Posts Tagged ‘Toy Trains’

The Top 10 Model Train Shops in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia |

January 20th, 2010

Author: Larry Truett

For the past year I have been compiling a list of model train stores for my model railroading website.  These shops all look like a lot of fun to visit, but what are the most popular?   Here is a list for the states of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.

The most popular model railroading shops (based on online chatter) in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia are:

10. Trains by Johnson in Pensacola, Florida

9. Warrick Custom Hobbies in Plantation, Florida

8. Blairsville Hobby Shop in Blairsville, Georgia

7. Southerland Station in Huntsville, Alabama

6. Electric Train Outlet in Saint Louis, Alabama

5. Trains and Treasures in Clearwater, Florida

4. H and R Trains in Pinellas Park, Florida

3. Bull Street Station in Savannah, Georgia

2. Legacy Station in Lawrenceville, Georgia

…and the most popular shop for model trains in Alabama, Florida, or Georgia is…

1. Kennesaw Trains in Kennesaw, Georgia

Hobby shops not quite making my top 10 were Model City Models in Jacksonville, Alabama; Pyramid Hobbies in Cullman, Alabama; KB Hobbies Model Trains in Stuart, Florida; Hollash’s Trains in Riverview, Florida; B&B Sales Hobby Shop in Snellville, Georgia; and Young Again Trains and Hobbies in Stockbridge, Georgia.

So, there are clearly many great model railroading shops all over Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, with both Georgia and Florida having four in the top ten and Alabama having two.  Georgia did especially well to have all three of the top three.

When in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia be sure to visit some of the excellent railroading museums including Foley Railroad Museum in Foley, Alabama; Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera, Alabama; North Alabama Railroad Museum in Huntsville, Alabama; Central Florida Railroad Museum in Winter Garden, Florida; Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish, Florida; Gold Coast Railroad Museum in Miami, Florida; North Florida Railway Museum in Green Cove Springs, Florida; South Florida Railroad Museum in Deerfield Beach, Florida; West Florida Railroad Museum in Milton, Florida; Charlemagne’s Kingdom in Helen, Georgia; Roundhouse Railroad Museum in Savannah, Georgia; and Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth, Georgia.

I compiled this list by searching for the hobby shops listed on a number of search engines and ranking them by the number of web pages, discussion forums, photos, videos, etc that are available online.  I further screened this list to include only pages that mentioned model railroading.

See a complete list of Model Train Shops in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, at www.ModelTrainsWithLarry.com which has complete contact information for each shop including an address, phone number, and map to the store.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/the-top-10-model-train-shops-in-alabama-florida-and-georgia-1580633.html

About the Author:

Larry Truett is a freelance PHP and MySQL programmer living in the San Carlos neighborhood of San Diego with his wife and their 3 cats. He enjoys hiking, reading, gardening, watching too much television, and other nerdy activites.

The Top 10 Model Train Shops in Virginia and West Virginia |

December 30th, 2009

Author: Larry Truett

For the past year I’ve been compiling a list of model train stores for my model railroading website.  These shops all look like a lot of fun to visit, but what are the most popular?   Here is a list for the states of Virginia and West Virginia.

The most popular model railroading shops (based on online chatter) in Virginia and West Virginia are:

