Brands we buy
At Footplate, we buy and sell model railway items from a wide range of manufacturers, from mainstream OO gauge brands to specialist and rare items. Rich and Derek have over 30 years of combined experience in the hobby, so whatever you have, Footplate is likely familiar with it and can offer a fair, informed price. Not sure what gauge your items are? See our Gauges & Scales Guide.
Manufacturers Footplate Knows & Stocks
Footplate regularly deals in items from the following manufacturers, among others:
- Hornby – The UK's best-known model railway brand, covering OO gauge locomotives, rolling stock, and sets across many eras.
- Bachmann – A leading manufacturer of OO and N gauge models, known for high levels of detail and reliability.
- Heljan – Danish manufacturer producing highly detailed OO and O gauge diesel and electric locomotives.
- Dapol – UK manufacturer producing O, OO and N gauge models, including wagons, coaches, and locomotives.
- Farish (Graham Farish) – The UK's leading N gauge manufacturer, now part of the Bachmann group.
- Peco – Renowned for track, wagons, and accessories across multiple gauges.
- Roco – Austrian manufacturer producing high-quality European and British outline models in HO and OO gauge.
- Fleischmann – German manufacturer with a long heritage in HO and N gauge European outline modelling.
- Märklin – Iconic German brand, particularly known for HO and Z gauge, as well as their distinctive three-rail AC system.
- LGB (Lehmann) – Specialists in G gauge large-scale models, popular for garden railways.
- Wrenn – Highly collectable vintage British OO gauge models, often sought after by collectors.
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Tri-ang / Tri-ang Hornby – Classic vintage British models with a loyal collector following.
Rare, Unusual & Specialist Items
Footplate has a particular interest in and understanding of the more specialist end of the hobby. Rich and Derek are enthusiasts themselves — you'll find them at Foxfield Railway and The Peacock Railway in Nantwich — so if you have items that fall outside the mainstream, don't assume they're difficult to sell. These can often be the most valuable pieces in a collection, and Footplate is one of the few dealers with the knowledge to price them correctly.
Brass O Gauge
Brass O gauge models — particularly those produced by manufacturers such as Finescale Brass, Masterpiece Models, Lee Marsh, and imported Japanese or Korean brass — can command significant prices. Footplate understands the market for these items and can provide accurate, informed valuations that reflect their true worth.
Live Steam
Live steam models, whether garden-scale G gauge or larger, require specialist knowledge to value correctly. Footplate is experienced with brands such as Accucraft, Roundhouse Engineering, Aster Hobby, and Regner, and can assess both the condition and market value of your live steam items, including club-built and one-off locomotives.
Vintage & Pre-War Models
Pre-war and early post-war models from manufacturers such as Bassett-Lowke, Bing, Märklin, and Hornby Dublo are highly collectable. Age, rarity, and condition all play a significant role in pricing, and Footplate has the expertise to assess these correctly.
Limited Editions & Weathered Models
Factory-weathered models and limited-edition runs — particularly from Hornby and Bachmann — can be worth considerably more than standard production items. Footplate keeps a close eye on the secondary market and reflects this in our offers.
Want to know what your collection is worth or how the selling process works? Read about why customers choose Footplate, or visit our Advice Centre for valuation guidance.
Not sure if Footplate would be interested in what you have? Get in touch and Rich or Derek will be happy to take a look.