Passion, Wagons, and the Business of Model Railways: A Chat with Mark Grigg of The Wagon Yard
Passion, Wagons, and the Business of Model Railways: A Chat with Mark Grigg of The Wagon Yard
Model railways are more than just a hobby—they’re a passion, a business, and for many, an essential escape from the stresses of daily life. At Model Rail Scotland, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mark Grigg from The Wagon Yard, live from his hotel room (yes, really) for an open and honest chat about how his business came to be, the challenges of running it, and why he and his wife, Emma, keep pushing forward.
The Accidental Business
The story of The Wagon Yard is one of those classic “it all started with one small thing” tales. In 2012, Mark and his wife Emma attended a model railway exhibition. Emma, with no prior interest in trains, spotted a Graham Farish N gauge wagon with the word “Kobo” on it. She was drawn to its signwriting and charm, and Mark, sensing her enthusiasm, bought it for her.
What followed was an obsession. Before long, Emma was trawling eBay for more wagons, amassing a collection that would eventually surpass 600. And when she realized that some liveries she loved had never been produced in N gauge, a thought crept in: what if they made them themselves?
This thought snowballed. A few private commissions turned into a business idea, and suddenly, Mark and Emma found themselves placing an order for 600 wagons in various scales. That’s when The Wagon Yard was truly born.
Building the Business: Challenges and Triumphs
Initially, The Wagon Yard was a side project. Mark was working full-time as a fleet improvement engineer for GTR, and Emma was running the business. But a business doesn’t just take off overnight. The first exhibition they attended as traders was a tough learning curve—they quickly realized that to make the shows worthwhile, they needed more than just their own commissions. The solution? Expanding into second-hand stock and broadening their range.
The next challenge? Online sales. Like many new business owners, they assumed “build a website and they will come.” Reality hit hard. Search engine rankings, marketing, and social media presence all required work. Shows remained a crucial part of their business strategy, despite the exhausting schedule that saw them attending over 30 events a year.
Enter Rapido
Mark’s journey took an interesting turn when Rapido Trains approached him with a job offer as a technical graphic artist. His experience designing liveries for The Wagon Yard made him a perfect fit. Though it meant leaving his role at GTR, the decision turned out to be one of the best he ever made. Now, working for Rapido doesn’t feel like a job—it’s a passion, allowing him to combine his love for trains with his professional expertise.
The Future of The Wagon Yard
While The Wagon Yard still stocks a range of wagons, locos, and accessories, its future lies in its custom printing capabilities. Mark and Emma invested in a high-quality printer to produce unique liveries, and while it’s been a costly endeavor, it has also opened doors. From producing exclusive wagons for events like GETS and Wally to fun fictional liveries like “Bodgeit n Scarpa,” their in-house printing is where their business is headed.
That said, they also recognize the need for balance. With four children under the age of eight, Mark and Emma are looking to scale back on the number of shows they attend, focusing more on the products they produce rather than simply being another retailer.
A Shared Passion and a Supportive Industry
One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation was how much passion drives this industry. Like many of us, Mark and Emma didn’t go into this for the money. They did it because they loved it. That passion continues to be the heartbeat of The Wagon Yard.
And it’s not just them. The model railway industry, both among traders and enthusiasts, has a real sense of camaraderie. I’ve had the pleasure of standing next to Mark at numerous shows, swapping stories, supporting each other through long weekends, and sharing the odd KFC. The fact that Rapido supports Mark’s involvement in The Wagon Yard, allowing him to continue working on his own projects, is a testament to that spirit.
Mental Health and Model Railways
A theme that kept coming up in our chat was mental health. Hobbies like model railways aren’t just fun; they’re lifelines. More and more people are getting into the hobby as a way to unwind, de-stress, and escape the pressures of daily life. Mark shared how Rapido is building a layout in their warehouse, not just for product photography but also as a place where staff can relax and enjoy the hobby themselves.
We also talked about how, as men, we’re not always great at opening up about mental health. But conversations are changing. The more we talk, the more we break down the stigma. If you’re struggling, reach out—whether to a friend, a fellow modeller, or even just a stranger in the hobby. You’re not alone.
What’s Next for The Wagon Yard?
With plans to push further into custom printing and bespoke commissions, The Wagon Yard’s future is looking bright. And if you’re in the market for something unique, they’re the ones to talk to. Got an idea for a livery? They can design and print it.
To check out what they offer, visit thewagonyard.co.uk. And if you’re in need of scenics and accessories, you know where to find me—rail-stuff.com!
Final Thoughts
Mark and Emma’s journey is one of passion, risk, and perseverance. Whether it’s starting a business from a simple love of wagons, taking a leap into a new job, or balancing family life with the demands of the industry, their story is a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life come from simply following what you love.
And if you ever meet Mark at a show, ask him about his past working in diamond mines. Just don’t ask him about cheese—you might be disappointed.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, share it with a fellow modeller and keep the conversation going. And remember—if your mental health isn’t great, talk to someone. We’re all in this together.