Hey all,
I will be in Vancouver for about 1 1/2 days prior to leaving on a train trip through the Canadian Rockies (to Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise and Calgary – Yippee!!!)… anyways, the wife wants to shop a bit and I was wondering…any good train stores downtown or near downtown? Thanks in advance for any help!
Brian
Central Hobbies, east end of Broadway, about four blocks (ish) before Grandeview Highway overpass at the Trans-Canada (Hwy 1). Quaint little shop, but has stuff, some at bargain basement prices. It’s the only one I’ve been to, and the only one I know of since I don’t live in Vanc.
Thanks, man… saw them online, but you never can tell what the store will be like 
Brian
Traveling east (on a bus, rental?), look for a Danier Leather Factory Outlet on the left side of the street. About that spot, look for a small mock-up of a steam loco on the entrance alcove roof. That’s it.
I too can recommend Central Hobbies, been there several times. They really have a lot of stuff, prices aren’t the cheapest, but that may not be a problem. Lots of books too.
There is a train that goes to Jasper, then Banff, then Lake Louise and then arrives in Calgary? I could see you taking the Rockey Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff, LL then Calgary, but Jasper? Are you going to rent a car to go to Jasper? Or perhaps your are taking the Canadian From Vancouver to Jasper, then renting a car back to Vancouver and then taking the RM to Calgary?
Jasper is the ‘odd’ man out as it is NOT anywhere near the CP main line. Is there a line that goes from Jasper to Banff? I dont recall that CP-CN connection.
The only other way I can see this happening is by an excursion train (2816)…but I dont see that in her future. Not to mention the wear and tear the Highway from Jasper to Banff would put on her drivers…ouch.
I am a bit confused as I live in Calgary.
David
The trip is not all by train… only the first 2 days unfortunately, but still a VERY cool trip (I hope!) Won it at a charity auction! [:)] Here is the link…
http://www.canadiantrainvacations.com/rail_coach/essential_rocky_mountaineer_rail.php
Brian
Ok…enjoy the trip!
There are a number of model shops in the Vancouver area. The best one I’ve found (and mentioned on other replies) is Central Hobbies, a 2 min walk from Renfrew station on the Skytrain - Millenium Line. As you’re on the Skytrain stay on until you get to Columbia (in New Westminster), here there are two model shops:
(1) Pacific Scale Rail at 612 Carnarvon Street (which runs parallel to the main street), it sells lots of Canadian stock, sometimes I’ve picked up bargains in here. From the skytrain at Columbia, exit and turn right and walk down the main street until you get to 6th Street. A short walk up the hill takes you to Carnarvon Street, turn left onto it and the shop is about 20 metres down on the south side of the street. http://www.aphexwebdesign.com/portfolio/psr/contact.php
(2) There’s another model shop (can’t remember its name!), selling trains amongst other modelling items (boats, planes, cars, etc.) - there are bargains to be had in here if you don’t mind rummaging through stacks of boxes. It’s located on 6th Street just before Carnarvon Street, conveniently placed on the walk to Pacific Scale Rail.
While you’re in New Westminster you may be able to witness a freight train rumbling through, there’s a yard here and in full swing most days. (I’ve been there in winter and summer and never failed to see a train movement).
Not to mention you HAVE to go to Trains and Such while you are in Calgary…
Cheers
David
Hmmm…I might have to get some Canadian boxcars and such while there… I do see that stuff here in the NW… hmmm. Thanks for all the info, everyone.
Brian
P.S. I am so EXCITED to have a room and SLEEP on a train… 2 days of PURE bliss!!
Or you taking the Canadian to Jasper or the Rockey Mountaineer to Calgary?
David
It is the Canadian, run by Via rail… leaving soon… I will report back…
Brian