Model enthusiasts are thrilled with the arrival of a new shop in Chester city centre.
Chester Model Centre opened its doors at the site of the former Modelzone store, which went into administration last year.
But independent firm Penketh Model Rail Centre has taken the Bridge Street Rows shop and brought it back to life.
Paul Boyland, who began Penketh Model Rail Centre at Warrington in 2007, is behind the new operation which covers general modelling in addition to model railways.
Paul stressed the Chester shop is in addition to the established operation in Warrington, which continues to operate as normal, and the shop has been extended twice since opening.
Visitors will find growing stocks of larger scale locomotives and rolling stock, military kits, die-cast road vehicles, and books at the Chester store.
Additionally, a range of weathered locomotives and stock is available in store produced exclusively by G C Weathering.
Penketh will continue to provide its trade stand at major model railway exhibitions but, with the additional work load, is reducing its swap-meet and toy fair operations.
Owner Paul Boyland said the move is an exciting opportunity to extend the range of products and services that can be offered in the new premises.
Contact has been made with local groups and one feature of the new shop will be a notice board to advertise local clubs, meetings, events and exhibitions.
