I have found Aladdin's cave in London...

[Captain Blood]

...and it's name is 4D Model Shop.

So, there I was at a meeting down by the Tower of London the other day, and being in need of some grass tufts, I idly searched on my e-device to see if there were any model shops nearby on the fringes of the East End. (Instinct told me there might be  )

Sure enough, up came 4D Model Shop - literally, five minutes walk from the Tower (and from Tower Hill underground / Tower Gateway DLR stations). Meeting concluded, off I trotted...

My goodness, what a find 

It's primarily an architectural modelmakers supply shop (I bet Jimbibbly has an account!) - but by golly, what a vast cornucopia of scenic modelling riches in one (great big) shop. It looks pretty unassuming from outside, but it's Tardis-like once you're in.

• To start with, zillions of trees in every conceivable size, scale, species and variety - some horribly expensive, some at bargain prices, all a lot nicer than your typical wargaming / model railway trees.
  
  Scatter materials, static grass, flock and foliage of every grade, colour and texture - all the brand names, plus lots of 4D 'own brand' stuff in bloody great bags at great prices.
  
  Specialist tools, paints, fillers, compounds, sheet materials, adhesives, books, balsa, plastics, card and more - largely beyond comprehension and imagining.
  
  Best of all from my point of view, bulk poly bags of cork bark lumps and bulk poly bags of lichen (in a wide variety of colours) for a tenner a time - which is way cheaper than the measly packs of either commodity you pay £5.99 or £6.99 for in Modelzone, Hobbycraft or model railway shops.

Interestingly, the only thing they didn't sell was grass tufts - but I suppose they're a wargames speciality really, and I've never come across them in any retail model shop - only online.

Anyway, if you're ever in the vicinity, it's well worth a visit.
In fact next time someone asks for recommendations in London, I shall advise wargaming visitors to forget Orcs Nest and the other feeble usual suspects, and get themselves over to 4D Model Shop...

I'm going back there next week when I'm not between meetings, and I intend to browse for hours... 

http://www.modelshop.co.uk/frontend/contactUs

[Schogun]

Wow! What a find. The photos of the shop are amazing.

I wonder if such a place exists in the U.S.

(Yes, it does. Just not in my city...)

[Paul Hicks]

Great news as this shop used to be in Old Street and I thought it had just gone bust and was doing internet only. An amazing place.

[The Dozing Dragon]

So instead of drinking all day on the Friday before Salute earlier this year we could've done something construtive 

[YPU]

So instead of drinking all day on the Friday before Salute earlier this year we could've done something construtive 

But far more expansive in all likeliness!

[Photographer]

 

[Malamute]

Oooh yes, thats  find alright. Will definitely have to pop in there next time I am visiting Whitechapel

[Captain Blood]

...next time I am visiting Whitechapel

In your top hat, cape, and with your medical bag no doubt...  . 

[Malamute]

Naturally

[Hammers]

...and it's name is 4D Model Shop.

Sounds great, Richard. I had a similar 'eureka' experience not long ago. Quite thrilling. I'll make a note of this one for next time I am in London. It'll take priority before Mdm Toussaud's.

Interestingly, the only thing they didn't sell was grass tufts - but I suppose they're a wargames speciality really, and I've never come across them in any retail model shop - only online.

You should tell them about it. If it is of interest to us it is also so to architects.

[redzed]

the sell the brilliant Olive Stones

[dampfpanzerwagon]

A fantastic find - thank you for the link, I'll be making sure that I visit the next time i'm in London.

Tony
http://dampfpanzerwagon.blogspot.com/

"This is exactly why I enjoy TMP so much, loads of eyecandy, loads of hits & tips and post like this.  Great"

[Thunderchicken]

In your top hat, cape, and with your medical bag no doubt...  . 

Yep, the Phantom Raspberry Blower of Old London Town 

Great find Capt B. Might have to come down a day earlier for BLAM and pay this place a visit.

[Malamute]

"This is exactly why I enjoy TMP so much, loads of eyecandy, loads of hits & tips and post like this.  Great"

Ahem, I think there's a typo in there somewhere....

[Sangennaru]

I wonder if such a place exists in the U.S.

(Yes, it does. Just not in my city...)

and not here in italy...
I think i'll star cry right now.