My wife and I like automobile trips and take at least one long one every year. We also take shorter (weekend, or extended weekend) trips at various time during the year. We always make it a point to seek out a local hobby shop and pick up a couple of items for the layout. It can be a little frustrating, since some shops are decidedly weak where N-Scale is concerned. Since I am not all that original, it occurred to me that others may do this as well, so if they should come to the Boston-Eastern Mass area here are some of the shops where N-Scale gets respect:
South Shore Hobby Center in Weymouth. Plenty of N-scale, including a layout! The owner is a true craftsman. The number is 781-335-9009. Call first, he is open most afternoons, but be sure.
Ken's Trains in Sudbury http://www.tttrains.com/kens/ This entire shop is N-Scale....no crawling over the HO to get to the good suff! They feature a great "on line" catalogue.
Duxbury Green, Inc 781-585-0054 Lots of N-scale some HO and a good amount of G. Closed Mondays.
Those are three shops that I use regularly. I have no financial interest in any of them, but I want to know about similar shops around the country so that when I travel...well you get it. So I hope this idea catches on.
Thanks for reading,
Al
Good N-Scale Hobby shops that I know of...ADD YOURS!
Re:Good N-Scale Hobby shops that I know of...ADD YOURS!
Re:Good N-Scale Hobby shops that I know of...ADD YOURS!
Little Choo Choo Shop
500 S Salisbury Ave
Spencer, NC 28159
1-800-334-2466
http://www.littlechoochooshop.com/
Re:Good N-Scale Hobby shops that I know of...ADD YOURS!
Along those lines, there is a little shop in Berlin, MD. I can't remember the name, but the owner is a nice guy, and he has a good stock of N-scale stuff, plus a small layout in the back.
Another place we have gone is in Rutland, VT. The name of the store is a man's name(Steve? Bill?) but at my age I am lucky to remember the state. He also has a good stock of N-scale items.
No shop I have ever seen compares to The Caboose in Denver, CO. This store has more N-scale than I have ever seen. It also has more HO, O, G and whatever other gauge you might fancy. It is the size of a supermarket, has several layouts in glass cases that visitors can activate, a giant repair shop and a web site: http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/index.php
Re:Good N-Scale Hobby shops that I know of...ADD YOURS!
Albey25 wrote:
I am so fortunate to live in Denver. I can go to Caboose Hobbies ALL the time!! Just this past weekend my wife and I were there and overheard somebody say, "We're all kids in this store." How true. How true!!...No shop I have ever seen compares to The Caboose in Denver, CO. This store has more N-scale than I have ever seen. It also has more HO, O, G and whatever other gauge you might fancy. It is the size of a supermarket, has several layouts in glass cases that visitors can activate, a giant repair shop and a web site: http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/index.php
Re:Good N-Scale Hobby shops that I know of...ADD YOURS!
Great shops, not necessarily N scale specific, that I visited during my Rideaboot or after.
Tommy Gilbert's - Gettysburg, PA
Mainline Hobbies - Blue Ridge Summit, PA
Silver Spike - Denton, TX
Wig Wag - Albuquerque, NM
Train Cellar - Lincoln, NE
The Original Whistle Stop - Pasadena, CA
Tractive Effort Hobbies - Fayetville, AR
Re:Good N-Scale Hobby shops that I know of...ADD YOURS!
Re:Good N-Scale Hobby shops that I know of...ADD YOURS!
Trainmaster Models
3570 Buford Highway
Duluth, Ga. 30096
770-622-1611
They carry all scales...but have a pretty good selection of N-Scale...they have a "Pant-load" of N-scale rolling stock!
Trainmaster Models
Dan...
P.s. They are right around the corner from Southeastern Railway Museum
--
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Like Superdan, I also like Trainmaster in Duluth, GA. Not only is it close to my house and business, they are exremely helpful. They also sell at a discount.
Legacy Station in Lawrenceville, GA is also a nice hobby shop. My impressionis that they do not carry as much n-scale as Trainmaster, but they are quite helpful.
Superdan, where 'zactly are you in Atlanta? ('Scuse my suthern phraseology).
Peter
Re:Good N-Scale Hobby shops that I know of...ADD YOURS!
