Welcome to Classic Collect Models

Hi my name is Geoff. Whittaker, I am a model railway writer and vintage transport fan. I developed this site as a combination of blogging site and model railway shop. I also have a YouTube channel named “Not Just Trains”. I release a new post every week and videos somewhat less often!

My main claim to fame is building kits and dioramas, for clients

Testimonials

” Hi Geoff, I wanted to write and thank you properly for the tube station models, which all arrived safe and sound this afternoon. I’m absolutely delighted with all of them – and particular thanks for the alterations to the Wansford Little Chef which looks great.

There’s no way I could get these things to look any good, and your skill is very much appreciated on all of the models. Hope to get you to do some more one of these days. Thanks again. Nigel.”

Kit build Delivery times – Covid 19 update

As of June 1st Kingsway models is out of action, possibly for several weeks, therefore I can’t offer any builds.

Metcalfe have closed down for the duration. I will keep doing builds as long as there are still kits in the supply chain.

Turnaround for kit builds is usually five days, however at busy times I instigate a waiting list system. Bulk orders from the same person usually take priority. You can contact me below to find out the current waiting time.

Update, 11/05/20 , builds are running at about ten days .

I am still building kits during the virus lock-down. In fact it is busier than usual due to people being stuck indoors! All the couriers and postal service are still operating.

Selected builds

Layout inspiration at the Ribble Steam Railway.

This layout is on display in the Ribble Steam Railway’s museum. The Railway operates over three miles of track on Preston Docks. Unusually, the line runs down the centre of a road and over a swing bridge, before running next to the river Ribble. If you are lucky you may see the bridge in operation. This happens every time a boat enters or exits the marina, in the old dock.

The layout It is a good example of landscape modelling. For example, there is a first radius oval inside the main running lines. Note the very curved station platform on the left! The village in the centre makes a good scenic break. Additionally, most of the buildings look scratch built. The village is not flat, it is raised in the centre. A stream flows down the hill and road signs add interest.

Latest posts

• Dinky Tankers – Model Collectors Guide
• The Tri-ang R52, Jinty Locomotive -Retro Reviews
• The Triang R157/8, DMU Class 101. Retro Review
• The Warszawa 203 Polish automobile (223/224) -Mag Models 1/43 review.
• 1/76 Blackpool Balloon tram model by Atlas Editions – Review

I regularly visit heritage sites and post Image sets for modellers reference. These include locomotives, rolling stock, buildings and more.

Finally, Get your model railway building kits ready made. No fiddly construction, just plant!

Check out the kit build gallery for images from recent model projects.

Look out for regular posts on model railway topics. There are some useful Tips and tricks, from an experienced modeller. Finally,welcome to my U.S. readers. Subscibe to receive an email every time a new post is released.

Get your ready built model railway kits here. No time to build kits? Do you have manual dexterity problems?

We provide a kit building service for all of the best known manufacturer’s kits. Metcalfe, Superquick, Kingsway and even Dapol plastic kits.

Hello,
How wonderful to find a kit build service!!:)

There are so many Miniatures I love, but I’m often frustrated to find that they’re kits!

So it’s really great to find you:).

Recent customer comment

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Kit build service

We have delivered many kit builds to satisfied customers via our Ebay shop.

Buy now and save time on your next layout project. Many of our builds are used as dioramas for displaying model vehicles such as buses and Fire appliances.

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