Class 121

[Georgeconna]

9 hours ago, WRENNEIRE said:

Pleading the 5th George

No person shall be subject, except in cases of impeachment, to more than one punishment or trial for the same offense; nor shall be compelled to be a witness against himself; nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor be obliged to relinquish his property, where it may be necessary for public use, without just compensation....[E]xcept in cases of impeachments, and cases arising in the land or naval forces, or the militia when on actual service, in time of war or public danger...in all crimes punishable with loss of life or member, presentment or indictment by a grand jury shall be an essential preliminary....

Looks like I can't afford it then....

 

[Northman]

Why has Marks Models no price on the 121 class?Just wondering.

Edited October 25, 2019 by Northman

[WRENNEIRE]

Well wonder this

Murphy Models has recommended a retail price of €189.95 or £167.50 for the 121's

Several of the box shifters from Brexitland have advertised them at between £145 - £150, around €170 - €175

This is why model shops here are closing, 

The difference in the VAT rate and also the cost of running a shop here is vastly different from our Brexit friends

Buying here means our shops can stay in business, so its up to you guys where you want to buy your models from

Rant over 

[Colin R]

5 hours ago, WRENNEIRE said:

Well wonder this

Murphy Models has recommended a retail price of €189.95 or £167.50 for the 121's

Several of the box shifters from Brexitland have advertised them at between £145 - £150, around €170 - €175

This is why model shops here are closing, 

The difference in the VAT rate and also the cost of running a shop here is vastly different from our Brexit friends

Buying here means our shops can stay in business, so its up to you guys where you want to buy your models from

Rant over 

A race to the bottom is not always a good thing, I happen to like having a model shop near me as  I can then go and inspection the goods I want to buy, I have had a couple of items from the internet that have been send back because of the damage caused either in transit or from the supplier.

Now I consider myself to be a modeller who can fix minor issues on a model, but I refuse to accept items which are damaged or have parts missing from a supplier when it comes to the box shifters.

Another point to think about, it may be cheaper from a box shifter in the first place, but, add the cost of postage etc and you may find it is no cheaper that buying it from your local shop, follow this up with a visit to your local model shop and when they get to know you, you might even end up with a bit of a discount on it anyway from them.

 

Colin R

Edited October 26, 2019 by Colin R

[Noel]

It's good to support your local sheriff, but at least give them the chance to offer you a discounted price. I've found local model shops will often match or come close to UK box shifter prices, but only if you ask them. If you don't ask you'll never know.  In the past I've bought most my model railway kit from the likes of Hattons, because of keen prices and speed of low cost delivery to Ireland but I've asked local Irish retailers if they'd like to match the prices (excluding the postage) and they did, so the last few large purchases of track and rolling stock have been from Irish retailers in Euro. None of this nonsense selling stuff with GBP prices on the boxes at Irish events (It is illegal anyway in Ireland to advertise prices of merchandise in a foreign currency such as sterling). Anyway post brexit the honeymoon is over for Irish modellers buying from the UK, expect delivery delays, customs, duty and vat issues. Luckily I've got my last bit of stock from the likes of Peters Spares and Hattons before Oct 31st makes a mess of everything we were once used to. I've found dealing with amazon.de, Modelbahnship Lippe and Kieskemper in Germany excellent, and its all Euros. Postage can be an issue from Germany, but post brexit that may improve. 

[Irishswissernie]

I havn't got much options for Murphy Models as I live in the 'Wilds of Wannie' (Geordie term for back of beyond) and their nearest stockists are all well over a 100 miles away, I don't drive and public transport fares will amount to over £90.

So Hattons it is and I have never had any problems with them (tempting fate here!)

Ernie

[Mayner]

I have been quite ambivalent towards model shops and have relied on main order and buying at exhibitions for many years even when I lived in Ireland and the UK.

I found the service of a number of bricks and mortar shops in Ireland and the UK to be poor compared to the box shifters and specialist suppliers. Most were understandably focused on selling Hornby OO gauge, but were very poor in filling special orders for non-stock items even from large distributors such a Peco.

When I modeled in N gauge (1980-90s) it was extremely difficult to get basics such a Peco points and packs of flexible track in Dublin, similarly when Murphy Models released the small GMs I ended up buying the locos from Rails as a prominent Irish retailer apparently could not be bothered setting up an overseas order for 3 locos despite a number of requests for a quote.

