I’m currently visiting the Western New York area and would like to check out a local hobby shop. Does anyone have any first hand knowledge of a good shop in the area?
Thanks.
I visited a model railroading freind in Rochester last fall and he took me to a couple of stores in the area, one was this store in Buffalo:
http://www.niagarahobby.com/ its big and has plenty of inventory but no really unusual items
There were two in Rochester as well which were a bit smaller but had more unusual (and to me more interesting items), I think one was this one http://www.djunction.com/contactus.htm
but I can’t remeber what the other was called.
LBC is also a good place although a little interesting to find, but worth it. Get directions from them ahead of time.
Our Railroad Club members head down to Buffalo every couple months from Canada - Good deals and selection. Also ordering on line if you forget something important.
Try K-Val, they’re in the Elmwood/Kenmore Ave area. They only do trains.
Mark
I saw them listed but couldn’t find them on the web. Do you know if they have a working website. I googled them but got a lame link.
Their website seems to be down. I posted their location above, a phone number should be easy to get.
Mark
You betcha, K-VAL is a good small shop, it’s worth dropping in, Niagara hobby shop carries everything under the sun, it’s big, lots of goodies no deals. I drive from Erie PA once a month just to stop at both these places. And if you like vehicles stop at Buffalo Road imports in Clarence , it an eastern suburb. This guy has the place stacked to the ceiling with vehicles in all scales.
Go across the border and drive north on the QEW for about 45 minutes until you get to St. Catharines and go Niagara Central Hobbies, one of the best around.
http://www.niagaracentralhobbies.com/pages/home.html
(and if you buy a lot of stuff, visit Canada Customs as you leave so you can get a GST refund form)
RR
KVal still advertises in MR. Their phone number is 716-875-2837 if you want to call ahead of your visit. Hinman Ave. is the first left off Elmwood Ave as you enter Kenmore northbound out of Buffalo.
Their website is up and running, but under construction. From what I can see, they’re updating the website to include the ability to check out what’s in stock. The old website was more or less “Here we are, this is what we do” without a lot of detail for someone who isn’t already familiar with the store.
The website can be found at http://www.kval-hobbies.com
Using the address and a mapping service such as MapQuest or Google Maps, you’ll be able to find it without trouble.
-Ed
In Buffalo, Niagara Hobby is not too bad. I think they are a little limited and in my scale (HO) not as well stocked as some places. The Erie Caboose outside is a nice stop for pics and such, and you are right at one of the Rail Line to watch trains if you are so inclined. That is the only one I go to in Buffalo. Someone mentioned Despatch Junction in Rochester, NY. My feeling on this are the Gates location is better for HO Scale and good advice on that Scale, while if your are a 3 rail fan, then the East Rochester site is better for that. Chris
Thanks for the info. I stopped by Buffalo Road Imports today and your description is apt. I picked up a couple of diecast vehicles I hadn’t seen before (albeit at a slightly elevated from normal price). I’m planning to stop by Niagara hobby later during my trip to check out their stuff and maybe watch some trains (if I’m lucky).
I appreciate all your tips!