Rob T Posted September 17, 2011 Share Posted September 17, 2011 Evening All, I am going to be in New York City for a short time in early October and try to make a habit of visiting model shops whilst abroad (especially the USA). Can anyone recommend the best place to visit in NYC (preferably central)? I was in Los Angeles a few years back and thoroughly enjoyed a trip to Allied Model Trains. Any help gratefully received. All the best, Rob. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
trisonic Posted September 17, 2011 Share Posted September 17, 2011 Manhattan? I've never found one. It's rather a desert due to the high cost of real estate. Same reason Manny's closed down. There are no decent guitar stores on 48th Street any more, either. If you want to go out 25 - 30 miles into New Jersey let me know. Best, Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Barry Ten Posted September 21, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 21, 2011 As Pete says, NYC isn't the best for train stores. The last time I was there, I did visit Gotham Model Trains and found it to be clean and friendly (always a big plus!), with a pretty good selection. No massive stock, but a mix of things, including European, but worth a look. I bought an N scale 44 tonner when I was in. http://www.gothammodeltrains.com/ I've been in a few NYC train stores and this was the only one that didn't feel like a dusty old shop long past its best. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
APOLLO Posted September 21, 2011 Share Posted September 21, 2011 Many years ago (1991) I visited this store. Seems to be still there (as per website). I bought some O scale passenger cars there - Walthers kits. Place was a typical "packed to the gunnels" model shop back then. The Red Caboose, Call 212-575-0155 or stop by 23 W. 45th St http://theredcaboose.com/ http://theredcaboose.com/gallery.htm Review at http://www.yelp.com/biz/red-caboose-new-york Brit15 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
trisonic Posted September 21, 2011 Share Posted September 21, 2011 Alastair, Thanks, that's a new one on me, I'll have to check it out. Best, Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Devil Posted September 21, 2011 Share Posted September 21, 2011 http://www.trainworld.com/map.htm Went here in Brooklyn a few years ago, not hard to get to from NYC. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Ron Ron Posted September 21, 2011 Share Posted September 21, 2011 Followers of the Sopranos may recognise TrainWorld in brooklyn.... http://www.trainworld.com/sopranos/images/sopranosbig.jpg There are quite a few listings on the web. Some examples..... http://www.modeltrainswithlarry.com/index.php?state=NY http://www.modelrailroaddirectory.net/articles/the-top-10-model-train-shops-in-new-york.html http://www.nmra.org/directory/hobbyshops/Shopa-NR.html#NY . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LIRR Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 Hi Rob, The Red Caboose is worth a visit if you are in the midtown area. The owner is a bit of a character and reminds me of a red haired film director who lives not too far away. As others have mentioned Trainworld in Brooklyn and Trainland in Lynbrook are not too far away. Trainworld is on the F line of the MTA Subway, quite easy from Manhattan. Trainland is not to far from the LIRR station at Lynbrook, but is a bit of an effort from Manhattan. If you have access to a car, then try the recommendations from Pete in New Jersey. Andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sulzer27jd Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 Would recommend Trainworld in Brooklyn. Only a few yards from the subway (although it is elevated at that point!) J Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
trisonic Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 I have no hesitation in recommending "The Model Railroad Shop" in Piscataway, NJ. It is rather like a very good store in the UK and great for getting hold of detailed parts. Plenty of visitor/residents of NYC make the trek out there (incl. the musician end of railroad modeling). Link: http://www.themodelrailroadshop.com/ I rather think, however, that the OP is looking for a store within walking distance of Mid-Town........ Best, Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
col447 Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 I paid a visit to Gotham this last May and found the building very easily ( not to far from Macy's ) the shop is on the 13th floor !! at least there is a lift. Not to much stock but a bit of everything you might happen to need. Col Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
exet1095 Posted September 26, 2011 Share Posted September 26, 2011 Trainworld is about 30 minutes from Midtown on the subway, and as the line is elevated there the whole area looks like something from "The French Connection"... Shop is very good for US stuff, with some eccentric staff on duty. I go there to buy a Thomas engine or something each time I have to go to NYC for work. Having a Gordon's Express set in my hotel room was very comforting when I got stuck there due to the ash cloud in 2010! Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LIRR Posted October 6, 2011 Share Posted October 6, 2011 If you are heading to Trainland, you might want to bring a spare suitcase with you. They are currently doing a special on pre-orders for the G scale Aristo-craft Class 66 at $425 each reduced from $799. They seem to have most of the livery variants, and also have the inter-modal wagons at $199. You would have to add 8.75% sales tax. I don't know what price these go for in the UK, but I would think that even factoring in the costs of shipping you would still save a few pounds if you are interested in 7mm stuff. Andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob T Posted October 15, 2011 Author Share Posted October 15, 2011 Gents, A belated thanks for all of the responses - due to a classic example of Murphy's Law my post above was the final act before my internet connection died ... inconvenient not just because I missed all of your kind advice, but also as it made all of the many online hoops airlines/hotels/travel companies make us jump through rather trying! I have now returned from NYC (a fantastic place and a wonderful trip!) but didn't manage to explore any of the model shops. Nevertheless, I will return soon and will take up the kind advice above. Thank again for the help and apologies for the apparent ingratitude! All the best, Rob. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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