These days I mainly use the local model shops for scratchbuilding materials, glue and paint, the model shops in this part of the world focus mainly on radio control models and diecast with model railways pretty much restricted to a small stock of Hornby OO focusing on the starter sets and cheaper models for the younger modeler. 

Edited October 26, 2019 by Mayner

[Northman]

11 hours ago, WRENNEIRE said:

Well wonder this

Murphy Models has recommended a retail price of €189.95 or £167.50 for the 121's

Several of the box shifters from Brexitland have advertised them at between £145 - £150, around €170 - €175

This is why model shops here are closing, 

The difference in the VAT rate and also the cost of running a shop here is vastly different from our Brexit friends

Buying here means our shops can stay in business, so its up to you guys where you want to buy your models from

Rant over 

First of all there are no model shops near where I live so I have to depend on items posted and secondly ,you can rant and rave all you want I'm not really bothered. 

[DJ Dangerous]

11 hours ago, WRENNEIRE said:

Well wonder this

Murphy Models has recommended a retail price of €189.95 or £167.50 for the 121's

Several of the box shifters from Brexitland have advertised them at between £145 - £150, around €170 - €175

This is why model shops here are closing, 

The difference in the VAT rate and also the cost of running a shop here is vastly different from our Brexit friends

Buying here means our shops can stay in business, so its up to you guys where you want to buy your models from

Rant over 

I vote for these few posts to have their own thread:

"Rant: Local Irish Model Shops vs. Online Sellers"...

I'm sure that everybody will have a reason for choosing one or the other.

I tend to do both.

When I got back into the hobby a year or so back, I asked Marks Models about the issue of VAT, and they ignored my question.

I asked Hattons and they made sure not to charge me VAT.

IRM likewise do not charge me VAT.

In fairness, Mark did 'phone me after I had placed one of my orders, to confirm that I was real and not a scam.

I was working at the time and forgot to ask him again about VAT.

I'm based in the Canary Islands, where we pay 6.5% IGIC instead of 21% IVA (equivalent of VAT in Ireland and the UK).

This is due to the low wages, high shipping costs and lack of options / choice locally.

For retailers who don't offer the option of paying IGIC when purchasing, they seem to either charge VAT or charge zero VAT.

If the difference, for example, between Marks Models' prices and Hattons' prices, was solely based on exchange rates, I'rd rather pay a bit more and buy from Marks Models.

However, when VAT is also an issue, buying from Hattons becomes so much cheaper that there is no comparison.

[ak425]

I agree with Noel - Support your local Sherriff.   I have bought a lot of my British stuff over the years from Rails and Hattons ( mainly because of the vast choice available ) but all the Irish stuff that I have has been got from  Model Shop Belfast, Grahams in Portlaoise ( both regrettably now closed ) and Marks Models.  Thanks to MM and IRM we have an amazing selection of quality models and many more to come. We have come along way from my Lima  CIE  supertrain with the class 33  in the 1970s.  We are blessed we still have  a great model shop - Marks Models  in Dublin and Cork.  I know where I will getting my 121s from  - regardless of price ! 

Edited October 26, 2019 by ak425

[flange lubricator]

Totally agree with ak425 but it would be great if retailers rewarded loyalty we live in a deal culture so perhaps if retailers offer a price per loco and offer a price for customers who would order 4 or 6 or more . 

[NIRCLASS80]

More importantly has anyone any photos from the show?  

[aclass007]

While we're ranting, here's mine....Basically it's the term 'box shifters'. I don't know where it originated from, but it's a well used phrase on this thread, and on this forum in general. I certainly don't understand why it's used to describe some UK retailers.

Is it because they sell more stock than their Irish counterparts? Well, fair play to them if they do. I don't think any Irish retailer would put a limit on the amount of stock they sell, and I believe they do their best to sell as much as they can. They are in the same game as the UK sellers. 

Or, is it because they offer nothing to the modelling community apart from sales? Well, again I'm sure their after sales service is as good as any, and furthermore they have commissioned models that might otherwise never have been made. 

As for the physical shop that you can walk into, well they have those too, for anyone who lives close enough or is willing to travel. I personally don't live near any model shop, so all my purchases are online. I've bough from both Irish and UK sellers. If I'm totally honest, any problems I've had with items I've bought online have been with Irish retailers......

[Wexford70]

I tend to be reliant on postal deliveries and as i am away with work often I get parcels sent to my place of work.

I have always found Hattons, Rails and some of the German suppliers nothing but helpful and the level of detail and information on line diminishes the need to see items 'in the flesh' before buying.