10. Rick’s Hobby Shop in Roanoke, Virginia

9. Chesterfield Hobbies in Midlothian, Virginia

8. Riders Hobby Shop in Sterling, Virginia

7. Whistle Stop Hobbies in Alexandria, Virginia

6. Trains Etc. in Lorton, Virginia

5. Engine House Trains in Virginia Beach, Virginia

4. Main Street Trains in Barboursville, West Virginia

3. KMA Junction in Manassas, Virginia

2. Piper Hobby in Chantilly, Virginia

…and the most popular shop for model trains in Virginia and West Virginia is…

1. Locust Grove Trains in Locust Grove, Virginia

Hobby shops not quite making my top 10 were Awesome RC and Hobbies in Fredericksburg, Virginia; Craftech Hobby Shop in Norfolk, Virginia; Davis Hobby Supplies in Portsmouth, Virginia; Debbies RC World in Chesapeake, Virginia; Dunn’s Toy and Hobby in Manassas, Virginia; Hobby Works in Fairfax, Virginia; Leesburg Hobbies and Collectibles in Leesburg, Virginia; Rail Yard Hobby Shop in Roanoke, Virginia; Staunton Trains and Hobbies in Staunton, Virginia; Train Depot in Manassas, Virginia; Train Town Toy and Hobby in Ashland, Virginia; Walt’s Hobby Shop in Petersburg, Virginia; Cain’s Trains and Hobbies in Bunker Hill, West Virginia; Fountain Hobby Center in Charleston, West Virginia; Kid Country Toys in Charleston, West Virginia; Nitro Hobby and Craft Center in Nitro, West Virginia; Patrick’s Trains in Wheeling, West Virginia; Stephens Outdoor Railways in Vienna, West Virginia; and West Virginia Hobbies and Crafts in Teays, West Virginia.

So, there are lots of great model railroading shops from all over Virginia and West Virginia, but clearly Virginia dominated the list with nine in the top ten.  This isn’t too surprising as Virginia is a bigger state with a bigger population and more hobby shops than West Virginia.

When in Virginia and West Virginia be sure to visit some of the excellent railroading museums including Eastern Shore Railway Museum in Parksley, Virginia; Fairfax Station Museum Railroad Museum in Fairfax Station, Virginia; Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke, Virginia; Princeton Railroad Museum in Princeton, West Virginia; West Virginia Railroad Museum in Elkins, West Virginia; and Williamson Area Railroad Museum in Williamson, West Virginia.

I compiled this list by searching for the hobby shops listed on a number of search engines and ranking them by the number of web pages, discussion forums, photos, videos, etc that are available online.  I further screened this list to include only pages that mentioned model railroading.

See a complete list of Model Train Shops in Virginia and West Virginia, at www.ModelTrainsWithLarry.com which has complete contact information for each shop including an address, phone number, and map to the store.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/the-top-10-model-train-shops-in-virginia-and-west-virginia-1522751.html

About the Author:

Larry Truett is a freelance PHP and MySQL programmer living in the San Carlos neighborhood of San Diego with his wife and their 3 cats. He enjoys hiking, reading, gardening, watching too much television, and other nerdy activites.

The Top 10 Model Train Shops in North Carolina and South Carolina |

December 30th, 2009

Author: Larry Truett

For the past year I’ve been compiling a list of model train stores for my model railroading website.  These shops all look like a lot of fun to visit, but what are the most popular?   Here is a list for the states of North Carolina and South Carolina.

The most popular model railroading shops (based on online chatter) in North Carolina and South Carolina are:

10. The Hobby House in Hendersonville, North Carolina

9. Todd’s Train Depot in Wendell, North Carolina

8. Little Choo Choo Shop in Spencer, North Carolina

7. Rail and Spike Trains in Easley, South Carolina

6. The Train Loft in Winston Salem, North Carolina

5. Factory Direct Trains in Asheville, North Carolina

4. Blue Ridge Hobbies in Greenville, South Carolina

3. Time Zone Hobbies and Toys in Aiken, South Carolina

2. Tom’s Train Station in Raleigh, North Carolina

…and the most popular shop for model trains in North Carolina or South Carolina is…

1. Greensboro Electric Trains in Greensboro, North Carolina

Hobby shops not quite making my top 10 were ABC RC Hobby in Forest City, North Carolina; Chuck’s Trains in Landis, North Carolina; Dry Bridge Station in Mount Airy, North Carolina; Hayes Hobby House in Fayetteville, North Carolina; Leland’s Toy Trains and Planes in Hildebran, North Carolina; Zoo Toys and Trains in Wilmington, North Carolina; Hobby Station in Bethune, South Carolina; New Brookland RR and Hobby in West Columbia, South Carolina; SVC Trains in Georgetown, South Carolina; and The Great Escape Bicycles and Hobby Shop in Spartanburg, Anderson, and Greenville, South Carolina.

