Toronto, Ontario

[Chris F]

I'll be visiting Toronto in the near future. Are there any model shops that stock British stuff there, or in the vicinity, for me to drag my wife around?

[GreenDiesel]

I live in Toronto and have a 00 British layout. There are a few hobby shops around but most cater to North American (especially HO) model trains.

 

The best British one is www.modelrailwayimports.com but it's mostly a mail order, web-based business. They do set up a booth at most model railway shows in the area though.

 

There is another shop about 5 minutes from where I live called Hornet Hobbies (http://hornethobbies.com/) but they don't sell a lot of British stuff. They do sell some used British 00 items and also seem to have a good selection of Scaledales Buildings, Hornby cars, a few accessories, etc. But it would probably be a very small selection compared to what you're used to.

 

One of the main model railway shops in the area is George's Trains (http://georgestrains.com/) but again they mostly sell North American trains. I have to dash out now but I might try to add a few more options tonight.

 

Rob

[br2975]

I'll be visiting Toronto in the near future. Are there any model shops that stock British stuff there, or in the vicinity, for me to drag my wife around?

 

Not that I'm aware of - but on my visits I've found one of the best to be Credit Valley Models at Streetsville

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Brian R

[GreenDiesel]

]Not that I'm aware of - but on my visits I've found one of the best to be Credit Valley Models at Streetsville

 

I recently learned that Credit Valley was phasing out their British models & 00 supplies. When I went there a couple months ago they had a very small selection left. R.

[GreenDiesel]

One of the main British model railway clubs in the Toronto area is The Platelayers. Here is a list of retailers from their website:

 

http://theplatelayers.org/members.htm

 

 

There used to be another one in the Dundas/Hamilton area (about 1.5 hours west of Toronto) but I can't remember its name. I have a hunch that it closed.

 

Rob

[Gordon H]

I'll be visiting Toronto in the near future. Are there any model shops that stock British stuff there, or in the vicinity, for me to drag my wife around?

Are you flying or driving?

From the location shown against your name, it looks as if you would be driving along either Highway 401 or 402 once you enter Ontario, and you would therefore be passing London on the way. Here you will find Broughdale Hobby http://www.rrhobby.ca/ which stocks a reasonable amount of UK stock. Interestingly the web address does not refer to 'RailRoad Hobby' as you might expect, but is actually derived from the proprietor's name!

Also in London there is 'The British Connection', which is not really a shop, but I have called in there once (which is how I found out it wasn't a shop!). Prior contact might be worth making to see if they can accommodate you in person.

See http://www.execulink.com/~britishconnect/britishconnection/HOME.html

They will also be present at the Midland (80 miles north of Toronto) and Stratford (not too far from London) shows in a few weeks time.

[BR60103]

Chris:

I can't add much to the above. George (of that Ilk's Trains) told me that british modellers were too fussy about what they bought and then wanted a discount. You missed the best show by about a month.

There are a few attractions that may be open (North American railroading) but all are out of town except for the museum by Union Station. If you give us a more precise date, we can check them for you.

[Chris F]

Oh, I'll be driving, it's only five hours or so from here. As for it not being what I'm used to, well, I'm used to ###### all, to be honest.

 

Thanks for the suggestions, all.