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Drum & Flag closing down, other UK alternatives?

Posted by Xantippos on 25 Nov 2023, 09:26

Sadly Drum & Flag online website is closing down (previously a eBay shop too), I think the only online shop I have ordered from all my past 4 addresses in 3 different countries since I started buying miniatures online!

I happen to be in UK for the next few months, and the obvious question arises, which is the best, cheapest and most authoritative online miniature seller here? for Brexit reasons any shop abroad is a no-no. In person, where I am now near Sheffield, I believe all physical shops have more or less closed down except for a few that don't stock much.

I've scrolled round Hannants but I wasn't very impressed with prices nor choice. Any others that are recommendable?
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Xantippos  
 
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Posted by Minuteman on 26 Nov 2023, 18:22

Xantippos wrote:Sadly Drum & Flag online website is closing down (previously a eBay shop too), I think the only online shop I have ordered from all my past 4 addresses in 3 different countries since I started buying miniatures online!

I happen to be in UK for the next few months, and the obvious question arises, which is the best, cheapest and most authoritative online miniature seller here? for Brexit reasons any shop abroad is a no-no. In person, where I am now near Sheffield, I believe all physical shops have more or less closed down except for a few that don't stock much.

I've scrolled round Hannants but I wasn't very impressed with prices nor choice. Any others that are recommendable?


It is a shame that Drum and Flag have closed up shop, and Rupert Mitchel (proprietor) certainly provided a great service to our hobby over two decades.

Bear in mind however that there are many suppliers of models and figures to the hobby here in the UK. They may not specialise just in figures, but they carry large stocks of most of what is currently in production.

Hannants are, in fact, a large operation who provide a wholesale service to the hobby as well as selling to individual customers. Their prices are not the cheapest, but they usually have a lot of each set in stock and I am surprised that you found that choice was limited there?

You may also want to try KingKit (http://www.kingkit.co.uk) , and Models2U (http://www.models2u.co.uk), both of which provide a good mail-order service.

I note that you are in South Yorkshire, and if you fancy a drive over to the other side of the county, Halifax Modellers World http://www.halifaxmodellersworld.co.uk do carry a stock of some model figures, I understand. Probably best to call ahead to see what they have in stock first, as Yorkshire is a big county!
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Minuteman  United Kingdom
 
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Posted by Rich W on 27 Nov 2023, 00:05

I would have thought Hannants have the largest stock in the UK....Although I agree they are not the cheapest.

I've ordered from Kingkit and Emodels who were very good. Arcane Scenery have a very small range of figures, but have most of everything else you'd need.

Good suggestion from Mark about Halifax Modellers World. I've ordered from them couple of times and they were very reliable. I'm sure their shop must be worth a visit if you have time. I think Pennine Models is also worth trying. Their website isn't very good but if you look at their facebook page you can see pictures of the shop-from what I remember there was a decent range on show in the photos....

The good thing is, no place is ever that far to drive in the UK. So I'm sure if you Google search, you'll find places within 1-2 hours of you that you can turn into a nice day trip! Let us know where you do find and visit over the next few months!
Rich W  United Kingdom
 
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Posted by Ochoin on 29 Nov 2023, 08:49

Taiwan?

I've dealt with this chap on several occasions & he seems reliable, well priced & efficient.

In OZ, at least, P&P is free.

https://www.ebay.com.au/str/alwaysmodel
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Ochoin  Scotland
 
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Posted by Peter on 29 Nov 2023, 21:02

There is a list of webshops in this topic. Don't know what is still open and what not.

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=10207
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Peter  Belgium

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Posted by Xantippos on 19 Jan 2024, 10:41

Many thanks for all the suggestions. In the end I went for Emodels, basically because they had the set I wanted at the lowest price (Mars Soviet border guards), and also because they seemed to be the most professional and quick in regards of stock management and shipping, and I was in a hurry to get my parcel, as I ordered just before New Year and needed the minis for 6th January.

In the end, it was a success, although one set was out of stock, they upgraded me for free to 24h shipping and hence I was very happy. Fully recommended, very good communication.
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