So, there are clearly many great model railroading shops all over North Carolina and South Carolina, with North Carolina having seven in the top ten and South Carolina having three – but both states had two in the top four.

When in North Carolina and South Carolina be sure to visit some of the excellent railroading museums including North Carolina Railroad Museum in New Hill, North Carolina; North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, North Carolina; Smoky Mountain Trains in Bryson City, North Carolina, Wilmington Railroad Museum in Wilmington, North Carolina; Lancaster and Chester Railway Museum in Lancaster, South Carolina; and South Carolina Railroad Museum in Winnsboro, South Carolina.

I compiled this list by searching for the hobby shops listed on a number of search engines and ranking them by the number of web pages, discussion forums, photos, videos, etc that are available online.  I further screened this list to include only pages that mentioned model railroading.

See a complete list of Model Train Shops in North Carolina and South Carolina, at www.ModelTrainsWithLarry.com which has complete contact information for each shop including an address, phone number, and map to the store.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/the-top-10-model-train-shops-in-north-carolina-and-south-carolina-1542386.html

About the Author:

Larry Truett is a freelance PHP and MySQL programmer living in the San Carlos neighborhood of San Diego with his wife and their 3 cats. He enjoys hiking, reading, gardening, watching too much television, and other nerdy activites.

The Top 10 Model Train Shops in Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey |

December 13th, 2009

Author: Larry Truett

For the past year I’ve been compiling a list of model train stores for my model railroading website.  These shops all look like a lot of fun to visit, but what are the most popular?   Here is a list for the states of Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey.

The most popular model railroading shops (based on online chatter) in Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey are:

10. Ridgefield Hobby in Ridgefield, New Jersey

9. Maplewood Hobby in Maplewood, New Jersey

8. M. B. Klein Model Train Stuff in Cockeysville, Maryland

7. Tony’s Train Town in Cedar Grove, New Jersey

6. MTH Electric Trains in Columbia, Maryland

5. Hobbymasters in Red Bank, New Jersey

4. The Model Railroad Shop in Piscataway, New Jersey

3. The Train Station in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey

2. Toy Train Emporium in Cherry Hill, New Jersey

…and the most popular shop for model trains in Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey is…

1. The Hobby Shop in Aberdeen, New Jersey

Hobby shops not quite making my top 10 were Just Trains in Newark, Delaware; Millsboro Hobbies in Millsboro, Delaware; Seaside Hobbies in Ocean View, Delaware; Engine House Hobbies in Gaithersburg, Maryland; G Scale Train Station in Waldorf, Maryland; Hobby Works in Rockville, Laurel, and Bel Air, Maryland; The Train Room in Hagerstown, Maryland; Atlantic Rails in Folsom, New Jersey; Genes Train Stop in Kearny, New Jersey; Island Trains in Middletown, New Jersey; Pastime Hobbies and Miniatures in Bayonne, New Jersey; Z and Z Hobbies in Mercerville, New Jersey; Zeppelin Hobbies and Raceway in Wayne, New Jersey.

So, there are lots of great model railroading shops from all over Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey but clearly New Jersey dominated the list with eigth in the top ten.  Maryland had two in the ten, and Just Trains in Delaware just missed out.  Note that this list was for the train stores more than their online web stores. If this list were for online stores www.modeltrainstuff.com, the website of M. B. Klein Model Train Stuff would probably have won.

When in Delaware, Maryland, or New Jersey be sure to visit some of the excellent railroading museums including Harrington Museum and Railroad Museum in Harrington, Delaware; Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum in Baltimore, Maryland; Brunswick Railroad Museum in Brunswick, Maryland; Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum in Hagerstown, Maryland; Huntington Railroad Museum in Bowie, Maryland; New Jersey Museum of Transportation in Wall, New Jersey; Whippany Railway Museum in Whippany, New Jersey; and South Jersey Railroad Museum in Tuckahoe, New Jersey.

