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J & M Hobby House
Categories: Shopping Arts & Crafts Art Supplies Shopping Hobby Shops Art Supplies, Hobby Shops [Edit]
1660 Laurel StSan Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 593-5019
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 6 pm
Sat 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
kungfupanda l. said: "I just love this place. found it thru a group on deal and glad i bought it. it has different kind of puzzles appropriate for all ages from 2- 100 :)) yes i am simply in love with the place. they not only have puzzles but also very…" read more »
26 reviews for J & M Hobby House
Review Highlights
"plastic kits, train sets, slot cars, boats and planes, back..."
(in 4 reviews)
"Great selection of RC cars and hop-ups."
(in 9 reviews)
"Place for realistic mini model trees, grass, dirt."
(in 9 reviews)
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26 reviews in English
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Review from gouksly c.
Belmont, CA
1/27/2012
Knowledgable and friendly staff + a great inventory.
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Review from JT N.
Redwood City, CA
6/17/2011
Stopped in today about 3pm Friday to buy some mini-singage. I have been looking all over throughout the last month for a good hobby store still in business.
Apparently the owner doesn't need customers though as when I walked up he said he was closed. Sign in the window and the posted hours said open but I guess he would rather stand in the foyer and talk to someone about personal problems than make a sale.
Outside the less than stellar bedside manner of the proprietor, the store looked to be fully stocked and well kept up with what any hobbyist would need. I won't be shopping there though as customer service counts a lot with me. -
Review from Dave B.
12/22/2010
I came across J & M Hobby House in San Carlos researching shops that sell models. So happy I did.
When I was a kid, I used to watch my bother spend hours building models. He seemed to love the attention to detail, the intricacies of the building, and the pleasure of completion. My wife's nephew is very much how brother was, but he's never built a model before.
The descriptions others have written about J & M's old time feel, selection, service, and size were all extremely accurate. This was worth the drive in the rain. The friendliness and patience of the staff was refreshing. They helped find exactly what I was looking for.
Ended up getting something that's going to challenge and hopefully delight. If he likes it, we'll certainly be back for his birthday.
Will J & M become his go to place for this new hobby? I hope so. They deserve the business. It's nice to spend money at places that make you happy. -
Review from Morgan R.
Sunnyvale, CA
12/1/2011
Cliff is a pleasant and clearly educated skilled Rc builder. The craft section is impressive with it's amount of genuine old school stuff- Trains and boats are well represented- I ordered a part on a Tuesday.. that got ordered the following Monday.. that did not come in by that Friday.. nor the Next Friday. So. My Christmas shopping got PWNED- Do I wait the? forever for my part? Do I continue waiting weeks every time want to buy or maintain something. I can't test break build if every time I need something it's going to be more expensive AND take longer than online or another retailer. D&J would have had the same part within three days. - Online free shipping.. a week. But. Three weeks? Still no part? Full retail price? AND when after 2 weeks I have the "gall" to walk in and politely ask if it was ordered or if they needed another part number? The customer service is Failed. Polite yes. Screw you till 4 sundays from now? You bet they have no problems with that- Well? I do- Typical "intentional mistake" San Carlos business. Rule of thumb. Be old. Have alot of money. Be white. Be male- Get great service- Deal with Cliff. He's a "nice guy". Compared to other traditional competitors? I truly. It physically pains me to say. Inept at the job they are supposed to do and at providing the service they are supposed to provide. Redeeming factors? Technical knowledge that you can easily get online? Is that so great as to be worth the lack of joy and the hateful feeling I have had all week? For something that's supposed to be my hobby? My escape that's not unhealthy for me? They made this last week. This very moment. One filled with the distraction of boiling hate- Instead of the simple joy of supporting a local business and playing with something I break and rebuild. I am left with no present for my friend. Confusion. Anger. Frustration. Hatred.- Grade mark? F-
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Review from Nick K.
Redwood City, CA
1/11/2008
I like this place.
For a small store that covers a lot of different hobbies and crafts, I always find interesting stuff here.
It's also nice to visit a hobby shop and see kids for a change--gives you some hope that model building is not completely dying out! -
Review from Ann L.
10/20/2007
Hubby said I should give it 4 stars, for me it was a 2 star place.
He loves building model navy boats so this is one of his favorite stores in the area.