A third vote for Caboose and a online vote for http://www.nscalesupply.com though I really miss their store....sigh.
Re:Good N-Scale Hobby shops that I know of...ADD YOURS!
If your ever in the Philly area.
Penn Valley Hobby Center 837 W Main St
Lansdale, PA 19446 2158551268
Big selection of trains N and HO, Also a toy store
Lin's Junction 128 S Line St
Lansdale, PA 19446 2154127711
big selection of HO, O and G scale a small N scale selection
Nicholas Smith Trains 2343 W Chester Pike
Broomall, PA 19008 6103538585
Huge selection of Trains N, HO,O G and a toy store. First floor is a toy store and a Kline shop 2nd floor is an all Scales train shop with 2 or 3 layouts behind glass.
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Alberta Hobbies, Edmonton, AB
Good selection of N scale, and the owner is an N scale modeler himself. Also keeps a wide range of Atlas and Kato track in stock, as well as Woodland Scenics stuff, paints etc. Great service and a friendly atmosphere.
--
Jostein
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Credit Valley Railroad Company in Mississauga, Ontario. I live over 100km from it, but I consider it to be my LHS. They've easily the got the best N-Scale selection of any shop I've ever been in. The staff is extremely helpful too. Their prices are average, but they do have frequent sales, and I've found many a bargain there.
My second favorite is Panther Hobbies, also in Mississauga. They have tons of N, and lots of used stuff at great prices. Plus, they have a monster layout in the back room.
http://www.cvrco.com
http://www.pantherhobbies.com
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If you're in the Warren, MA area, you can't call your visit complete unless you visit Tucker's. The owner was one of the driving forces behind the Springfield Big E show for 25 years, and still plays a role to this day. The store is in his house, and has a massive selection of HO & N scale. http://tuckershobbies.com
If you're in the Halifax, Nova Scotia, area...there's really only one choice. There are a couple other shops, but this is the only one worth stopping in, IMHO. Maritime Hobbies & Crafts in downtown has a good selection of HO & N, with most every scale represented in some form or another. Vast selection of scratchbuilding and painting supplies, as well.
http://www.maritimehobbies.com
AR
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I went to a little teensy shop called Hobby World http://webpages.charter.net/tntlines/hobbyworld.html here in Fort Worth. I don't know a lot about trains yet (I am still working on getting the layout down!), but the proprieter was wonderfully helpful in getting me all the track I needed and then some, and the other shoppers in the store were helpful with ideas about painting and layout/scenery items.
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Cornreaper wrote:
I second this review... They are my new fav store. I work 15 min from the store.
I also recommend:
Hamilton - Modellers Choice - modellerschoice.com
Burlington - Trains on Brant - trainsonbrant.ca
Toronto - Georges Trains - georgestrains.com
Toronto - John's Photo and Hobby (no website - unique European trains)Credit Valley Railroad Company in Mississauga, Ontario.
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In the west Phoenix, AZ area we have, An Affair with Trains. The guys there have been pretty helpful and have a good assortment of N scale stuff...they also cater to those other scales as well :wink:
http://www.aawtrains.com/Home.aspx
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Stghtpool wrote:
I too LOVE Caboose Hobbies. Also in Colorado there's N Scale Supply - ( http://www.nscalesupply.com/ ) the title says it all. I have never visited N-Scale Supply because Caboose Hobbies has spoiled me.Albey25 wrote:I am so fortunate to live in Denver. I can go to Caboose Hobbies ALL the time!! Just this past weekend my wife and I were there and overheard somebody say, "We're all kids in this store." How true. How true!!...No shop I have ever seen compares to The Caboose in Denver, CO. This store has more N-scale than I have ever seen. It also has more HO, O, G and whatever other gauge you might fancy. It is the size of a supermarket, has several layouts in glass cases that visitors can activate, a giant repair shop and a web site: http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/index.php
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My vote would be for the Hobby Smith in Portland, Oregon. :D
http://www.hobbysmith.com/
The shop was originally opened by Lowell Smith, but has since been taken over by Ron Maize. About a year ago, Ron moved the store from the basement of the Hollywood Rite Aid, to a surface level shop; only a few blocks away. This has expanded the retail space, but a sad loss was the in-store layout and our defacto club. We miss the operating and work sessions on the Oregon Trunk! :(
Ron carries mostly n-scale, but he does stock HO, and a smattering of Lionel. If you're in the Portland area, be sure to stop by and browse. If you're a devotee of the SP&S, this may be the shop for you!