I compiled this list by searching for the hobby shops listed on a number of search engines and ranking them by the number of web pages, discussion forums, photos, videos, etc that are available online.  I further screened this list to include only pages that mentioned model railroading.

See a complete list of Model Train Shops in Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey, at www.ModelTrainsWithLarry.com which has complete contact information for each shop including an address, phone number, and map to the store.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/the-top-10-model-train-shops-in-delaware-maryland-and-new-jersey-1499200.html

About the Author:

Larry Truett is a freelance PHP and MySQL programmer living in the San Carlos neighborhood of San Diego with his wife and their 3 cats. He enjoys hiking, reading, gardening, watching too much television, and other nerdy activites.

The Top 10 Model Train Shops in Pennsylvania |

November 20th, 2009

Author: Larry Truett

For the past year I’ve been compiling a list of model train stores for my model railroading website.  These shops all look like a lot of fun to visit, but what are the most popular?   Here is a list for the great state of Pennsylvania.

The most popular model railroading shops (based on online chatter) in the state of Pennsylvania are:

10. Strasburg Train Shop in Strasburg

9. Cappelli Hobbies in Philadelphia

8. Neely’s Train Shop in Altoona

7. Modelers’ Depot in Hopwood

6. Action Hobbies in Langhorne

5. Hobby Express in Cranberry Township

4. Esther’s Hobby Shop in Pittsburgh

3. Len’s Train Shop in Irwin

2. A. B. Charles Hobby Shop in Pittsburgh

…and the most popular shop for model trains in Pennsylvania is…

1. Bill and Walt’s Hobby Shop in Pittsburgh

Hobby shops not quite making my top 10 were Brentwood Station in Pittsburgh, Bussinger Trains in Ambler, C. T. McCormick Hardware in Zelienople, Central Keystone Hobbies in Avis, CoolTrains Toys and Hobbies in Salunga, English’s Model Railroad Supply in Montoursville, Gene’s Trains and Hobbies in Duncansville, Grzyboski’s Train Store in Moosic, Henning Scale Models in Lansdale, Hobby Headquarters in Meadville, Imperial Train in Imperial, Jerry Quinn Classic Trains and Toys in Coatesville, Jim’s Train Shop in Homer City, Ken’s Trains in Glassport, Main Line Hobbies in East Norriton, Modellbahn Ott Hobbies in Gilbertsville, Nicholas Smith Trains in Broomall, Niedzalkoski’s Train Shop in Jeannette, R and B Hobby Center in Tunkhannock, Singers Hobbies and Crafts in Wellsboro, T and J Train Junction in Danville, The Train Gallery in Pittsburgh, The Train Shoppe and Hobby Center in Wilkes Barre, The Underground Railroad Shoppe in New Castle, Tommy Gilbert’s Hobby Shop in Gettysburg, Toys On The Square in Hummelstown, Winkie’s Toy and Hobby in Lititz, and  Ye Olde Train and Christmas Shoppe in Boyertown.

So lots of great model railroading shops from all over Pennsylvania in the top ten, but the Pittsburgh area had all of the top five.  As usual, the top spot went to a store with both a fantastic local shop and a thriving website.

When in Pennsylvania be sure to visit some of the excellent railroading museums including National Toy Train Museum in Paradise, Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, and Western Pennsylvania Model Rail Road Museum in Gibsonia.  Also in Pennsylvania are some teriffic model railroad displays, including the Choo Choo Barn in Strasburg and National Christmas Center in Paradise.

I compiled this list by searching for the hobby shops listed on a number of search engines and ranking them by the number of web pages, discussion forums, photos, videos, etc that are available online.

