Hobby Shop Blues

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Smeyers,
Have you not gone to the ACE Hardware store on 22nd st in Tucson.

Very nice MRR selection.

Darn! I've heard that but completely forgot about it. I'll have to get over there, thanks for the reminder!
smyers

[jjbmish]

"The 3 LHSs in my area are quite good. No complaints here"

Which one's are you talking about? I live in Northern Indiana, also.

John

[spidge]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dekruif

I must be lucky to live in denver and be able to go to Caboose Hobbies.

Lucky dog[B)]

[SOU Fan]

I must be lucky to live in denver and be able to go to Caboose Hobbies.

[304live]

luckily for a small area i have 3 good locally owned stores to choose from and one chain store.... the staff at two of the locally owned ones are great while the wife of the owner of one of them runs one of the other ones so she knows exactly who to call if something specific is needed (But now i just go to the one he runs to cut out the middle man).....

Nitro Hobby and Craft and West Virginia Hobby and Craft get all my business I dont care how much cheaper I can find it online..... I'll just not get it if its that much too much.... they need my business as a local business and I will have nobody local to shop at if I (as well as other local modelers) dont shop there and then I'll be complaining about not being able to look at it in person first before i buy it.....

[wctransfer]

Well, luckily, i have a great hoppy shop by me. Beckers Model Railroad supply, in New Brighton. Many here from the Twin Cities have been there im sure, and he is a very good guy. I will probably be leaning more towards buying units online if i find a great deal, but will definitely shop with him for most athearns( they are cheap anyway) and ALL rolling stock. Track and weathering, and just supplies in general go to him also. He is very very helpful also, and a nice guy to do business with. I can definitely see people going online for diesels, as you can find them nice and cheap.

I could get a Athearn RTR SD60 for about 70 some bucks online
I can get the same unit for 82 dollars are Beckers (which i use most)
Or i can go to some store like Scale Model Supplies and pay full price.

Alec

[PennsyHoosier]

The 3 LHSs in my area are quite good. No complaints here.

[Anonymous]

Smeyers,
Have you not gone to the ACE Hardware store on 22nd st in Tucson.

Very nice MRR selection.

[nucat78]

I'm in the western suburbs of Chicago and there have been 3 shops near me that have closed. I was out of the hobby for about 8 years, so lots of things could have happened in that time, but when I was still in, all those shops seemed to be doing well.

There's still Walt's in Crest Hill, Al's in Elmhurst and LaGrange Hobbies in LaGrange, but those are all at least 30 minute drives from me and with the price of gas, I've made 2 out of 3 recent purchases on the Internet.

We do still have the GMTS at the DuPage County Fairgrounds once a month. $7 to get in, but they have plenty of test tracks, etc. and used to have some hard to find stuff.

[selector]

I have found that proprieters of all kinds of retail outlets have redefined "service" over the past few years. Some take a positive interest in their customers and go the extra mile to be accommodating, while others, like the closest LHS, take your name and offer to check a price and availability, and then to call you back with the information.........(.....I'm still waiting many days later....).

Now, you may reply to me that I should take the initiative and make the call myself to see how they made out. Been there, believe me. The answer is invariably, "No, we didn't find any, or they are back-ordered, or they aren't available through our supplier." So, if you may spend some money at their place, they'll gush over you, but if they realize that you are of no value to them...

BTW, a rather large hobby shop on the internet, with whom I just dealt, and to whom I did take the trouble to phone and confirm my order, and who did reply that they had placed all I wanted in the box, screwed up the order by excluding a three-way turnout.

So, it is a sign of the times. Some places do very well and keep the cash flow in both directions, while others, the dying Moms & Pops, just don't seem to be "with it" any more.