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NYC is dead....but since I moving
to NJ there's a more of a choice.
I don't have a car but I was able to
commute down to Bayonne, NJ on NJ Transit's
Light Rail. about 40 min ride. Found Past Time Hobbies and Miniatures.
small shop, nice owner, Vinny....actually grew up in my old neighborhood
in NYC. Just ordered a bunch of cars through his
establishment so I'll be going down there soon to pick them up.
http://pastimehm.com/
Micro-Mark makes good small tools & stuff. I ordered
a Bachmann C40-8 from them.
http://micromark.com/
Z28.... I don't know much about Atlanta or GA, but I've ordered
lots of stuff from Hobbylinc in Hochston.
http://hobbylinc.com/
They seem to be pretty good & received all orders in good condition.
Not good, not close to you ? Or both ?
In general good model train stores are a tough find in the Northeast.
Peace all,
Phil
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Greenfield News and Hobby is the largest Hobby Shop in the Milwaukee Metro area:
http://greenfieldnewsandhobby.com/
Spent lots of cash there over the last few months, which reminds me, I need to go get the February (and March) issue of Model Railroader. I suppose I should just subscribe to it one of these days, hey?
Re:Good N-Scale Hobby shops that I know of...ADD YOURS!
In the Los Angeles area...
THE BEST FOR N:
Allied Model Trains, Culver City:
alliedmodeltrains.com
This well-organized store (and the largest in Southern CA) has a well-stocked N scale department managed by a very friendly guy named Don. Prices are list, but sometimes you'll find something on sale.
Temple City Trains and Toys, Temple City:
templecitytrains.com
SoCal's newest train store is owned and run by an N-scaler.
Inventory is a little lacking, but newest items are carried here.
Burbank House of Hobbies, Burbank
houseofhobbies.com
This multi-hobby shop specializes in scale model airliners but their train department is 100% N scale! Lots of Red Caboose, MTL, Intermountain, deLuxe, Atlas and Athearn cars here.
THE WORST FOR N:
Hobby Warehouse, Lakewood
Their train department is run by some guy who is very anti-N. Their N stock isn't even 25% of their HO stock and only carry Code 80 track. Last time I went here, I had a conversation with the train guy, told him I recently converted to N from HO, and he was extremely condescending. I will never shop here again. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!!
Re:Good N-Scale Hobby shops that I know of...ADD YOURS!
I can recommend without doubt that feather river is one of the best I have had to deal with.and they were recommended to me from another member here.Chuck got my items here to New Zealand faster than it takes to get it from my local hobby shop which is only about 60 miles away unless I drive over there and pick them up myself but he doesnt usually have what I want due to low n scale demand in New Zealand.
Gerald at mackstrack.co.nz is a good LHS but he has to have stock that will move and I understand that.
but with the service I have been getting from Chuck I will be trading there again and again.
I would say Mike and Robin Fifer would be one of the better ones as well but I havent traded with them yet as their website doesnt have unitrack listed and that is mostly what I am buying at the moment.
Jeff
Re:Good N-Scale Hobby shops that I know of...ADD YOURS!
Jeff wrote:
Jeff,
Don't let that turn you off... Just because it isn't listed does not mean that they don't have it, and certainly doesn't mean they can't get it... even no-stocked items are acquired and shipped in sort order......I would say Mike and Robin Fifer would be one of the better ones as well but I havent traded with them yet as their website doesnt have unitrack listed and that is mostly what I am buying at the moment.
--
Bryan
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Hi All!,
I really hate to throw a wrench into everything, But I must tell you my problem. I want all to know to take my advice, Don't do any business with www.internettrains.com . Reason why I'm sharing this info is that I purchased 2 RailBox Box Cars from them on Jan 25,07. They were in stock, and availiable, and stated that it would take 3-7 days to process. Then they would be on their way. Well after three phone calls, and now it is Feb 22,07. I finally canceled my order when they told me it maybe another week before they are even shipped out. Heck I even have bought stuff from Europe, and it has been here weeks ago. I don't know what the problem is at this site. But I tell you they won't get any business from me, or any refers. Like I said I'm sorry to off load on all of ya'll. But I had to tell someone. It was driving me crazy. Well this is all for now. Take care everyone. Keep your eyes on the rails! And have a great day!! From Rob Webb
--
Rob---Roanoke,Virginia: The Norfolk Southern Crossroads Capital!!! , And my well missed home!!
