Hobbytown USA

 

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18

Robert N.

Mountain View, CA

This shop seems to focus more on radio control and models, which was a disappointment for me looking for model railroad supplies. It did cram a lot of stuff into a fairly small storefront, and they carried some magazines and books of interest as well as paints and model gear that would be of interest to a model railroader. It's not a replacement for Train Shop or D&J Hobby though.

The train supplies are in the back corner, and they do have a good selection of Woodland Scenics and a reasonable assortment of track and power packs. The train section wasn't very organized though, with N and HO and O all mixed together. The HO train sets were on a high-up shelf and the one N set (steam) was in a cabinet.

A staff member was helping a customer with some RC car gear while I was there, and I do believe that if I'd had a specific need on this trip, the staff would have been helpful. If I find myself in need of track or scenic supplies, I'll probably go back.

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Elite '08

22

327

Mark G.

Elk Grove, CA

This hobby store has been open for about 5 months, according to the extremely nice and helpful owners. The emphasis is on model cars and airplanes, model rockets, D&D characters and paints, etc.

I went there with my young 'uns to find a B-day toy for a scientifically-inclined kid. They have a nice selection of chemistry kits and other electronics projects for the 10 and under crowd. We found some neat stuff and got some helpful advice from the owners.

Like nearby Learning Express, this store has interesting products that can't be found at your local Toys'R'Us or Wal-Mart. So if you have a hobbying streak , or know someone who does, give these guys a try.

4 stars for packing in a lot of neat inventory into a relatively small retail space. There are not a whole lot of hobby stores left in the area anymore (go figure, we're in Silicon Valley ??), so I hope this one does well and thrives.

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