Hi, folks. I'm really looking forward to the convention in Springfield! Part of the fun also will be patronizing local hobby shops. I've done some quick online research, but insight from those in-the-know would be great, too. For example, not every shop has a website, and not every shop updates their info. So, my questions are these: 1) What model train shops are in the vicinity of the convention? 2) Does anyone know their regular days / hours of operation, and what special hours they'll have for conventioneers? 3) Any tips on Frisco / railfan sightseeing on the trip down from or back up to KC? The two shops I know about are Battlefield Station Family Hobbies and Trainland Hobbies. Thanks! Looking forward to seeing you there! - Bruce
Battlefield Station is out of business, the owner Larry Levine is deceased. Trainland is in the southwest part of the city, the Frisco Building is on the city's east side. Trainland's address is 3121 S. Campbell, the Frisco Building (Convention site) is 3253 E. Chestnut Expressway, and Hobby Town USA is 2718 S. Glenstone if you want to Google some maps. Tom PS: The former Frisco Office Building at E. 3253 Chestnut Expressway is now called "Frisco Crossing."
I've been there. It's a nice shop, seems to be fairly fully stocked. I bought an Atlas N scale Frisco caboose and some magazines. I didn't look too closely, but HO and airplanes seemed to be well represented. Usual how to books, magazines, paints, glue. Tom
I have been to train land hobbies a few times and it is a good store with N, HO, and O scales with some G scale if memory serves. Last time I was there they had several N scale MP15DC's, RS1's and cabooses all by Atlas Ethan
TPA Hobby in Hollister also has an HO model RR club layout downstairs, plus HO, O, N, and G scale layouts owned by TPA. Worth a look if you are in the area. The last time I was at Trainland, he only accepted cash or checks, so be aware if you want to purchase anything there. Keith