Whenever I have phoned they are patient and understanding of any requests I have made especially requests for extra care with packing etc.

I support the Irish shops where I can but for large purchases the cost difference can be too much especially when sterling drops in our favour..

[Noel]

7 hours ago, flange lubricator said:

Totally agree with ak425 but it would be great if retailers rewarded loyalty we live in a deal culture so perhaps if retailers offer a price per loco and offer a price for customers who would order 4 or 6 or more . 

In fairness some folks just don't ask retailers for deal prices or discounts. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, just ask, the worst that can happen is they say no. I've always found Marks very responsive to deals on volume be it track or multiple rolling stock items. My last big order they matched a box shifters price for a rake of coaches.

Yea, hooray the 121 is ever closer. Had a close up look at pre-production samples on Murphy Models stand today at the SDMRC show, and the 121 reeked of detail and quality. Love the look of it. And it has that iconic see through the body grill. Loco comes with a speaker installed, so all ready for a sound decoder to be popped in via the easy to access roof hatch. Rotating axle covers, and super detailing, etc. Well worth the wait. Looks like the 121 will be the best yet from MM. Hats off to PM.

[JasonB]

Any chance the bullshit regarding pricing etc can be shifted elsewhere. It has nothing to do with this thread, and is taking the good out of what is a long awaited model. 

[spudfan]

I placed an order online with an Irish based shop and it came to just under €700. A discount? I didn't even get a "thank you" note in the parcel.

[Ironroad]

As was suggested this topic probably belongs elsewhere, but it is not bull****, it’s a serious matter that Irish model retailers need to pay attention to, and I for one would like to hear a response from that quarter.

 It would be very nice and desirable to support the local Sheriff but only if he deserves that support.

Do we have a model shop in Ireland that could compare with long closed “The Model Railway Shop” (also known as Leinster Models) on Monk Place Phibsborough? Most here won’t remember that shop and won’t know what I’m talking about, but that was the real deal and worth supporting even at a cost. But I submit that we now have nothing like that on the island of Ireland and there is nothing to distinguish any Irish model retailer and accordingly they need to get real and that means getting seriously competitive if they expect to survive. No store has a given right to your business, loyalty is something that must be earned continually.

And before I go further, why are some on here being derogatory to UK retailers by calling them “box shifters” Please be specific and name who you are applying this term to.  I’d really like to know and understand what the perceived problem is, because my experience of UK model retailers over 50 years either over the counter, by mail order, or online has been superb.  Generally their reputation for service and price has been the reason they can shift volumes.

There is a significant difference in population between the UK and Ireland and accordingly it may be claimed that this places Irish model retailers at a disadvantage and that affects the range and volumes they stock. However, in this time of the internet and online retailing I cannot fathom why the Irish business model (pardon the pun) is so stuck in the past. Surely there exists an opportunity for Irish model retailers to compete and go head to head against UK model retailers for customers in the UK and elsewhere in the world for everything and anything (not just Irish interest). And before anyone says it, Brexit should not have a significant effect on this.

Surely IRM are a perfect example of a business that understands the limitations of the market in Ireland by expanding to attack the UK market.  The same principle holds for retailers who want to survive and be in a position to continue to offer service in Ireland.

All of us have a pretty good idea of the quality of Peco, Bachmann, Hornby, Murphy Models, IRM, etc. etc., to the point that we can have confidence ordering online. So visiting a store for these products is a bit of an unnecessary extravagance unless one feels the need, or it’s really local and convenient to do so. I accept there is a risk of receiving a faulty or damaged item in the mail but in my experience that is an extremely low risk.

And when visiting an Irish retailer why should a customer have to demean themselves by having to ask for a discount? I’m not comfortable with that. The asking price should be competitive end of story. Nor is a mere 2% difference in the VAT rates charged in Ireland and the UK, an excuse for significant price differences.

The sad fact is that Irish model retailers are not at the races. So why is this and why are Irish model retailers probably failing to achieve their real potential in securing online sales of any significance outside Ireland and also losing local business to foreign retailers?  At least five good reasons;-

(a)    Unrealistic pricing (their perception appears to be that they have no competition)

(b)   Limited range of products

(c)    Cost & Speed of Delivery (Hattons knock the socks off everyone on this)

(d)   No Marketing- they do not promote themselves and have limited horizons, they need to find a competitive edge (start with a niche area) and advertise.

