Came across this retailer/seller of 7mm kits. Has anyone seen these before or for that matter, put one together ?? https://purplebob.co.uk/ Cheers, Gary.
Can't say if I have seen any of their products and I don't know of anyone having built any but from looking at the web site they look to be nicely designed models. Could be worth a punt to test the water. Pete.
Purple Bob had a purge on EBay when he first set up on line selling, I was attracted to the factory front kit but didn't make a purchase because the design wasn't really what I was looking for, I'm sure they are great kits. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/7mm-Scal...785813?hash=item3b2e6a40d5:g:SyIAAOSwRLlZppWY
Hello Chaps! ...... I don't often frequent forums, simply because of having limited time to do it. But given that you're asking about my business, I thought I might as well chip in. We've been in business for quite a few years as professional model makers. In addition to the 7mm Scale models on our web site we also carry out commercial model making contracts. Film, Theatre, Television, Architecture.. etc etc... Usually under a slightly different banner.... Purple Bob's Hobbies we started, to support 7mm scale modellers when others were abandoning the market. To be honest, I hadn't heard of your forum either! LOL It came up in a search on Thursday last week, because of this thread. Lots of interesting projects in progress on here I see. Looks good. Not sure what a purge on e-bay is? We've been on e-bay with the 7mm models and sign sets nearly 8 years, and the web site has been open for nearly 7 years. We are still on ebay... You'll find the things we have up there at the moment at: https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/purplebobshobbies/m.html Everything we sell is available from the web site as shown above by Gary https://purplebob.co.uk/ In fact more kits than we have on e-bay. Always like to get feedback on our output, so yes, we think our models are worth a punt If you do have any questions for us it's usually easier to get hold of us via the contact form on the web site. But I will try and drop in here now and then when I'm not snowed under with contract and model design work..... We also do light engineering in relation to models, before anybody asks me, yes that does include re-machining of wheels If you do have any questions for us or any suggestions for potential model releases you would like to see and suggestions for improvements to the models then please feel free to yell up! As I said feedback is always appreciated. Best Regards, Purple Bob.
I quite like the look, but sadly not my scale... This looked familiar though??? Something about a dog coming back? Queen street? No... that’s not right... Joking aside... it’s a good representation of a famous TV pub (but I guess there would be licensing issues with ITV)
Interesting theory Andy... But sorry "Ding Ding - No Banana" It's actually based on a pub that used to be in Walsall in the West Midlands. It does go to show how similar they were in various parts of the country though. Strangely enough, you've just shown one of the models that we don't list on e-bay, because every time we do, e-bay's genius algorithm sends us a warning about selling alcohol on there LOL Best Regards, Purple bob.
Ah yes, now I compare it to the real thing, it’s similar only by the green glazed brick around the door, which is what drew the comparison.
Hi there Purple Bob, thanks so much for posting up about the Purple Bob product line, I pretty sure folk here will want to buy your products. I guess I hadn't really noticed Purple Bob products much before about four years ago on ebay... no idea why but I do like you factory frontage but if you did a factory back then I'd certainly buy... just windows and no doors and even better if it was also a 7mm scale single story structure with shallow slate roof overhang as per the old ERF Foden's building at Sandbach in Cheshire. Anyway thanks again for posting info and please keep us all updated on developments if that's all right. Oh for the power of search engines. cheers York Paul
Funny you should mention that Paul as somebody else asked for a factory back, with a loading bay a couple of weeks ago. If you've got some pics of the ERF building then I'd be pleased to take a look and give it some thought. The next release is a traffic island, that matches up with the cobbled road sets we put out last month. But I'm sure we could slot a factory back into the schedule somewhere. Best Regards, Purple bob.
Purple Bob I'll get you a picture posted up tonight of the old Victorian brick building which was the lorry assembly line... I think this type of structure can have multiple applications in industrial settings if made in segments. Segments can allow for a thru-penny bit sort of wall on buildings located in a curve.
Yes I think that makes a lot of sense Paul. Look forward to seeing the picture. It would also allow us to design various different segments that could be combined in any order... Loading bay in one, windows in another, plain wall in another etc etc. Best Regards, Purple Bob.
Here is a rather grainy aerial picture of the original Fodens lorry works at Sandbach... note the long factory shed on the left is next to the railway line and the small gable with what looks like some sort of entrance, also note the three long sheds on the right which I believe were the chassis assembly lines. Now this picture shows the interior of the chassis assembly shed as shown on the right in the previous picture... again grainy but we can get a feel for what the place was like and must be grateful these old wet plate images survived as they did. No copywrite on both pictures. Now for a more modern image of the same factory but somewhat altered with a short extension added onto the end of the rail side building and forming a dogs leg shape, the original gable entrance of the old building can just be made out in the distance. Copywrite Alan Baker. This next picture shows a different factory but one built in a similar style, its Bolton's Copper and Wire Works at Froghall. This building is interesting because it has loading bays with overhanging roofs, chimneys and other lean to structures in place. Original photographer unknown. Hope this is of some use Purple Bob.
They are indeed of help Paul. I've added them to my picture library. I keep a reference library that I can go back to when I need details or inspiration. I've also made a note on the design schedule that we need to add Factory Backs to the list of available models. I can't promise a release date on them, but they are now in the schedule. The pictures give me a good idea of the exact type of building you're looking for. I can now go on a road trip with the cameras and capture ones that are still in existence or which have similar details to these. I think that there are some around the Stockport area that would give me some of the information I would need. And there are some of the mill buildings in Stalybridge and Mossley areas of Manchester that will also help. I'm up there relatively soon, so I'll try and get some library material. Best Regards, Purple Bob.
Glad these are of some help Purple Bob and I have other pictures that may be of use to you. I'm pretty sure you will find similar factory buildings in the Macclesfield, Stockport, Marple, East Manchester area, or at least elements of this style of architecture. Good luck and I look forward to placing my order as and when the time comes. regards York Paul
