Rails of Sheffield

Hornby R40165 R40165 GNER Mk4 Open First Coach M 11417

Built at Metro-Cammell's Washwood Heath factory, 314 Mk4 coaches were produced between 1989 and 1992. They were built specifically for use on the newly electrified East Coast Main Line, along with hopes that a second order for the West Coast Main Line would be placed at a later date, although this second order never transpired. Mk4 coaches featured many improvements over the Mk3s such as push-button operated plug-type doors, fully sealed gangways and a designed top speed of 140mph. Much of the Mk4 design was based upon the Advanced Passenger Train. In particular, Mk4 coaches feature sides profiled to allow a tilt of up to 6° with newly fitted tilting bogies.

Mk4s entered service in 1989 and helped drive a significant increase in passenger traffic. With privatisation in 1996, all Mk4 coaches were sold to Evershot Rail Group who have since leased them out to the holder of the InterCity East Coast Franchise. The franchise was initially awarded to Great North Eastern Railway (GNER) and has since been operated by National Express East Coast, East Coast, Virgin Trains East Coast and London North Eastern Railway (LNER) owned by the Department for Transport.

Between October 2003 and November 2005 Bombardier Transportation, under contract from GNER, commenced refurbishment of the Mk4 stock, fitting new seating arrangements and introduced onboard Wi-Fi, a first for British rail services. This refurbishment programme was called 'Project Mallard' named after the Mallard steam locomotive, built in the 1930s by the London & North Eastern Railway and holder of the world speed record for steam locomotives.

Although Mk4 coaches have spent most of their lives on the ECML, there are plans to cascade them down to other lines due to the introduction of the Class 800 and Class 801 IEPs.

  • Item Length - 33cm, Width - 3.5cm, Height - 5cm
  • 1:76 Scale 00 Gauge
  • Painted Finish
  • Minimum Curve (mm): Radius 2
  • Number of Parts: 1

In operation for over 50 years, Rails of Sheffield has grown to become one of Europe's largest award winning model railway retailers and an industry leader. The business dispatches to customers worldwide via its immensely popular second hand eBay store.
Despite five decades of growth and its transformation into an award-winning national and international retailer, Rails has seen rapid expansion in recent years.

In 2022, to meet the increasing demand of the ever-growing model railway industry, Rails moved into larger warehouse and office spaces in Dronfield, Derbyshire.

Their partnership with the National Railway Museum, Railway Icons and various manufacturers continues to flourish, with multiple exclusive locomotives and rolling stock being designed and developed throughout the year.

Now, as we step into 2025, Rails remains the leading name in the model railway industry, with exciting plans for further expansion and continued dedication to serving model railway enthusiasts and hobbyists from South Yorkshire and beyond!
A BRIEF HISTORY RAILS ORIGINS 1970S - EARLY 1980S

Founded by Hedley Barber in December 1970, Rails' early trade was in buying and selling second-hand model railways, something that remains at the heart of the business to this very day.


Working from the back of Hedley's shop on Holmesdale Road, Dronfield on the southern outskirts of Sheffield, interest grew steadily throughout the decade and by the early-1980s, Rails was a fixture at toy fairs and swap meets such as the regular Buxton Pavilion Fair. Between then and 2000, the team regularly attended thousands of events across the UK - building a loyal customer base.

LAUNCHING THE STORE 1980S - EARLY 1990S

With a growing legion of regular customers building up, a 'proper' shop was required, and Rails moved to Chesterfield Road in Heeley Bottom, a few doors away from the current shop. From here, Rails also expanded its mail order operation and its advertisements became a familiar sight in publications..



In the early-1990s

Rails moved to another shop on Chesterfield Road and established the first part of its permanent base. In 1996, the neighbouring shop unit was acquired and a period of rapid expansion followed.



By the late-1990s

Rails then launched its first website and was pioneering online model railway retail for both new and second hand items. The late-1990s also saw the growth of the 'limited edition' business - with many exclusive liveries commissioned from major manufacturers.

Rapid Expansion - 2000s

The ability to promote and sell rare collectable model trains all over the world transform the second-hand business, a process accelerated with the advent of eBay in the early 2000s. Today Rails is the largest model railway eBay shop in the UK and one of the biggest in the world. To feed this expanding business, the Barber family scoured the country (and sometimes further afield) acquiring model railway collections.

