title says it all.
Ryan
Chicago’s big. There are a LOT of hobby shops in the Chicagoland area.
I’d recommend:
Chicagoland Hobby, 6017 N. Northwest Highway
LaGrange Hobby, 25 S. LaGrange, LaGrange
Hill’s Hobby, 10 Prairie Ave., Park Ridge
Al’s Hobby Shop, 121 N Addison Ave # 23, Elmhurst
I’'ve heard good things about Golden Spike Train Shop, 6357 W 79th St, but never been there.
You are better off going to see the the “Great Train Story” at www.msichicago.org and do you shopping at a later time. Just a few miles south of downtown Chgo.
Don’t miss the musuem of science train layout
There used to be a really great store downtown, but it’s been several years and I can’t remember the name. Check the Yellow Pages when you get there. Also, the Museum of Science and Industry layout is a MUST SEE (even though it is a ways south of downtown).
Jetrock, thanks for the other suggestions. I’ll be on the northside later this month, and I’ll check out Chicagoland Hobby.
Ryan,
Ditto! First thing that came to my mind, too. What better way to get ideas for your own layout than to go to a really great layout first. Hoping to get their myself one of these days…[:)]
Tom
Can anyone think of a better museum for the city of Chicago–the city of Broad Shoulders–than the Museum on Science and Industry? It just seems to fit.
The only better museum for railfans is the Illinois Railway Museum out in northwest Union illinois. It has a good collection of rolling stock!
Finding a hobby shop is tough, but if you use the hobby retail finder in this website & a phone to call for directions when you get closer. Chicago is a big place, and it’s easy for newbies to get lost. Best bet is to visit downtown by using Amtrak or Metra. Then get a CTA guide to the city.
Glenn, you’re right. The Illnois Railway Museum is worth the effort. My point is that the MSI is much closer to downtown Chicago. However, I suspect Ryan may be home from his trip by now.
Any news for us, Ryan?
DesPlaines Hobby in DesPlaines, right by the airport, is worth a trip.
Hill"s Hobby in Park Ridge is also 'bout 20 min. from O’hare.
uh oh, pbjwilson, with 3 shops to go to, I know I’m gonna get in trouble with the missus. [:D][B)][:D]
Too late for “tomorrow” but for possible future reference:
When I worked in the Loop some 20 years ago, All Nations Hobby was located on Wells St. under the “L”. There was also a hobby store in the underground pedestrian passageway in the block just west of State and south of Washington. No idea on current status of these two stores.
You need to check out Science n Industries train set-up. A million dollar layout.
Ho going from Chi-town to SEE-attlel
All Nation closed some years ago. Their location would put them somewhere near Sears tower. for a time, a hobbyshop was put up in the Fist Natl Bank plaza near Dearborn. The Washington// State location makes me think of one of the 2 Woolworth’s that sold trains at Christmas time. Marshall Field sold Marklin sets (both HO and Z ) in their toy dept.
I think the owners of All Nation may have sold out to Chicagoland Hobby that has a “new” store up on Northwest Hwy near Harlem. It’s not far from Park Ridge Hills or Des Plaines hobby in Des Plaines.
The recent 1hobby expo at Rosemont used to be sponsored , in part, by the hobby shops in Chicagoland. THey used to sell tickets, and get promotion to go visit the shops.
John and Glen, that was the one I was thinking of. Used to take the train in (CNW) from the western burbs and then go to All Nations. Then I took the train back out. This was YEARS ago before I could drive. What great memories. And what could be better than taking the train to the LHS!
This wbsite needs to find hobby shops near train stations. THere are at least 3 in Chicagoland I can think of. There may be others. 1) Al’s in Elmhurst, on the C&NW/UP West line. 2) LaGrange is not far from the BNSF racetrack. 3) Hill’s in Park Ridge is on the C&NW Northwest line. A good Metra map may help find others. At least these could be good locations at times to watch trains.