Hi all,
I’m going to find myself in New York City in October, for probably the only time in my life. I’m going to be there as a close relative’s play is going to be put on, Off Broadway. In addition to regular stuff like the Statue of Liberty and Grand Central, I thought I would ask if there are any model shops that are worth visiting.
Cheers,
David
I can’t help you with the train stores but probably the best way to see NYC if you only have one day is to take one of the Circle Line cruises that circumnavigates Manhattan.
The only shop that I know of that exists in NYC/Manhattan is Red Caboose Hobby Shop 23 W. 45th St. Lower level. It’s a maze of trains, not the best pristine condition. If you have an allergy to cats, you may want to take your meds ahead of time…
I first went in there as a kid in the very early Sixties, and it was in similar not very pristine condition then…
Is the original guy (I forgot his name!) still there? He’s gotta be 80? 90?
I lived in NY from 96 to 03 and was a regular there. Loads of stock but very disorganized. But it was like a treasure hunt.
Owner is a hoot. Eccentric plus.
I’d recommend it but expect a dose of New Yorker there. lol.
Think his name is Allen
I think it still might have been Carmen Webster’s store then. I well remember being in FAO Schwartz looking at toys, but holding out for going to the train store. I loved fire engines, and there went some past the store with lights and sirens! We went over… to find that the fire engines were there for the fire at the train store! One of the worst days in my young life…
Train World is in Brooklyn. Not too far away.
Trainworld in Brooklyn is not open to the public anymore. Only the Long Island store…
Thanks nealknows. Save me a subway ride for nothing.
For the record, I will be in town for a week or so. So I have time for assorted tourist stuff.
Definitely go to The Red Caboose. Worth the trip and experience!!
I forgot about them! Very good and at least back when I lived there they gave good discounts. They also had a store in Nassau Long Island.
Saw later post about the. Brooklyn store being closed.
The store in Lynbrook, NY is still open. They only do mail order now out of Brooklyn and pickup as well…
Lynbrook store may be walking distance down Sunrise Highway from the LIRR station in Lynbrook – change at Jamaica for the Babylon Branch trains (be advised that the Montauk trains don’t stop there…)
Thanks guys.
Red Caboose is near the theater. And TrainLand in Lynbrook looks like an excuse to ride the LIRR!
Enjoy the visits and let us know about your trip!!
I’ve been to Red Caboose and it is fun. There are 2 NYC experiences you would enjoy. One is to take Amtrak north out of the city. It crosses the Hells Gate bridge and if you sit on the right side of the train near a window, the view of the bridge as the train rounds the curve is a picture right out of a Lionel catalog. The other is to take the subway to Long Island City. The maze of crossing lines is amazing to experience. Get off at the stop, walk down to the street and look around. Great. Others may have more thoughts.
Abbie
If you are going to Grand Central Terminal anyway, A scenic train ride would be on the Metro-North Hudson Line. Frequent electric service to Croton-Harmon, view the Palisades across the river. Better yet continue on to Beacon or Poughkeepsie to view where the river cuts thru the Hudson Highlands. Here is the current schedule:
Better still, go to Poughkeepsie and take time to experience the Walkway Over the Hudson…
Hi All,
And thanks for all the great info. As it turns out, the opening of Mom’s play is being postponed until Spring, 2026. That’s showbiz. Still I am looking forward to a visit and will check out some of the places recommened. And I will post back here.
Cheers,
David