Model Railroad stores near St Paul Minnesota?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I will be visiting Roseville,MN next week and I will have Sunday afternoon free to do some ‘exploring’. I was wondering if there are any model railroad stores worth visiting near St Paul?

Thanks.

2

Scale Model Supplies on University & Lexington has a good inventory. Be prepared for dust and some interesting staff.

3

I live in NW Wisconsin and my go to guy is Bill Becker at Becker’s Model Railroad Supply. It is a brick and mortar store in a strip mall at 2166 Silver Lake Road NW in New Brighton.(651)635-9480. I stop EVERY time we go see the grandkids play hockey, and use him for mail ordering stuff. Very good pricing.

Tell him Terry in Sarona sent ya!

Terry in NW Wisconsin

4

Beckers is closed on Sunday & Monday…

5

That’s right.

I should have mentioned that.

Terry in NW Wiscvonsin

6

[:-^]

About 12 years ago, I visited a hobby shop in Little Canada, Minn. just east of the twin cities. I do believe it was called Ace Hobby, but I might be mistaken. However it was a very well stocked store for the model Railroader. But, I have never gotten back to it. Does it still exist ?

Johnboy out…

7

I think you are thinking Hub Hobby - The model railroad section has sort of dried up over the years. Same for the Hub Hobby in Richfield. Jim

8

I want to second the suggestion of Scale Model Supplies. I went there on a trip to Minneapolis and it was amazing. Be sure to get to the back room, where there’s a great variety of used stuff. They have a great cache of out-of-production cars and locos as well (in HO, at least – that was the scale to which I was paying attention). Prices aren’t rock-bottom, but they are fair, and the guy I spoke to seemed pretty knowledgeable about model railroads. Neat place – glad I don’t live closer or my bank account would be empty.

He also gave me directions to the Minnesota Commercial Railroad roundhouse which is nearby. Great railfanning if you like U-Boats in the open and Alcos hidden in the roundhouse. :slight_smile:

Aaron

9

[:-^]

Yes, Jim, that is what it was. I am at work and didn’t have my collection of business cards with me. I remember it well (except for the name).

Thanks for the info.

Johnboy out…

10

Thanks for all the great advice. I stopped at Scale Model Supplies earlier this afternoon and purchased a Kato RS-2 and an Accurail 40ft boxcar kit. I only spent about 30 minutes in the store because I had Harold and Kumar (from work) with me and they were anxious to get to White Castle (across the street). Not kidding. LOL.

I may go back on Wednesday when I have more time and purchase the other Kato RS-2 that was tempting me.