About Metcalfe Models

A Family-Run Business

Metcalfe is the world’s premium brand of scale card construction kits for model railway, craft and hobby enthusiasts. With kits produced in two miniature scales – N and 00/HO scales – our passion is creating high quality, realistically detailed model buildings that are challenging yet rewarding to build.

We are a family-run business with Nick & Judy Metcalfe still at the forefront of the business with eldest daughter Paula and husband Chris. We employ local people with a wealth of skills and knowledge.

From The Heart Of Yorkshire

Every kit is designed and manufactured at our factory in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales in the north of England. We have always been proud of our heritage as a British manufacturer and draw inspiration from Yorkshire and beyond when producing a new model.

We supply over 300 UK model shops as well as exporting to customers across the globe, to countries as far as the USA, Australia and New Zealand. We also have stockists across Europe, Canada and South Africa providing you with your favourite models no matter where you are.

The Metcalfe History

1991

1st July 1991 Metcalfe Models & Toys was born - Nick Metcalfe produced his 1st hand drawn flat pack model of Embsay Station, which proved a hit with local gift shops.

1992

Commissioned to create a range of Settle-Carlisle Railway Buildings for the Yorkshire Dales National Parks & the Settle Carlisle Railway Trust.

1993

Sydney Pritchard – PECO, approached Nick & Judy and a deal was struck where they became their UK distributors, the “handshake deal” with Sydney Pritchard lasted for many years.

1993

1st review of the S&C range in Railway Modeller magazine.

1994

The first of many exclusive kits were produced for various manufactures such as Corgi & Hornby.

1995

Metcalfe bought its 1st printing press and signed a lease deal for their own premises in Skipton.

1999

Nick & Judy Metcalfe purchased Nick's parents' house in Bell Busk after a devastating flood, Nick & Judy started work to renovate the family home with the idea of moving the business to the adjoining barn.

2000

The new premises were completed and Metcalfe Models & Toys Ltd moved to Bell Busk.

2001

Metcalfe launched their first retail website. A new warehouse was built on the site in Bell Busk.

2009

A new state of the art office & design studio building went up which wrapped around the current warehouse.

2014

Invested in the 1st of 6 state of the art laser machines to allow for laser cut components.

2017

Metcalfe Models decided to part ways with PECO and sell direct to trade, and launched a new look website for both retail and trade.

2019

Metcalfe invested in a new sheet to sheet board laminator, this was to replace the 1997 Lamina flute laminator.

2020

Work started on the final phase to a new extension to the factory, this included a new packing room for trade & retail orders and for new Machines and technology including a Nexus 3D resin printer and a sheet to sheet board laminator.

2022

Metcalfe purchased a Konica Minolta digital printer & binder to bring in-house the printing of all the instruction booklets, catalogues and some kit components.

2025

Metcalfe are still committed to producing top-quality card construction kits and investing in new technology. We provide card construction kits to over 300 UK model shops and have 3 wholesalers across the world in Europe, Australia & New Zealand.

New Products