Are you searching for the best model train store in your neigbourhood? Looking for recommendations on the best place to purchase model trains? Search our model train store directory for the nearest stores to you and get a great deal on your next train set.
In this guide we'll show you the things to look out for in order to help you find a good model railway shop near you, as well as our recommendations to make purchasing your train set as easy as possible.
If you're new to the world of model trains, you should first check out our extensive beginner guides to the Best Hornby Train Set, the Best Wooden Train Set and the differences between DC and DCC model trains before searching for a model railway shop near you. They're essential reading for beginners and will tell you what to look out for when visiting the model rail store or shopping online.
These guides have been extensively researched, are regularly updated, and are prepared for your benefit - providing you with a solid beginners understanding of the best practices, as well as our best recommendations for starting to build a model railway. We strongly recommend reading these before visiting a model railway shop and making a purchase. It could save you time and money.
Consider Purchasing Model Trains Online
Before searching for a model railway shop near you, consider whether you would be better off using online sources for your next train set purchase.
The biggest reason to purchase model trains online is that it's extremely convenient and can save a lot of time and money.
There is nothing more frustrating than making a journey to a physical store, only to find that the products that you're looking for are not available or have sold out. This is the greatest advantage of purchasing model trains online - you can simply browse and compare products in the comfort of your own home and can easily determine if those products are in stock.
Another advantage of shopping for train sets online is that you can often find more competitive prices. These days returns are often simple and hassle-free, so you can shop with confidence.
The Best Train Sets
If you're looking for advice on which train set to choose, see our guides to the Best Hornby Train Set and the Best Wooden Train Set for up to date information and the latest deals. Here's a selection of some of our favourites:
- Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Train Set - the best all round train set.
- Flying Scotsman Train Set - the best iconic train set.
- Polar Express Train Set - the best Christmas train set.
- BRIO Deluxe Train Set - the best quality wooden train set.
- BRIO Cargo Train Set - the best value wooden train set.
If you prefer to visit a physical model train shop, we would always recommend doing your research and product comparisons online prior to making the journey, in order to get a full understanding of the products that you would like, and to avoid purchasing the wrong train set at the store.
Whether you opt to purchase your next train set online or decide to visit a model railway shop near you, be sure to research the most appropriate model train store for you to get a good idea of the types of products that they sell. No matter which option you choose, always shop around for the best deal before committing to a purchase.
The Best Model Train Store Near Me
There are many great reasons to search for, and purchase from, a good model train shop near you.
A lot of these businesses are family owned and run, meaning they often have many years of experience with model trains and are able to offer specialist advice and guidance. This can be invaluable if you're undecided on which train set to purchase or you need advice on whether it'll be compatible with your existing model railway equipment.
These stores are often model rail specialists - meaning they only sell model train equipment (rather than larger stores which sell a whole host of other products). This makes them far better placed to offer specialist expertise and advice on model railway locomotives, train sets and track. After sales support is also likely to be of a far higher standard too.
By purchasing a train set from a model rail store near you, you'll also be helping to support the economy of your local area and small independent businesses - rather than large online multinational companies. This is becoming increasingly important as more and more small local shops are being forced to close down. If there's a good model railway shop near you, we would certainly recommend checking it out and supporting it where possible.
Check out our model train store directory below for a list of some of the best model train stores near you. Easily find a model railway shop near to your home or work.
Please note, Model Railway Line is not affiliated with, nor does it endorse, any of these model rail stores - their details are simply provided here for informational purposes to aid research. Always do your own investigation into the best model rail store for you (and check out any customer reviews and testimonials) before visiting and purchasing.
Model Train Store in Chicago
The following are a collection of model train stores in Chicago, USA:
- Zientek's Model Trains
2001 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608, United States - Berwyn's Toys & Trains
7025 Ogden Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402, United States - Chicagoland Hobby
6017 N Northwest Hwy, Chicago, IL 60631, United States - Grayland Station
5514 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60646, United States - Forever Timeless Hobby Shop
4438 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60641, United States
Model Train Store in New York City
The following are a collection of model train stores in New York City, USA:
- Red Caboose Hobby Shop
23 W 45th St # B, New York, NY 10036, United States - TrainWorld
751 McDonald Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11218, United States - LeBlanc Trains & Hobby Center
28 Hamlin Pl, Staten Island, NY 10302, United States - Ridgefield Hobby Shop
508 Broad Ave, Ridgefield, NJ 07657, United States
Model Railway Shops in London, UK
The following are a collection of model railway shops in London, UK:
- Janes Trains
35 London Rd, London SW17 9JR - Northfields Model Shop
217 Northfield Ave, London W13 9QU - Invicta Model Rail
Communications House, 130 Station Rd, Sidcup DA15 7AB - West London Models
214 High St, Harlington, Hayes UB3 5DS - Kent Garden Railways
66 High St, St Mary Cray, Orpington BR5 3NH - Roneo Models
32 Roneo Cor, Hornchurch RM12 4TN
Next Steps
Now that you've found a good model railway shop near you, before you visit you should check out our guides to the Best Hornby Train Set and the Best Wooden Train Set so that you pick the most suitable model train for you.
Once you've purchased your next train set and are looking for more tips and guidance on the best resources to use for designing and building model train layouts, see the other articles in our scenery and baseboard series. You'll also want to see our other train set posts for more of our picks for the best trains to run on your model railway layout.