I’ll be in Chicago a few days this week and was wondering if there are any HO train stores worth going to near Woodfield Mall Chicago.
if Woodfield Mall is where I think it is jump on I-90 and go to the Lee St. exit north about one mile right near O’Hare and go to Des Plaines Hobbies. Full selection of almost everything.
Thanks…exactly what I was looking for. Have you been there?
Des Plaines hobby is were to go probably about 90% of the store is dedicated to trains,also there is Americas Best located on Irving PARK Road about 20 minutes south of Woodfield Mall a smaller store but still has a good selection
Unfortunately, you can’t get off eastbound I-90 (from Woodfield) at Lee Street. The easiest alternative is to take Higgins (Illinois route 72) from Woodfield east to Lee. Whether it’s faster or slower than I-90 depends on the day of the week, the time of day, and various planet alignments. Only the natives understand it, and even then not always. [:D]
As long as you’re going east on Higgins, go a couple more miles to Ram Hobbies (6603 W Higgins in Chicago). Small shop, probably 90% trains (mostly HO and N), but stacked literally from the floor to the ceiling! The owner is a great guy as long as you’re not wearing anything scented (he has breathing problems). Just don’t strike up a conversation with him unless you have time to spare. Either way, it’s well worth a visit.
My personal favorite is B&G Trainworld in Elgin. It’s another small shop, very friendly, and they discount just about everything. Take I-90 West from Woodfield, south on Il 31, then West on Walnut maybe 1/2 or 3/4 mile.
Happy Hunting!
Steve
Des Plaines Hobbies is definitely the one to go to, but don’t ask them to use their bathroom. Eastbound Higgins runs into Oakton Street and they’re on the corner of Oakton and Lee next to Jewel.
If you get on their mailing list they let you know about upcoming storewide sales, that’s what usually gets me to drive the 40 miles.
I concur with the others that Des Plaines Hobby is a “must-visit” shop, especially if there are detail parts you’ve been looking for for a while. I get there two to three times a year, and usually end up spending at least $100 on parts alone, before considering the various lines of rolling stock I seldom see elsewhere, such as Centralia Car Shops (the house brand), Railshops, Speedwitch Models, and DPH’s own line of special-run cars.
They have the most in-depth stock of Branchline kits I’ve seen in one place, plus carry an extensive inventory of Walthers passenger and freright cars. They also have a good stock of structure kits. The loco stock is pretty nice, too. And they carry used brass.
Ram Hobby is especially good for older items, particularly those that have been out of stock at other shops for a while.
People who are of the opinion that being asked to pay list price for an item is an unforgiveable personal insult bordering on a criminal act, however, won’t care much for either store.
Des Plaines Hobbies is also a place to check out Matt Gaudynski’s line, Fox Valley Models.
http://www.foxvalleymodels.com/
Dave Nelson
Hi,
I agree that Des Plaines Hobbies is a must see train store. My Mom lives nearby and I stop there everytime I visited for the last 25 years. They cater to all scales, and have a ton of stuff - most of which is well organized. The also do some special builds (Centralia, etc.).
On the downside, I have not been thrilled with the male “proprietors” as they never seemed to have time for me and treated me indifferently. The female clerks were much nicer, but not very “train literate”. I guess if you are looking at all their stuff that should not matter, but having pretty much the same reception time after time makes one feel “not welcome”.
What is really ironic (to me) is that my local hobby shop here just north of Houston is owned by someone who spends way too much time talking to folks as opposed to processing a sale!
Hey, none of the above is a complaint - just telling it like I see it.
Mobilman44
LOL, now you got me ‘feeling’ bad. [8D]