Established in 1992 as a small model railway shop Osborns Models has grown to become the UK shop with the widest selection of N scale items available today which we import and export Worldwide. What is not so well known is that we are also a major stockist of OO Model Railways as well as plastic kits, paints and tools. This is a family business, run by Maurice and Michael Pearce and family since 1994 and is now based at 7 Honestone Street, Bideford, North Devon, EX39 2DL, England. Telephone 01237 423453. Since July1st 2011 Michael has assumed day to day responsibility for the running of the business. The relocated shop opened on August the 2nd. 2008. All customers both old and new are welcome to browse the stock in the new premises. The products on sale through this site can be viewed and tried in person at the above address which will be open to customers 5-days a week. Osborns Models is a Main KATO dealer, a Dapol 'Gold' stockist plus Hornby main dealer and specialist in Digital Command & Control. Maurice Pearce is a well known N Gauge modeller. You can see one of Maurice's layouts at http://www.gwr.org.uk/layoutskingswear1.html
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Come and visit our shop in the Quay town of Bideford North Devon |
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Bideford is a small port town on the estuary of the River Torridge in North Devon in the south west of England. It is the town that Sir Richard Grenville set sail from, for the Americas in 1585 to establish a military colony on Roanoak Island off what is now modern North Carolina.
In the 16th century Bideford was Britain's third largest port. It was rumoured that Sir Walter Raleigh landed his first shipment of tobacco here, although this is a myth, as Raleigh was not, contrary to popular belief, the first to bring tobacco to England. Nevertheless - in honour of Raleighs' achievements, several roads and a hill have been named after him in Bideford.
The river Torridge is spanned at Bideford by the 13th century Long Bridge, which has 24 arches all of different widths!
We are located next to Bideford's Pannier Market which was built in 1884 at a cost of £4,200 to house a fish market, butchery stalls and corn exchange. The Mayor, G W Vincent, performed the opening ceremony which was followed by a public dinner when almost 200 people sat down.The day ended with a promenade concert and later that week about 2,000 children gathered at the market for a tea party.
The Pannier Market, trades on Tuesdays and Saturdays, whilst Butchers’ Row is open Monday to Saturday and is a favourite with tourists and residents alike. inside the market hall you will find a cafe - where you can have a quick cup of tea or stay a while and enjoy a full English breakfast.
You will find the Pannier Market by walking up the High Street and taking a left turn into Grenville Street. The building stands fair and square ahead of you. It is called the Pannier Market after the wicker baskets, or panniers, in which farmer's wives carried their wares and a market has been held in Bideford since the granting of the Charter of Incorporation in 1573.
TO THE SEA!
If you want to visit the beach then Westward Ho! is only a stones throw, well 2 miles down the road and with its long, long beach and seaside charm it's somewhere you will love.