The Model Centre Reviews 

5,508
•
TrustScore 5 out of 5

4.9

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Looking at 1,250 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company, consistently praising the exceptional overall quality and professional service. Consumers frequently mention that online orders arrive very quickly, and products are securely packaged in sturdy materials to protect delicate items during transit. People also deeply appreciate the wide selection of available models, very fair competitive prices, and the consistently helpful customer support team. However, some reviewers were not happy with occasional delivery damages, missing small parts discovered upon unpacking, and frustrating delays when dealing with returned repairs. These few customers noted that items arrived broken, were found already sold on display, or required extra effort to resolve problems.

What people talk about most

Delivery service

Customers had positive experiences with delivery service, frequently highlighting the exceptionally fast... See more

Product

Customers consistently note positive experiences with product, highlighting the great selection of models and... See more

Service

Reviewers highlight positive aspects of service, consistently praising the fast delivery, reliable... See more

Price

Users describe positive interactions with price, noting that products are offered at very competitive and... See more

Order

Consumers find order satisfaction due to the simple and user-friendly website, quick delivery times, and... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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

  1. Model Shop
  2. Hobby Store
  3. 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

4.9

Excellent

TrustScore 5 out of 5

6K reviews

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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

How this company uses Trustpilot

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4.9

All reviews

(5,508)

1,239 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Detail and Realism

I love the attention to detail and realism in the way TMC weather my models.
They are professional and efficient to deal with and work to reasonable time scales for the work they carry out.
Always friendly to talk to.

September 3, 2026
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

First-Class Service and Stunning Weathering

Having used The Model Centre for a number of orders, from locomotives to point motors, I couldn’t fault them. Following the order to have my locomotive weathered, it arrived within a couple of weeks, and the finish looks amazing. Their prices, including the weathering service, were far cheaper than elsewhere with other main retailers.

Delivery was quick overall. For point motors that were out of stock, I was kept informed by phone on the expected delivery date.

July 26, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great Service from TMC

The easy of ordering and the speed of delivery. I've only been shopping with TMC for a short while but the stock is excellent and the pre-owned items I've purchased have been in excellent condition and very well packaged for transit. Thank you very much for the excellent service

September 2, 2026
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellence

Very competitive price, communication through out and prompt delivery.
All-round first class service
Highly recommended.

September 1, 2026
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Customised Hornby LNER A4 - Quicksilver

The item was ordered with specific requestes for weathering, adding extras like real coal, DCC Sound, cab crew etc.
These guys made it super easy, kept me informed as to progress and provided shipping / tracking information.
The whole process was very easy, especially as the order was sent to Australia.

September 1, 2026
Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Normally I'd give 5 stars every time

Normally I'd give 5 stars every time, but unfortunately there was a delay in my latest order and I was not given a reason why. Hopefully this was a glitch and it won't happen again. Other than that, product was brilliant and as described as usual.

September 1, 2026
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Love love love The Model Centre

Love love love The Model Centre! Living in the US finding 009 engines and wagons was very difficult. Your selection is absolutely amazing. Quick response to questions, speedy delivery, and the quality of the packaging have made me a return customer!!

August 25, 2026

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