I wouldn't say I'm "into" them (yet) Andy - this is for a specific project - but that said, I was quite taken by the display the SIG put up at our show.  I may well venture a little further into this field yet...

I am currently after a particular aircraft in a specific scale (a 1/144 scale Hawker Hurricane) for my latest madcap project and, as I like to support the high street, thought I would go 'physical' shopping.  Modelzone and Hobbycraft (who previously did stock these) in Hull were not able to provide, so yesterday, I rang Just Kits on Hessle Road.

After asking if he had such a kit in stock, I was told he hadn't and, almost disdainfully, he said that such things probably didn't exist as it was a most unusual scale.  I explained about the 1/144 SIG and the Revell Micro Wings range and he checked his catalogue as he is a big stockist of Revell, confirmed that such things were available but it was most unlikely that he would be able/willing to get one in as a one off.  More likely it would have to be a rackful, which I got the impression he didn't fancy being stuck with.

The conversation ended with me feeling that rather than being a potential customer, I had been a bit of a nuisance by wanting a bit of an obscure, yet readily available kit which only cost a few quid; this by the tone of voice in which the conversation was delivered and the almost offhand way I was dismissed.  That, I though, is the end of that!

Ten minutes later, the telephone rang and a voice on the other end asked if I was "the bloke who had just called about the 1/144 scale Hurricane?"  To his credit, he had followed my enquiry up with his supplier who did indeed have this range in stock and could put 1 x 04913 on the next order, due to him in a few days and he would hold it for me to collect on Saturday.

Well done Just Kits.  It just goes to show that whilst an improvement on texts and letters, phone conversations can also be misread without the animated facial expressions that go with them.  I wonder what sort of face he will pull when I collect the kit on Saturday and ask him if he would consider giving us at the club a discount - don't think I'll be so cruel as to ask for it on the Hurricane though.  That might be pushing me PULHHEEMS a bit!!!

Good Luck?  That sounds a bit ominous!  But thanks anyway, laugh out loud.

It's another "yearning for yesteryear" moment I'm afraid.  I think back to all the dusty old places I used to visit - both local and newly discovered gems when on holiday - and choke back a tear.  Not just models either and it's sad to say that as well as the displays and stock, the service has also declined.  As you pointed out, the staff are there to generate sales and sell you stuff, not necessarily to provide advice on the best product for the job.

Anybody remember Colin Stevenson's bike shop on Grovehill Road in Beverley?  We had a wool shop on the corner of Grovehill Road and Cherry Tree Lane 200 yards away.  The entire right hand wall of that place was covered with peg board and had row upon row of models hung there, the shelves behind the counter were jammed as was his stockroom.  On my 13th Birthday, I was sent there to pick up a model my Mum and Dad had ordered for my present and you could not measure my dissapointment when, instead of a Frog Vultee Vengeance, I came away with a brand new British Eagle 10 speed racer   Parents can be so cruel!!!
 

Thanks Kev,

I've got no online facility at home so am having to abuse the work computer at the moment.

Looking forward to picking up some good information and advice on here from you all.

Dave Mitchell