Layout Concepts is delighted to announce the acquisition of DCCconcepts, bringing stability, new investment and a renewed structure to one of the hobby’s most respected brands.

For existing customers, this means reassurance, continuity and exciting improvements ahead. Existing product ranges and all lifetime warranties will continue uninterrupted.

Now operating as Layout Concepts, the business enters a new chapter built around reliable service, improved product availability and faster innovation — all centred on the needs of the modeller.

The acquisition ensures long-term stability for the brand under experienced ownership within the specialist model railway sector.

Product distribution will now be managed through TMC The Model Centre, one of the UK’s most respected model railway retailers. This will strengthen stock availability and fulfilment through an established specialist retail operation.

What this means for customers

    •    Continued production and development of the DCCconcepts ranges you know and rely on

    •    Full honouring of all existing lifetime warranties

    •    Strengthened after-sales support

    •    Improved stock consistency and product availability

    •    Faster release of new and previously developed products

    •    Broader solutions for both DC and DCC enthusiasts

 

This ensures dependable fulfilment, improved stock flow and easier access to products for customers across the UK and beyond.

The dedicated new Layout Concepts website is now live here, designed to make it easier for customers to access product information, support and updates. Plans are also underway to enhance the Settle showroom experience, creating an even stronger connection with the modelling community.

Plans for a trade portal are already underway.

 

Building on a 25-year legacy

Founded 25 years ago by Richard Johnson, DCCconcepts built a global reputation for practical innovation, engineering excellence and genuine customer care. From the smooth and reliable ‘Cobalt’ turnout motors and ‘Alpha’ control systems to ‘Zen’ decoders and a wide range of thoughtfully designed layout accessories, the company consistently focused on solving real-world modelling challenges.

What began as a small Australian start-up grew into an internationally respected supplier serving customers in the UK, USA and Europe. Through industry challenges, relocation to the UK, global supply pressures and the difficulties of the Covid period, the company demonstrated resilience and commitment to its customers.

Layout Concepts is proud to carry that legacy forward — not simply preserving it but building upon it with renewed investment and fresh momentum.

 

A smooth transition

Richard Johnson commented:

“After a quarter of a century of product development, it’s time for fresh energy and vision to take the business confidently into the future. This is a positive change — one that brings new sparkle to everything that has been, and everything that can now be developed.”

Howard Smith of TMC and Layout Concepts added:

“DCCconcepts earned its reputation through intelligent design and genuine passion for the hobby. We have enormous respect for what Richard built. Our commitment is to honour that legacy while strengthening availability, enhancing support and accelerating exciting developments already in the pipeline — all with the customer firmly at the centre of what we do.”

Layout Concepts — building on a trusted legacy, with a renewed focus on you.