As the business grew, so did the shop, purchased in the 2000s and then a series of nearby buildings and offices added to house the blossoming eBay business, storage, sorting and packing department offices were added.

A New Era - 2010s to 2020s

Sadly, Hedley Barber passed away on August 11th 2015, leaving his son John and grandsons Adam and Oliver and John's wife Tracy to manage the company he founded, with support of other family members and long serving staff. Remaining a family operated business, Rails continued to thrive in the late 2010s.

A major milestone was the opening of the impressive show room in 2018, which features beautiful displays of popular locomotives and rolling stock frames amongst real Sheffield steel, stone walling and natural material. This was the catalyst for the refurbishment of the entire 'front of house' shop now occupying five formerly separate units.

Rails also branched out into the new areas such as commissioning its own exclusive model product under the new 'Rails Limited' brand, bringing new model to the public such as the Stroudley 'Terrier' steam locomotive with Dapol and North Eastern Railway Electric Autocrat with Heljan.

In 2021, Rails opened it all new purpose-built warehouse and offices in Dronfield. The multi-million pound development enable Rails to move all warehousing and administration to this new site to streamline the business and continue to provide customers with the top-tier service they had become accustomed to.

In January 2024, Rails acquired Hatton's Model Railways following its unfortunate closure after many years. Committed to preserving the Hatton's legacy, Rails is integrating customers with the beloved Hatton's Directory & product database. Later in 2024, Rails launched the Vintage Toy Shop, showcasing a treasure trove of rare collectables in Sheffield.

Rails of Sheffield
Rails remains deeply connected to the South Yorkshire community it was established to serve.

...And if you've ever wondered about the origin of the Rails name, it's all down to Hedley's proper Yorkshire attitude to spending money. The original shop on Chesterfield Road had previously been 'The Sheffield Photographic Centre'; rather than buying a new sign, he simply recycled five of the red plastic letters from the old shop front and rearranged them into the name - 'RAILS'!
A True Home-grown Family Business
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED £4.00
Royal Mail aim to deliver within 2 days of dispatch including Saturdays.

*Please note this is not a guaranteed service and parcels may take longer to arrive. We aim to dispatch orders within 24 hours of payment being taken, however this is not a guarantee and in busy times this may take longer.


DHL SERVICE £4.95
Orders are processed and dispatched to DHL within one working day. Tracking information is provided once the parcel is handed over. Delivery times depend on DHL’s service in your region.

*Please note, orders must be placed by 2pm Monday to Friday and by 10am on Saturdays. There is no guarantee for same day dispatch.


INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
For international shipping, we use eBay's Global Shipping Programme Rails of Sheffield ship to the UK eBay Hub where it's then shipped to your country. You can view shipping charges for your country on individual listings by going into the Postage, Returns and Payments section of the listing.
A True Home-grown Family Business
Returns are accepted within 14 days of delivery. Items must be returned in their original condition. The buyer is responsible for all return postage costs. A refund will be issued once the returned item has been received and inspected.

Please contact us via your eBay order if you aren't quite satisfied with your order. We will try and rectify any issues as quickly as possible.

Refer to eBays returns policy for more information.
Returns Policy
A True Home-grown Family Business
We aim to provide you with the very best service and great second hand model railway items. If you're happy with your order, please consider leaving a 5 star rating and positive feedback. This is always very much appreciated!

Not quite satisfied with your order? Please contact us via your eBay order or phone before leaving feedback and we will try and rectify any issues as quickly as possible.


Our eBay store is updated daily with a variety of different gauges and accessories so keep an eye out as you may just find what you're looking for!

A True Home-grown Family Business
Contact Us

The best way to contact us is through the eBay messaging system


Contact Us

A True Home-grown Family Business
Payment Methods

Payment methods accepted at checkout Paypal, Google Pay, Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

WHY CHOOSE US
Huge Range Check out our massive range of collectable model trains and sets
UK's leading retailer For Model Railways, die cast and collectables
50+ years A true home-grown family business in operation for over 50 years
Award winning retailer Trusted seller with positive reviews
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