GAUGEMASTER – The History
Gaugemaster Controls and the Engine Shed were formed in 1975 and 1974 respectively as two separate businesses, The Engine Shed - a local model shop in Bognor Regis, and Gaugemaster - an electronic sub assembly business in Worthing.
The original Engine Shed store in Madeira Parade, Bognor Regis
In 1977 the first Gaugemaster Controller was produced, there being a demand for modern electronic controllers for the adult modeller which at that time was not being catered for. Between 1977 and 1982 both businesses became established, and after working together for a period, were joined together in the spring of 1982. During the early 1980s a Mail Order department was started in addition to the shop, and then in 1984 a second shop was purchased in Worthing.
After extensive renovation, the Worthing shop opened in November 1984. Between 1984 and 1987 the two retail shops both grew, together with an increase in mail order business, but most particularly the manufacturing of Gaugemaster controllers/transformers. Their distribution to the retail trade became established, and this made Gaugemaster the largest UK producer of model railway controllers and transformers.
Model GMC-D Twin Track Cased Controller, our best selling controller.
At the same time wholesale lines were added to complement our range of controllers. This growth made it necessary and desirable to find new larger premises, and so in the spring of 1988 we purchased the Station Goods Yard at Ford Railway Station near Arundel in West Sussex. After planning and other preparations, site clearance and building commenced in August 1988.
Gaugemaster House just after completion in March 1989
Our building was completed in March 1989 with the Grand Opening, which was attended by many of our suppliers, on 21st April 1989. The building is 11,000 square feet (nearly 1,000 square metres) and consists of a retail showroom, mail order department, packing area, warehousing, workshops andoffices. At this time, we closed all our other older premises. Building continued at Ford with a further 13 light industrial units being built on the site known as the Gaugemaster Industrial Estate.
The Engine Shed store at Gaugemaster House shortly after opening
Soon after this we expanded our distribution further, firstly with Preiser figures and then the Slot Car range SCX. The business continued to grow and further additions to our model railway wholesale ranges included names as famous as Marklin, Trix, Piko, Faller, Pola, Noch and Viessmann from the continent, as well as many established UK ranges. We also continued to add slot car ranges to our portfolio of products including Fly Car Model, but our biggest growth area was in Gaugemaster branded products with scenic products and model railway accessories proving popular, as they are to this day.
The GM1000 Scenic Starter Pack
In 2005, we launched our digital control system Prodigy at one of our successful biennial Open Weekends, which regularly attract 4,000+ crowds. 2008 was the year where we unveiled Bahnhof Europa - our 90 square metre "Model Railway Boutique". This was opened in September by Dr Rene F Wilfer of PIKO and this store has already gained much praise for its elegant design and high-quality product presentation, said to be amongst the best in Europe.
Bahnhof Europa Scenic Diarama
2009 saw Atlas, Kato and NSR join the portfolio of ranges that we distribute to the UK trade and we have contributed to the visibility of these brands in the UK as a result.
In 2009 we bought the Kestrel Designs range and added these popular N Scale building kits to the Gaugemaster Scenics range, and the beginning of 2012 we gained sole UK distributorship of the famous Roco and Fleischmann brands, further increasing our pantheon of continental ranges.
In June 2015 we agreed to distribute Slot It, one of the finest slot car ranges in Europe, and also launched our Gaugemaster Highways range. In 2018, the Gaugemaster Collection was born – a range of exclusively commissioned RTR products in N, OO and O while 2019 saw us announce a partnership with legendary UK company Hornby - distributing their Airfix, Arnold, Electrotren, Humbrol, Jouef, Lima, Pocher and Rivarossi brands in the UK Increased distributorships and stockholding has led to Gaugemaster expanding into several other units on the Ford Station Yard estate, and while still being family-owned but with a dynamic team in place, we are looking forward to the future with optimism and enthusiasm.
However, it is important to recognise that none of this would have been possible without the support of our customers, who we value immensely, and we would like to thank you for such support and wish all of you, ongoing and happy modelling.
Staff Photo February 2019 - click image for a larger version.
