Meet the Team

A page such as this would not feel quite right without the introduction of this man. Norman Hatton founded the business way back in 1946, and passed away in late August 2005 at the grand old age of 87. Norman worked nearly full time in the shop right up until his 86th year, sharing his experiences with the younger members of staff and our regular customers

Norman had a razor sharp brain and business sense unfaltering since his younger days!

Keith Hatton was born in 1959, and died, aged 48, during September 2008. At the time of his death, Keith had been responsible for Hattons emergence as the leading independent retailer, in the sector which we operate in.

He is missed by all the staff and customers who came into contact with him during his reign as the leader of our firm, and it will be some time before we adjust to his loss. We would like to thank all those who have supported us during the difficult time following his death, and appreciate the kind emails and letters of condolence we have received.

Keith was a unique and dynamic man, who led from the front. His knowledge and experience were undoubted, as was the commitment which he gave to the firm, for over 30 years.

Christine Hatton owns 21%, and is Chairperson of Hattons Model Railways. She has worked for the firm for over 20 years, and many of our customers will have been served and assisted by her.
Following the death of her brother Keith, in 2008, Christine has stepped up to the mantle, to take over the reins of running the firm. She has a great deal to contend with, given the size of our firm, the number of products we stock (approx 25000), the number of staff we have (78 as of Nov 18), and the number of places where we advertise (16 magazine titles and 4 websites).

Christine is determined for the growth and development of the business to continue in the manner it had done, before the death of her father Norman, and brother Keith. We accept that this will be a difficult task, but are determined that it will provide the best tribute to Norman and Keiths memory.

Richard works with the Retail, Warehouse & Office leaders, to help take charge of the long-term direction of the firm. He was a customer of ours until the age of 13, then joined us in 1999 to help develop our online commerce systems. In October 2003 he took charge of the firms development. Richard Davies owns 79% of Hattons Model Railways Ltd
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Darren joined us in September 2013. He started with us as a customer service adviser, Previously, Darren has worked as our Pre-Owned Manager, Asset & Inventory Manager, and has recently taken on the role of General Manager. He keeps Hatton’s on its toes as he likes to go a hundred miles an hour with everything he does.

In his spare time he likes to spend time with his family and reading. He is originally from Suffolk and has lived in Widnes since 2010

Graeme Hogg has been working in Hattons since January 2003. He has helped us become the model railways shop of the future and brought Hatton’s and our customers into the 21st century. He works around the clock and makes sure we are fully operational at all times. Some call him a machine.

In his spare time he likes to watch TV and listen to music. He really enjoys playing computer games, and there is not a game that he does not own.

Josh joined us in late June 2018 as a Manager in our Operations department and soon moved his way up. In addition to Operation Manager Josh has also worked as the Commercial Manager, Teams manager and most recently Logistics Manager.

His favourite thing about his job, aside from the model trains, is the engaging environment that surrounds him and the opportunity to develop others.

Outside of work he enjoys reading, both academic and non-academic, and spending time with his ever growing family.

Jack has been with us since February 2017. He joined us as we looked at Marketing to be a really fundamental part of Hatton’s future, and he has brought a lot of ideas and successful campaigns through advertisements.

Jack likes to play video games and enjoys endlessly fiddling with his motorbike and car.

Kathryn joined our Helpdesk team in late November 2018 having previous spent nine years as a Customer Experience Manager. She is a massive Disney fan, her wedding and even her honeymoon had a Disney theme! In her spare time, she enjoys taking Lilo, her beagle puppy, on long walks in Delamere Forest.

Andy takes the lead with buying and financial tasks. His favourite locomotive is the Class 67, preferably in Transport for Wales livery!

Greg is a contractor who deals with all new and old projects within Hatton’s, from managing teams to building our offices and new store. He is definitely what you call a handyman.

Greg loves to spend time with his wife in his home at Anglesey. He also loves to travel and has a soft spot in his heart for animals big and small.

Lesley joined us in 2004, and worked in our packing department whilst studying at University.
After a short time away she rejoined us in 2008 working in our warehouse, spending 4 years as Warehouse Manager, she is now our Startegy and Projects Senior Analyst.

Jana joined our Helpdesk Team in late March 2018. She loves working here because of the opportunities available for self-development. Until working here, she never thought she would have an interest in model trains!

Her hobbies include travelling and her favourite destination is the Seychelles, she can’t wait to go again. Jana is interested in everything creative including photography, woodwork and creating personalised gifts. She is a bookworm and enjoys listening to jazz (preferably whilst in the Seychelles).

