As a Arizonan, I have the same feelings
azrail Could someone pickup the Caboose Hobbies name for a new website?
Could someone pickup the Caboose Hobbies name for a new website?
Rich
Alton Junction
It would be interesting to know about that since there have been a number of shops over the years with very similar names, like "The Caboose" in Huntington, Long Island, NY.
Sheldon
Registering that name may be difficult because "caboose" is a ubiquitous term that's obviously in the public domain. It may fall under the same part of the law that says the title of a book can't be trademarked, but its contents are covered by intellectual property law. Best to consult a trademark lawyer for a definitive answer, though.
narrow gauge nuclear I have purchased their better ground throw kits with switch stand and found their product superb and will continue to favor them with my business.
I have purchased their better ground throw kits with switch stand and found their product superb and will continue to favor them with my business.
Are you talking about Caboose Industries ground throws? That is a different company that Caboose Hobbies fyi.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
Regarding the trademark issue, if the owner successfully registered "Caboose Hobbies" under the trademark law, then it cannot be used by another small business without the written permission of the owner of the trademark.
Trademarks expire every 10 years unless renewed. Remember reading about a large corperation one time that forgot to renew their trademark, cost them some $$ to buy the rights back fromn the new owner.
So what if......
In 1948 a guy in Kalamazoo opens a train store called Caboose Hobbies, and then in 1952 a guy in Denver opens Caboose Hobbies, neither knows the other even exists. The guy in Denver registers his trademark, both businesses last until now.
The grandson and current owner of the shop in Kalamazoo sets up a "Caboose Hobbies" web site.
What happens?
ATLANTIC CENTRAL So what if...... In 1948 a guy in Kalamazoo opens a train store called Caboose Hobbies, and then in 1952 a guy in Denver opens Caboose Hobbies, neither knows the other even exists. The guy in Denver registers his trademark, both businesses last until now. The grandson and current owner of the shop in Kalamazoo sets up a "Caboose Hobbies" web site. What happens? Sheldon
However, small local businesses tend to register the name under state law and in such an instance, a small local business in another state is free to use the name.
I recently had an issue involving Trademarks and it is the responsibility of the owner of the mark or the registration to enforce its legal rights by going to court if necessary. If the owner wins in court he will awarded proven damages.
Due to the fact that the two store would not be competing with each other it's really not worth making an issue out of it other than putting the other business on notice of their violation and possibly threatening them.
Bob
Don't Ever Give Up
Some quick research indicates that Caboose Hobbies does have a trademark registered with the United States Trademark and Patent Office.
This makes sense since Caboose Hobbies has a national presence due to its online store and website.
riogrande5761 BTW, I grew up in Davis California and later went to California State University Sacramento and of course visited hobby shops in Sacramento including the one in Arden Fair Mall and The Whistle Stop on Marconi Avenue, mainly. That was back in the 1980's. What is left in the Sacratomato area for hobby shops these days?
BTW, I grew up in Davis California and later went to California State University Sacramento and of course visited hobby shops in Sacramento including the one in Arden Fair Mall and The Whistle Stop on Marconi Avenue, mainly. That was back in the 1980's. What is left in the Sacratomato area for hobby shops these days?
Graduated from Sac State myself, but way back in the 'sixties. Both the Toy Shop in Arden Fair and Whistle Stop on Marconi (later became Bruce's Trains) are gone, but there's a great shop in Roseville called Railroad Hobbies that is spacious, well run--with great customer oriented salesclerks--and beautifully stocked. Deals in the major gauges--G, O, HO, N and even some S. I've even picked up a couple of Rio Grande steamers there--he specializes in western roads, especially Fallen Flags. But I'm still going to miss Caboose, even though I'm at the age and to the point where I've got MORE then enough motive power to keep my garage empire busy, lol!
