HobbyTrax

HobbyTrax: model railway products and services from Scotland

HobbyTrax is a manufacturer and supplier of model railway products for all gauges, based in Scotland. The company describes its range as unique and states that a wide selection of its products is made in Scotland. Alongside its own manufacturing, it operates as a retailer with an online shop covering locomotives, rolling stock, scenery, track, electronics, tools and slot cars, and it provides technical services for model railway equipment.

Locomotives, rolling stock and train sets

The shop organises its railway range by type of vehicle and power source. It lists steam locomotives, diesel locomotives and electric locomotives, together with coaches and wagons. Train sets are also offered as a separate category, and gift cards are available for purchases.

Scenery, track and layout construction

For building and detailing a layout, HobbyTrax stocks scenery and accessories including animated figures, backgrounds, buildings and lineside items, cork, ground cover, paints, track ballast, trees and bushes. The track and pointwork section covers track, points and track accessories. Baseboard assembly components are also part of the catalogue, aimed at the construction of the base for a model railway.

Electronics, control and components

The electronics and components range includes analogue train controllers, digital train controllers, signals, DCC controllers and decoders, cable and wire, connectors, kits and modules, LEDs and lamps, motors and gears, smoke generators, and switches and pushbuttons. This section supports both conventional analogue operation and digital command control (DCC) setups.

Tools and workshop equipment

HobbyTrax sells a selection of tools for modelling work: cutting tools, drill bits, hand tools, inspection lights, measuring equipment, paint brushes, soldering equipment, tapes and adhesives, and test and inspection equipment.

Slot cars and pre-owned items

Beyond model railways, the catalogue includes a slot car section with slot car track, slot car vehicles, slot car controllers and slot car spares. A pre-owned category and a books category are also listed in the shop.

DCC fitting and repair services

The company offers a DCC decoder fitting service and a repair service for model railway equipment. It also maintains a repair database and provides a dedicated Heljan turntable repair service. Technical support is advertised as available for customers who need help.

Ordering, delivery and customer support

Orders received before 11am are sent the same day, excluding weekends, according to the information on the site. Free delivery applies to orders over £100. The company operates a loyalty scheme called Puffer Points and publishes helpsheets and a CV29 and long address calculator as reference tools for modellers. It also mentions sponsorship activity.

The site can be viewed in English, French and German, and prices are shown in pounds sterling with a currency selector for other countries. The business address is listed as Hobby Trax, Ford, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RJ, and the site asks customers to call for directions and opening times.