David joined us in September 2008, he originally started as a packer on work experience. He has moved up through the years to Exclusive Commissions Manager. He designs the Hatton’s exclusives and is a very important part of the business.

David has a passion for aircraft and railways, and works hard preserving locos as a volunteer in the diesel department of the East Lancashire Railway. He is also a keen modeller, specialising in 1/72nd, 1/48th and 1/35th scale Military vehicles, aircraft and figures. David also finds time for his love of history, and actively takes part in WWII reenactments as a German ‘Fallschirmjager’ or paratrooper. What David doesn’t know about modelling isn’t worth knowing but luckily he shares his expertise, as well as updates about his recent projects, on his blog at davemodelblog.blogspot.com.

David has been with us since August 2015. He originally started as a customer service adviser in Smithdown Road and then moved up to Pre-owned Buyer when moving to our new hub in Widnes. He is the person you meet when bringing collections in to be valuated and also is a ninja at identifying rare railways and diecast items.

In his spare time he likes to spend time with his twin brother and also is in his final year in University studying mathematics. He has recently performed a pantomime which he found to be a lot of fun. Brad Pitt eat your heart out. In the summer he also climbed Kilimanjaro for charity.

Alan has been with Hatton's since 2005. He originally started in the warehouse and worked himself up to Systems Assistant which deals with our IT systems in Hatton’s. He keeps everything flowing well.

In his spare time he likes to follow Liverpool football club. He also likes to relax and watch TV and play computer games.

Elliot joined us in November 2017, He started in the warehouse and has worked up to Assets & Systems support. He is very tidy and likes to keep things organised.
In his spare time he is a gamer, cat fan, and DIY enthusist.

Tom joined our contact centre team in March 2015. He started as a helpdesk assistant and moved up to marketing executive. Tom creates the adverts that you see in all of the railway magazines and also our own Hatton’s magazines. He is always working as he takes care of our social media pages including facebook and twitter.

In his spare time he likes to go out with his camera and take pictures of nature. He did his degree in photography at university. Tom has a strong interest in railways especially the 1980’s Scotland era. He also likes cars and planes, everyday in work is like being in a dream as he loves the stock we sell.

Amanda joined us in August 2017 after leaving Carphone warehouse, where she was for 12 years. Her customer service is second to none, she loves to have a joke with members of staff and is always happy to help anyone out.

In her spare time she likes to socialize and spend time with family.

Alix joined the team in December 2020 and is part of the helpdesk team.
A fan of all things Disney and Playstation, she has a rescue cat called Harvey. In her spare time she also plays cornet for Pemberton Brass Band.

Christov works for us remotely from Spain where he’s lived for a number of years now. He has written and blogged about he and his partner’s move there, learning the language and culture while travelling around in their old VW camper van. Sadly, they parted ways citing irreconcilable differences - no not Christov and his partner…their camper van of course! “Too many breakdowns, too much expense, never again.”

Christov's degree is in performing arts and he's been a regular face in corporate TV presenting, but these days feels his face is more suited to the telephone.

He spent years perfecting his beautiful Austrian themed N gauge Fleischmann layout, but made the difficult decision to sell it when he moved to Spain. However, working at Hattons, he is finding the temptation to return to his old ways too much... watch this space!

Michael joined our Heldesk Team in July 2020, working remotely from Peterborough.

He has been lucky to make models for many people from leading architects to special effects companies. Most of his work life has been in high end technology but in contrast, he is a Historical Re-enactor in his spare time.

A keen wargaming enthusiast, Mike has been involved in the hobby for 4 years, generally in 28mm scale and ranging from Fantasy, Sci-fi and Historical tabletop games. Mike spends his evenings building, painting and taking part in tournaments around the northwest. He also is a musician and likes to cook.

Tom joined Hattons in June 2020 on the Customer Helpdesk Team, giving him the opportunity to combine his passion for railways and his experience in Customer Services. He works remotely from rural Somerset.

When not working for Hattons, Tom is developing a self sufficient smallholding with his partner, which not only has a flock of sheep and herd of goats, but also a miniature railway running through the garden.

A railway modeller in the not so well known EM gauge, Alex has had an interest in railways for as long as he can remember and has a particular interest in the British Rail Blue era.

Alex loves to spend his spare time with his friends and family as well as gaming on his PC. He also enjoys playing his guitar and getting creative with his 3D printer.

Mark joined us in September 2016. He has spent time in nearly all of the departments and has a good knowledge of diecast and model railways. He is always looking to improve the service we offer through the pre-owned collections. He can always pick out a scratched bumper or a missing coupling before anybody else.