-Crandell

[RedGrey62]

dgwinup,

Thanks for the info. I use to go to the little shop in Collinsville but I guess he shut down a couple of years ago. No need to be a tour guide, my wife is from the area and is a HUGE Cardinals fan (I am a Cubs fan til September, then its the Cards). When I get home from this deployment, my wife and I are going to the June 30th Cards vs KC game. She flys out the next day and I drive back to Tennessee, but since it'll be Saturday, guess I'll have to visit some hobby shops! Now I just need to talk her out of some cash......hmmmmm.

Rick

[Anonymous]

Well I called another place yesterday which is normally open on Sunday but was closed for Mother's Day. That was it - I decided to go to the internet. I bought a new Digitrax Zephyr DCC system (hooray!) from Tony's Train Exchange because they were so helpful to me and I wasn't even a customer yet! I also bought a Kato Unitrack Starter set from Online Trains (they had a good price).

I think LHS have to take the lead from succesful stores like Tony's. In my business we call it 'click & mortar'. MUST have a presence on the internet besides having a store. I think one of the problems with model trains is that they have an "old fashioned" image in this day and age of electronics and video games. Yet, in reality, model trains are now on the cutting edge of technology but most average consumers don't know this. I have three kids between 12 and 15 and none of them know modern model trains can have computer chips in them. (Now they do of course because of me).

I really believe more youngsters are not entering the hobby because of it's 'old fashioned' image. I used to feel this way about my dad's O scale trains when I was young, that's why my brothers and I switched to HO - it was more modern and 'cool.' I truly think the future of model railroading lies in the DCC systems. We need to attract youngsters with the computer aspect of model railroading. Then they will begin to see the fun of 'hands on' hobbying and nature will take its course. But this may never happen as long as LHS do not carry any inventory or DCC.

Chris, thanks for the e-mail. Maybe I'll give this plave a try. I was just trying to avoid having to go across the hudson river and to another state to get to my LHS.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by smyers

Hello, caellis,

QUOTE: smeyers,
Where are you located? City, State only!

Good 'ol Tucson, AZ!

In Tucson try the ACE hardware at 22nd and Kolb (NW corner). They have a pretty good train selection, and a lot of the sorts of things you want to pick up "right now", like paint, tools, cork, track, and scenery supplies. The rolling stock and loco inventory varies quite a bit, but there is usually something interesting in there. On of the guys who works there has a clue, and they will order stuff. They are not a discount place, but they do fill a need. The rumor is that they are expanding, time will tell on that.

[dgwinup]

QUOTE: Originally posted by RedGrey62

QUOTE: Originally posted by simon1966

I am really lucky, I have an amazing little store not 10 min from my house.

simon1966, can you share teh name and location? I drive home to Omaha (to visit my wife!) from Tennessee and pass right thru there. Plus she's a big Cardinal's fan so I visit the area at 2 other times each year.

Rick

I can answer your question for you. The shop Simon is talking about is "K-10's Trains". They are located in Maryville, IL, just north of Interstate 70, near the hospital. Ken, the owner, built the building in order to have a LARGE HO layout. The hobby shop itself is small but amazingly well stocked. Ken has a tremendous amount of information which he shares freely. Other modelers who work on the layout are always willing to offer suggestions. Ken also keeps some inventory on non-train items, like RC equipment. Ken has special hours, usually Thursday through Sunday, and special days for layout construction, prototype operations and public viewing. He's on the internet at http://www.k-10smodeltrains.com/

If you are in the area, there are two other shops I can recommend. "Red Board" Hobbies, located in Swansea, IL is a few miles south of Interstate 64. Very nice shop, good choice of merchandise and a friendly owner.

The other shop is my favorite. It is "Green Caboose Hobbies", located on Broadway in Alton, IL. Jack, the owner, is a long-time model railroader. This shop is his dream and it shows in how a customer is treated. He and his employees are knowledgable and very friendly. He has a fine choice of merchandise in all scales, including Thomas products, and has been expanding his stock in other non-train merchandise. Jack is on-line at http://www.greencaboose.com

Kind of sounds like a couple of ads, doesn't it? I live within 30 minutes of all three shops. It is in my best interest to support them as much as I can. I love stopping by and chatting with the "guys" and I try to buy something whenever I can.

