old stores (and stories) of long ago

[Glen]

When I was stationed at RAF Alconbury back inthe late 70s, I had four model shops that I visited regularly. Huntingdon had 'Sports and Fashions' and one other shop who's name escapes me, but it was in a small plaza that was in easy walking distance from the High Street. The other two were in Cambridge - Ren Models and Model Mania. Both were great for plastic kits, but only Model Mania had a small selection of figures and even smaller selection of flats. Most of these were pre-painted parade or marching band figures in 30mm. I did pick up a small Hessian soldier. I painted it mostly white as I recall. I have no idea what became of it. I moved around a lot. Things got lost...

Cheers,

Glen

[Scott Johnson]

Not that it was known for selling many flats, but alas it is true. Tradition of London, Ltd. has closed up its shop in the Mayfair section of London. I was lucky enough to pop in last October and had an enjoyable half hour conversation with its owner.

We need to have more bricks and mortar stores: toy, books, whatever. They are more fun than InterNet "shops."

[alfsboy]

It certainly was the Wall Models I used to go to .There most Saturdays though I wasnt a wargamer .i painted hundreds of little figures to supplement my wages in an electronics factory .He run up large debts only to let someone else called Eric take it over and its debts .The debts turned out to be even larger than Eric thought and it was a doomed adventure and one that warned me about about being a enthusiast not a businessman .A lot of model soldier businesses were propped up by other income including Tradition ,Willie and Under Two Flags probably .

[Robert Leighton]

HI Alfsboy
Was that the Wall Model shop that used to be in Manor Park as I remember one being run there, for wargamers he had a large war gaming table in the middle of his shop for a while, then changed it to have just counters as he found that more profitable.  The wargamers used to come in play the games and then go out without buying anything. The Proprieter organised a few wargamers evenings and painting competions. He  lasted for a few years although he had a struggle to make any real profits, then overnight he was gone.

[alfsboy]

I remember under Two flags well .I used to paint for them when Jock ,the owner ,ran it .I did some flat dioramas and some 30 mm Stadden dioramas and also 54 mm's .Later he wanted a very bright Pelikan Plaka style which just doesnt suit my style which tended to be a mix of Blackwells oil bound poster oil paint and Humbrol .Jock claimed Americans liked that bright graphic style .Years later he admitted that it was a mistake to let me go and my style was in reality better .Jock took few prisoners being a scion of the Coutts banking empire  so it was rare compliment .I got most of my flats by going to Kulbach and stocking up .
      Wish I could still get Blackwells .I think Historex agents use to sell it under the Campaign Colours label .I also painted for Suren ,who made Willie figures and private customers  plus Wall Models wargame stuff.

[Scott Johnson]

Ah yes, Polks! That was the one place in New York City where my brother Douglas (also a IFFC/BFFS member) and I could get flats without relying on the mail. We'd visit the City frequently enough - about one a year - for a couple of years and went to Polks. I forget (frequently happens nowadays) how we learned about the store. Brother Doug surely will and eventually will post that here, but I do remember a painted flats set concerning Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. Too expensive for me, and the flats I would buy were destined to be used in wargaming anyway. For some reason my preference then was for Napoleonics and what I would buy at Polks came exclusively from that era. Not that there were too many others anyway. The other unfortunate thing in my view was that the flats sets were OKI quality and not the better painted Kilia that Alloys Ochel was selling. You take what you can get.

More memories later.

Scott

[marko]

The Soldier Shop in New York was a stand by for me via mail order.  I used to have a number of their yearly bound catalogs.  They supplied me with an embarrassing collection of unbuilt Historex.


To go back even further in New York was Polks.  Again I have a bound catalog and some Erickson's my brother purchased about 1962 - 1964.  I have heard a number of folks wax nostalgic about this store and their large numbers of painted figures.


My first big 'go' in flats was The Red Lancers - which is online and still great - who at one time carried Segom.  They supplied me with an embarrassing collection of unpainted Segom Napoleonics.


Mark

[PJDeluhery]

I was at Under Two Flags years ago. A great little store, as I remember.
In the States we had The Soldier Shop in NYC - also long gone. Prices were high, but I had to buy something every once-in-a while just because I wanted something from there. May have seen my first flat there.
I'm afraid bricks and mortar stores are getting tobe things of the past for us. 

[blaster]

Hello Brian,

Would that be Jock Coutts, the proprietor? He was succeeded by his son, Andy I think. The shop didn't last long after jock retired.   It was a great shop.

Rgds victor

[Chris Seeley]

Trust you to do better than me when i went there they were not cheap, for set you could get from Histrexs Agents a lot cheaper.
Chris

[Brian]

Under Two Flags was a great shop, loaded with flats in cabinets on the wall, one time there I don't know what was going on but the guy serving was practically blind, three box's of Kieler figures and the Erwin Ortmann book "model tin figures" (still think its a great read) all for a third of the actual price, I did ask if the price was right, but the guy was adamant he was correct    so I paid the money and said thank you very much.
I did return a few times and never got to see that guy again,mind you he properly could'nt see me!     don't know who he was but I got a good deal that day back in the 70's   

[Chris Seeley]

I to Tradition my years ago when the stocked flats the prices were very high. I also went to Under Two Flag they sold flats their prices were very high do to being just off Qxford Street. I dont think there are any shops in the Uk selling flats figures.
Chris

[blaster]

Hello Scott,

Well, that story went down a little flat, like the beer...?

BTW, I understand that Tradition is closing down its store, only operating on the internet by end Dec 2012.

Rgds Victor

[Scott Johnson]

Any interest in reminiscing about favorite flats stores of yesteryear? I know it's a bit like crying in your beer (if you haven't tried it, you should), but it might be fun. Who knows it might inspire someone to start one up again.

(I was recently in London and sought out Tradition of London Ltd. Neat little shop in a wonderful nook in that city. Great conversation with the owner. Lots of fine rounds, but no flats  )