Growing up in Preston, the first model railway shop I remember was Harry Welch's in Church St. Bought my first copy of 'Railway Modeller' there in November 1978. (showing my age again!) There was a fishing tackle shop next door that had a fire, Harry Welch's wasn't damaged (apart from some minor smoke damage), but for some reason it never reopened after that.
Next one I remember was Transport Models, originally on Lancaster Rd, behind the Police station, later moving to Oyston Mill in Strand Rd where they have been for many years. It is their last day of trading tomorrow.
Then there was Chris at Trains & Transport in a tiny shop in Charnley St, not far from the railway station. He retired some years ago.
When I was living in Bolton & working in Manchester, there was the Bradford Model Railway Centre in Piccadilly Plaza. not named after the town in West Yorkshire, but a district of Manchester, which has since been renamed 'Eastlands.'
I remember what had become by then Model Zone in Deansgate, was that formerly Tyldsley & Holbrook?
I also remember visiting Norman Wisenden in Greenfield. In those days I had GM Travel pass for all buses & trains in the area & Greenfield was as far you could get on this pass!
Since I'm now living in Wigan, mention should also be made of Pier Models, and G&I Models, both now sadly gone.
Paul