Shop News - The Engine Shed Is Becoming ModelGIANT.
Regular visitors will have noticed us slowly refurbishing our shop, The Engine Shed, over the last 9 months. We are pleased to announce that after 50 years, we are embarking on a new chapter this September, as we transition from The Engine Shed to ModelGIANT. From Monday, 8th September, customers will be welcomed into a refreshed shop with a bold new identity, updated opening hours, and an exciting new look and feel.
What Is Changing?
- The Engine Shed name is being retired and replaced by ModelGIANT
- Our shop has been refurbished with a contemporary look and feel
- Our opening hours change to 1000-1700 (Mondays to Fridays), 0900-1800 (Saturdays) and 1000-1600 (Sundays and Bank Holidays) to better reflect our customers’ needs
What Isn't Changing?
- ModelGIANT continues to be owned and operated by Gaugemaster. It is simply a new name for our brick-and-mortar shop.
- Our website continues to be www.gaugemaster.com, although this can also be accessed via www.modelgiant.com
- Our Model Railway specialism. We will continue to be one of the largest suppliers of Model Railways in Europe
- Our passion and commitment to our products and customer service
Why Are We Doing This?
This change reflects our recent growth and ambition to create an even better shopping experience for railway modellers and hobby enthusiasts. While the name may be changing, our commitment to expert advice, a friendly atmosphere, and an unrivalled product range remains at the heart of what it does. Our store has expanded its offerings in recent years, with the ranges carried still focusing on model railways but also including other modelling disciplines, such as model kits, Scalextric slot cars, collectables, and modelling materials suitable for a range of different hobbies. ModelGIANT - For Big Imaginations - will now be the destination not only for model railway enthusiasts, but for anyone looking for a hands-on modelling project or hobby.
Ian Fowler, who oversees the Gaugemaster group of companies (and the owners of ModelGIANT), said:
“We’re really excited to take this next step. The Engine Shed has built a fantastic reputation over the years as not only a hub for railway modellers but also as a space where customers can come, shop, and seek professional advice from our knowledgeable staff. As ModelGIANT, we’re taking everything our customers love and making it even bigger, brighter, and better. This is more than a new name – after 50 years in business, it’s the beginning of a new era for our shop, our community of railway modellers and anyone interested in starting a traditional hands-on hobby that will last a lifetime.”
Visitors to our store can look forward to a fresh new brand identity bringing a modern twist to a classic hobby. Our updated branding now focuses on what we currently offer. We have grown beyond purely a model railway shop to provide products and materials for many modellers and hobbyists.
New Opening Hours
Our new opening hours are designed to make visiting more convenient. ModelGIANT will now be open from 10:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 18:00 on Saturdays and 10:00 to 16:00 on Sundays and Bank Holidays. These realigned hours have been formulated to reflect the convenience to our customers, while supporting our staff to provide the best experience to everyone who visits. With these new opening times, we are also able to offer more opportunities for you to contact us by phone and email for any help or advice. Of course, we are always happy to receive messages through our contact form and social media platforms at your convenience.
New Social Media Channels
We also have Social Media channels purely focusing on ModelGIANT. Alongside the launch of our newly branded store, we are also launching accompanying social media channels. Click the button below to visit a list of all our social media channels.
ModelGIANT Awakens
Launching on the 8th September 2025 at 13:00, with Hornby Hobbies CEO Oliver Raeburn officially opening the redesigned and rebranded ModelGIANT shop. Everyone is invited to join us for the celebration with cake and refreshments provided, and to welcome you all to the new era of model and hobby shopping in West Sussex.
You can find out how to get to us by visiting our Visit Our Shop page, where you will find our address, directions and a handy map too.