Though having lived in the Houston area for over 25 years, I am just now getting a chance to spend a weekend in Austin next month. While the wife is at a digital photography seminar, I’ll have two whole days to visit as many shops in that area as I can, with an empty SUV and without spousal supervison!
I’d appreciate it if any locals could get me a list of shops (names only is fine; I can find the addresses) that would be worth checking out. MRR only lists one (King’s). If you know, an indication of those that are open on Sunday will let me hit those that are not the first day.
In addition to places with HO scale railroading stuff, any other shops with scale model kits and supplies would be great; I can often find a needed tool or paint there, or the interesting non-railroad kit that I need for the occasional diversion.
Unfortunately, Austin only has two choices for hobby shops. The forementioned King’s Hobby Shop does carry other varieties of plastic kits as well as model railroad equipment, but expect to pay full retail on anything you purchase.
The alternative is The Collectible Caboose, located in Cedar Park, an adjoining community on the far north end of Austin. The owner has a discount program for model railroad purchases; the more you spend, the higher your discount.
Care to guess where I choose to shop?
Edit: I forgot to mention the Collectible Caboose is NOT open on Sundays. Saturday from 10AM to 6PM.
Two days with a vehicle unsupervised? You may want to consider hitting I35 and going to Discount Trains in Addison (Dallas). Yeah it’s a haul (of course living in Texas as long as you have, I’m sure Austin to Dallas is probably considered a day trip), but I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Just be sure you offer the other half a heck of a nice dinner.
Thanks for the info, and the steer to Cedar Park. I must say I was surprised to find there were only these two locations. But, I’m sure looking forward to browsing and maybe acquiring. Dallas would be a little too far this time, but I have a need to visit friends up in Grapevine and if I don’t get in trouble in Austin maybe she’ll give me some financial “leash” there, too.
I guess I’ll have to consider indulging my other hobby (guitar) while there, to burn up the extra time. I’m sure there is no shortage of music stores in the area.
I thought I read in the Cowcatcher, he was closing his doors last year…I could be wrong but I tought he closed up too.
HF1
Just make the drive to Dallas and go the Discount Model Trains and ask for Wayne - they’ve got enough stock to keep you busy all day long.
It’ll be worth the 3.5 hr drive.
Kings was a pretty good shop back when I lived in Austin in the 90’s , Bob King expanded the store in the late 90’s and then sold out from what I understand, so I don’t know how it is now.
I thought I read in the Cowcatcher, he was closing his doors last year…I could be wrong but I tought he closed up too.
HF1
Just make the drive to Dallas and go the Discount Model Trains and ask for Wayne - they’ve got enough stock to keep you busy all day long.
It’ll be worth the 3.5 hr drive.
Kings was a pretty good shop back when I lived in Austin in the 90’s , Bob King expanded the store in the late 90’s and then sold out from what I understand, so I don’t know how it is now.
You will not regret driving up to Discount Trains in Addison (Dallas). They have a fantastic selection and discount prices plus very knowledgeable people. I drive from Arlington which is over an hour plus drive each way but I have found nothing that compares in the North Texas area.