matthijsgrit Posted July 16, 2013 Posted July 16, 2013 Hello all, I'd like to know what you think is the best hobby shop and why? This may be a 'real' shop or an online one, in the USA or anywhere else in the world. I'm looking forward to see what you come up with! MG
Deathgoblin Posted July 16, 2013 Posted July 16, 2013 My all time favorite would have to have been Hobbyland in Proctorville, OH. One of my friends and I used to make treks there from Portsmouth every weekend. They had everything you can imagine. RC, Models, scale railroading, etc.
kalbert Posted July 16, 2013 Posted July 16, 2013 Scale Model Supplies on the corner of Lexington and University in St. Paul. A classic hobby shop experience. Huge inventory of stuff, new, old, and older. Mostly very organized & easy to navigate. Dank basement setting, but well lit and clean. Staff is not particularly helpful, but not rude of off putting. "Bargain" back room, Gigantic slot track and strip! Model cars stacked to the ceiling, some aftermarket parts, lots of scratch building supplies, planes, trains, other odd kits. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the Twin Cities for any reason.
crazyjim Posted July 16, 2013 Posted July 16, 2013 One of my favorites for aftermarket parts was ScaleDreams. Don't know what happened to Rick - he didn't reply to emails or return phone messages. Sure hope he's OK.
JM485 Posted July 17, 2013 Posted July 17, 2013 Is scale dreams not taking orders anymore? I have only ordered from them once but the parts came quickly and were very a nicely done. I would hate to see them out of business.
Austin T Posted July 17, 2013 Posted July 17, 2013 If Hobby Link Japan had a brick and mortar store I'd freak out. I'd love to spend a few days in their warehouse.
fumi Posted July 17, 2013 Posted July 17, 2013 American kits: Model Empire USAJapanese kits: Hobby SearchAftermarket parts: Hobby EasyLast resort: HLJNow that HLJ list anything they can't get as "discontinued" I don't even use them to order out of stock items.
martinfan5 Posted July 17, 2013 Posted July 17, 2013 American kits: Model Empire USA Japanese kits: Hobby Search Aftermarket parts: Hobby Easy Last resort: HLJ Now that HLJ list anything they can't get as "discontinued" I don't even use them to order out of stock items. I agree, it can be a pain sometimes dealing with HLJ , it seems like everything is either out of stock or back-ordered, but I really love the private warehouse option
Daddyfink Posted July 17, 2013 Posted July 17, 2013 Pegasus Hobbies in Montclair, California http://pegasushobbies.net/catalog/ How good are they? They have their own line of kits and aftermarket parts!
Draggon Posted July 17, 2013 Posted July 17, 2013 Scale Dreams closed up recently, I dont rememeber why.
Ace-Garageguy Posted July 17, 2013 Posted July 17, 2013 I know a lot of people seem to hate ebay and delight in bashing it, but it's really hard to beat for reasonably priced, out-of-production kits, parts, and the gluebombs I enjoy rebuilding. My LHS, a HobbyTown, has a fine selection of tools, materials and scratchbuilding supplies, but practically nothing in older or obscure kits. It's also possible to get many not-so-popular recent kits, delivered to my door, for less than the LHS wants...and no gas burned to get there.
38 Crush Posted July 17, 2013 Posted July 17, 2013 Deffinetly Pegasus Hobbies 25000 sq ft of modeling bliss ! and I live 900 miles from it ! But then again I'm nuts!!!!
drodg Posted July 17, 2013 Posted July 17, 2013 Model car roundup in the USA and Grand Prix Models in the UK for 1/43 scale European models etc.
matthijsgrit Posted July 17, 2013 Author Posted July 17, 2013 Wow! Thanks for the replies. Keep 'em coming! I see quite some places I need to check out... MG
dragin70s Posted July 17, 2013 Posted July 17, 2013 OK, I must admit my experience of hobby shops that are anything but local is somewhat limited. But, the best hobby shop I have visited in person is CRM Hobbies in St. Louis. Very large selection of kits of all genres, both current and older to vintage. Go there every time I go St. Louis and always bring home some drag subject I have been wanting.
Quick GMC Posted July 18, 2013 Posted July 18, 2013 (edited) I really used to stick with Strada Sports, but a year or two ago the cimmunication started going downhill and it took months to get parts. A real shame, I lilked that place. They're still in business, but I have a bad taste in my mouth at this point. For the detail sets, race car stuff and the harder to find parts, Media Mix Hobby in Singapore is fantastic. Cheap shipping, great prices, and it gets to you fast. They are my go to, they always have everything in stock. Edited July 18, 2013 by Quick GMC
southpier Posted July 18, 2013 Posted July 18, 2013 for basic (if they have it) supplies & kits, I've gotten into the weekly walk through at Hobby Lobby & Michael's. always print the weekly coupon!
High octane Posted July 18, 2013 Posted July 18, 2013 Model Empire is my FAVE hobby shop for model cars as they have an awesome selection of kits including older issues. They also have a LOT of aftermarket parts as well. Right behind the "Empire" is Greenfield New & Hobby which has 12,000 square feet of space and has something for everybody as well as many tools, supplies, air brushes, parts, etc. The magazine rack leaves nothing to be desired as many publications grace the racks. Both of these places can be found in south eastern Wisconsin.
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