I further screened this list to include only pages that mentioned model railroading. See a complete list of Model Train Shops in Pennsylvania at www.ModelTrainsWithLarry.com which has complete contact information for each shop including an address, phone number, and map to the store.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/the-top-10-model-train-shops-in-pennsylvania-1443775.html

About the Author:

I’m a freelance PHP and MySQL programmer living in the San Carlos neighborhood of San Diego with my wife and our 3 cats. I enjoy hiking, reading, gardening, watching too much television, and other nerdy activites.

The Top 10 Model Train Shops in New England |

November 20th, 2009

Author: Larry Truett

For the past year I’ve been compiling a list of model train stores for my model railroading website.  These shops all look like a lot of fun to visit, but what are the most popular?   Here is a list for the New England states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

The most popular model railroading shops (based on online chatter) in New England are:

10. Rainy Day Trains in Saco, Maine

9. Bill Parker’s Train Shop in Springfield, Vermont

8. Mike’s Hobbies and Raceway in Rutland, Vermont

7. Grandma’s House and Grandpa’s Train Depot in Warwick, Rhode Island

6. Bill’s Hobby Barn in Salem, New Hampshire

5. Danbury Hobby Center in Danbury, Connecticut

4. Treasured Toys in Salem, New Hampshire

3. Mainely Trains in South China, Maine

2. North East Trains in Peabody, Massachusetts

…and the most popular shop for model trains in New England is…

1. Time Machine Hobby in Manchester, Connecticut

Hobby shops not quite making my top 10 were Hobby House in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine; Centerline Hobbies in Hyannis, Massachusetts; Charles Ro Supply Company in Malden, Massachusetts; Hobby Stop in Foxboro, Massachusetts; J and M Hobbies in Eastham, Massachusetts; LightHouse Hobbies in Townsend, Massachusetts; Railyard Hobbies in Dracut, Massachusetts; Apponaug Color and Hobby Shop in Warwick, Rhode Island; Darlington Hobbies in Pawtucket, Rhode Island; Depot Antiques and Toys in Laconia, New Hampshire; Hartmann Model Railroad in Intervale, New Hampshire; R/C Toy Box in Saint Johnsbury, Vermont; and Vermont Toy and Hobby in Essex Junction and South Burlington, Vermont.

Lots of great model railroading shops from all over New England in the top ten with every state making it into the top ten – so no matter where you live in New England there are great hobby shops right in your own state.

When in New England be sure to visit some of the excellent railroading museums including Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum in Willimantic, Connecticut; Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor, Connecticut; Danbury Railway Museum in Danbury, Connecticut; Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston, Connecticut; Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven, Connecticut; The Peters Rail Road Museum in Wallingford, Connecticut; Boothbay Railway Village in Boothbay, Maine; Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. and Museum in Portland, Maine; Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine; Wiscasset, Waterville, and Farmington Railway Museum in Alna, Maine; Bay State Model Railroad Museum in Roslindale, Massachusetts; Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum in Lenox, Massachusetts; Old Colony and Fall River Railroad Museum in Fall River, Massachusetts; Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts; Beaver Brook Farm and Transportation Museum in Mont Vernon, New Hampshire; Gorham Railroad Station and Historical Society in Gorham, New Hampshire; Rutland Railway Association in Rutland, Vermont; and Swanton Railroad Depot Museum in Swanton, Vermont.

I compiled this list by searching for the hobby shops listed on a number of search engines and ranking them by the number of web pages, discussion forums, photos, videos, etc that are available online.  I further screened this list to include only pages that mentioned model railroading.

See a complete list of Model Train Shops in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont at www.ModelTrainsWithLarry.com which has complete contact information for each shop including an address, phone number, and map to the store.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/the-top-10-model-train-shops-in-new-england-1465542.html

About the Author:

Larry Truett is a freelance PHP and MySQL programmer living in the San Carlos neighborhood of San Diego with his wife and their 3 cats. He enjoys hiking, reading, gardening, watching too much television, and other nerdy activites.

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