If you are in the area, plan on spending a few hours tracking these stores down. You will have a wonderful time and if you plan it right, you can catch the Cardinals in town on their way to their next World Series win!

Heck, I'll even offer to be your guide! Let me know when you're coming!

Darrell, tour guide extraordinaire, and quiet...for now

[Anonymous]

surfstud,

I sent you an e-mail about a place that might be a little further to travel, and difficult to find at first, but one that will take care of your needs for HO Scale, have the items ON THE SHELF that you need and KNOW HOW TO TALK DCC. It is a shop that I trust, has fair prices and I have even done mail order with with no problems.

I have a new LHS that could be the equal to this other HS in a few years, so right now most of my Hobby money goes to this young start up business because they are local to me.

Chris

[BRAKIE]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dirtyd79

QUOTE: Originally posted by pedromorgan


the greatest thing about buying a loco in a propper shop is that you can actually see the thing run on their test track.

That's great but sadly for some of us the Internet is the only game in town. Having to drive 20 or more miles to get to a hobby shop only to find out it's closed or the owner doesn't have anything even remotely resembling the stuff I want is not my idea of a good time.

Or is rude,has a staff that is to busy talking to wait on customers and doesn't know one iota about model trains,has a over friendly dog or worst a cat litter box that needs dump and clean,sells at full or above MSRP..That's fun? I think not.
And know and understand not all hobby shops has a test track.[:(]

I have never had a problem with anything I order on line.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by pedromorgan


the greatest thing about buying a loco in a propper shop is that you can actually see the thing run on their test track.

That's great but sadly for some of us the internet is the only game in town. Having to drive 20 or more miles to get to a hobby shop only to find out it's closed or the owner doesn't have anything even remotely resembling the stuff I want is not my idea of a good time.

[pedromorgan]

i do notice regularly that its the same crowd that buy their stuff on the net that are constantly ***ing that their loco's dont work and they get lousey service.

the greatest thing about buying a loco in a propper shop is that you can actually see the thing run on their test track.

[myred02]

The only hobby shop around where I live (if you don't count Hobby Lobby in Clarksville, TN which is 25 miles away from me) is in Nashville. Not even a little Bachmann starter set at my local Wal-Mart. That's why I have turned to the internet for almost all my MRRing needs. I love going to Nashville every once in a while to visit Aardvark's or Southbound Trains in Franklin (you guys living around there know what I'm talking about) but gas is $3.25 a gallon for premium! (that's the disadvantage to having a sports car, along with the insurance)

[soapbox]

-Brandon

[Anonymous]

I think most of us feel that their hobby shop doesn't have enough trains models, or what have you, but with this hobby so diverse and each guy has a different idea on what he wants, no hobby dealer can stock everything. Heck most now carry a few locos as they have to buy them first and there's only so much money to spend. If they have a varied amount of stuff for beginners,intermediates and experienced modelers alike, it is as good as it gets. BTW did you go to DT&H?

[Anonymous]

The only reason that I mainly buy Lionel, is becuase the only good hobby shop in my area deals Lionel and MTH (amazingly the store hasn't burned to the ground yet). I would still be in HO if the idiots in the model train department actually knew the difference between a turnout and a crossover.

[Anonymous]

I'm lucky to have a very good LHS to do business with. Unfortunately, the owner is considering retirement. He admits that internet stores really beat him in price. He wonders if they are getting a lower wholesale cost than him or if the brick and mortor really adds that much to the cost of business.

I've seen the MSRP on items and I know he cuts people breaks. Even if his prices are somewhat higher than the net stores, I gladly pay his price for the service and information he provides. Also, if he doesn't have it in stock, he will order it for you.

