Modelshop Belfast

[oneillpierce]

Hi,

 

I am only new to the forum. I was a keen model railway enthusiast when I was younger & now I am trying to get back into it now that I have my own children.

 

I purchased a DCC Sound Ship for my 071 class train from the Modelshop Belfast & I have not received it.

 

I am trying to contact the shop but none of the phone numbers are being answered. I have also emailed & Facebook messaged but no reply. Has anybody any suggestions how I can get in touch with them?

[BosKonay]

Contact us by phone

 

From UK: 028 9066 5991

 

From ROI: 048 9066 5991

 

Should work, I spoke to Gareth there only yesterday myself...

[scahalane]

Interesting, I ordered a 071 sound chip as well from them over a week ago and haven't received anything or heard from them. I've emailed them and tried ringing till the phone rings out several time to no avail. Very disappointing, if I could get in contact with them I would cancel my order. Let me know how you get on.

[WRENNEIRE]

I have some sound chips for 201's & 071's if anyone is stuck

[oneillpierce]

Contact us by phone

 

From UK: 028 9066 5991

 

From ROI: 048 9066 5991

 

Should work, I spoke to Gareth there only yesterday myself...

 

 

I tried these numbers again this morning, but just rang out.

[oneillpierce]

I have some sound chips for 201's & 071's if anyone is stuck

 

 

Thanks but I already paid for this chip a couple of months ago. I was away for a while so only following up now.

[Noel]

I phoned about six weeks ago and spoke to a helpful chap who explained they were out of stock of sound chips, but were expecting delivery end of October. I was put on a waiting list, but never heard back so phoned numerous times recently to try and ascertain if they had arrived and if I could now order. I always got a phone answer, but they couldn't tell me anything, despite the website suggesting they were in stock and and order able by credit card. I gave up and bought from another source. I got the impression they were extremely busy with the christmas rush. The previously helpful chap never phoned me back despite me leaving my number on numerous occaisions.

Edited November 12, 2014 by Noel

[NIRCLASS80]

I visited the shop out at Boucher Retail Park about two weeks ago and the shutters were down and a notice said that the shop unit was now closed and that they would be operating online only.

[Broithe]

I visited the shop out at Boucher Retail Park about two weeks ago and the shutters were down and a notice said that the shop unit was now closed and that they would be operating online only.

 

The website - http://modelshopbelfast.com/index.php/boucher-retail-park - says this-

 

"modelshopbelfast.com is an online store specialising in the latest collectable Plastic kits, Model Railways, Radio Control and Diecast.

 

Enjoy the peace of mind of Secure Online Ordering through our Sage Pay payment system. With a frequently changing stock list you will always find something of interest on our pages.

 

As well as our website we also operate a popular ebay store. Click here to visit or ebay store"

 

No mention of having a physical presence any more...

[irishthump]

I phoned about six weeks ago and spoke to a helpful chap who explained they were out of stock of sound chips, but were expecting delivery end of October. I was put on a waiting list, but never heard back so phoned numerous times recently to try and ascertain if they had arrived and if I could now order. I always got a phone answer, but they couldn't tell me anything, despite the website suggesting they were in stock and and order able by credit card. I gave up and bought from another source. I got the impression they were extremely busy with the christmas rush. The previously helpful chap never phoned me back despite me leaving my number on numerous occaisions.

 

They always seem to have a backlog when it comes to these decoders, and to be honest I think it's down to whoever is producing them. The last time I ordered one it took 3 months.

[Dave]

i know someone that was waiting nearly 3 months as well.

[irishthump]

i know someone that was waiting nearly 3 months as well.

 

Yeah, it's not really acceptable when I can order a decoder from other suppliers in the UK and have it posted the next day.

But like I said I don't think it's down to MSB, Mr Soundguy does'nt seem to be able to keep up with the demand.

[Dunluce Castle]

It's awful to hear that Belfast model shop are no longer selling physically, quite sad actually, ah well times are tough in this day and age I suppose.