(e)   Failure to zero rate VAT on sales outside the EU (IE they don’t sell net of VAT). In fact they are unresponsive when asked about this. So effectively they are pocketing this VAT (VAT is not payable to the Revenue on EU export sales) and they are also potentially causing the customer to pay local tax calculated on an inflated price that includes an improperly applied tax (double whammy). I’ve also had the experience of dealing with someone who as it turned out was not registered for VAT but was still selling at full recommended retail price and thereby profiting not just on the normal markup but also on the difference between VAT on purchase and the VAT on sale.

In dealing with UK businesses, with the exception of one retailer and very small producers whose turnover is probably below the threshold for VAT registration in the UK, I have not had a problem on the VAT issue. But for what I’s worth for anyone outside the EU (and very shortly this may mean anyone outside the UK), the UK retailer I do have a problem with is Olivia’s Trains because they  charge an administrative fee for the privilege of purchasing net of VAT and accordingly that is a store I avoid.  

End of Rant

Edited October 26, 2019 by Ironroad
spelling error

[JasonB]

13 minutes ago, Ironroad said:

As was suggested this topic probably belongs elsewhere, but it is not bull****, it’s a serious matter that Irish model retailers need to pay attention to, and I for one would like to hear a response from that quarter.

 It would be very nice and desirable to support the local Sheriff but only if he deserves that support.

Do we have a model shop in Ireland that could compare with long closed “The Model Railway Shop” (also known as Leinster Models) on Monk Place Phibsborough? Most here won’t remember that shop and won’t know what I’m talking about, but that was the real deal and worth supporting even at a cost. But I submit that we now have nothing like that on the island of Ireland and there is nothing to distinguish any Irish model retailer and accordingly they need to get real and that means getting seriously competitive if they expect to survive. No store has a given right to your business, loyalty is something that must be earned continually.

And before I go further, why are some on here being derogatory to UK retailers by calling them “box shifters” Please be specific and name who you are applying this term to.  I’d really like to know and understand what the perceived problem is, because my experience of UK model retailers over 50 years either over the counter, by mail order, or online has been superb.  Generally their reputation for service and price has been the reason they can shift volumes.

There is a significant difference in population between the UK and Ireland and accordingly it may be claimed that this places Irish model retailers at a disadvantage and that affects the range and volumes they stock. However, in this time of the internet and online retailing I cannot fathom why the Irish business model (pardon the pun) is so stuck in the past. Surely there exists an opportunity for Irish model retailers to compete and go head to head against UK model retailers for customers in the UK and elsewhere in the world for everything and anything (not just Irish interest). And before anyone says it, Brexit should not have a significant effect on this.

Surely IRM are a perfect example of a business that understands the limitations of the market in Ireland by expanding to attack the UK market.  The same principle holds for retailers who want to survive and be in a position to continue to offer service in Ireland.

All of us have a pretty good idea of the quality of Peco, Bachmann, Hornby, Murphy Models, IRM, etc. etc., to the point that we can have confidence ordering online. So visiting a store for these products is a bit of an unnecessary extravagance unless one feels the need, or it’s really local and convenient to do so. I accept there is a risk of receiving a faulty or damaged item in the mail but in my experience that is an extremely low risk.

And when visiting an Irish retailer why should a customer have to demean themselves by having to ask for a discount? I’m not comfortable with that. The asking price should be competitive end of story. Nor is a mere 2% difference in the VAT rates charged in Ireland and the UK, an excuse for significant price differences.

The sad fact is that Irish model retailers are not at the races. So why is this and why are Irish model retailers probably failing to achieve their real potential in securing online sales of any significance outside Ireland and also losing local business to foreign retailers?  At least five good reasons;-

(a)    Unrealistic pricing (their perception appears to be that they have no competition)

(b)   Limited range of products

(c)    Cost & Speed of Delivery (Hattons knock the socks off everyone on this)

(d)   No Marketing- they do not promote themselves and have limited horizons, they need to find a competitive edge (start with a niche area) and advertise.

(e)   Failure to zero rate VAT on sales outside the EU (IE they don’t sell net of VAT). In fact they are unresponsive when asked about this. So effectively they are pocketing this VAT (VAT is not payable to the Revenue non EU export sales) and they are also potentially causing the customer to pay local tax calculated on an inflated price that includes an improperly applied tax (double whammy). I’ve also had the experience of dealing with someone who as it turned out was not registered for VAT but was still selling at full recommended retail price and thereby profiting not just on the normal markup but also on the difference between VAT on purchase and the VAT on sale.