Gaugemaster House 2019
The History of Gaugemaster: From The Engine Shed to ModelGIANT – Over 50 Years of Model Railway Innovation
Beginnings in Bognor Regis and Worthing (1974–1977)
Gaugemaster’s story begins in the mid-1970s with two separate but closely linked ventures. In 1974, Rod and Dianne Taylor founded The Engine Shed in Bognor Regis, a model shop devoted to supplying the latest railway products for both serious modellers and newcomers to the hobby. A year later, in 1975, Gaugemaster Controls was established in Worthing as an electronic sub-assembly business, created to develop reliable, high-quality power controllers for model railways.
By 1977, the first Gaugemaster Controller had been designed and produced, meeting a growing demand for modern electronic control systems. The aim was always to create a premium controller that anyone could afford. This success established Gaugemaster as a trusted name in the field, and production soon expanded to meet the needs of a rapidly growing customer base, with other controllers being introduced.
Growth and Merger (1978–1984)
As both The Engine Shed and Gaugemaster continued to flourish, it became clear that their futures were intertwined. After several years of close collaboration, the two businesses merged in the spring of 1982, combining retail and manufacturing under one banner.
During this period, Gaugemaster introduced a dedicated mail order service to complement its retail operations and in 1984 acquired a second retail shop in Worthing. After extensive renovation, this new branch opened in November 1984, providing additional space for a growing range of model railway products.
Becoming the UK’s Leading Controller Manufacturer (1984–1988)
The mid-1980s marked a period of rapid expansion. Gaugemaster’s range of controllers and transformers became established across the UK, and the company’s reputation for reliability and performance led to a growing trade distribution network. By the late 1980s, Gaugemaster had become the country’s largest manufacturer of model railway control equipment.
To support this success, wholesale lines were added to the product range, offering customers a more complete hobby experience. As growth continued, the company began to look for larger, purpose-built premises to bring all its operations under one roof.
A New Home at Ford (1988–1989)
In 1988, Gaugemaster purchased the disused Station Goods Yard at Ford Railway Station near Arundel, West Sussex. The site was cleared and redeveloped, and in March 1989 the company moved into its new 11,000 square-foot headquarters: Gaugemaster House.
Officially opened on 21st April 1989, and remaining in place to this day, the building combined a large retail showroom, mail order and packing departments, workshops, warehousing, and offices. Soon after completion, the surrounding site was further developed into the Gaugemaster Industrial Estate, known as Gaugemaster Way, consisting of additional light industrial units that are part of the company’s home today.
Expanding Distribution and Product Ranges (1990s)
The 1990s saw Gaugemaster evolve from a UK manufacturer into a major distributor of model railway and slot car products. Distribution began with Preiser figures and SCX slot car systems, before expanding to include leading continental brands such as Märklin, Trix, Piko, Faller, Pola, Noch, and Viessmann.
In 1994, Gaugemaster acquired the SEEP range of point motors and accessories, followed by the Tiny Signs range of miniature posters and signs that further strengthened its offering of practical, affordable accessories for layout builders.
This period also saw a growing emphasis on Gaugemaster’s own branded products, including scenic materials and control accessories, which quickly became staples for modellers across the UK and beyond.
Digital Innovation and European Inspiration (2000s)
By the early 2000s, demand for Gaugemaster’s products had grown to the point that analogue controller production was outsourced to maintain stock levels and meet increasing customer needs. This change allowed the company to focus on expanding its retail, mail order, and technical departments. In doing so, however, the team were keen to keep the ethos of the British-made controller. Unlike other companies that outsourced production to different parts of the world, Gaugemaster kept production in the UK, with the work undertaken as close to Gaugemaster House as possible. This decision remains in place today, with small batch production of controllers returning to Gaugemaster HQ.
In 2005, Gaugemaster launched the Prodigy digital control system at one of its popular Open Weekends, large public events that regularly attracted thousands of visitors to Ford. It is no secret that the system is a rebranded version of the Prodigy system offered by the American company MRC; however, Gaugemaster have worked closely with them to bring the system to the British market. This system has been the backbone of thousands of model railways through the years, and remains a trusted controller in the Digital market.
Throughout the years, the Gaugemaster distribution has focused on importing ranges from around the world, but primarily the European market. To support this in our retail space, 2008 brought the unveiling of Bahnhof Europa, a 90-square-metre “Model Railway Boutique” dedicated to continental modelling. Officially opened by Dr René F. Wilfer of PIKO, this unique showroom quickly earned acclaim for its elegant presentation and became one of Europe’s most admired model railway displays.
