Antics

This is a model shop for people who are already keen on model-​related paraphernalia, or are keen on getting the best stuff from a knowledgeable retailer. It’s relatively small inside, but the shelves are chock-​a-​block with pre-​made collectables and modelling bits and bobs. In case you hadn’t figured it out yet, my knowledge of modelling is fairly limited, I’m not even entirely sure you’d call it modelling, isn’t that something very different? Either way they’ve got loads of stuff.
It’s a relatively quiet shop on the busy (and soon to be even busier) shopping area of St. Mary’s Street, and there tends to only be one or two staff about, but they know they’re stuff and are well worth asking for advice, particularly if you’re like me and have little to know idea about the hobby but need a present for someone who does. If you get the wrong piece of kit then it’d be hardly worth living.

Cardiff model-​makers will already be very familiar with Antics, as it’s a shop that’s packed to the rafters with model planes, boats, cars, railways, and all the accessories that go with them.
They have diecast and display model aeroplanes from various top brands; war gaming and figures; military models; Scalextric kits and cars; steam powered models; radio controlled systems; and maritime models — amongst other products.
Then once you’re set up, they also have lots of the little extras you might be looking for. If you’re after some landscaping materials for your model railway, for example, you can pick up individual items such as miniature trees or whole kits with a variety of scenic materials to create a realistic-​looking environment.
Usually populated mainly by men and boys, this is a great shop for any keen model makers.

First off — great name for a hobby shop. Second — I can’t believe their ranges of radio controlled model cars, boats, planes, toys, vehicles, plastic kits and model railways.
Antics is the stuff little boys’ dreams are made of, and its location on the castle end of St Mary’s Street means it’s perfectly positioned to catch the hordes of tourists in that area of town.
It packs a lot of stock into such a modest shop — the list is seemingly endless: flying models, military models and figures, Wargaming figures, Scalextric (my personal favourite), educational kids, books and DVDs.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for — which would be a stretch of the imagination — Antics has an online shop with more than 10,000 models in stock.