I’m going to be in Milwaukee this week and was wondering what the showroom is like?? Anyone been there??? Not looking for anything in particular just browsing and was wondering if it was worth the time…
Guy
One word YES I go there a lot I live not to far from it. has layouts up and running, not much out to look at but its nice to see the people and talk to the general public there.
The guys behind the counter are helpful and pleasant and if they are not busy they are always happy to talk trains. The showroom has a nice but fairly limited selection of Walthers and LifeLike models on display for sale, together with a magazine/book rack, a DVD rack, and some display layouts and a LifeLike road race set. A glass case has a small Walthers museum of old stuff. There are desks with catalogs and order blanks (some also have computer terminals) because the main purpose for the showroom is to order stuff and wait while one of the guys goes back into the “big back room.” It is not like going to a big hobby shop. It is more like going to a Sears or JC Penny catalog store.
Except for what is on sale in the sale flyer prices are list of course, which some people object to, but they also have a frequent buyer’s club and when the card is full it is good for $50. So there is a discount in a sense although it may not do visitors much good. I was able to get the Peco turnouts I needed more or less for free by using my full card.
They also have tables and shelves of discontinued, shop samples, damaged packaging, defective, parts missing, display, and returned items. There are great deals to be had here. They have started to really empty out the supply; perhaps they intend to discontinue the sale rack. They have tried a couple of times because the space could be used to sell full price stuff and does tend to a look a bit like a rummage sale.
It was possible to buy a boxed Rivarossi NYC Hudson that had been weathered for a catalog photo for $30, more or less new in its box. A C&O Allegheny was about 1/3 price, and was nicely weathered. Assembled and weathered structures for less than the price of the kits. They even found some old old Cox trainset stuff. The supply of Athearn blue box that they still had
Thank you very much for the detailed info.
Guy
i have been their 2 or 3 times it,s a small shop they did have a few small dioramas.we did get to see the layout once that was in the back.i think that was on a tuesday.you might want to call
jeff
I went there last fall and was surprised by the very small amount of inventory they had on display. It is not your LHS!! However the young man on duty was very nice and helpful and since it was late on Friday they were not very busy he took us on a short tour of the back room where all their inventory is. Needless to say there is a whole lot of railroad supplies!!!
I was glad to see their facility and meet a member of their staff.
I would recommend going if your are in Milwaukee.