, Old Warden, SG18 9EP. Tel: 01767
627927.
Reasonably stocked gift shop with Airfix and Revell plastic kits, and other models plus good book
selection. SVAS members get 15% discount on all purchases.
Hobbycraft, Rope walk, Bedford. www.hobbycraft.co.uk
Craft superstore with much expanded model section usually found on first floor. A real, one-stop-shop with
everything from kits to materials and tools under one roof. Very friendly staff. The club can often be found
giving demos and providing hands-on model making sessions on Saturdays.
Valiant Wings Publishing : Tel 07963 956221
www.valiant-wings.co.uk
Book publishers, with some kit, accessory and Gunze paint and materials stocked. Mainly online retail but
callers are welcome by appointment.
Northamptonshire
Osborne Sports and Toys, 118 High Street, Rushden, NN10 0PE. Tel: 01933 312415
A traditional toy shop like they used to be, family owned and run by toy and model enthusiasts for 55
years. Good kit selection with all major brands, paints and materials. Excellent friendly customer service.
Well worth the trip for the experience. Every father should bring their children.
The Model Shop, 230 Wellingborough Road, Northampton, NN1 4EJ. Tel: 01604 631223
www.modelshop-northants.com
Similar in size and layout to the old Mr & Me shop in Kempston, this is a true model shop in all senses of
the word – kits, RC, model railways, boats and diecast abound. Very good kit selection plus tools and
materials in depth, even Humbrol rail colours (rarely seen on model shop shelves).
Hobbycraft, Tyne Road, Weedon Road Industrial Estate, Northampton, NN5 5AF.
Tel: 0845 051 6523
www.hobbycraft.co.uk
Models For Sale, Unit 3, Dean Close, Raunds, NN9 6BD. Tel: 01933 622654.
www.modeslsforsale.com
One of the best online and mail order outlets in the country. Owner Vince Brown runs a live inventory with
stock levels updated daily. If it’s listed there, he has it. Rapid quick service with items on your doorstep in
48 hours from placing order. Colossal stock holding of all major and most specialist brands. Good
secondhand selection too. Site is well worth a browse. Personal callers can pick up orders from the
warehouse by prior arrangement.
The Loco Centre, 21A Market Street, Wellingborough NN8 1AT Tel: 01933 770201
www.thelococentre.com
Recently opened in 2011 and fills the void left by the demise of EJ Models in Cannon Street. Mainly model
rail oriented but good stock of materials and some Airfix.
Buckinghamshire
Hobbycraft, Patriot Drive, Rooksley, Milton Keynes, MK13 8PU. Tel: 0845 051 6544
www.hobbycraft.co.uk
Little Cars, Uncle Jacks, Lavendon Road, Olney, MK46 0HH. Tel: 01234 711980
www.little-cars.co.uk
Owner Paul Fitzmaurice has graduated from being a specialist 1/43 car model stockist to being the
destination of choice for all manner of tools, materials and airbrushes – in fact everything that you need to
make your modelling life simple. Reliable, friendly service, and a frequent exhibitor at model shows.
Highly recommended for those items that you normally can’t get hold of.
Cambridgeshire
Imperial War Museum Shop, Duxford, CB22 4QR. Tel: 01223 499345
www.iwmshop.org.uk
Airfix and Revell mainly stocked in kit section
Trains4U.com, 27 St David’s Square, Fengate, Peterborough, PE1 5QA Tel: 01733 895989
www.trains4u.com
Mainly a model railway stockist but plenty of kits, diecast and slot car lines on sale.
Knowledgeable, enthusiast owners. Definitely worth a visit.