Traintrax: first anniversary of York operations

On January 15, 2023 York-based business Model Railway Magic Ltd will celebrate 12 months since acquiring the traintrax.co.uk specialist model railway website following the retirement of the previous owner, who ran the business from his home in Surrey.

Model Railway Magic was founded early in 2020 lockdown by Ian Miller as a model recycling programme , buying and selling second-hand model railway items. The business began working from Ian’s spare bedroom in Tang Hall. Model Railway Magic has continued its model recycling programme as well as operating Traintrax and planning future ventures.

Traintrax exclusively sells N gauge models from the Japanese brand Kato – a small scale popular with modellers with small spaces. Ian has aimed to maintain his predecessor's high level of service, competitive pricing and product range. Following the move to York, the last year has seen investments to modernize the Traintrax website and digital improvements, and launch of a new range of modular base boards designed and made in Yorkshire. The next stage is said to be a move to larger premises.

Plans are underway to move to a larger-sized warehouse at the Raylor Centre, where Model Railway Magic has been operating from a small office since January, 2022. The move, expected early February, 2023, is said to allow more stock to be held and offer a wider range of products.

Ian commented: "I've been having fun playing with trains, whilst also putting the IT skills I gained in my former career to use selling online for 12 months now. I've met some interesting people along the way and I'm looking forward to the business growing further over the next 12 months. After that I've got a few more ideas for enjoying model railways in York!"

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