Tom
Tom View my layout photos! http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub One can NEVER have too many Articulateds!
twhite riogrande5761 BTW, I grew up in Davis California and later went to California State University Sacramento and of course visited hobby shops in Sacramento including the one in Arden Fair Mall and The Whistle Stop on Marconi Avenue, mainly. That was back in the 1980's. What is left in the Sacratomato area for hobby shops these days? Graduated from Sac State myself, but way back in the 'sixties. Both the Toy Shop in Arden Fair and Whistle Stop on Marconi (later became Bruce's Trains) are gone, but there's a great shop in Roseville called Railroad Hobbies that is spacious, well run--with great customer oriented salesclerks--and beautifully stocked. Deals in the major gauges--G, O, HO, N and even some S. I've even picked up a couple of Rio Grande steamers there--he specializes in western roads, especially Fallen Flags. But I'm still going to miss Caboose, even though I'm at the age and to the point where I've got MORE then enough motive power to keep my garage empire busy, lol! Tom
I went to Slack State for several years, transferred to Humboldt State up in Arcata, but my parents wanted me to switch to a big ten school so eventually I finished my last course at Indiana University in Bloomington, which sadly led me far way from California.
On a trip back to California, I went to go find The Whistle Stop but instead found Bruces and picked up a few things there. I recall reading 2 or 3 years ago Bruces closed. The shop in Arden Fair Mall had some glass cases with brass and racks of large format post cards, of which I bought some and still have in my collection. I think the were originated from that shop by the name on them. Most are D&RGW post cards of the California Zephyr or the Royal Gorge with descriptions and info on the back.
I do recall that I only saw one basement during the 4 years I lived in Sacramento; it was the house of one of my roommates girlfriends family. So no wonder you have the layout in a garage. If I ever move back to California, thats obviously gonna be a consideration; basements rare as hens teeth.
I'm in a similar situation, more trains that I probably will ever make use of! Nice to know Sacramento has a decent shop to replace some of the good ones that closed.
richhotrain Some quick research indicates that Caboose Hobbies does have a trademark registered with the United States Trademark and Patent Office. This makes sense since Caboose Hobbies has a national presence due to its online store and website. Rich
Plus, they advertised their traditional mail order business nationally, and over time gained a reputation as one of the premier hobby shops in the country.
I doubt the current retiring owners want anyone taking up the Caboose Hobbies mantle just yet, or they would simply be selling the store and name, not just closing it.
And that's fine. Time to pass the torch.
Well Rich was right all along, he was the first one to call it.
I figured they would have a hard time finding a new place. The rent here in Denver is completely off the wacker.
Michael
CEO- Mile-HI-RailroadPrototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989
Motley Well Rich was right all along, he was the first one to call it. I figured they would have a hard time finding a new place. The rent here in Denver is completely off the wacker.
With all this talk of super high prices, it sounds an aweful lot like 2005/2006 - like some of those places you are describing are in a bubble again and it makes me wonder how long before that bubble will burst. It's always better to see steady growth rather than explosive prices; why should I worry eh? The US seems to be an island in the rest of the world where things in a lot worse shape - makes me wonder what a jolt will do to this bubble every one seems to be describing.
I would agree with you and have seen the bubble burst before, but where I am (silicon valley area), everyone wants to be here and even if you don't, you have to have a presence here. We are also well devercafied as far as jobs, they are not all tech either.
rrebell I would agree with you and have seen the bubble burst before, but where I am (silicon valley area), everyone wants to be here and even if you don't, you have to have a presence here. We are also well devercafied as far as jobs, they are not all tech either.
Silicon valley area cities has been in the news in recent weeks. The cost of housing has been driven up so high by the super high paid software engineers and entrepreneurs that infrastructor type workers like Police, School Teachers, Firemen and other modest paid workers can't afford to live there anymore. They are having to find apartments or homes far out of the area and commute in. So say the news reports anyway.
riogrande5761 rrebell I would agree with you and have seen the bubble burst before, but where I am (silicon valley area), everyone wants to be here and even if you don't, you have to have a presence here. We are also well devercafied as far as jobs, they are not all tech either. Silicon valley area cities has been in the news in recent weeks. The cost of housing has been driven up so high by the super high paid software engineers and entrepreneurs that infrastructor type workers like Police, School Teachers, Firemen and other modest paid workers can't afford to live there anymore. They are having to find apartments or homes far out of the area and commute in. So say the news reports anyway.
