Every now and then a thread pops up about a not-so-good hobby shop someone has come across.
How about one that lists really good hobby shops, and what makes them good?
I’ll start with two - Tommy Gilbert’s in Gettysburg, PA - They have a huge selection of parts, and a wall full of brass locos. They take the time to help you find what you need, and are willing to order anything they don’t have in stock, be it a 50-cent casting or a $400 loco.
Second one is Sattler’s in Haddon Township, NJ. They’re friendly and always ready to chat. The shop is small, but it’s packed to the gills with scale model trains (mostly HO and N). And they’re ready to dicker a bit on the price, too.
I’ll nominate Caboose Hobbies in Denver, CO. For one, it’s quite large with space enough for everything (a 30’ wall of various detail parts is an obvious example), on site repair service, and several very detailed layout/displays.
The best part is a team of knowledgeable and helpful employees who will go to great lengths to help you find what you need.
I’m sure I can find most items on my shopping list for less somewhere else; but when I’m in Denver, a trip to Caboose Hobbies is an event I try not to miss!
I recommend Hobby Stop in Seaford Delaware. The store is kinda on the small side but they carry everything from HO, N, O scales to R/C cars and planes, model car kits, and Model Ship Building. Most of the guys will know you by name or your face after a couple of trips there and always are glad to help and order anything for you if they can find it for you. I have been going there for some time now since the 90’s and is one of the best hobby shops in the local area. Many times now I have been there and bought items and out of the blue have gotten DISCOUNTS on items that I have bought. I’m sure they don’t do this for everyone but when your a regular customer whos spent half a years pay in the last 10 years he has been shopping there lol… well you know. They have RTR and (GASP) Blue Box Atheran kits and locos that still sell like hot cakes!!! Also carry a small area of O scale starter sets, rail, tools, and buildings. If you ever come to Slower Lower Delaware or as we call it the eastern shore then stop in and check it out.
Two in my area–BRUCE’S TRAINS in Sacramento and ROSEVILLE HOBBIES in neighboring Roseville. People in both shops are knowledgable and helpful (and a lot of fun, if you get into conversations), both shops are 100% trains, have pretty complete inventories in the more popular scales, generally have new items in very quickly after availability, both offer repair services, and stand behind their merchandise. Both offer discounts below retail and the guys don’t stand behind the counters and ignore you when you come in, they actuall come up and ask if they can help you. If you need help, they’re right there with answers, if you want to browse, they let you alone until you’ve got a question. They’re as nice to beginners as they are to we old-timers. I’ve been shopping at both for at least fifteen years, and have never EVER had a bad experience. Hey, with hobby shops like these two places, the LAST thing I need is E-Bay.
Tom[:P]
I’m a big fan of the Train Shack in Burbank. Nothing up in the Bay Area has as much inventory – from Z to G – and the staff is both knowledgeable and friendly. I try to pop in every time I’m down inthe Valley for work. Great store.
Hobbyrama - Brisbane Australia good selection of HO and N scale at good prices for Australia
AustralModelcraft - the best range of Z - G in Brisbane, only walthers dealer in the state and stocks almost all of walthers products very very good selection… if your down here check them out
I have to agree with Brunton ! Tommy Gilbert has one of the best hobby shops around. Great selection and good advice. I’ve dealt with them since back in the early 70’s and always get good service. Things might be a little higher in price than mail order but it’s nice to be able to look and ask questions before you buy.[:)]
[#ditto]
Except for the when I’m in Denver part. Since I live here it would be hard to miss.
I like www.nscalesupply.com . There friendly and respond to e-mails. Plus there shipping chareg is only $6.50, and they ship it prioraty Mail.
One of my favorites is Tailspin Hobbies in Crabtree,PA. They may not have the world’s biggest selection but they have some nice stuff and a very good and cheap used equipment bin. Plus The guy there’s pretty nice and will spend all day BSing about trains. The guy has good hours from 11-8 everyday and since it’s on the main drag of town you don’t have to go nuts driving everywhere looking for it.
I have to nominate Show-Me Trains in Grandview, MO. They’re not a big shop, but they have almost every nook and cranny filled with nothing but model railroad stuff. From N to G, they have it all. And whatever they don’t have, they can get it for you and you can’t beat their prices. Another added bonus, is that the staff is great.
Maine Trains in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. Gerry is an experienced modeller himself, as shown by the beautifully detailed in-store layout. He does installations and custom painting, and gives discounts to the regulars. The shop is small and deals in HO and N, with a few O-gauge items on display.
I nomimate Satler’s in Westmomt NJ. It is really a train shop, 90% HO 10% N. It has been in business since the 50s. Lots of detail parts etc. They will order it if not in stock & call when it’s in. The owner started working there after school in the 60s. He is very knowlegable in all phases of the hobby. Paints % repairs brass etc. The sad part is that he will be retiring soon & the shop will probably close. You can’t make enough profit to support a family in that business today. The building will be sold to some kind of business that can generate more traffic.
Why would anyone shop at Gilbert’s? 20 minutes away is Mainline Hobby Supply. A MUCH better store with more up to date stock, discount, cleaner, etc, etc, etc.
The only thing Gilberts has over it is hundreds of tarnished brass engines to look at on the shelf.