We Will Buy Your Model Railway!

At Footplate, we've been helping collectors and families buy and sell model railways for over 30 years. As a family-run business, we've purchased everything from cherished single locomotives to complete lifetime collections, always offering honest valuations, fair prices and a straight forward, personal service.

Whether you're downsizing, selling an inherited collection or simply making space for a new chapter, you'll deal directly with Rich and Derek. From your first enquiry through to valuation, collection and payment, we're here to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.

We're enthusiasts ourselves, so we understand that every collection represents years of enjoyment, dedication and memories. That's why we treat every model, and every customer, with the care and respect they deserve.

Why People Trust Footplate

Selling a model railway collection is often about much more than the models themselves. It can be part of a house move, retirement, or the difficult task of dealing with a loved one's estate. We're proud that so many families have trusted Footplate to guide them through that process with honesty, sensitivity and professionalism.

Here's what some of our customers have said:

"When you're dealing with your father's beloved and life-long model collection, trust and respect are the biggest factors... Rich and the Footplate team were supersonic from start to finish."

"Contacted Footplate with my father-in-law's OO collection. They offered the best price over any other offers we were given... Richard was always polite and fair."

"I was having to sell my deceased father's O Gauge items... The communication was simple... the logistics of getting everything to them was made straightforward."

These are just a few of the hundreds of reviews that reflect the values we've built our business on: fairness, knowledge, clear communication and a genuine passion for model railways.

Explore Our Selling Hub

We've put together a series of helpful guides to answer your questions and explain exactly how we work. Click any section below to find out more.

How It Works

Selling to us is simple — just three steps. Get in touch, we value your collection, and you get paid promptly. No fees, no listings, no waiting. Read more →

Our Services

From straightforward buying to probate valuations, house clearances, part exchange, and collections of all sizes — find out the full range of ways we can help. Read more →

Advice Centre

Not sure what your collection is worth? Wondering whether eBay or a dealer is the better route? Want to know how payment works or how to get your items to us? Our Advice Centre covers it all. Read more →

Manufacturers We Know & Stock

We deal in items from all major manufacturers — Hornby, Bachmann, Heljan, Dapol, Märklin, LGB, Wrenn, and many more. We also have specialist knowledge of rare brass O gauge, live steam, and vintage pre-war models. Read more →

Gauges & Scales Guide

Not sure what gauge your collection is? Our plain-English guide covers Z, N, TT, HO, OO, O, G, Gauge 1, and live steam — and we buy them all. Read more →

Areas We Cover

We travel all over the UK to collect in person — England, Wales, and Scotland. No collection is too far. Read more →

Why Choose Footplate?

Read real customer reviews, case studies, meet the team, and see examples of collections we've recently purchased. Find out why collectors and families across the UK trust us. Read more →

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the questions we get asked most — timescales, damaged items, single items, payment methods, and more. Read more →

Ready to Sell?

Getting started couldn't be simpler. You can:

Send us a list or photos of your items by email to info@footplate.co.uk
Give us a call on 01562 750076 or 01270 421717
Fill in the contact form below and we'll get back to you promptly

We purchase model railways in gauges Z, N, TT, HO, OO, O-16.5, O, 32mm, 45mm, G Gauge, Gauge 1, 2½ inch, 3½ inch, 5 inch and 7¼ inch. We also consider wider collectables including Dinky Toys, Matchbox, Corgi, Lego, Star Wars, and more.

Payment is typically made by bank transfer, and we travel the length and breadth of the UK to collect larger collections in person. No collection is too large, too small, or too far away.

Thank you for considering Footplate. We look forward to hearing from you.

Rich & Derek