RochelleRail Park Hobby Shop

[Anonymous]

Will be visiting Rochelle Rail Park after holiday - How is the new hobby shop and what can I expect? Trying to budget car rental, rooms and the suitcase. Thanks.

[sepp1961]

I can only assume that you are refering to the rail park in Rochelle Illinois.  There is lodging within the immediate Rochelle area due to the fact that it is located at the intersection of two major interstate highways.  I also assume that you are coming via airline and will probably land in Chicago.  You can rent an automobile at the airport and drive west on interstate 88 (approx.60 miles) to Rochelle.  The tempatures this time of year will range in the 20-30F range.  As far as the hobby shop, never been there so I can't comment.

[Dr Leonard]

The shop at Rochelle Railroad Park was closed a few years ago and then reopened in 2006 under new management. According to posts on the Railroad.net "Illinois Railfan" group it mainly carries pricey model trains now. It no longer has the old magazines, videos, etc. that made it a fascinating place to visit. However the last post about it was in July 2006. I live close to Rochelle but haven't been there since before the former shop was closed. If it is worth visiting again I would be glad to know about it.