Does anyone recall during the later 1960s in Grange Road West a toy shop, that had in the window a train set, which could be set in motion by inserting a penny into a machine outside? Any info, location or other details would be very welcome
Robbs was in Grange Road West or Grange Road, towards the top near Charing Cross? Toy & Hobby escapes my recall, any more info on that?
Robb's was in Grange Rd. roughly opposite Pyke's at the top of Vincent St. It was the major up-market department store. It had lifts with white gloved attendants and a restaurant called the Oak Room. This pic. shows part of the building. http://goo.gl/maps/STcjI I don't remember Toy and Hobby.
Chris, many thanks for the confirmation of that and the image too, had thought so..not sure 'Toy & Hobby' was the shop mentioned by my friend, who was talking about a place during the late 1960s into the 70s. He seemed pretty sure it was down Grange Road West and mentioned a slot machine outside in which you placed a penny, which in turn fired up the train set in the display...
If I remember correctly there a was a dolls hospital on Argyle Street between Oliver Lane and Grange Road it might have been the building called "Eden" in the picture from Google Maps. My mum used to get replacement eyes for my teddy bear from there. Some 50 odd years ago.