Great Eastern Models in Norwich sees business double
Anne Martin, whose family has owned Great Eastern Models, on Plumstead Road, Norwich[1] for more than 36 years, said since lockdown, a record number of people had been ditching outdoor hobbies[2] in favour of “cozy activities” like model building.
Family-run business Great Eastern Models said business has more than doubled since the first lockdown (Image: Great Eastern Models)
She said: “When we first heard we’d have to close during lockdown we were very worried the business would fold.
“But actually, the combination of people having more time and saving money from staying at home sent our business through the roof.
“People were even telling us their doctor had recommended they take it up to help with their mental health, to take their mind off the horrible things happening in the world.”
Anne Martin’s father Robert ‘John’ Hockey, who founded Great Eastern Models more than 36 years ago, with son Rob Hockey (Image: Great Eastern Models)
And far from the stereotypes about model rail enthusiasts, Ms Martin said their new customer base expanded far beyond “retired blokes making models in their loft”.
A model railway scene created by a customer of Great Eastern Models in Norwich (Image: Great Eastern Models)
She said: “Once upon a time nobody talked about it, it was people doing this in their loft and nobody knew about it, it was a hidden hobby.
“When I was at school, I remember we were embarrassed to tell people what the family business was, because there was a stigma about building models.
“But now that’s completely changed. People are proud of what they’re creating.”
Family-run business Great Eastern Models said business has more than doubled since the first lockdown (Image: News Quest)
Looking forward, Ms Martin said she sees the industry continuing to grow, thanks to technological advancements that allow people to create ever more realistic scenes.
A model railway scene created by a customer of Great Eastern Models in Norwich (Image: Great Eastern Models)
She said: “The future possibilities are endless.
“Because you can operate the railways digitally now, we’re seeing things like sound effects, real steam, and high-speed trains that zip around the tracks.
“That tech is just going to get better and better, and as it does, we’re going to see young people increasingly drawn in.”
A model railway scene created by a customer of Great Eastern Models in Norwich (Image: Great Eastern Models)
Top four favourites for collectors
According to Ms Martin, despite the availability of high speed trains, the classic models are still customer favourites.
Anne Martin with their top selling model, the Flying Scotsman (Image: News Quest)
1. LNER Class A3 Flying Scotsman (Built 1923)
2. LNER Class A4 Mallard (Built 1938)
3. British Rail Class 55 Deltic (built 1955)
4. British Rail Class 37 (built 1960)
A model railway scene created by a customer of Great Eastern Models in Norwich (Image: Great Eastern Models)
References
- ^ Great Eastern Models, on Plumstead Road, Norwich (www.edp24.co.uk)
- ^ hobbies (www.edp24.co.uk)