ModelTrain stores in Downtown San Francisco

[simon1966]

Hi
I find myself in SF on business for the next few days and wonder if anyone has any suggestions for LHS in the downtown/union square area?

Thanks

[lyctus]

My next door neighbour is a 747 captain and he sends a few nights in SF and says he will be happy to pick up the odd bit of train requisites for me when he is there. So I too need to know where I can ask him to visit with a fair chance that it is close to his hotel and that they will have m.r. basics. Lets hear from you guys who shop in SF.

[Anonymous]

Guys,

I don't know of any train stores in downtown SF. There is Chan's trains on Van Ness out towards the Marina district. There's also Franciscan hobbies out on Ocean. One of the best train stores in the area is the Train Shop in Santa Clara, about an hour to the south. There is also Gunnings up in the North Bay (San Anselmo). There are a couple on the peninsula whose names escape me right now. I'm sure there are some others I'm not thinking about...

Guy

[johncolley]

There is also a good one on 4th street in Oakland, about three or four blocks west of Broadway. Chan's, the one on Union and Van Ness in SF is packed floor to ceiling with train stuff. If you are there on weekdays or Saturday go to the Josephine Randall Junior Museum.. A neat layout!

[simon1966]

I just had a very nice walk over the hill to the marina district and a visit to Chan's. You won't find a small hobby shop with any more packed into it than this one. A suprising selection considering he has everything from Lionel to European OO, to N scale. I had a very enjoyable browse and picked up some reasonably priced bits and pieces as well. Thanks for all the suggestions. It is much appreciated.
Simon

[Anonymous]

Trackside Trains in Burlingame (just south of the airport) has a great selection. Tin Plate Junction Trains is the shop on 4th St. in Oakland - just take the ferry from SF to Jack London Square and it's a short walk.

[on30francisco]

I live in SF and the best hobby shop in the city is Franciscan Hobbies on Ocean Ave. From downtown it is easy to get to. Take the "K" line subway train under Market Street and it will let you off by Franciscan Hobbies. If You can make it to Santa Clara in the South Bay, visit The Train Shop. This is a well stocked model railroading only hobby shop. Their prices are also good.