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filfreight wrote:
Not true. For low price locos Trainworld in Brooklyn and the sister store Trainland in Long Island can't be beat. For various other equipment 45th Str. in Manhattan has 2 decent stores, The Red Caboose and Manhattan Trains. [You just have to deal w/ the eccentric owners!]
In NJ, The Model Railroad Shop, AKA Jack's in Piscattaway is great and you can take the 114 bus from Port Authority Bus station to the front door or take NJ Transit train to Dunnelin and walk 1/2 mile.
In Baltimore, Md. area is MBKlein, they're a major force in N-scale.NYC is dead.... Phil
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trainblue wrote:
Eccentric may very well be an understatement, especially when it comes to the little asian dude at The Red Caboose, but they're good stores. I've shopped at both, but didn't get much...i'd laid down a fortune at Tucker's already. A couple words of warning...The Red Caboose has a layer of dust about 1/4" thick covering most surfaces. And it's a flight of stairs below street-level. Manhattan Trains is a nice, clean store (though HO overpowers N about 2:1), which is set 1 or 2 flights of stairs above street level.
Cheers
ARfilfreight wrote:For various other equipment 45th Str. in Manhattan has 2 decent stores, The Red Caboose and Manhattan Trains. [You just have to deal w/ the eccentric owners!]NYC is dead.... Phil
Re:Good N-Scale Hobby shops that I know of...ADD YOURS!
Sorry to hear that Rob, they've had a bad rep with other members here as well though.
But, if you're ever in Dallas/Fort Worth there are two shops I highly recommend. The first is a small shop here in Fort Worth that Windstar mentioned earlier, Hobby World. For a small shop, they have a great selection of n-scale goods including many "collectables" from the MTL stuff if your into collectable cars. And the staff is just the best along with many of the loyal customers, very knowledgeable and willing to help.
Then for the biggy... Discount Trains in Addison (a suburb of Dallas.) This place is simply a must visit if your in the area. They have a hugh (I'm talking thousands) selection of rolling stock. Structures from every company, detail parts, a big selection of motive power, scenery out the wassu, every make of track and any DCC components you can think of as well as the most extensive library of modeling and prototype reference I've seen anywhere. The guys there are extremely knowledgeable and have some nice layouts in the store. Prices are good to great on all items, and they can get anything as they are an authorized dealer for just about everything MRRing. In fact, I've just talked myself into making the drive over there to lighten my wallet a bit. I'll check back later and give you a damage report! :lol:
Matz
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hey all,
i'll have to respectfully disagree here...
i was born and raised in NYC
and after living in NJ for almost a year
i was disappointed at what i saw going back
one recent saturday afternoon...if you go there
now you'll see what i mean...
keep in mind, these stores weren't spectacular
to begin with in recent years...
i commuted into the city to find the simplest thing...
a can of dullcote...and came up empty !
caboose- (owner eccentric, not asian) out of stock
"don't know when we'll be getting any in, sir"
manhattan- didn't even have ANY thing in the place
close to resembling a simple bottle or can of paint...
can't comment on the trainworld/land but if you're in
the city, in Manhattan.....face it, you're sunk.
if i had a friend that was contemplating going into
n scale or any scale of model railroading i would
never bring them there...
as compared to the rest of the country...these are not
LHS'....i apologize for the bad reviews, but that's the sad
reality of the sitaution...
will check out jack's in piscataway....thanks !
peace,
phil
Re:Good N-Scale Hobby shops that I know of...ADD YOURS!
Just noticed this thread this afternoon and have been dealing with two shops in area.
1. The Depot Hobby Shop in Lantana FL. ( West Palm Beach suburb)
2. Warrick Custom Hobbies in Plantation Fl. ( Ft. Lauderdale)
Both stores seem to like the larger scales better but still manage to have a pretty good stock of N Scale. The Depot has been very helpful in locating merchandise that they don't have in stock. Mom and pop store but highly recommend them.
