Hello,

I'm gonna visit London from 6 to 9 may, 'cause my parents are 25 years together that same weekend. I'm staying in a hotel near Paddington, and i wanted to ask people from around there, or who have been there, if there are any big and/or good modelling shops in this area ? or in London itself, which are good to visit ?? Pardon me for my bad English, i don't use it that much. Greetz,

Tijmen (Taibo) 4real

You'll be a 3 hour train ride away from Bovington.

Paul

My trip to London specifically included a trip to the Hannant's Shop, which is accessible via the tube at Colindale Station. Upon exiting the station, turn right and the store is right there. Keep on the same road for a bit and you'll be at the Royal Air Force Museum. Highly recommended!
If you plan on Bovington (for armor addicts, a must) Paul is correct, the ride is 3 hours by rail from Victoria Station. I think round trip rail costs about 40 bucks. You'll take the train to Poole (Dorset) and catch a bus or taxi from there to the museum.

How difficult is it to get a bunch of models through customs back to the US? Do you have to declare them and pay duties?

Depends on the value usually. I came back from Canada to the UK last year with a whole 'case full, but as the total value was less than the max. allowance for 'gifts' I didn't pay a penny in duty, and claimed all the sales tax back when I got back to the UK. You could probably do the same thing, as all UK purchases carry 17.5% VAT.
I'd have to ask why you would want to though Shermie, I've just ordered a Tamiya M3 Grant from a shop in the US, and including shipping it's still 20% cheaper than the shop price here!!!!

For shopping in London, Hannants would be my target, and as already stated, the RAF Museum is just up the road. Until i went there I never realised just how big the Typhoon/Tempest family really are!

Well, it's a bit tricky.
Just from experience (bringing back 2 suitcases full of Tamiya armor from Japan through Portland, Or.) if you don't have duplicate kits, you should be alright. In my case, it was all different stuff, and I explained to the Customs inspector that I was a builder (luckily she knew others with my passion/disease), I was not assessed any duty. Now if you bring back a bunch of the same kit, they might suspect you are a reseller and will likely charge you the duty.

I may have to opportunity to go to London. As you know there are different selections and availability in different regions. Just thought if I saw things of interest I would grab some things and bring them back if it was not too difficult.

[quoteI may have to opportunity to go to London. As you know there are different selections and availability in different regions. Just thought if I saw things of interest I would grab some things and bring them back if it was not too difficult.[/quote]

Very true, why didn't I think of that. Doh! You may be lucky, but I tend to find that all the new stuff goes to the 'States first ( by about three months) and older rare kits are always somewhere else.

Even if the newer kits go to the US first, there may be some older kit sitting on the shelf too!! That's the fun part of visiting a real store, finding that hidden gem!!

Dont forget to see the Imperial War Museum, they have a Jagpanther in there really worth a visit.

Ok,

So i looked up the adresses of Hannent's Shop, and saw the RAF-musea near it, and the Imperial War Museum was already planned. Any other suggestions for shops ?
Greetz,

Tijmen (Taibo) 4real

no shops I know of BUT when you are in london and you are into arcade games like me.. take a bag full of single pounds and visit SEGA WORLD! if thats still around 4 floors of arcade games.. racing with 12 people @ the same time flight sim that spins 360 degrees round all angles *WICKEDSICK*

When visiting the IWM, that Jagdpanther has some holes in it - proof that the 6pdr was effective despite what some have said.
Hannants is the only good model shop that I know in London, there are a few for figure modellers, but the other main 'toy' shop, Gamleyshas cut down on models over the last few years.

in addition to whats already been mentioned you could take a trip to the national army museum if memory serves me its just outside the royal hospital in chelsea(my uncle was a chelsea pensioner)the last time i was there they had a saladin and a centurion.

If you are into dioramas, visit the 4D model shop. They have things that you can't get in the US and maybe even where you live. They just moved, so be sure you get the correct address. Ask for Zyg. Tell him Jeff from Kansas sent you.

4D Modelshop, the arches, 120 Leman Street, London, E1 8EU.

Check them out at modelshop.co.uk (10% off for students with I.D.)

Sealhead

If you like artillery there's also the 'Firepower' museum at Woolwich.