Only thing he bought today was a magazine called:
Ships in Scale - cost $7.04!! Crazy.
other magazine they have: Flyer, Model Railroads, Trains
1 area for guys for model planes, trains, cars, etc. Place for realistic mini model trees, grass, dirt.
1 larger area for girls: ribbons, beads, foam hearts, foam heads, doll heads, Googly eyes 79c-$1.59, Styrofoam eggs, needlepoint, etc.
Hrs:
M-F 11-6
Sat 9:30-5:30
Closed SUN -
Review from lynn c.
San Francisco, CA
4/16/2011 4 photos
wow what a shop. the density of stuff in here is just over the roof.
i took the caltrain down here. note its like a 25min walk from the san carlos station, slightly closer from the redwood city station. you can take samtrans which runs about 15min per bus down elcamino to get here faster.
i came here hoping to find some n scale stuff that were a little harder to find and i found what i needed. got myself two MDC n scale railbox SP & UP boxcars. not the rarest of cars but i was tired of bidding and losing on ebay for them and when i saw them in store i knew i had to get them. im always down to support local hobby shops too. i think prices are extremely fair for an instore place. some of the older n scale stuff may not have had their prices updated so you can get a couple bucks off that way. nice cozy selection of locos and rolling stock. i saw lots of oldie n scale rolling stock kits too. theres HO scale stuff also. great selection of everything train related at least in these two scales. lots of building & scenery kits too. not sure if they had other scales
the rest of the store as mentioned by other people is just jammed packed with all kinds of model kits, cars, planes, RC stuff, arts/crafts (didnt browse this section), model paints, etc!
staff is super friendly.Listed in: Love trains & miniature…
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Review from Ron G.
Menlo Park, CA
8/17/2007
One of the few remaining hobby shops in the Bay Area. I'm into static model cars and trucks, and they have a good selection. With San Antonio Hobby gone, and D&J's selection of models downsized, this place looks better and better.
Good model paint selection. Slot cars. Magazines.
The other half of the shop has plenty of "ARTS AND CRAFTS" stuff, scrapbook supplies. -
Review from K L.
Walnut Creek, CA
12/2/2007
A smaller but very friendly shop for all kinds of hobbies. They seem to have lot of knowledge and stock a lot of products for model trains, but I come here because the guys behind the counter for RC products (Radio Controlled) are super. They keep a very large selection of kits and ARFs of airplanes as well as supplies. They also have a lot of stuff in the back you have to ask for like decals and monokote trim tape. Thumbs up on this local hobby shop.
I really like how they take every kind of credit card, makes it easy for a customer. -
Review from Chuck G.
San Carlos, CA
12/24/2007
How is it that I can live between Redwood City and San Carlos for the past 43 years and not know this place was here? I must truly live in a cave.
This place is a gem -- a hobbyists' hobby shop. It feels like you're stepping back in time when you go into this store, but they truly understand what's important to hobbyists. Models, trains, RC cars... they have good stuff, and they're very knowledgeable.
I was frantically hunting for a power supply/transformer for my son's HO train set on Christmas Eve. Nobody had even one of these -- but these guys had an entire shelf of them, with three different power ranges to choose from. They have a fantastic "old school " train selection, with old cars you won't easily find anywhere else.
Check them out -- you'll be glad you did. -
Review from Andrew E.
San Carlos, CA
7/6/2009
I have been going to J&M Hobby for years, and even though it is small, they are knowledgeable and have tons of odd things.
I have been flying RC planes for the past 7 years and I wish I had found them at the start. They will sell you anything you want, but will tell you when they think you are on the wrong track, or going in over your head in a project. What I really appreciate is their ability to say "I don't know." They will either pass you off to one of the other people who know better, or give you an idea of where you can go on the net to find out.
If Rico is there (older gentleman who has been flying for many, many years), please harass him for me. -
Review from Robert B.
Foster City, CA
3/27/2008
I can't believe I have not reviewed you guys already - Cliff runs a model builder's paradise! There are kits galore! plastic kits, train sets, slot cars, boats and planes, back rooms full of building supplies, coverings and more -you name it. As far as hobby shops go, J&M is the most stocked hobby shop on the peninsula for traditional hobbies. You fly gas planes -stop in - you fly electric - they get more and more every day! RC buggies and helis are there too!
Oh, I keep forgetting that there is a whole other side of the store devoted for crafty hobbies too... but I just don't think I've ever looked there - could be doll houses or something - the point is, if you want to get a hobby, this is a good place to do it! -
Review from Andrew G.