Just my 2 cents worth.
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I'm suprised to hear MetroRedln's problems with Hobby Warehouse!
Their train guy Eli has been a guru to Mrs3751 and myself. Eli has been a fount of advice on the topic and always has been very suportive. They have a couple of other guys who work the train department who don't seem to be as knowledgeable, but I've never been "talked down to" by anyone. While they don't have a very large N scale inventory their prices are excelent.
I second the praise for The Original Whistle Stop. It's a good store with knowledgeable people. All at or near full retail though.
I've never been to Allied but I hear it's fantastic.
A cople of other good shops in the LA area are:
Milepost 38
Anahiem
Prestige Hobbies at Hobby City
Buena Park
Yours,
Bob
Re:Good N-Scale Hobby shops that I know of...ADD YOURS!
I can recommend several shops located hither, tither and yon:
Caboose Hobbies, Denver
Maine Models, US1, Falmouth, ME
WigWag Trains, Albuquerque, NM
Whistle Stop Trains, Portland, OR (sorry, never did get over to Hobbysmith, but have heard they were good)
Discount Model Trains, Addison, TX
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This one of my favorites. Train Buddy Products visit them at http://www.trainbuddy.com/ they are located in Northern Wake Forest NC.
--
the track just never ends...well at least for the next 2 miles
the track just never ends...well at least for the next 2 miles
Re:Good N-Scale Hobby shops that I know of...ADD YOURS!
Another vote for Discount Model Trains in Addison (Dallas) God, I miss that place. (I used to live in Dallas) It was so nice to go see all, and I do mean all, of the current MTL cars, with multple of each. No store in my area carries many of the MTL cars, at least not the ones I want. It's tough paying $5 shipping for a $15 car. Second only to Caboose Hobbies. For online, it's hard to beat N Scale Supply. Also check out 4NScale.com
Don
Re:Good N-Scale Hobby shops that I know of...ADD YOURS!
Re:Good N-Scale Hobby shops that I know of...ADD YOURS!
4nscale.com - Canton, GA (physcially located 10 miles from me :P )
fiferhobby - Las Cruces NM - excellent service :l
Trainmasters - Duluth GA - Great Store, but 100 mile round-trip for me!
--Ed
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MetroRedLn wrote:
I haven't been to Allied since before the big sale. I imagine it's picked over pretty good, although I did get a postcard announcing a moving sale that says they have more arrivals.
I like Temple City Trains. Each time I go in, about monthly, it has twice the inventory it had the last time. And.. BIG AND... he sells blue foam! I got the last hunk a month or so ago, but he said he was getting ready to order some more. So if you go there looking for blue foam, call first to be sure it's in stock.In the Los Angeles area... THE BEST FOR N: Allied Model Trains, Culver City: alliedmodeltrains.com This well-organized store (and the largest in Southern CA) has a well-stocked N scale department managed by a very friendly guy named Don. Prices are list, but sometimes you'll find something on sale. Temple City Trains and Toys, Temple City: templecitytrains.com SoCal's newest train store is owned and run by an N-scaler. Inventory is a little lacking, but newest items are carried here. Burbank House of Hobbies, Burbank houseofhobbies.com This multi-hobby shop specializes in scale model airliners but their train department is 100% N scale! Lots of Red Caboose, MTL, Intermountain, deLuxe, Atlas and Athearn cars here. THE WORST FOR N: Hobby Warehouse, Lakewood Their train department is run by some guy who is very anti-N. Their N stock isn't even 25% of their HO stock and only carry Code 80 track. Last time I went here, I had a conversation with the train guy, told him I recently converted to N from HO, and he was extremely condescending. I will never shop here again. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!!
Re:Good N-Scale Hobby shops that I know of...ADD YOURS!
Up in this part of the country , finding a shop that even carries n scale trains is tough . Jim's Junction in Billings ,MT. has a really good supply of n scale engines, rolling stock and supplies, and if he doesn't have it, he orders from Walther's every week. Also has a pretty cool online magazine dealing with northern tier railroading.
