Evening all -
I’m going to be in the Knoxville TN area for 6+ weeks come the 24th of June and was wondering if there are any good hobby shops in that area worth my time and energy to seek out.
Thanks!
You can find ANYTHING along Kingston Pike…it’s a huge strip.
As far as locally-owned shops, you’ll run dry rather quickly. There are two Hobbytown USA’s, one off Kingston Pike, and the other right off the Interstate.
I’ve been to the eastern Hobbytown…it’s pretty good. From what I can remember, they were heavy on Norfolk Southern items…then again, it’s been a few years.
I don’t know if you’ve been to Knoxville before. If not, there’s still quite a bit of construction happening along I-40 and I-40/I-75. Where possible, use I-640. Also, if possible, avoid traveling on the interstates during rush hour. You’re almost better taking Kingston Pike (US 70) during that time than you are taking I-40. (On I-40…you’re stuck with trucks…and LOTS of them)
West Knoxville is typically the best section of Knoxville. However, if you’re on a main drag, you should be good just about anywhere.
Have fun!
Matt
| Model Train Shops |
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| SMOKY MOUNTAIN MODEL TRAINS |
| CHRISTMAS PLACE TOYS & TRAINS |
| Model Train Shops |
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| DAN’S TRAINS |
| HUTTON HARDWARE |
pulled from this site for train shops
You can rule those two out now. They’re both in or near the tourism site of Tennessee, Pigeon Forge…something you don’t want to get involved with UNLESS you’re trying to be a tourist! (I do it once a year) Those two shops are limited as to what they carry…the first is more of a kiddie shop than a train shop. The second has nothing in stock…and takes a few hours, plus a trip behind a slow-moving Pennsylvanian, to get to.
Guys -
Thanks for the info. I’m actually going to McGhee Tyson for a 6-wk Air Force course. I’m going to have some freetime, but am not looking to overdo it (esp w/ ga prices! [:O])
Thanks!
At night, be prepared to be buried in trucks. Going to be stuffed on that interstate 4 lanes wide all fighting to be last at the scales on the west side.
Long ago I came through there and it was a few miles of downtown and a sleepy valley. Not so now… last time I came through there were serious construction with miles and mile and MORE miles of strip malls lining that interstate like a carnival midway.
there is hobbylobby and hobby town those are to major ones there maybe ma and pa shops around
Oh, McGhee Tyson…in that case, the Pellissippi Parkway (I-140) is your gateway to Knoxville. Either that, or Alcoa Highway (US 129), if you’re wanting a more direct route to central Knoxville.
Well one way or another, I will find my way into the city. Already have met a few women in the area to be my tour guides, so it should not be that hard for me to get to them.
Hi John,
The Airbase is actually in Alcoa, and the Alcoa/Maryville Area. Any Hobby Shops in the Knoxville area will have the best selections, and would be best visited/explored on your weekends. Knoxville is 10/15 min. from the base but this entire metro area is traffic heavy at times.
Just wanted to let you know there is a Hobby Lobby in the Maryville area next to the only enclosed mall - Foothills Mall on US129 South. That is a five minute +/- trip out the back gate (Louisville Rd to US129). It is also next to the Carmike Cinemas/Foothills Theater. Their train selection is suprisingly limited, but they do have some good stuff (Mostly HO & N). If you are NCOA/ALS/?? for six weeks, you will probably end up at the Wally World (Walmart) and/or the Mall anyway if you have free day/evening time. The Hobby Lobby is about it for Maryville/Alcoa for trains.
Again, Knoxville stores are best, but Hobby Lobby will be convenient.
I worked for the 134th CES for 11 yrs. Email me on yahoo if you need any other Maryville/Alcoa info.
Elmo38smiley
Alcoa, TN