[dave182]

I've had a quick look at some business reporting websites, which show that there was some changes made to the business mid-September of this year, about 2 months ago. One change was that the owner stepped down as Director of the Business. The last set of accounts show that the business has a negative net worth, But that doesn't mean much in the current retail climate. Piece about the company here...

http://m.newsletter.co.uk/news/regional/model-shop-scales-up-for-future-1-4889750

 

I've been very careful in what I've just posted here, and all of the above is in the public domain. My personal opinion is that there might be some issues going on. I'm sure in this small community that someone on here knows the owner(s) and before this gets too far along the rumour mill, I would encourage the owners to post a statement clarifying the position of the business.

 

The website is still trading and accepting purchases, but this doesn't necessarily mean anything.

[John-r]

Hi all,

Yes a reply from msb would be most welcome,my emails are not being returned and the phone just rings out.

My order is going on six months for a few resprays an a silverfox egv with a good amount paid off.

Not a happy camper,I feel like cancelling the order at this stage . An email would have went a long way

[UP6936]

Sad to see the physical shop gone. I fear that in an online market, MSB may come in to difficulty even more so with them being undercut by box shifters like Rails, and having lost their main attraction of being able to physically see the item. Pity about it

[irishthump]

Sad to see the physical shop gone. I fear that in an online market, MSB may come in to difficulty even more so with them being undercut by box shifters like Rails, and having lost their main attraction of being able to physically see the item. Pity about it

 

Yes it is sad. Although I was never in the actual shop I had a lot of dealings with Gareth and found him always to be very helpful.

[Dhu Varren]

i know someone that was waiting nearly 3 months as well.

 

Seems to be a regular occurrence with MSB. Almost exactly two years ago I ordered, and paid for, an NIR 209 River Foyle as it was listed on the website, unknown to me it had not even been released, and also 201 and 111 sound decoders. After a couple of weeks and no sign of the goods, a phone call revealed the 201 had yet to be released, but was expected in about six months. The decoders were out of stock, but I would get them in about six weeks. After a couple of months, a phone call again revealed there was still a backlog of orders for the decoders, but they would let me know when they became available. In June, while on a family visit to NI, I received an email to say the decoders were now in stock. A quick trip to Belfast enabled me to collect my order, plus a decoder for a 141. That was a total of seven months from placing the order to getting the goods.

As for the 201, as we all know, I am still waiting, two years from ordering. Why advertise something for sale, when you know it has not even been released. By all means take pre-orders, like Rails, Hattons and others, at least the customer knows there will be a wait.

[Warbonnet]

EBay store seems to be trading currently. Possible point of contact? http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ssn=modelshopbelfast&_pgn=3&_skc=100&rt=nc

[scahalane]

I got a reply back from Gareth using orders@modelshopbelfast.com which seems to be the only point of contact at the moment. He's stating the delay with the sound chips is to do with awaiting the new chips from Mr. Sound Guy. He has offered me a refund or the option to wait for there release. At least I got a reply anyway, not sure whether to take the refund or hang on and give him the benefit of the doubt.

[Noel]

They always seem to have a backlog when it comes to these decoders, and to be honest I think it's down to whoever is producing them. The last time I ordered one it took 3 months.

 

I received a 141 sound decoder yesterday direct from Mr Soundguy. It was delivered in a few days from order. I will post a video in next few days when I get the decoder and the supplied speaker fully installed in B141. It's the updated sound mix of 141/181 for Zimo only completed recently by Keith.

[DiveController]

Looking forward to it, Noel!

[heirflick]

I got a reply back from Gareth using orders@modelshopbelfast.com which seems to be the only point of contact at the moment. He's stating the delay with the sound chips is to do with awaiting the new chips from Mr. Sound Guy. He has offered me a refund or the option to wait for there release. At least I got a reply anyway, not sure whether to take the refund or hang on and give him the benefit of the doubt.