In dealing with UK businesses, with the exception of one retailer and very small producers whose turnover is probably below the threshold for VAT registration in the UK, I have not had a problem on the VAT issue. But for what I’s worth for anyone outside the EU (and very shortly this may mean anyone outside the UK), the UK retailer I do have a problem with is Olivia’s Trains because they  charge an administrative fee for the privilege of purchasing net of VAT and accordingly that is a store I avoid.  

End of Rant

I take it you're referring to my comment. It is bullshit, when it's being posted in this thread. I'll say it again, post elsewhere, It's taking away from a fantastic model. 

[ganderino]

1 hour ago, JasonB said:

Any chance the bullshit regarding pricing etc can be shifted elsewhere. It has nothing to do with this thread, and is taking the good out of what is a long awaited model. 

Exactly, i almost feel bad i didnt order mine through marks models now!!! But when it comes to it im going to order whats the best price as you just have to look after yourself in this modern day, i dont know why i should just throw money away!!

[Ironroad]

12 minutes ago, JasonB said:

I take it you're referring to my comment. It is bullshit, when it's being posted in this thread. I'll say it again, post elsewhere, It's taking away from a fantastic model. 

Where

[JasonB]

15 minutes ago, Ironroad said:

Where

General Chat. Letting Off Steam. Wherever you fancy. This thread is about the model itself. Not Brexit, or how it will impact on VAT etc etc etc... Nor is it about what discounts Irish Retailers give to their customers. 

[DJ Dangerous]

7 minutes ago, JasonB said:

General Chat. Letting Off Steam. Wherever you fancy. This thread is about the model itself. Not Brexit, or how it will impact on VAT etc etc etc... Nor is it about what discounts Irish Retailers give to their customers. 

Splitting the thread has already been suggested, as it IS an important topic to discuss, but you're right; this is not the place for it.

I'm sure the mods are busy at the show this weekend, and will split the thread on Monday.

[Warbonnet]

Hi everyone,

We’re just in the door after a long first day of the show (as sponsors we have other duties to do post the show on the Saturday as there is a dinner put on for exhibitors). The topic has gone way off subject so can we please keep it on the Murphy Models 121 only please? I think we’ve had enough on retail for one evening. We don’t want to lock the thread as it won’t do the MM 121 any favors, so please no more posts on retail.

Cheers!

Fran

[Ironroad]

Just now, DJ Dangerous said:

Splitting the thread has already been suggested, as it IS an important topic to discuss, but you're right; this is not the place for it.

I'm sure the mods are busy at the show this weekend, and will split the thread on Monday.

Thank you for that, I did not start what is being viewed as a digression, but the issue is real and frustrating and my comments are not an attempt to divert attention from what promises to be a fabulous model.

 

11 minutes ago, JasonB said:

General Chat. Letting Off Steam. Wherever you fancy. This thread is about the model itself. Not Brexit, or how it will impact on VAT etc etc etc... Nor is it about what discounts Irish Retailers give to their customers. 

No problem but the point may be lost, I resent the inference that what I'm saying is bull****  I acknowledged at the outset that this  may belong elsewhere, nor has it anything to do with Brexit.

[JasonB]

1 minute ago, Ironroad said:

Thank you for that, I did not start what is being viewed as a digression, but the issue is real and frustrating and my comments are not an attempt to divert attention from what promises to be a fabulous model.

 

No problem but the point may be lost, I resent the inference that what I'm saying is bull****  I acknowledged at the outset that this  may belong elsewhere, nor has it anything to do with Brexit.

I mentioned bullshit before you replied to me. I wasn't directing it towards you. And if you look back, Brexit and everything that comes with it has been mentioned. As Fran has suggested, I'll leave it there. The Moderators have enough to be doing this weekend. 

[Garfield]

A moderator has already asked for this discussion to get back on topic. We're tired, cranky, hoarse and our feet are sore so we won't be feeling charitable if this discussion doesn't get back to the topic of PM's lovely new loco.

 

[Noel]

Really appreciate the razor thin roof sheeting as per the prototype. Its so perfectly thin its almost translucent.. Look at all those holes. Somebody in a factory has to manually insert detail into every single one of those holes (eg grab rails, walkway rails, etc). View of the access hatch to the PCB. Looks like putting decoders in these models is a lot easier than the watch maker skills needed to do so for the original 141/181s. Paddy mentioned the locos come with speakers installed, so all that's needed is to plug in a decoder. Like the brass detailing and the grab rails even on the forward side grills.

