The Kernow Model Rail Centre have announced this morning that they are to open a brand new model railway shop in Guildford, Surrey. This is an ambitious venture and a positive for the model railway sector which has seen many local model shops close rather than open over the last few years.
They expect to open on 1st May with a range of special events during the week to celebrate. The Kernow Model Rail Centre have the full support of the major manufacturers and model railway magazines, most of whom will be represented during the opening week of events.
They chose Guildford as this is an area that is very familiar to them with regular exhibition attendances in the area. They also have a large customer base who already use our mail order service and, through our research, there is a lack of any dedicated model shops found in the surrounding area. All mail and web orders will continue to be dealt with from our Camborne shop, Guildford will be for personal callers only.
Chris Trerise, Managing Director of Kernow Model Rail Centre, said “It is vitally important for the future of our hobby to attract new modellers and this can only be done by having a physical shop to showcase the vast range of products available. Our Guildford branch will build on the success of our Camborne shop in having working displays and knowledgeable staff to assist”
Chris also advised “We will be looking for additional staff to become part of the team and work in our new shop, which will be located on Stoke Road. We would be delighted to receive CVs for full or part-time staff to be based at the Guildford branch. ” So if you fancy a new role get in touch with Chris.
Further details of the opening week of events will be released nearer the time. A dedicated web page here has been created for further information.
I certainly feel this is good news for the hobby, especially those living within easy reach of Guildford
“It is vitally important for the future of our hobby to attract new modellers and this can only be done by having a physical shop to showcase the vast range of products available.”
Never a truer word said. The only ways to encourage new enthusiasts are exhibitions (which are often preaching to the converted) and bricks’n’mortar shops that people can visit year ’round.
Good luck to Chris and the Kernow team. They’ve put a lot into this hobby and deserve every success with this new outlet.
I wish them luck. A proper model shop seems to be a luxury but based in Guildford there is all of Surrey and a considerable amount of trade from further afield to be had. A good replacement for Cove Models.
Great news. Kernow have already made a major contribution to the hobby. Their own manufacture (ok I know they don’t make them😉) rolling stock has been superb. I wish Chris and his team every (continued) success.
Extremely welcome development. .. The area has been without a model shop for some time, but Addlestone models is not so far away and is pretty good.
Well done Chris for bucking the trend in terms of model shops!
🙂
My local shop closed in 2017; fortunately I’ve another albeit an hours drive away (purchased a new Hornby Terrier this morning). Certainly now got a reason to visit Guildford if I’m in the area!
😉
A great development indeed and an inspired choice to have Chris Nevard provide a permanent display.
I’m sorry to see the Pedal Pushers close, however at least Guildford will finally have another model shop!
This is probably a daft question; Will the model rail centre cater for other hobbies like RC cars / aircraft?
It’s model railways on the whole
Thank you. I thought it worth an ask.