I'm considering taking a trip to visit a BIG model train store. I just love shopping through large inventory. Trouble is, I don't know where any are... I'm seeking input on where in the US are there stores with large inventories? Kind of like a model railroad mega store. I know people aren't say which stores or good or bad or better or worse, so I'm not asking that. Just asking about big ones people know about. About 14 years ago, I was in Dallas for the weekend and stumbled across this store close to the love field airport. It was in a warehouse type area and it was HUGE. I could have spent thousands and still not bought everything I wanted in the store. I still am amazed about what I remember of that place. Do any big places like that still exist?
What scale(s)/gauge(s) are you interested in? Are there any particular manufacturers you prefer and/or types of products you're seeking. Any limits on where in the US that you would be willing to travel? Given this forum's tendency to discourage the mention of retailers that aren't paid advertisers, any recommendations might better be sent by PM. Although not a store, if you haven't been there previously, I'd suggest planning to spend the weekend at the Amherst Railway Society's enormous annual show held in West Springfield, MA. Next year's show is scheduled for January 30 & 31, 2021. http://www.railroadhobbyshow.com/
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You want BIG Hobby Shops? Check around the area you are heading to for Train Shows, Swap Meets, Sales Gatherings. The list is endless. And don't mean the big Commercial either[you know who I'm talking about], I'm talking about the Shows/Swap meets run by Modellers for Modellers. You can Bargain Shop, find items you are looking for at a REAL fair price and generally just have a GOOD time at such Shows. And check out if said Shows have been CANCELLED. We had to cancel our Show that was scheduled to happen March 21st 2020.
Is there a link to retailers that pay the forum for advertising? If I needed a type 1 Flit Flat, where would I find a a manufacturer that was represented here, that made Type 1 Flit Flats?