Rails of Sheffield

Hornby TT4031A TT4031A GWR Mk3 Trailer Standard Open 42299

In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain's Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe.

Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long, enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk brakes and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration. The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972. Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. After the HST Mk3 coach variant was introduced, further Mk3 coaches were introduced to the West Coast Mainline for use as part of locomotive hauled trains. Whilst Mk3 stock is standard for HST units, the standard locomotive hauled stock is Mk3a. Mk3a stock differs from Mk3 stock due to the inclusion of buffers as well as a different electrical system that uses motor generator units in each coach to power air conditioning and other ancillaries Mk3a stock was built until 1984, before 3B stock with improved seating and lighting was built from 1985 to 1988.

Some 40 years after introduction the Mark 3 coaches and Class 43 units are still in service. One of the most prominent users of the train is the GWR, with their Class 255 Castle sets made up of two 43 units and four coaches. These units were refurbished between 2018 and 2020 to make 12 trains, with the first being introduced in March 2019.

  • Length - 18.9cm, Width - 2.2cm, Height - 2.9cm
  • 1:120 Scale
  • Gauge: TT
  • Minimum Curve (mm): Radius 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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