Next week end I am traveling with my wife to a conference in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. I have located a few used bookstores within walking distance of the hotel. (transit strike) and was wondering if there are any hobby shops I should check out. We will be staying at the Sheraton on Dock Street near Spruce. Thanks for any help.
I haven’t been yet (intending to go this week), but I hear Lins Junction in Lansdale is good.
www.linsjunction.com
The regional rail services are running, so you should be able to get out there.
http://www.septa.org/service/pdfs/R5LD.pdf
No.
At least, none I’ve found in the nearly ten years I’ve been here.
But it depends on exactly what defines “good.” If you’re into Lionel and tinplate, there are several good ones. If by “good” you mean lots of craftsman kits, detail parts, brass, etc., then the nearest one I know of that even comes close is Mitchell’s on Route 202 in Wilmington, DE (15-20 miles south of Philly).
The closest really good one I know of is Tommy Gilbert’s in Gettysburg (halfway across the state of PA). I don’t know about Lin’s Junction.
I gave up looking a few years ago, so maybe someone knows of one I don’t…
the only one i’ve really had any experience with (that is still is business) is Al Cappetti’s at 313 Market. Although it is a general modelling shop, atleast one person working there is very knowledgeable about MRR. The number of locomotives available seems to be limited though, and cars seem to be heavily HO. There seems to be an ok amount of kits and track is avaliable but behind lock and key iirc.
I go Lin’s Junction in Lansdale. But that’s a 30 or 40 minute ride on the R5 (which is running), plus a hike from the station.
Mitchell’s has lots of brass, but seems to be shifting away from trains.
Nicholas Smith in Broomall (you’ll need a car) is the best for Lionel and large scale.
Nick
It looks like I will be paying a visit to Al Cappetti’s. It is only about 3 blocks from the hotel. Thanks everyone.