Rails of Sheffield is a British retailer and manufacturer of model railway paraphernalia founded in Sheffield, England, in 1970 by Hedley Francis Barber (1929–2015).[1][2]

Rails of Sheffield
Company typePrivate Limited Company
IndustryRetail
Founded1970; 54 years ago (1970) in Sheffield, England
FounderHedley Barber
HeadquartersSheffield, England
Key people
John Hedley Barber (Managing Director)
Websiterailsofsheffield.com

The shop, which is located on Chesterfield Road, which has seen numerous expansions over the decades, has become the largest stockist of model railway products in the United Kingdom.[3][4] A number of notable customers have visited the store whilst visiting the city including Jools Holland and Rod Stewart.[5]

The shop carries various brands including Hornby, Corgi, Airfix amongst others.[6]

On February 4, 2024, Hattons Model Railways ceased operations and many of its toolings were sold to Rails of Sheffield.[7][8][9]

References edit

  1. ^ "Family-run model train shop Rails of Sheffield, launched in 1970 by Hedley Barber, has moved to new premises with support from HSBC UK-min | TheBusinessDesk.com". Yorkshire. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  2. ^ "15 of Sheffield's oldest businesses still running today - including Atkinsons and Henderson's Relish". uk.style.yahoo.com. 11 November 2023. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  3. ^ Keighley, Tom (19 April 2022). "Model railway retailer Rails of Sheffield to expand creating 20 jobs". Business Live. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  4. ^ "Model railway retailer Rails of Sheffield to create 20 new jobs". 16 March 2024.
  5. ^ "Rails of Sheffield: How UK's 'biggest' model railway shop with famous fans began life at back of grocery store". Yahoo News. 23 July 2023. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  6. ^ "Model train prices are rising because of pound's devaluation". BBC News. 24 October 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  7. ^ "Hattons Originals Range Update - Hattons Model Railways". www.hattons.co.uk. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  8. ^ "Hattons legacy to live on under Rails of Sheffield". Trains. 16 March 2024. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  9. ^ "Hattons Model Railway brand bought by Sheffield company". RailAdvent. 12 March 2024. Retrieved 16 March 2024.