Hayward, CA
3/18/2011
All these folks are great!
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Review from Greg B.
San Diego, CA
1/14/2009
J&M FTW!
I used to come here probably once a month as a kid and it always got my creative juices flowing. When you walk in, it feels like you go back in time because it's got a very retro feel to it and I think they purposely keep it that way, not that I'm complaining at all! It's got a great feel to it!
The store is divided into two sections;
The first has stuff for arts and crafts; paints, clay, pom-poms, styrofoam, cloths, and bunches of other gnarley things.
The other section is dedicated to models; plastic kits, remote controlled cars, pinewood derby supplies, I believe there's aviation stuff there, etc.
Biggest cool factor for me: There was a case of Matchbox cars that I always checked out with great intrigue every time I went. It was just so cool!!! I don't know if it's still there as I haven't been to J&M in a while, but I don't see any reason as to why they'd get rid of it.
Service was always kind and as knowledgeable as you can hope for. These people like what they do, and I guess that's influencing our creative juices. The only setback is that the location is really odd. Walking by, you wouldn't even know it's there. But once you do, you'll never forget.
J&M FTW! -
Review from Jess Q.
San Carlos, CA
2/11/2010
Definitely my go-to place for craft supplies... I've been going there for at least 15+ years... Usually they have what I'm looking for, sometimes not, but if they don't, they'll definitely know where I can find what I'm looking for. Sometimes I go there with nothing in mind but to pick their brains.
On my most recent trip there, I was at a loss. My friend had sent me a picture of a wedding cake topper asking if I could make it. I printed it out and went down to J & M and met with the woman who runs the craft side of the store. I knew she'd be able to help me (and she did!). She gave me her full attention and helped me decide what size beads to buy. As for the round clothespins, they were out of the packs, but she searched around behind the counter and found two loose ones that she sold me.
While they might not have the selection that bigger arts and crafts stores might have (*cough*Michael's*cough*), but they MORE than make up for that in their stellar customer service. They've got a customer in me for life! -
Review from laurence c.
San Francisco, CA
7/17/2009
A great old fashioned owner-operated hobby store! Cliff, Rico and the others get high marks for kindness, knowledge, and genuine interest in pleasing their customers. Most other Bay Area hobby stores seem to be out of stock. J & M re-orders constantly, so even the hard to locate bits and pieces are usually right there. I once asked for info on clevises. Rico turned away and came back with 6 clevises in hand, ready to advise me. Can't beat that! I wish this store was closer to SF. At least go to check out the building-the architecture is a deco interpretation of a luxo-liner ship. Cool!
Larry -
Review from Mary Y.
Redwood City, CA
11/11/2009
These people know their stuff. BF and I went to look for a little house for me to build as I was itching to make something. Not knowing if what I wanted existed, I called beforehand and got help narrowing down what was available by the patient man who later on remembered and helped me in the store. Loving the customer service.
They've got model railroad train goodness stacked to the ceilings and BF's favorite- RCs RCs everywhere. These guys are up to date with what's new and coming too.
The lady's a bit brusque, but if you're not sensitive like me, you won't even notice it. -
Review from Jeremiah H.
Redwood City, CA
2/19/2011
I didn't know about this store until I felt the somewhat random need to mess around with a high performance rc truck. I got online and found the one I wanted, but didn't want to wait for shipping, so ended up going to J&M. Long story short, it was a great way to buy. They were very helpful even though I'm pretty much out of the loop on rc related hobbies. A week later I called because I had a few more questions and they genuinely cared enough to fully inform me. That sort of thing just doesn't happen much anymore. Great store, pretty strong inventory, very helpful staff and reasonable prices. I'll be going there again.
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Review from Mikail G.
San Carlos, CA
7/23/2011
My friend and I decided to get an RC plane from this place after I "found" it a few days ago. This was our first plane, so we didnt know much. It's a good thing Cliff did! Told us everything there was to know when you first fly. I'll definitely come here again when I decide to expand on my new hobby. I just wish I knew about this place before. They can order parts for you, so don't go to the Internet and instead support a local store.
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Review from Bill A.
CA
10/26/2007
Full service, fresh, deep, wide ranging stock, knowlegible staff, go today!
J&M is a treasure. They've been in the same building for decades, its real old-school, craft supplies in half the store, modeling supplies in the other half... well, the modeling takes up more than half, but you can get EVERYTHING, same as those wonderful Hobby and Craft stores of the 1960s.
