DEATH OF THE MODELZONE CHAIN: MAT BRINGS BACK PICTURES FROM THE EDGE

Mat Irvine popped in to Milton Keynes, UK, to see how the local branch of the moribund Modelzone chain was doing today. The results you see here.


You can criticize Modelzone stores, especially the modest stock levels, but it's still a very sad day to see any model store going down, let alone 47 of them.

For casual buyers, perhaps Modelzone's main strength was in the range of diecast models they had on show, especially good where aircraft were concerned, with squadrons of Corgi and other brands lined up in well-lit showcases.

For items of specialist equipment, the chain was perhaps less successful, especially in supplying the miscellaneous bits and pieces required by serious builders of injection-moulded kits.

As for the empty hole that will soon open up in Modelzone's absence, perhaps the hugely busy AppleStore a couple of minutes away could use the space as overflow.

Even better, Apple could use it for the free training and support that makes the stores so useful for Mac owners.