The internet store prices has really separated the wheat from the chaff when if comes to brick and mortar stores. But internet stores are now becoming a problem instead of a help. Internet stores really lack the personal touch of a brick and mortar. I wonder how long it will be before a reverse trend begins and people start wanting face to face sales again.

[nbrodar]

Although it's a 30 or 40 minute drive, I still prefer going to my LHS. They stock a wide range of scratchbuilding supplies (which is very unusual), discount the Walthers price by about 10% and offer a 5% discount for NMRA members. The staff is also very knowledgable and friendly. And even though, I haven't switched to DCC, yet, they are DCC experts.

Nick

[Train 284]

Well, I have always had good expiriences with my LHS. Sorry to hear your did not go to well.

[Anonymous]

I'm down to one decent HS, which fortunately is 5 minutes from where I work, and pretty much on my direct route home (the train-watching one, that is, not the freeway route [:D] ).

There used to be 2 stores, one local and one near where I worked. But they were both sold off and became arts & crafts stores. Then 2 others stores came in - the good one that's left, and another one, closer to home, that was nothing more than an extension of some guy's hobby. The selection was limited, the location was lousy (in a bowling alley), and the hours weren't that great.

Well, the close one went out of business last month, and to be perfectly honest, I won't miss it.

Fortunately, the other one is going strong, and looks like it will be here for a while. His selection is good, he sells many of his locos at a 10-15% discount, and he's knowledgable. I plan on doing everything in my power to make sure he stays in business.

[bogp40]

The only true LHS that thrives always seems to be run by an avid modelrailroader themselves. It is so temping to do all purchases online, but I try to give some business to these small LHS. I guess I'm lucky, there are 4-5 very good shops just south of Boston, (greyfox finds the same only north of me). I just assume that anywhere near a large city you would find some decent LHS. Seems not to be the case.
Bob K.

[Anonymous]

Hello, caellis,

QUOTE: smeyers,
Where are you located? City, State only!

Good 'ol Tucson, AZ!

[dragenrider]

I'll jump in here with a story. . . and a suggestion.

Yesterday I attended a small town festival in a nearby tourist village. This is a retirement area where I'm sure MR enthusiasts abound. Among the retirement folks is an older gentleman who moved down here from somewhere up north. He ran a hobby shop there. When he moved, he sold everything he could and hauled the rest with him in his move. He opened a hobby shop in the aforementioned small tourist town, but never bothered to update his inventory. It took him a year just to get around to unpacking his boxes which cluttered the store.

I stopped in yesterday to see if the store had improved and how the owner was getting along. I pity the fellow. The old gentleman limps along slowly in his humped over way and is friendly enough, but seems to have no idea why no one comes twice or purchases anything in his store, which opens and closes on his whim. His inventory is very small, mostly leftovers he couldn't sell from his prior store. (there's a clue!) There are no cars newer than ten years old, nothing DCC, and his three or four shelves are sparsely stocked.

This appears to be similar to many other LHS I've visited. Why don't the owners realize that if they are serious about selling their wares, they must have something people WANT to buy.

My suggestion is this--why doesn't someone in the MR industry start a program to educate owners on the the finer points of business and sales. It would be to the MR industry's advantage as this would increase their sales as well. Make it a weekend LHS owners retreat sponsored by Walthers, if you will. Everyone wins! Walthers would sell more products and get an inside track on the hobby shops, the owners would make more money, and the buyers (me and you) would get a better choice of items.

What do you think?

[BRAKIE]

Due to driving restrictions due to my health I can no longer go hobby shop hopping like I use to.Now I go with friends or stop at the 2 shops in Mansfield when I go to the Doctors.Of course I have 2 non-modelers with me.its a strain on them to wait while I look and shop.However..98% of my purchases is now done on line which saves me money and the need to depend on others.[;)]
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Surfstud31 That doesn't surprise me about DCC.. Many of the shops in my old roving area doesn't carry DCC or decoders because-well simply put there is little market demand.They will order it though.