In his spare time he likes to play video games and is an all round gamer. Mark also likes to relax at home.

Bryan has worked with us since January 2011, He works in all areas of the business from the Helpdesk, store to fitting decoders and repairing Loco’s.
He has a keen interest in Railways and buses, and was a regular face in the shop before he joined us on the other side of the counter! Bryan has a large modern image layout at home, with more DMU's and EMU's than anyone really needs.

He is interested in theatre and performing arts, he particularly enjoys musicals. Bryan enjoys working on his layout and also attending Railway Model expeditions.

Johnny has been with us since July 2016, he started with us as a stock processor and gradually moved his way up to Operations Team Leader. Following this, he moved into a Marketing Executive position and is largely responsible for producing our marketing video content and in September 2020 moved into our Pre-Owned team as a Pre-Owned Buyer

In his spare time he likes to collect film and video game merchandise. He has achieved a first degree in film and television production BA (hons).

Sean joined us in October 2017. He is a hard worker and will always get his head down and work to the best of his ability. He loves to do a job well and works in our replen area. He makes sure all of the stock for the customers are available to be picked and packed.

In his spare time he likes to watch Liverpool football club and spending time with his girlfriend.

Morgan joined us in May 2012. He started as a helpdesk assistant and has worked up to Pre-owned buyer. He sorts through shop drop off collections, emails and calls. He knows his stuff and can describe most diecast or model railway objects which are put in front of him.

Morgan can play guitar, 5-string banjo, mandolin and drums. He’s also a vintage comedy fan, enjoying the Marx brothers and Laurel & Hardy in particular. Morgan is a keen reader and enjoys detective fiction.

Gary has worked with us since October 2014. He started as a Picker/Packer, moved up to Stock Specialist, and now works as a Web Developer.
In his spare time he likes watching football and PC building. He is interested in classic cars and can tell you all you need to know about them.

Agnieszka joined us in May 2017. Agnieszka is a hard worker and will give 100% with everything that she does. She is a brilliant packer and will always put a smile on your face when you see her in the warehouse.

In her spare time she like to relax. She is a shopaholic and also loves to travel to new interesting places.

Ewelina has been with Hatton's since August 2012. She began as a Pick/Packer, she is now a level up from when she started and checks orders and helps Level 1 staff.

She loves fast cars. In her spare time Ewelina likes to spend time with her young family and also likes to travel.

Gary joined our Services team in late June 2020. He enjoys the many opportunities and different roles available.

In his spare time he enjoys most sports including football and golf and keeping fit.

Andy joined us in 2014. He is an asset to the services team as he is an expert in all types of decoder fitting and repairs. He is the dad of the lovely Katie and David who also work with us.

In his spare time he likes to play golf and spend time with him family.

Ian joined us in September 2015, starting in our Pick Pack team but soon moved into the Services area as he enjoys increasing his knowledge of model railways, locomotives and the mechanics of them. You'll most likely find him processing customer returns, taking new stock images and processing pre-owned stock. He's a jack of all trades!

When he's not in work, he enjoys spending time with his ever-growing family. Aside from being a family-man, Ian is one member of the blues/rock band called 'Elysian' where he plays the guitar. He also likes to paint and build Warhammer 40k.

Jade joined Hattons in early July 2020. She has a background in quality control so fit straight into our team.

She has a giant poodle called Jackson and her favourite films are Dirty Dancing and Pretty Woman, she just can't pick between the two... She also got married in New York, loves travelling and planes but is scared of flying!

Peter has been with us since August 1995. What he doesn’t know about our warehouse and the Operations processes is not worth knowing. He has always been proud of doing a good honest day's work and helps anyone looking for help.

In his spare time he likes to follow his favourite football team Liverpool FC. He also likes to watch football on TV and keep active including running and riding his bike.

Rafal has been with us since July 2015. You will see him flying around the warehouse picking orders. He is our fastest picker an prides himself in 100% accuracy. He is experienced in all parts of the warehouse including packing and goods in.

In his spare time he enjoys playing on his playstation and travelling to Poland to see his family.

Sean joined our Operations team in April 2016. He really enjoys the variety each day and the people he works alongside.

In his spare time he is a member of a walking group and spending time with family, friends and his pets (1 dog and 2 cats). You'll also find him listening to music and following Everton football club.

Andrew joined us in January of 2020 when he assisted Hatton's with their first-ever American train show appearance in West Springfield, Massachusetts. He works on many various projects for us and can often be found answering our Customer Service lines in the evening.
Andrew has been interested in US profile model railroads all of his life and took a great interest in British profile railways starting in 2017