The TMC had a special offer on for a pre-owned Hornby TT:120 LNER Blink Bonny locomotive, the price was irresistible, so I snapped it up through their website. It arrived very quickly and extremely we... See more
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Visited shop at Beck Hole - grandson who is just starting out with model trains found it fascinating. Everything you can think of with service second to none. The trip to Beck Hole was amazing too. Se... See more
TMC are always great with product descriptions, display of clearly marked 'in stock' items, range of products and helpfulness in clarifying questions/concerns. Postage to Australia is quick (around 9/... See more
This large and weighty kit was delivered by TMC very quickly in sturdy and secure packaging. I've only just got to look inside the box and was amazed at the engineering and finish of the metal parts.... See more
Company details
- #8 of 48 best companies in Model shop
- #25 of 180 best companies in Hobby shop
- #2 of 9 best companies in Scale model club
Written by the company
We’re a friendly, family run business nestled in the glorious North Yorkshire Moors, within walking distance of the North Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway. Our customers are modellers, collectors and enthusiasts who are fans of model railways, vehicles (military and civilian), and diecast models and figures. They are also keen kit builders and diorama creators. Our knowledgeable team includes railway modellers and dedicated railway enthusiasts, RC experts and plastic kit enthusiasts. We’re ready to provide you with a premium experience and first-class service. We’re essentially mail order, but we do have an onsite showroom and workshop for visitors to enjoy. We stock all major brands of model railway locos and rolling stock across all gauges at competitive discounted prices, usually around a 15% reduction on the recommended retail price. It’s not just locos - we supply everything you need to compliment your layout from scenery, figures, buildings and electrics to modelling tools, paints and effects. We also sell an extensive range of plastic kits, slot cars, diecast models and aviation models.
Contact info
Hill Farm, Beck Hole, YO22 5LF, Whitby, United Kingdom
- 01947899125
- sales@tmc-direct.com
- www.themodelcentre.com
4.9
Excellent
6k reviews
Asks customers to review
This company invites their customers to review, whether positive or negative
Replied to 100% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 48 hours
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I am very happy with my experience
I am very happy with my experience, fast delivery and good quality :)
1 September 2026
Top class service
The product was in stock at a fair price. It was promptly despatched and was very well packaged.
1 September 2026
Order received and promptly despatched
Order received and promptly despatched. Items ordered were exactly as described and from my perspective good value for money.
1 September 2026
Good values service.
25 August 2026
Midsomer marvel.
Item as described. Money wise a real bargain. 25% cheaper as the same model on other websites .Delivery prompt as usual from your good selves.
1 September 2026
Good service to customer on-line
Good prices, quick delivery, wide range of products and gauges
1 September 2026
Prompt efficient service
1 September 2026
Occasionally buy from TMC
Occasionally buy from TMC; their service is prompt, their provision of a "trunk" to store purchases thus saving individual postage charges is appreciated. Prices (for O gauge) on a par with other suppliers - i.e not particularly attractive, but thus time they had a rather unique wagon that attracted me, so I paid up.
21 August 2026
Very disappointed that I chose 3…
Very disappointed that I chose 3 different locomotives that were on display only to be told they were already sold.
I don't think they should have been on display if already sold
22 August 2026
Reply from The Model Centre
Good afternoon, Mrs Currie,
Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback, and we’re very sorry that the locomotives you had chosen were not available for purchase when you visited us.
Normally, sold items are removed from our display cabinets, although this is generally completed at the end of the trading day. We’ve checked with our shop team regarding the particular locomotives you saw, and they’ve advised that a couple of trunked orders were being held and had been left in the cabinets as examples of the types of weathering effects we can achieve.
We completely appreciate, however, that this would not have been clear to you, and we understand how disappointing it must have been to select three models, only to find that they had already been sold. We apologise for the frustration and disappointment this caused.
We’ve taken your feedback on board and will be removing sold items from the cabinets going forward to help avoid this happening again.
Thank you again for bringing this to our attention.
Kind regards, Tom
Quick reliable efficient and friendly…
Quick reliable efficient and friendly service from this trusted seller. Very competitive prices and reliable pre owned items.Highly recommended.
21 August 2026
Was able to supply from stock all the…
Was able to supply from stock all the unusual items I required. It took a fair amount of time to locate the parts but their overall service and patience was outstanding.
21 August 2026
Super fast attention to my order.
Super fast attention to my order.
Shipped and delivered next day - free post.
So pleased I recorded my appreciation for TMC service on rmWeb!
28 August 2026
Item took a long time to get delivered
17 August 2026
Reply from The Model Centre
Good afternoon, Mark,
Thank you for your review. Thank you for your feedback, and we’re very sorry that your order took much longer than expected to reach you.
While our usual workshop preparation time is around 2 weeks, or up to 3 weeks during busier periods, your order took much longer with our customisation team. This is significantly longer than we would expect, and we sincerely apologise for the delay.
We’re currently reviewing our workloads and processes to help prevent delays like this from happening again.
We’ll also be reaching out to you by email to discuss this further and make sure we address your concerns properly.
Thank you again for bringing this to our attention.
Kind regards, Tom
A good price for the locomotive
A good price for the locomotive; well-packaged and prompt delivery.
21 August 2026
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