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turbine682 wrote:
Who owns 4nscale.com (Rio Grande Hobbies) now? I see them trying to move merchandise on eBay, charging $11.00- $13.00 s/h to mail a single N scale freight car.
I've seen the last name of Steele associated with their business, with 3 or 4 different
first names all at different geographic locations.
What happened to the original owner when the business was in New Mexico?4nscale.com - Canton, GA (physcially located 10 miles from me :P ) --Ed
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sootower wrote:
Rio Grande Hobby Company , was in Las Cruces NM and was never associated with Rio Grande Hobbies nor 4NScale.
Thanks , Miketurbine682 wrote:Who owns 4nscale.com (Rio Grande Hobbies) now? I see them trying to move merchandise on eBay, charging $11.00- $13.00 s/h to mail a single N scale freight car. I've seen the last name of Steele associated with their business, with 3 or 4 different first names all at different geographic locations. What happened to the original owner when the business was in New Mexico?4nscale.com - Canton, GA (physcially located 10 miles from me :P ) --Ed
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The current owner of 4Nscale.com AKA Rio Grande Hobbies, is in my opinion a fine gentleman named Wayne (I won't publicly publish his last name I don't believe that's the correct thing to do). Wayne purchased the business a little over a year ago and has continued its success.
I don't own stock, have any family or friends who work there. I've done business with 4nscale.com over the internet and have always been a satisfied customer. He is an honest, fair, and truthful businessman. I trust his word.
See ya
Re:Good N-Scale Hobby shops that I know of...ADD YOURS!
Thanks Guys and Gals
Add Another to the List
I've been dealing with MB Klein over the internet at modeltrainstuff.com. Huge inventory shown online and appears to be updated daily. When an item is shown as, "Usually ships in x to y days" you can count on it. As you will see when you visit the site, everything is discounted. Also have found Feather River to be excellent. NScale supply has been good to deal with. Internet Trains was a disaster. After waiting a couple of weeks for a routine order of some scenic items, I cancelled the order, and they still charged my credit card.
San Francisco Bay Area
Two I would recommend are:
Tom's Trackside Trains in Burlingame. Mostly N, and some HO. Tiny, but a wealth of information. Tom Van Horn has helped me a lot with my newbie questions. Not far from SF airport. www.tomstracksidetrains.com
Feather River Train Shop in San Rafael. Excellent selection of N locos, stock. Also is an e-tailer. www.featherrivertrains.com
While I've heard horror
While I've heard horror stories about Hobbytown USA, I can assure you that none of them applies to the location on 6336 East 82nd Street in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is either the second or third largest Hobbytown location and the train dept. is simply excellent. Dan and his crew are helpful and knowledgable as well. If you ever get the chance to stop in, please do so.
If you are in the.Kansas
If you are in the.Kansas City area, try Doc's Caboose. It is located in the bottoms of old town right on the UP tracks. If a train pulls up and stops be prepared to stay for a while. LOL They have a large selection Of N scale and the place is very organised.
Ted
Trains N Such in Calgary
If you find yourself in Calgary Alberta do stop into Trains and Such on the north side. Worth finding. Not exclusively N but have fine selection nevertheless. Very friendly. It is my LHS a mere seven hour drive to get there.
When I'm visiting Mom and Dad back in Hamiltion Ontario can't miss a trip to Modeller's Choice up on the mountain - best collection of TH&B Stuff I know of. I did see them recommended once before.
Dundas Valley Hobby
fortkentdad wrote:
When I'm visiting Mom and Dad back in Hamiltion Ontario can't miss a trip to Modeller's Choice up on the mountain - best collection of TH&B Stuff I know of. I did see them recommended once before.
Another vote for Modeller's Choice. The closest shop for me is Dundas Valley Hobby. A fair selection of N but a good stock of paint, styrene etc.
Dundas Valley Hobby - 905-628-9156
15 Cootes Drive , Dundas , ON L9H 1B1
Markham, ON Canada
George's Trains has recently purchased Railview Hobbies & Crafts in Markham and turned it into a really nice trains-only shop. Unlike their downtown T.O. store, this store only carries HO and N, and it has way more N scale stuff than the downtown store by far. I love it now- there is no need for the trek deep into the city. Here is a map:
http://www.georgestrains.com/store_location.php?osCsid=114b9ae8d36cdb131dfa92ffc507c6a7
suggestion?
