Meet Ellis
Ellis is founder and owner of Ellis Clark Trains. He's passionate about his work and feels lucky to be able to earn a living by doing what he loves. You'll hear his booming voice at exhibitions from the other side of the hall!
As a child, I was brought up in the world of model trains and collectables by my parents, my father being the founder and owner of Andrew Clark Models.
From an early age I was taken on monthly trips to the National Railway Museum in York, where I would press my nose against the glass of the O gauge layout and endlessly watch the model trains race around the scenic hills. I was often taken along to the Shipley Model Railway exhibition and spent countless hours running pre-owned models brought home by my dad on various layouts.
It was towards the end of 2011 whilst working in a coffee shop that my dad offered me a desk in his office should I ever want to try establishing and running a business. He didn’t mean that very same day, but to his shock, I handed my notice in there and then. I purchased a desk, computer, notepad and various model railway books and magazines, and began planning.
By 2012, Ellis Clark Trains was established and I was travelling the breadth and depth of the country buying pre-owned model railways. We have grown from a one man business, to one of the most well-known pre-owned specialists, and in recent years, we have also become known as award-winning manufacturers.
But why have we grown and why do we do it?
My team and I love what we do. Not only that, but we believe in being approachable, friendly and understanding to everyone's individual needs. Model Railways is like no other business and we love being a part of it. We have forever spoken of the family feel to it, the ‘help thy neighbour’ approach of many and the love, and enthusiasm which surrounds both the hobby and the real life articles.
We’re humbled to be part of this world and it constantly fuels us to put in the late nights, long weekends and day-to-day graft that makes Ellis Clark Trains what it is today.
Ellis is founder and owner of Ellis Clark Trains. He's passionate about his work and feels lucky to be able to earn a living by doing what he loves. You'll hear his booming voice at exhibitions from the other side of the hall!
Amey's role is Office Manager and she's been with the company since 2018. Her favourite loco is the Coppernob 0-4-0 Furness Railway. In her spare time, she loves adventuring with Albert, in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales or on the beaches of Northumberland.
Neil Armitage is famously responsible for weathering and repair. His favourite loco is Austerity 2-8-0. He's a keen tea drinker and when not at work, he enjoys model railways EM gauge and Land Rover building.
Hannah is our Office Assistant Manager. Her favourite loco is the Swiss Crocodile and her hobbies include wild swimming, knitting, cross stitching, reading, and exploring the Yorkshire Dales with her family.
Holly's role at Ellis Clark Trains is Art & Design. She been with the company since 2018 and loves the Hogwarts Castle loco. In her spare time, she enjoys walking and family time.
Dave only joined the team in 2022 and is our Pre-Owned Manager. His favourite loco is the Class 37 37407, he's a fan of hot chocolate, and his hobbies are restoring trams, model railways, hiking, and live music.
Angie is in charge of of despatch, so it's her job to make sure your purchases arrive in perfect condition. Her fave loco is the Thomas Black and in her spare time she enjoys walking with her dog, Oakley.
Chris is our Research Co-ordinator. The loco he loves the most is the Class 37. His hobbies are O Gauge modern image modelling, Warhammer 40k and going to gigs.
Nikki is our Cad Engineer and Production Lead. Her extensive list of hobbies includes art, electronics, programming, model making, computers, music, books, walking, spending time with her cats and finding out about new things.
Sam is our Marketer and joined the company in September 2023. His favourite loco is the LNER Class A4. His hobbies are gaming, cooking and musical theatre, and he's looking forward to attending his first model train exhibition.
Faye is our Condition Manager and joined in 2023. Her fave loco is the Peppercorn A1 Tornado and her hobbies are model railways, volunteering at heritage railways, and acting as support crew for Tornado.
Robert is our friendly showroom sales assistant and joined the team in October 2023. He'll be your first port of call on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. When not in the showroom, Robert enjoys tinkering with his railway, walking, running half marathons and gardening.
Albert is in charge of security, alarm systems and clearing up crumbs. Yes - he's the office pup, and can usually be found hoovering the office, tearing up cardboard or stealing socks. He’s also our best salesman - just try and resist that face!
