| Industry | Retail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1970 (age 56) in Sheffield, England |
| Founder | Hedley Barber |
| Hq location | Sheffield, England |
| Key people | John Hedley Barber (Managing Director) |
| Website | railsofsheffield.com |
Rails of Sheffield is a British retailer and manufacturer of model railway paraphernalia founded in Sheffield, England, in 1970 by Hedley Francis Barber (1929–2015).[1][2]
The shop, which is located on Chesterfield Road, which has seen numerous expansions over the decades, has become the largest stockist of model railway products in the United Kingdom.[3][4] A number of notable customers have visited the store whilst visiting the city including Jools Holland and Rod Stewart.[5]
The shop carries various brands including Hornby, Corgi, Airfix amongst others.[6]
On 4 February 2024 Hattons Model Railways ceased operations and many of its toolings were sold to Rails of Sheffield.[7][8][9]
On 29 November 2025, a second retail location was opened at the Sheffield station.[10]
References
- ^ "Family-run model train shop Rails of Sheffield, launched in 1970 by Hedley Barber, has moved to new premises with support from HSBC UK-min | TheBusinessDesk.com". Yorkshire. Retrieved 2024-03-16.
- ^ "15 of Sheffield's oldest businesses still running today - including Atkinsons and Henderson's Relish". uk.style.yahoo.com. 2023-11-11. Retrieved 2024-03-16.
- ^ Keighley, Tom (2022-04-19). "Model railway retailer Rails of Sheffield to expand creating 20 jobs". Business Live. Retrieved 2024-03-16.
- ^ "Model railway retailer Rails of Sheffield to create 20 new jobs". March 16, 2024.
- ^ "Rails of Sheffield: How UK's 'biggest' model railway shop with famous fans began life at back of grocery store". Yahoo News. 2023-07-23. Retrieved 2024-03-16.
- ^ "Model train prices are rising because of pound's devaluation". BBC News. 2016-10-24. Retrieved 2024-03-16.
- ^ "Hattons Originals Range Update - Hattons Model Railways". www.hattons.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-03-16.
- ^ "Hattons legacy to live on under Rails of Sheffield". Trains. 2024-03-16. Retrieved 2024-03-16.
- ^ "Hattons Model Railway brand bought by Sheffield company". RailAdvent. 2024-03-12. Retrieved 2024-03-16.
- ^ "Rails of Sheffield to open new store in city's station". East Midlands Railway News. 2025-02-05. Retrieved 2025-11-29.