Easy access to dip switches for lighting arrangements.

Lots of pre-production parts to look at and examine

[flange lubricator]

Had a good look at the 121 yesterday ans hats off it looks fantastic , when you see the model laid out with the various cabs you forget how many variations there were of the 121 class , large centre window small centre window , handrails ,  no handrails , vents in doors no vents the list is endless but I think Paddy Murphy has got it correct . Price aside these locomotives are a must have for any Irish Modeller . I hope some of the transfer makers SSM and Railtech will do a transfer pack of alternative numbers for the 121's so we can alter the fleet number to suit in my case Black and Tan B121+B134 which were the first pair of 121's.

[spudfan]

JASONB wrote "Do we have a model shop in Ireland that could compare with long closed “The Model Railway Shop” (also known as Leinster Models) on Monk Place Phibsborough? "

I used to cycle over from Drimnagh and spend my three hours overtime on a Lima loco. Sometimes I'd walk over with the dog. On arrival the dog would collapse and Kieran would give him a bowl of water to help him recover. I swear that I can still smell Kierans pipe smoke on the boxes of some of my Lima locos, some of which are 30 years plus and still doing great service. Any way when I'd had the craic and completed my business and the dog had recovered we trek back to Drimnagh. The walk or cycle usually cleared the smell of pipe smoke from my clothes by the time I arrived home. Happy memories

Edited October 28, 2019 by spudfan

[NIRCLASS80]

Thanks for the photos lads. It’s starting to look the business!  Congratulations to Murphy Models for bringing more goodies to the Irish modelling scene. 

[JasonB]

9 hours ago, spudfan said:

JASONB wrote "Do we have a model shop in Ireland that could compare with long closed “The Model Railway Shop” (also known as Leinster Models) on Monk Place Phibsborough? "

I used to cycle over from Drimnagh and spend my three hours overtime on a Lima loco. Sometimes I'd walk over with the dog. On arrival the dog would collapse and Kieran would give him a bowl of water to help him recover. I swear that I can still smell Kierans pipe smoke on the boxes of some of my Lima locos, some of which are 30 years plus and still doing great service. Any way when I'd had the craic and completed my business and the dog had recovered we trek back to Drimnagh. The walk or cycle usually cleared the smell of pipe smoke from my clothes by the time I arrived home. Happy memories

Don't seem to remember asking that Spudfan. Think you might be mixing me up with someone else. I've been going to the the same model shop for years. 

[spudfan]

Sorry about that,checking back it was a quote in your post. Many apologies

[JasonB]

2 hours ago, spudfan said:

Sorry about that,checking back it was a quote in your post. Many apologies

No worries. I've been accused of worse. I was more concerned about if I had asked, I now couldn't remember. I get days like that occasionally. 

[Mayner]

21 hours ago, spudfan said:

"Do we have a model shop in Ireland that could compare with long closed “The Model Railway Shop” (also known as Leinster Models) on Monk Place Phibsborough? "

I used to cycle over from Drimnagh and spend my three hours overtime on a Lima loco. Sometimes I'd walk over with the dog. On arrival the dog would collapse and Kieran would give him a bowl of water to help him recover. I swear that I can still smell Kierans pipe smoke on the boxes of some of my Lima locos, some of which are 30 years plus and still doing great service. Any way when I'd had the craic and completed my business and the dog had recovered we trek back to Drimnagh. The walk or cycle usually cleared the smell of pipe smoke from my clothes by the time I arrived home. Happy memories

Totally off topic but it certainly brings me back to my weekly pilgrimage (by bus!) as a teenager from Crumlin to Monk Place. Only problem was at the time I seldom had enough money to buy anything and by the time I had money there was seldom anything of interest (to me) to be worth buying. 

The shop seems to have mainly relied on the sale of Continental locos and stock to Irish customers and mail order O Gauge loco kits to the British Market the majority of the kits were British outline with a soft spot for the Great Central. The McGowans imported the Continental locos and stock direct from the manufacturers to the annoyance of some of the British distributors and operated a Layby (installment pre-prepayment) scheme with a loyal customer base.

It would be difficult to see a model railway shop similar to Monk Place surviving these days, though some of the smaller model shops that focus mainly on RC cars & racing appear to have a similar atmosphere more a hobby than a business and a place for people with similar interests to hang out.