We are visiting my daughter in Fairfax, VA next week. Neither MR or MRC list any local hobby shops closer than Manassas; can anyone suggest one or two closer to Fairfax VA. I model HO, and have nothing specific in mind that I am looking for, just browsing.
Any suggestions, much appreciated
Mr Mick
York, Maine
As many times as these post come up, it sure tells the tale of the plight of the LHS. Or how some of us are so train crazy! [:-^] I would be one of them I have to add.
Cuda Ken
Hi,
Before I retired, I made a number of trips to Fairfax for business at company headquarters. When I could get away, one of the things I did was look for hobby shops. The close ones I found had trains as a sideline, and had nothing of interest to me. I did visit one in Manassas (I believe) and it was the only real train store within a reasonable drive. That was almost 10 years ago, but in looking at the directories, I don’t see anything closer.
If you really had some time, you could drive to New York or New Jersey for some real LHS fun.
Mobilman44
My daughter lived in Metuchen N.J. before their recent move, and, not surprisingly, I managed to sneak away to Piscataway to visit the Model Shop (listed in both MR and MRC) almost every time we visited; I thought I made it clear about where they could move to, and the need for a LHS, but, alas…
Mr. Mick
York, Maine
If you are going to stay overnight along the way, then stop in Central Jersey and visit The Model Railroad Shop in Piscataway. Jack is there almost every evening even thought the ad says they are open late only on Friday and Wednesday. I like to go visit on Tues. - Thurs. as Fred is usually there after 11:00 AM as is Warren. Fred sold me my 1st train set (an AF Santa Fe Diesel) almost. 60 years ago. It is about 8 miles off the NJ Turnpike Exit 10. Take 287 West and it is just about 3 miles from exit 6. There are plenty of places to stay nearby. Bill
I’ll throw my vote in for “The Model Railroad Shop” you will be hard pressed to find a nicer bunch then those guys and you will walk away with something guaranteed and also scratching your head saying how do they fit that much stuff in that little store.
Also not sure how far of the beaten path it is but MB Klein is located at.
243A Cockeysville Rd.Cockeysville, MD 21030 which is right of Rt. 83 give or take a few miles from what I hear it’s well worth the visit. You know your wife is going to think you’ve lost your mind stopping off along the way to visit hobby shops in every state but hey will make for an interesting ride
I grew up in Edison not far from “The Model Railroad Shop”. The last time I was there was about 1965. I remember they had an awesome HO layout to the left of the front door as you walked in. I went up there in 2005 for my dads funeral. On my way home I wanted to stop there, but it was Sunday and they were closed.
If you find one, let me know. I live in Northern VA myself and have yet to find anything approximating an LHS. I have to go all the way to Strausburg PA to find anything decent! 
Course I usually mail-order or ebay anyway so I guess I get what I deserve…
John
I just moved out of Fairfax last month.
There are no good local hobby shops for HO in Fairfax.
Trains Etc near Newington has Marklin and O/G gauge. Only great if you’re Marklin.
Piper Hobby, Sully Plaza near Chantilly has Lionel and a small amount of HO - worth a stop only if you’re in the shopping center for some other reason.
KMA Junction and Train Depot in Manassas are primarily Lionel and G. Train Depot is the larger one and has a large Lionel and Aristcocraft selection. It has the most HO in the area, but worth a stop only if you’re nearby shopping.
Enjoy your visit, but stop somewhere else for HO trains.
Paul
If traffic is light on the Beltway (I-495), a 30 minute drive north will put you in Laurel, MD. Peach Creek Shops is excellent and speaks the laungage rather fluently. You’ll be near Rts 50 and I-66. A short drive will put you on the Beltway. Go north to Bal’more (two sylable word). Take I-95 north to Rt.198 (Laurel exit). Go to right. First light make left. I think it is All Saints Rd. Go three or four blocks to strip shopping center on right and look for red and black sign. The proprietor, John Glaab is a fine fellow as is his whole staff. If you are into steel mill modeling, look no further.
Avoid at all costs rush hour on the Beltway!!! And don’t try a short cut through DC. Less milage, but triple the time and aggrevation.
HZ