hi all ,i,ve just returned to the hobby and i,m really enjoying it but here in the northwest of the uk there seems to be a distinct lack of good model shops , does any one know of any good shops in the northwest (manchester/liverpool) areas or can you reccomend any good internet shops thanks in advance guys

One of the best UK based internet/mail order outlets is Hannants, they carry a vast range of plastic/resin/vac-form kits, decals and after market accessories http://www.hannants.co.uk/

:-) Geoff is right Hannants is the most well known and certainly has a vast range where you should be able to get anything you want. I personally don't go in for internet or postal buying, although I'm starting to come around. I usually get my supplies at the IPMS Nationals, Scale Modelworld, at the Telford exhibition centre in November.
There are other places to consider; MR & ME's World of Models www.mrme.biz
and ED Models of Birmingham (I can't find there web site at the moment doh! but I will keep looking and post it later) Andrew Dealy is very friendly and helpful. Its fom ED that I get modt of my stuff at Telford. Good model (Hobby) shops are few and far between, in the UK.
Mal
EDIT: ED Models is www.airwaves.org.uk Airwaves is their own range of accessories.

I've used Net Model Shop a few times http://www.netmodelshop.com/, they don't have a huge amount of stock, but there's plenty of Tamiya, Academy etc kits. They ship fast as well, two or three days and you've got your stuff. Hannants have a huge catalogue, but you can wait two weeks for your order. Happy hunting! Nick

hi at the top end of bold street on the right hand side going up the hill there is a very good model shop . cheers ian

Good post, I have to travel into central london for my stuff or by post.my favourites are Hannants for kits or Historex for verlinden and odds and ends,and they are fast replying. I think its shameful the demise of model shops in the U.K.

I agree that it is a shame that many model shops have gone. The only one in my town has just recently closed down. I think the prices of models could be the problem. Apart from airfix which seem to be reasonable, most of the better manufacturer's kits seem very expensive compared to the prices outside the EU.

you could also try LSA models www.lsamodels.fsnet.co.uk (i think). the chaps there are extremely helpful.I was looking for a Cromwell models warrior update kit and after repeated fone calls and emails to Cromwell i tried them.They said we've got one somewhere but can't find it right now,we'll call you when we do.Sure enough they called and said we've found it.They also stock warriors figures etc etc.
HTH Peter

you could try modelzone at 209 deansgate, manchester 3. I regularly use the modelzone in holborn london. Have had plenty of bargains there. (revell 1/32 tornado £11.99, revell junkers 52 1/48 £12.99 to name a few).

They dont go in for aftermarket sets but they always have a good range of kits and books and they also do mailorder.

Here is a list of Aircraft and Armour Model shops in the UK.

http://freespace.virgin.net/john.burrows3/index1.htm" TARGET="_blank">F&F Models Soveriegn 2000 UK Scalelink
http://www.pdi-model-supplies.com/contact.php" TARGET="_blank">PDI Models
Aeroclub
ED Models
Flightpath models
Hannants
Aviation Workshop


Hope this helps you out.

Following on from Mortens post I had a 'very' quick look in modelzone on deansgate a couple of months back and IMO they were very well stocked up in all areas. Dont bother with the model shop in the trafford centre (sorry cant recall the name).