I am going to be in New York next week. Any good train shops to stop by out there? I have been to Caboose Hobbies and Manhattan trains. Any one else with a good N Scale collection for sale with reasonable prices? Any good experinces?
The two in Manhattan have been mentioned. Trainworld is in Brooklyn. How adventurous are you? I only kid you since it is quite safe despite what people from the Land of Confusion may have heard. If game, take the F train and get off at Ditmas Avenue. It is 50 feet away from the stairs.
My opinion, if you have only time to visit one place go to Trainworld, you won't be disappointed! I have a feeling Manhattan Trains went out of business, they're across the street from the Red Caboose. (23 West 45th,--- I just looked up both addresses and they are now the same) Both are very close to Times Square. If they are still in business, American Hobby Center @ 263 w 30th Street, New York, New York (NY), 10001, USA +800 242 1931 They're near Penn Station. (I have a feeling they also went out of business and might be more into RC items now) This is a NY experience if you're up for it. The owner, Marshall, is the real deal, a Real New Yawker. The first thing he'll say to you is, "Are you going to buy something or just looking!?" Okay he's now put you in a defensive position, here is what you do. Quickly, and don't heistate, snap your fingers and say, "You must be Marshall, I heard so much about, your a NYC landmark. May I have my photo taken with you?" You now got him confused and on edge because he never expected this response. Then go about your shopping, or looking if you prefer. :tb-wink: Oh, and enjoy your visit to "The Big Apple" and you can, see a Broadway Show while you're there. (You can get tickets 1/2 price plus a $1.00 if you go to TKTS at Times Square & 49th street, but it's the same day the show will go on, that's why it's 1/2 proce/)
Another reply that'll set him back on his haunches or get him to laugh is, first to wince, and ask, "Oooh, darnnnnn....is this one of those stores where it has to be one or the other...I can't do both?" :tb-wink:
And another important thing when visiting these stores, never wear shorts with black socks and have a camera around your neck. Nothing says, "I'm a Tourist take advantage of me" like this outfit. If you don't believe me, look where I'm from.
What does he do when Marshall whips out a life sized, cardboard photograph of Marshall for all of the picture takers? Bernard- If you go around dressed like that in NYC, you won't have the camera by the time you get to the store.
Mark - You and I know that but I don't want to scare him away from visiting. Seriously, NYC is a fun place to visit, there is nothing like it. My favorite announcement on the NY Subways is when the conductor announces over the PA to be careful of pickpockets and to guard your wallets. That's when everybody reaches to checks their wallets and now the pickpocketers know where you keep it.
Oh I have been to NYC before, I just haven't been to the other areas other than manhattan. I am staying with my Aunt in NJ, so I will be riding the NJT quite a bit as well. Last time i rode NJT, i slept well lol. I plan to check out trainworld. How is thier n scale collection and prices? The website leaves alot to be desired.
I buy N scale from Trainworld by phone. If my range of purchases is any indication, they are very nicely stocked for locos. Not sure how they'd stack up for rolling stock, DCC, or craftsman type kits. I suspect not quite as well.
NY train stores Hey all, my first post so here goes. I live on Long Island so I am a frequent visitor to all the stores. First, I was in Red caboose just last week 23 W 45th st. Manhattan hobbies across the street upstairs is gone. Red Caboose is downstairs, big selection/big prices! World of trains in Rego Park sells mostly antiques now. Nagnegast Hardware is on Fresh Pond Road, Ridgewood Queens Good selection/prices. Rudy's confectonery@hobby is still on 35-16 30th Ave in Astoria. good selection retail prices. My LHS is trainland in Lynbrook,LI[just came from there a couple of hours ago] best selection/prices in the NY area. The Brooklyn location doesn't have a big selection on display you have to ask. I have personally been to all the ones listed here in the past month so I know there still around. Hope this helps. John W
Wow, 23 W 45th is still operating...! That was my favorite store when I was in college in the early 50's. I don't remember what its name was back then, but their stock was so extensive that two people had to squeeze when passing in any aisle. BTW, Madison Hardware only sold Lionel back then, but you could find just about anything that Lionel had ever built. Their pre-owned stock from trade-ins was out-of-sight!
Hytec - The Red Caboose @ 23 W 45th is same people that used to own it. Trainworld in Brooklyn & Trainland in Lynnbrook, LI are are owned by 2 brothers, they are really the same company, just 2 different locations. They have a good selection but just know what you want and I'd call ahead of time to see if they have it in stock but their prices are resonable and check out their ads in Model RR mag. and bring it with you when you go there. Sometimes the prices at the store are a little different in the mag., but you will get the price in the mag. if you show them the ad. Flyboy is very right about the Red Caboose, very high prices and I'll add this, the store is messy and dusty, and that includes their train that are on display. Oh, and Flyboy, welcome to TB!
Train Stores Thanks for the welcome guys. Just a follow up regarding Red Caboose. Alan the owner used to be across the street upstairs in the 1980's where Manhattan trains was a few years ago. Many different forums have criticized him while they may have never even been there. Everytime I have been in there he has been nothing but helpful just watch out for the vicious orange cat roaming around the store[LOL]. John W
Yeah, that cat needs to go haha. The only nice thing about Red Caboose is they have some really really obscure models that if a person is looking for. I found a nice set of Baldwin Demonstrator Sharks there. Paid only 69 bucks for the pair. If I could find a UP Turbine I would be golden. By the way, any one have the Acela set from Bachmann? It would mostly be running on N Track or maybe a little TTrack every now and again. I heard it really balks at anything smaller than 19 inch radius. I heard it will do a 15 inch but gets really crabby about it.
