Wow! I wasn't aware MBK had done these changes. I have shopped there for over 55 years and always enjoyed wandering around. Since I live so far away I have had to resort to mail order from them. In the past year things aren't so good for that. Yes, great prices and the live inventory is great with no surprise backorders but they have gotten to where my last few orders have taken 7-9 days to get filled and mailed. I think that's a bit excessive especially if their intent is to do most business by mail order.
Just my 2¢.
oldline1
maxman riogrande5761 Yep. MBK cut their walk-in store to 1/3rd of what it was. When it was bigger, it was much nicer to visit and browse. IMO, it's not worth visiting unless you are already in the area, and even then it's 50/50. I usually only visit when I am in town for the Timonium show, but then show goers can crowd what little space there is and it can be less than pleasant. I agree. And if you do go and plan to purchase, make sure you have a list made up ahead of time with the Klein on-line catalog item number.
riogrande5761 Yep. MBK cut their walk-in store to 1/3rd of what it was. When it was bigger, it was much nicer to visit and browse. IMO, it's not worth visiting unless you are already in the area, and even then it's 50/50. I usually only visit when I am in town for the Timonium show, but then show goers can crowd what little space there is and it can be less than pleasant.
Yep. MBK cut their walk-in store to 1/3rd of what it was. When it was bigger, it was much nicer to visit and browse. IMO, it's not worth visiting unless you are already in the area, and even then it's 50/50. I usually only visit when I am in town for the Timonium show, but then show goers can crowd what little space there is and it can be less than pleasant.
I agree. And if you do go and plan to purchase, make sure you have a list made up ahead of time with the Klein on-line catalog item number.
It's really only worth it for the inconvenience of the crowds and waiting on Timoeum show day for two things:
- show discount on one items
- items they have in the show room that are no longer in stock on the website
Otherwise, at least for me, its much more convenient to shop on line and since I'm in the greater Washington DC area, USPS shipping fairly low.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
BigDaddy drciesel Is Pro Custom Hobbies still in business? They are, they are in Eldersburg, which might be further than the OP wants to venture. He should call first as their website hasn't been updated in a year. Gilbert's in Gettysburg. Gettysburg in itself is a must see, as is the Eisenhower farm. Star Hobby is near Annapolis, but aside from a big stock of Bachmann, it's not a must see. Procustom Hobbies
drciesel Is Pro Custom Hobbies still in business?
They are, they are in Eldersburg, which might be further than the OP wants to venture. He should call first as their website hasn't been updated in a year.
Gilbert's in Gettysburg. Gettysburg in itself is a must see, as is the Eisenhower farm.
Star Hobby is near Annapolis, but aside from a big stock of Bachmann, it's not a must see.
Procustom Hobbies
Gettysburg is a little longer drive, and several days to see, but you are correct Henry, well worth the trip.
And agreed, Star hobby is not the most "well rounded" inventory, but if you are looking for any Bachmann, it is likely the best selection and prices to be found.
The OP now needs a two week vacation here in the land of pleasant living.....
Sheldon
drcieselIs Pro Custom Hobbies still in business?
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Is Pro Custom Hobbies still in business?
Yes, but none of the shops are really in or near the city center.
http://www.procustomhobbies.com/
And depending on how much time you have:
Star Hobby in Annapolis
https://www.shopstarhobby.com/
Mainline Hobby Supply
https://www.mainlinehobby.com/
And depending on how long you will be in this region, Strasburg is only 1-1/2 hours from most anywhere in the Baltimore area.
https://www.strasburgrailroad.com/
Steam ride on 1890's coaches, museum, hobby shop, train display, caboose motel (yes you can spend the night in a real caboose), and much more if you have an extra day in this region.
If you will be in the area on Thurday evening, the Severna Park Model Railroad Club is friendly to walk in visitors.
I hope you have fun and I am looking forward to seeing the blog post about the B&O museum.
Harrison
Homeschooler living In upstate NY a.k.a Northern NY.
Modeling the D&H in 1978.
Route of the famous "Montreal Limited"
My YouTube
Yeah, Klein used to be a fun visit to browse, but nowadays most of the stuff is in the back. If you're old enough to remember Service Merchandise (and I don't know how I am, I'm only 37), that's how they operate now. Mostly pulling orders while you wait.
Thank you all. It sounds like currently there won't be much to visit this month. I appreciate all of your feedback though.
Modeling the D&H in 1984: http://dandhcoloniemain.blogspot.com/
M.B. Klein's hobby shop used to be located downtown next to city hall. Now, it is located north of the city in the suburbs - Cockeysville, MD. Since they do such a huge web business, the storefront is very small. Not much to see. As a past member of the Baltimore Society of Model Engineers, I'm sad that you will not be able to see the layouts on Saratoga St. any more. They've been removed and the memorabilia has been stored for now.
Greg Shindledecker Modeling the =WM= Thomas Sub in the mid-70s
The Timonium train show is there, too, if your trip is timed right.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
MB Klein - just to name one. They are a brick 'n mortar shop but have a huge presence on the web. Terrific outfit and very good service!
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I will be in Baltimore over the Memorial Day weekend, with the primary reason to see the B&O Museum again (I haven't seen it in 20 years). I understand that the Baltimore Society of Model Engineers is moving or has moved, so they don't have a layout to visit yet.
Are there any good model railroad hobby stores in the area that I should check out? Thanks.