wheres the best train shop in washington state?

[Anonymous]

I'm starting to get out and talk trains with people and been to 3 and just can't find the shops that just want to talk trains in the right way for me to learn more. Any body from washington? And know the right people or stores? Not saying they aren't good people but want to find the passionate ones. I guess i'm looking for somebody to ask me the questions more instead of me trying to ask the ones I dont know what to ask yet. I know, its kind of wierd sounding. Saturday I'm going to the winery "museum of trains" off 410 hwy. That should be fun.

thx for your time, Cade [:D]

[Anonymous]

Are you referring to Washington state or Washinton D.C.? Judging from the last sentence in your post, I assume you may be referring to Washington state, but I could be wrong about that.

If the former, I can't provide any recommendations 'cause I've never lived in that area.

If the latter, then you'll pretty much need to go to the outlying areas of Virginia and Maryland to find shops, including in or near Baltimore (a short drive). In Baltimore, there's MB Klein, near the Inner Harbor. In scenic Sykesville, not far from Baltimore or Washington, there Purkey's Trains which, although I've never visited there, appears to be a well-stocked store operated by a devoted enthusiast who will talk trains with you. Both of these stores stock a lot of O gauge. I believe there still are a couple of stores in Laurel, MD, about halfway between D.C. and Baltimore, and several more in Northern Virginia.

It has been a few years since I lived in the D.C. area, but when I did live there I had no problem finding well-stocked and friendly train shops. My guess is that there are far fewer places to choose from in Washington state, but others who live there can (and will) correct me if I'm wrong.

[FJ and G]

To add to Allan's info (since I live in the area), the biggest in the DC area on the Virginia side is The Train Depot, which is about 20 second drive off I-66 at Rt 234 in Manassas 4.2 miles NW - 7214 New Market CT, Manassas, 20109 - [phone]. They aren't open Sunday and they keep bankers hours like most of the hobby shops unfortunately, except longer hours around Christmas season.

[Anonymous]

sorry, I meant washington state, puyallup area.

cade

[3railguy]

Eastside Trains in Kirkland is by far has the largest and best selection of O gauge trains.

[Anonymous]

Sorry about my earlier response. I would delete it, but then David's subsequent response wouldn't make much sense.

But John has provided you with one solid recommendation, so at least you're well on your way to finding a good source of supplies to feed your model railroading appetite.

[Bob Keller]

I second Eastside Trains in Kirkland. When I lived out there, Steve got quite a few $$ from me. Superb shop, excellent selection, great people!

[Anonymous]

See if you can dig up Ray Dumpke 's House of Trains. He used to have a little shop somewhere up there after he moved from Bremerton.

THE HOUSE OF TRAINS 510 N KOKANEE RIDGE DR HODDSPORT WA 98548 360-877-5792

I found this info on the net, don't know if its up to date or not. Ray is a great guy, I restored trains for him and Al Cox in the early 90's while stationed in Bremerton. Al's a pretty nice guy too, Never met Al's son John though.