Strengthening the Portfolio (2009–2015)
The following decade marked significant growth in Gaugemaster’s brand portfolio. In 2009, the company acquired Kestrel Designs from founders David and Elaine Lidgate, integrating its popular N scale building kits into the Gaugemaster range. Most Kestrel kits continue to be manufactured in the UK, maintaining the range’s excellent value and flexibility, and the range has grown in recent years with the addition of a range of 3D printed accessories.
That same year saw the addition of Atlas, Kato, and NSR to Gaugemaster’s distribution network, further broadening the company’s international reach.
In 2012, Gaugemaster became the sole UK distributor for the prestigious Roco and Fleischmann brands, strengthening its position as one of the UK’s leading suppliers of continental model railway products. Three years later, in 2015, Slot.it joined the Gaugemaster catalogue, alongside the launch of the Gaugemaster Highways range, adding new depth to the company’s slot car and scenic offerings.
The Gaugemaster Collection and New Partnerships (2018–2019)
In 2018, Gaugemaster unveiled the Gaugemaster Collection, a series of exclusive ready-to-run models produced in collaboration with leading manufacturers. These releases, spanning N, OO, and O scales, were designed to deliver unique models not available elsewhere and quickly became highly sought after. Working with brands such as Dapol, Kato and Piko, the Gaugemaster Collection features a carefully curated selection of locomotives and wagons that we’re confident will be popular among hobbyists, but are often overlooked by manufacturers.
Probably the best known items in the GM Collection are the range of N Gauge Starter Sets, with our best seller, the BR Industrial Freight Starter Set, providing great value for money. Although the locomotives and rolling stock is constantly updating, these sets are perfect for those “Getting Started” in N scale.
2019 marked another significant step forward with a partnership with Hornby Hobbies Ltd., giving Gaugemaster distribution rights to a host of iconic brands, including Airfix, Arnold, Electrotren, Humbrol, Jouef, Lima, Pocher, and Rivarossi.
Continuing Innovation and Integration (2020s–Present)
In 2021, Gaugemaster acquired the award-winning British manufacturer Train-Tech. Founded by David and Tammy Palmer, Train-Tech had become renowned for its easy-to-use electronic products such as DCC-fitted signals and Smart Screen message boards. Under Gaugemaster’s stewardship, Train-Tech has continued to innovate and grow, maintaining its reputation for reliability and creative design.
At the same time, Gaugemaster has continued to develop its own ranges, introducing the Infinity series of controllers and accessories, including Gaugemaster Infinity - the next generation of analogue and DCC control systems. Designed to bring precision, flexibility, and modern technology to every layout, these systems are not only easy to use but, like our traditional analogue offerings, are entirely designed and manufactured here in the UK.
A New Era for The Engine Shed (2025)
In parallel with this ongoing innovation, our retail identity has also evolved to meet the needs of a new generation of hobbyists. The original Engine Shed, once the cornerstone of our retail beginnings in Bognor Regis and later Ford, has now entered a new chapter as ModelGIANT. Reimagined as one of Europe’s largest model shops, ModelGIANT reflects the diversity and energy of today’s modelling community. The refreshed store was opened with the new identity on the 8th of September 2025 by Hornby Hobbies CEO Oliver Raeburn and introduces a bold new look, extended ranges spanning model railways, kits, slot cars, and collectables, and an enhanced focus on customer experience. While the name above the door has changed, the same values endure: expert advice, a welcoming atmosphere, and an unrivalled product selection, all backed by the trusted Gaugemaster team.
A New Era for The Engine Shed (2025)
Today, Gaugemaster remains proudly family-owned and based at Ford, West Sussex. With a dynamic team, a global network of suppliers, and a deep passion for the modelling hobby, we continue to serve enthusiasts around the world. From controllers and scenic materials to digital systems and exclusive model releases, our goal remains the same as it was in 1975: to help modellers create, control, and enjoy the miniature worlds they love.
If you need any help or advice on your next purchase, project or problem, you can contact us here. We are always looking at ways we can expand our offerings, and if you are a retail outlet looking to stock our products, please get in touch.