Invicta Model Rail expands

Invicta Model Rail has expanded its premises, promising to add new product lines for N and OO gauges in coming months. Last December, the MP for Sidcup, Louie French cut a ribbon during an opening ceremony held at its premises at 130 Station Road, Sidcup.

Kerry Hollands and Vernon Smith opened Invicta Model Rail in April, 2013, both having a long history in the model and hobby world. Starting in the days of Beatties of London Ltd (Lewisham branch) and then via Modelzone, they finished at the Signal Box (Rochester).

"We built our business slowly and steadily over the years, trading and promoting the shop at model railway exhibitions all over the U.K. We backed this up with old school in-store customer service combined with the latest internet-based worldwide mail order service," explains Kerry.

"Sadly Vernon became ill in 2017 and after a long battle he passed away in early 2020. I decided to keep the business going and Invicta Model Rail has continued to go from strength to strength."

A glimpse of the variety of stock held by the Sidcup-based model shop, with shelves filled, floor to ceiling.

After the Covid pandemic and subsequent lock down, Kerry has started to rebuild the business with help and support from friends and family, culminating in 2021 with the purchase of the building, helping secure the future of Invicta. A dedicated N gauge model railway and transport book showroom in its premises was always a goal.

Kerry beside a selection of newly-stocked railway books, for the passing enthusiast or modeller – often valuable sources of information.

"Before his illness this had always been Vernon’s dream, turning one of our storage rooms into increased retail area allowing an expansion of ranges, thus increasing the range of products available to our customers. It is our ambition to expand and maximise the building to its full potential over the coming months and years, and to provide a one-stop shop for model railway enthusiasts young and old, experienced or beginners," concluded Kerry.

Find more details on the ranges stocked by Invicta Model Rail via its website, or to browse its catalogue of products, visit its store at 130 Station Road, Sidcup DA15 7AB

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