 

i ordered a few slow start 071 sound chips a while back and found Gareth very good to deal with. there is always delays in getting chips, depending on the amount hes looking for from Mr sound.

[oneillpierce]

I got a facebook message from Gareth last night. They have a new upgraded chip on order which they will have shortly & mine will be delivered then.

[heirflick]

I got a facebook message from Gareth last night. They have a new upgraded chip on order which they will have shortly & mine will be delivered then.

 

good stuff.

[richrua]

Pity the little shop is closed now. It was handy for me on way home from work. I certainly found it useful to pick up handy little items like paints and, small track sections, flexitrack and fishplates without having to pay big extra postage like most online shops. Oh well. Hopefully they can stabilise on the web . good luck.

[Glenderg]

I've held my tongue thus far. I always found the shop on Queens Street more focussed on panzers and dioramas of belfast street riots. Railmatch paints were the only thing in stock - couplers, point motors, track pins - all "next week"

 

Was disappointed when they moved to boucher road big box territory for the tourist southerner especially but reckoned it made sense . I'd heard of RC enthusiasts with outrageous delays on repairs, and i understand why they occur - i'm prone to them myself. If there were only 30 hours in the day....but communication is paramount.

 

None of us knows what pressures these lads are under, but i'd hope they would at least get talking to their punters and let them know whats going on. Modellers on this island have put up with a lot of crap for years, but would happily endorse their local hobby shop if they knew where they stood. Fingers crossed this gets worked out, and all gets sorted satisfactorily.

[richrua]

Yeah I think you're right with the lack of communication thing - as mentioned by those above. First rule of any business really - communication.... Perhaps the second rule - don't sell stuff you don't have!

 

I grew up in Dublin and when I pop home to see mam It is an absolute pleasure that I can pop into the basement in Hawkins St and browse and buy. Often leaving with different stuff to what I went in for!!!

 

I even remember the shop upstairs in D'Olier st.

 

Now, back then a business just would not last without simple, straightforward customer service.

[John-r]

Hi all,

Received a lengthy email and got a phone call from Gareth this evening very much appreciated,

Everything back on track? (Sorry had too) , everything sorted.

[Glenderg]

Hi all,

Received a lengthy email and got a phone call from Gareth this evening very much appreciated,

Everything back on track? (Sorry had too) , everything sorted.

 

Most excellent John, best news i've had in a while. Hope lives eternal for gareth & co. :-)

[Blaine]

I've held my tongue thus far. I always found the shop on Queens Street more focussed on panzers and dioramas of belfast street riots. Railmatch paints were the only thing in stock - couplers, point motors, track pins - all "next week"

 

Was disappointed when they moved to boucher road big box territory for the tourist southerner especially but reckoned it made sense .

 

They will only get in what they can sell, so people in the area are obviously big into diecast/military modelling, but the models of the vehicles often seen in riots were a huge seller. Regarding the move, anyone who visited the Queen St shop in the previous 12 months will have noticed the majority of other shops on that street had closed down permanently, leaving the Model Shop isolated almost. At least with the Boucher move the shop was back into firm retail territory. Being a sole trader is not easy and if it means closing the premises to keep your livelihood going, needs must

[Irishswissernie]

I've just tried e-mailing them again. Back in June 2013 I ordered a Silver Fox 3 car push/pull set, they kept 10% deposit and said delivery was 6 to 8 months; its now 17 months later and I have had no reply to e-mail or phone calls.

 

Ernie

[StevieB]

You should have gone direct to Silver Fox models - John is a very decent guy to deal with.

 

Stephen

[Irishswissernie]

Yes, I realise that now! The last Mark 1 Gen van I ordered through Modelfair actually came direct from Silver Fox some months later!

 

Ernie

[John McGahern]

I've got you all beat.... they've had $657 of my money since January 2014 and I've got nothing in return!