The Hobby Smith...............
Hey there "The Dalles", I am a native Portlander myself. At the moment tho I seem to be living in Nashville Tennessee, long story. I agree The Hobby Smith does a good job catering to the N-scaler. Its too bad he lost the layout, when I was there last the trunk had progressed quite a bit. I like the Whistle Stop also, Charlie and company do a good job too. Drop me an e-mail at wb7ffi at yahoo dot com if you feel like it.
My favorite hobby shops..........
I have had very good sucess with Fifer/BLW/MB Klein/4 Nscale/Discount Trains. I must rely on the internet to meet my needs as there is NO GOOD Hobby shop in the greater Nashville Tennessee area. I guess the "Music City" mentality is that we should be in awe 'cuz this is where all the CW music comes from, and that nobody needs a hobby other than music. Just the way I see it, don't mean to offend anyone, but if I have, TOO BAD.
If you're in Chiba
If you're ever in the general area of Chiba (the suburb of Tokyo), I can recommend Tam Tam hobbies. It's like an N-scale department store with giant robots.
As you might expect, they have an extensive Kato selection, as well as Tomix.
Everything else I have seen in person so far has paled in comparison.
Maryland
I found this one to have some good pricing and lots of N scale things too.... http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/
Things look pretty good online.
[Mod note: Edited to make the link work. Needed a leading space! - BDC]
While in Chicagoland...this one's the best!!
When I visit Chicago its always worth my while to visit America's Best Train and Hobby Shoppe in Itasca http://www.americasbesttrainshoppe.com/. Many train shops carry large assortments of HO scale but very little nScale however this site is the exception. He has an exceptional collection of nScale locos, cars, structures and accessories. Also items you don't usually see in hobby stores like the photo backdrops. In addition, he has a wide assortment of scenery material. I wish we had a similar hobby store in my home town.
Edmonton AB in Canada has
Edmonton AB in Canada has two shops that I like.
Hobby Wholesale (www.hobbywholesale.com) is my goto shop 9/10. Friendly staff, great selection, prices are usually pretty good.
Hobby Alley (www.hobbyalley.com) is another local store I've bought a few things from. Their prices are decent compared to Hobby Wholesale for most things, but their steam stock is kinda poopy. I like them for DCC components mostly.
I've made a couple of purchases off of Nscalesupply.com this month, but have not got a hold of them yet. Hopefuly I should get my RDC1 and Lt. Mountain within the next two weeks or so.
I would stay away from Edmontons' Hobby Lobby even if my hobby-life depended on it. They are terrible for service, don't know what DCC is, recomends 7 1/2 foot by 4 foot layouts to everyone that walks in, and claims N-scale is the worst to work with. I mention Z scale and the guy thinks I'm on crack.
Trouble with Reynauld's Euro Imports
Hi All,
I don't know if anyone mentioned them on the list as a good source. They may be fine, and maybe I just slipped through the cracks, but I just had a terrible experience with my first order from them.
For anyone needing to order any european import item- I ordered the ECOS DCC unit from them in December. They told me it was backordered until mid January, so I went ahead and ordered it (with the custom low voltage N-Scale power supply).Mid March comes around and I finally emailed to cancel the order. The next day I get a tracking number from UPS. I email them again to make sure they had swapped the power supply for the lower voltage unit. Still no response. The unit shows up friday with the HO-O scale power supply. They still haven't emailed me back (like they did BEFORE I gave them my money).
I was in meetings all day friday, but had my assistant call them, and they told her that they had been in constant communication with me, emailing and on the phone over these last couple months.
I hate to just slam someone, but I just thought I would share my experience. They may be really great with every order but mine, but when you are talking about a phone order for a $600 DCC system, you get a little nervous and hope to be taken care of.
Paul
Best and worst
Best I've bought from is WWW.fiferhobby.com hands down. Worst I've dealt with is WWW.internettrains.com. The closet LHS to where I live is in Salt Lake City 226 miles from Elko, NV. In an unrelated matter. Please Vote. It's not a representative government if you don't vote.
Joined: 2004-03-24