The nearest shop for me was located near the old Astrodome in Houston and was called the Houston Roundhouse but the owner decided to close it down and move to Colorado several years ago so ever since then I've been buying everything on-line. There's Papa Ben's but their prices are way too high for me. And then there's Spring Crossing in Spring Texas but I didn't like the way the owner hovered over my friends and I as if he was worried that we might steal something so we stopped going in there...
Tracklayer
I have a fully stocked LHS only about 10 minutes away, and a good owner. But there are things that I wish would be better. First of all, I will buy locos, but sometimes I have a bad feeling when I know I can save over $100 buying the same engine at a place like MB Klein. I want to support the place but it's hard to justify the fact to pay so much more just so the store doesn't go away. Also, there are certain people that work there that get under my skin. And when I see that person, who by the way is the owner's grown child, It makes me not even wanting to go in. And if I do, I'll spend hardly anything. I go in with my small children and most of the staff won't even acknowlege that there even there. At least say hello to them. That would give me incentive to buy more. It really would.
There is another shop also close doesn't have half of what the other store has, but when I go in with my kids, he's so nice to them. he even gives them a liitle package which are little HO road signs. He's mostly N scale. I'll give him a shout out. It's Esther's Hobby shop in Milvale Pa. I'ts N scale heaven. But If I buy an HO engine with a big mark up, I don't feel as bad. Go figure.
Joe C
Well I'm fortunate to live 3 1/2 miles away from my LHS, that I have known the owner for 40 yrs. He deals exclusively, in N and HO scale. With glass sliding doors which contain any kind of detail part and kits probably ever made. If He doesn't have it, He knows where to get it. He's in His 70's like I am, and when He goes, more than likely, I'll be gone also. Many other shops around the Burbs of Chicago, but that one I believe is the best, for Trains only.
Take Care!
Frank
The last hobby shop that was close (40 minutes away), closed two weeks ago (still doing mail order). Now the closest shop is 1HR-15 Min away. I travel past it quite often but it is never open at the time I drive past it. Now I do mostly mail order.
What is a "local hobby shop"???
We have no such thing in our area.
Do you mean to say that you can actually go to a brick and mortar store in some areas and buy items for your layout?
Amazing.
Rich
Alton Junction
I order most of what I need, about 80%, online. Our nearest LHS is about a 2 hour drive away & with gas at $3.69 a gallon it's just not practical to go there too often. It's a very nice little shop, all trains & he usually has what I need in stock so whenever I'm going to be down that way I make up a list & usually come back with everything on it. I especially liked that he was always well stocked with Floquil/Pollyscale paints, but now that those are history I don't know what he stocks as I haven't been there in several months.
We used to have a couple general hobby shops within about 40 miles of here & they were great to run into to pick up basics, but both are gone now. Wish it were not so, but there are few options other than ordering online now.
Carl
"I could never belong to any club that would have me as a member."
I'm old school myself but,98% of my purchases is done on line..
Why is that?
Why make a 52 mile round trip and pay full price when I can order the items I need and have them within a week?
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
My local shop carries little HO that interests me, but has a good supply of styrene and tools, etc. I buy what I can there. Next closest is 2 1/2 hours away. I'm on a first name basis there, and they have a far better train selection, and scratchbuilding supplies, paint, etc. I buy there too. Then it's online, etc.
The closest hobby shop is mainly 3 rail O gauge. Other scales are limited. Everything is list price. Next closest is the same.
I do most of my shopping online and at train shows.
Enjoy
Paul
No local LHS, the closest hobby store has poor N scale selection. I'll stick with the Internet Hobby store, as it's easy to order the stuff I need. the only trouble is the wait.
SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.
http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide
Gary DuPrey
N scale model railroader
I wish I had a LHS close by. The one I had in my neighborhood closed a few years back and the nearest now is over an hour´s drive away. With the price of gas at $ 8.12 a gallon, it´s too expensive to go there, only to find out that the item I want is not in stock. Add to that the parking fee of $ 10 for an hour - no fun and no reason to go there!
yes i use my LHS
We are lucky in Silicon Valley. The Train Shop in Santa Clara seems to be going strong, doing something right! I get everything I can there. I might get some used items or niche items online.
I enjoy spending time there with my little ones. The owners acknowledge my presence now! (He is a no-nonsense type). The store is so well stocked I don't know how he does it.
NP.
The only time I won't buy from my LHS, is when I locate a used piece of brass I want. Otherwise I get everything from them. I do get a discount, not as great as from an online dealer, but then again, I don't have to wait on the order, and hope they got it right.
Carey
Keep it between the Rails
Alabama Central Homepage
Nara member #128
NMRA &SER Life member
By all means. I have a train store in Grandview, MO, which is about an hour away, but I know that if I have a trouble, I know I'll get a prompt resolution.
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
I know you can get good deals on the internet, but I still like to go to mine. There is the 1 to 1 camaraderie with other Model RRoaders. Also the ability to walk around and touch the merchandise.
I still do it.
Maybe I'm just old school.