Can anyone steer me to a couple of “nice” Ho train stores in Madison? I prefer those that offer a discount. I won’t buy at full MSRP. I’ve got business there in a few months and am scouting them out.
Thanks…
Well there are four these Days. In order of personal preference.
Madison’s Hobby Stop. Clock Tower Court/Mall (same thing) near West Town Mall. If you have a membership with any of the local clubs (includes Milw, Baraboo, and Dubuque IA I think) or a NMRA membership just tell them and they will give you the standard discount. The two owners and the son of the older owner range from moderately knowledgeable to extremely knowledgeable. Chris (fairly knowledgeable) works there most of the time. George (extremely knowledgeable) works Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays but as he comes in from near Milwaukee is weather dependant, so go assuming Chris will be there. Greg (extremely knowledgeable) works on occasions for his dad and used to be in on Wednesdays. Don’t know if he still is. The store is pretty well stocked this time of year, though with it serving 4 Model Railroad Clubs right now and the individuals it can be a bit spares, especially since Mad City is coming up. Good selection of Wisconsin, Midwest and some the major roads outside of those areas in rolling stock, engines and detail parts. Good selection of Walthers kits, JL Innovative, Laser Kit, and one other can’t put finger on. Little sparse on the MR books, but that hasn’t ever seemed to be a part of the buisness model.
The Last Square. Odana Road. Mostly military models and prints, but carry a fair selection of MR related items. The scenery supplies are second to none in the city. The MR selection can be sparse at times, but it is always intresting and maybe a bit odd. Seems to be into DPM and other sectional kits, haven’t seen a lot of “standard kits”. If you are a retired service member, know someone in the services or are in the services or can sweet talk they too will give a discount. It’s was less than what The Hobby Stop gave.
Doctors Hobby World. It’
[quote user=“Trynn_Allen2”]
Well there are four these Days. In order of personal preference.
Madison’s Hobby Stop. Clock Tower Court/Mall (same thing) near West Town Mall. If you have a membership with any of the local clubs (includes Milw, Baraboo, and Dubuque IA I think) or a NMRA membership just tell them and they will give you the standard discount. The two owners and the son of the older owner range from moderately knowledgeable to extremely knowledgeable. Chris (fairly knowledgeable) works there most of the time. George (extremely knowledgeable) works Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays but as he comes in from near Milwaukee is weather dependant, so go assuming Chris will be there. Greg (extremely knowledgeable) works on occasions for his dad and used to be in on Wednesdays. Don’t know if he still is. The store is pretty well stocked this time of year, though with it serving 4 Model Railroad Clubs right now and the individuals it can be a bit spares, especially since Mad City is coming up. Good selection of Wisconsin, Midwest and some the major roads outside of those areas in rolling stock, engines and detail parts. Good selection of Walthers kits, JL Innovative, Laser Kit, and one other can’t put finger on. Little sparse on the MR books, but that hasn’t ever seemed to be a part of the buisness model.
The Last Square. Odana Road. Mostly military models and prints, but carry a fair selection of MR related items. The scenery supplies are second to none in the city. The MR selection can be sparse at times, but it is always intresting and maybe a bit odd. Seems to be into DPM and other sectional kits, haven’t seen a lot of “standard kits”. If you are a retired service member, know someone in the services or are in the services or can sweet talk they too will give a discount. It’s was less than what The Hobby Stop gave.
Doctor
In the same strip mall as Hooter’s. 3-4 other restaurants in there. MADison has a lot of restaurants. This is the only hobby shop in MADison I go to. I have known George and Greg for 15+ years.
I haven’t been there in two years, but it’s better than any thing around here. I can’t believe I missed the Hooter’s, when that show up?
It showed up when Midvale Hobby got evicted. So about 2001.
Well, I just got back from “Madison Hobby Stop” in Madison Wisconsin and am poring over my loot as I type [:)].
- Busch HO motorcycle
- Blair Line Coal storage laser cut house
- Athearn derrick car
- Soo Line Historical magazine
Except for the magazine all items were purchased at 20% off.
I had a nice conversation with the owner as well. I asked him why he didn’t charge full MSRP? He said that he would probably go out of business if he did that. He believes in volume sales at lower prices and also offers 25% off all orders. It was a very nice store and well stocked I thought for both HO & N products. I will definately go there again if business brings me this way again.