Frfom what I here and I live in Southern CA at the moment, you cant find house in that area for below amillion or 2. That in San Fransico and in the Silicon valley its even higher.
Sean, the unknown train travler,
Depends on where you want to live, still can find nice homes in the east bay for less than $500,000 and less tham 1 million on the SF side.
Talk of the trademark and "servicemark" litigation reminds me of the Monster Cable owner, Noel Lee, who sued anyone that ever uttered the word monster (I even hesitate to use it here for fear of legal retribution)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monster_Cable
(I tried to link to a WSJ article, which works fine through Google, but from here they want you to subscribe first!!) If you want to read the short article you can Google:
The Scariest Monster Of All Sues For Trademark Infringement
He sued Disney for Monsters Inc. movies, Monster drink beverage, Monster Garage and Monster.com the job finding service.
This is giving me a mons**r headache!
Ed
riogrande5761 twhite riogrande5761 BTW, I grew up in Davis California and later went to California State University Sacramento and of course visited hobby shops in Sacramento including the one in Arden Fair Mall and The Whistle Stop on Marconi Avenue, mainly. That was back in the 1980's. What is left in the Sacratomato area for hobby shops these days? Graduated from Sac State myself, but way back in the 'sixties. Both the Toy Shop in Arden Fair and Whistle Stop on Marconi (later became Bruce's Trains) are gone, but there's a great shop in Roseville called Railroad Hobbies that is spacious, well run--with great customer oriented salesclerks--and beautifully stocked. Deals in the major gauges--G, O, HO, N and even some S. I've even picked up a couple of Rio Grande steamers there--he specializes in western roads, especially Fallen Flags. But I'm still going to miss Caboose, even though I'm at the age and to the point where I've got MORE then enough motive power to keep my garage empire busy, lol! Tom I went to Slack State for several years, transferred to Humboldt State up in Arcata, but my parents wanted me to switch to a big ten school so eventually I finished my last course at Indiana University in Bloomington, which sadly led me far way from California. On a trip back to California, I went to go find The Whistle Stop but instead found Bruces and picked up a few things there. I recall reading 2 or 3 years ago Bruces closed. The shop in Arden Fair Mall had some glass cases with brass and racks of large format post cards, of which I bought some and still have in my collection. I think the were originated from that shop by the name on them. Most are D&RGW post cards of the California Zephyr or the Royal Gorge with descriptions and info on the back. I do recall that I only saw one basement during the 4 years I lived in Sacramento; it was the house of one of my roommates girlfriends family. So no wonder you have the layout in a garage. If I ever move back to California, thats obviously gonna be a consideration; basements rare as hens teeth. I'm in a similar situation, more trains that I probably will ever make use of! Nice to know Sacramento has a decent shop to replace some of the good ones that closed.
Railroad Hobbies has been around at least 25 years. I remember going to it when I was in town for Railfair 1991.
"No soup for you!" - Yev Kassem (from Seinfeld)
Went into Caboose today, for qwhat will probably be the last time. So much is gone. I actuallygot physically really sad and bummed. I have been coming to Caboose for over 40 years. Bought my first HO passenger car from them back in the 70's. So very sad.
ITS REOPENING UNDER NEW OWNERS AND IN A NEW DENVER LOCATIPN
(My Model Railroad, My Rules)
These are the opinions of an under 35 , from the east end of, and modeling, the same section of the Wheeling and Lake Erie railway. As well as a freelanced road (Austinville and Dynamite City railroad).
Where be the proof?
Same kind of setup? Would love to visit a massive train store like that.
Nice!!!!
Just checked the website, says exciting news coming soon.
I am glad to hear that, hope the new owners are like the old ones.
I received an email not long ago announcing they were going to launch an online storefront. I didn't pay much attention at the time, as I already have some favorites I use.
Just seen this on another forum.
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."-Albert Einstein
http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/
That same notice is on their website now
http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/index_brief.php
It says also check their Facebook page for the latest news
https://www.facebook.com/caboose.hobbies.9
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch