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Rails of Sheffield

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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

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]

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

References

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  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.