Rails of Sheffield have announced that they have brought Widnes-based Hattons Model Railways into the Rails family.
Earlier this year, Hattons Model Railways announced its closure after being in the market since 1946 due to a decline in customer numbers.
Hattons website will soon be relaunched with their expansive database and directory system.
The physical Hattons store in Widnes and their associated warehouse will remain closed.
Rails has confirmed that they have only bought the Hattons brand rather than the business, so says that any returns need to be dealt with through the original manufacturer.
It was a shock to the modelling world earlier this year, when stalwart of the industry, Hattons, announced that it was to close.
At Rails, we could not allow the legacy of this esteemed brand to disappear and we have sought a way to keep the spirit of Hattons alive
Rails of Sheffield Spokesperson
Anyone wanting further information on the takeover are encouraged to visit the Rails of Sheffield FAQ page.
Responses
Are you continuing Hattons tradition of not just railways but other items such as diecast
I am very sad, that Hattons model railways has closed down. I am from Germany and I purchased a lot of model cars in the scale 00. I was always satisfied with Hattons !
Will Rails be continuing the Genesis coach range?
That could have been me in the photo – except my trousers would have been more flared
I’m pleased to learn that Hattons name will survive and well done Rails of Sheffield which I have traded with. I was interested in their proposed genesis Metropolitan coaches, will they still be produced?
Hattons were wonderful as I knew Norman Hatton what a nice guy he was as you got cheap bargains there! I Blame useless Hornby with their sell direct cut out the middle man idea I shall never buy Hornby again its now Overpriced Chinese 🗑 so don’t bother with those idiots!
It’s a shame Hatton has close I have used both Hatton and rails of Sheffield
I used Hattons for 40 years.A company dedicated to the customer and excellent service.
It’s sad when the full ranges are not available to them and with margins so tight the business closes down.
I wish the well and a big thank you 😊
Great shame. Hattons were a great company. Used them plenty of times to buy and sell. Especially steam era as that is what I love.
Not be the. Same without Hattons modeling skills it will be just their name only we will be purchasing.
Shame they had close the young today are not interested in the art of modeling, who can blame them
They weren’t born in the era of steam.
Not “riding”: I meant “rising”. Sorry.
Think its more of the prices than kids dont want to do this hobby average price for a locomotive 240 a wagon 40 to 50 ridiculous
I hope it was cheap! To buy a failed business name in a contracting market amid riding prices makes no obvious sense.
will the new owners still buy and sell dinky and corgi trucks
Let’s hope that they also retain the Hattons trunk. A groundbreaking way to amalgamate items to save on packaging and postage.
I have purchased many fine models over the years from both this firms, both giving me excellent service.
One way or another it’s reassuring the motions are still very strong to keep Railway modelling alive and will be there for many years to supply hopefully many generations of enthusiasts in the future.
Buying only the brand is a case of “all care and no responsibility.”
Like the broker said: brands are for buying and selling.
That noted, I understand the margins in this business aren’t generous enough to shoulder the potential financial burden of actualky buying the company, rights, assets and liabilities.
Yes, this is welcome, but Rails of Sheffield have only bought the name, not the business so, as they say, they’re just “keeping the spirit of Hattons alive”.
It makes a lot of sense for the two main names in model railways to join forces botha e very loyal customers I for one a huge supporter of both they both have different identities
how amazing!!!