Hey all,
I will be in Vancouver for about 1 1/2 days prior to leaving on a train trip through the Canadian Rockies (to Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise and Calgary -- Yippee!!!)... anyways, the wife wants to shop a bit and I was wondering...any good train stores downtown or near downtown? Thanks in advance for any help!
Brian
Thanks, man... saw them online, but you never can tell what the store will be like :)
I too can recommend Central Hobbies, been there several times. They really have a lot of stuff, prices aren't the cheapest, but that may not be a problem. Lots of books too.
Bob Boudreau
CANADA
Visit my model railroad photography website: http://sites.google.com/site/railphotog/
The trip is not all by train.... only the first 2 days unfortunately, but still a VERY cool trip (I hope!) Won it at a charity auction! Here is the link...
http://www.canadiantrainvacations.com/rail_coach/essential_rocky_mountaineer_rail.php
There are a number of model shops in the Vancouver area. The best one I've found (and mentioned on other replies) is Central Hobbies, a 2 min walk from Renfrew station on the Skytrain - Millenium Line. As you're on the Skytrain stay on until you get to Columbia (in New Westminster), here there are two model shops:
(1) Pacific Scale Rail at 612 Carnarvon Street (which runs parallel to the main street), it sells lots of Canadian stock, sometimes I've picked up bargains in here. From the skytrain at Columbia, exit and turn right and walk down the main street until you get to 6th Street. A short walk up the hill takes you to Carnarvon Street, turn left onto it and the shop is about 20 metres down on the south side of the street. http://www.aphexwebdesign.com/portfolio/psr/contact.php
(2) There's another model shop (can't remember its name!), selling trains amongst other modelling items (boats, planes, cars, etc.) - there are bargains to be had in here if you don't mind rummaging through stacks of boxes. It's located on 6th Street just before Carnarvon Street, conveniently placed on the walk to Pacific Scale Rail.
While you're in New Westminster you may be able to witness a freight train rumbling through, there's a yard here and in full swing most days. (I've been there in winter and summer and never failed to see a train movement).
Hmmm...I might have to get some Canadian boxcars and such while there... I do see that stuff here in the NW... hmmm. Thanks for all the info, everyone.
P.S. I am so EXCITED to have a room and SLEEP on a train... 2 days of PURE bliss!!
It is the Canadian, run by Via rail... leaving soon.. I will report back...