Test Valley Models was founded by Graham Walters in 2016, following medical retirement from his job as a postman.
With encouragement from family and friends, Graham decided to invest in a model shop, primarily focussed on model railways.
At first, it was located in a small shop converted from offices on a trading estate on the outskirts of Andover.
Whilst the model railway side worked to a certain extent, there was a need for extra revenue, various avenues were chosen, tried, and fell by the wayside
Within eighteen months however, the shop was doubled in size. This extra space was prompted by a chance meeting where table-top gaming was spoken about and the name Games Workshop was first mentioned.
Gaming nights were introduced, and new games were asked for, causing the shop to outgrow the 600sqft it now accommodated, a decision was made to move the business to its present site in the heart of Andover.
Since those humble beginnings, the shop has become established as the go-to store for Games Workshop products in Andover and the surrounding area, with 7mtrs of shelf stock, a large range of plastic kits, and masses of accessories.
As a business we are now official stockists for Airfix, Warlord, Games Workshop, Tamiya, Colour Forge, Vallejo and many more.
Unlike a lot of model shops, Test Valley Models is bright, clean and welcoming where you can enjoy pressure free browsing, discounted prices, and a friendly welcome from Graham, or if he is on holiday (a very rare occurrence), his son John, or a welcome volunteer helper.
There is lots of parking nearby, Andover is a typical market town, with lots of coffee shops, a small shopping centre, and some intriguing side streets full of unique shops.