They offer
the latest state of the art RC: gliders, electric & gas airplanes, helocopters,, boats,
HO and N scale trains, (Maybe 0 and G, I haven't looked...)
1/32 and HO slot cars,
(for all the above: everything from beginnner sets to spare and performance parts. ..)
Car, ship, airplane and armor/military vehicle plastic kits, paints, glue, decals, Squadron reference books,
Die-cast cars from small to medium size,
Pinewood Derby kits and supplies
Scratch-building supplies from Depron sheet and carbon fiber to balsa, tissue paper, styrene sheet, etc. Lots of magazines aimed at the different niches
Crafts has the full range of kits and materials for doll houses, dolls, applique, as well as the ribbons, glitter glue, puffballs, leather, feathers and pipe-cleaners, styrofoam shapes and the 1001 other things you need from a craft store.
The staff are deeply into what they sell and offer only stuff that they have positive experience with. This is NOT some chain store in the mall. People come in to talk, ask questions, buy a present for their dad who likes building airplanes. Quality stuff. The plastic kit stock is fresh and attractive, I always find something I'm interested in. Everything in plastic kits from Revell/Monogram, Tamiya, Hasegawa, Airfix, Heller, AMT, MPC & Trumpeter to cottage industry stuff.
Prices are normal, competitive, retail, although if you find the rare thing that sells slowly, you may pay the 1977 price (airplane decals for $1.75!) But this isn't some dusty cave filled with things that haven't sold, or the time machine back into the past. Its a vital, happening, right-now place. And, of course, they have all the catalogs and can order anything that's out there.
First rate, fully comparable to D & J in Campbell, Franciscan in SF, Hobbies Unlimited in San Lorenzo, or Talbot's up the road in San Mateo.
Bill A. -
Review from Y.C. W.
Sunnyvale, CA
1/5/2009
Talk about a true hole in the wall store. This is a very good hobby store and is relatively unknown due to its location. From the outside, you'd never expect the building to house a hobby store.
Inside, the collection is very respectable with a good selection of model kits. Specifically, there are many good oldies that are not found anywhere else in the Bay Area. The shelves are literally stacked to the brim with models. I am not very sure how often they restock but they do have some recent releases in the collection from major manufacturers.
They also have a good selection of Squadron reference books. In fact, this store has the most complete collection of Squadron "In Action" and "Walk-Around" books in the Bay Area.
A very good Old-School model store. Don't expect to find the latest items, but DO expect to find that special something that you have been looking for all over the Bay Area. -
Review from Jerry U.
Pacifica, CA
5/12/2009
Very nice people. Great customer service. it felt like I was going home when I walked in the store for the first time today. Great selection of RC cars and hop-ups. I called ahead to ask for a Spektrum DX3S and they had it in stock! Wow! I'll be back!
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Review from P. G.
San Mateo, CA
5/19/2009
This store is quite old, and though quite small, it's packed to the gills with art, craft, modelling supplies, plastic kits, radio control, magazines and diecast. A hobby lover's paradise! The staff are pretty knowledgeable and friendly and will gladly special order items they do not carry. They do not reprice merchandise that doesn't sell, so sometimes you can find old stock at significantly lower prices!
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Review from dee c.
Mountain View, CA
12/26/2009
What a great place! A bit of pure Americana - with a building to match. One block off of El Camino on Laurel St.
We bought a team associate car, they helped us upgrade to a brush-less traxis motor and controller. Also eventually went with Li Po battery and they were there to help make things right. They programmed the chargers for us and gave us safety tips and info on the best places to race.
RELAX! They seem to always have enough time - even as my teen-aged son is disassembling an entire suspension system the floor. You want to solder a few parts on the counter - no problem.
Their knowledge is leaps and bounds above the big box stores, and far superior to Talbots. If they don't have the parts they seem to make them appear in only a few days. -
Review from Marc D.
San Mateo, CA
12/7/2010
This is the best hobby store on the peninsula. I have lived here for 31 years and have been to them all. Most knowledgeable people to help you out with all you radio controlled vehicle needs.
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Review from Patrick W.
San Mateo, CA
8/14/2008
Hi I have been going to J&M's for a long time for my HO and N scale trains. The owner Cliff is very nice. His store has many model railroad trains and even those that are even discontinued.
