It looks like work is going to require me to spend a couple weeks in San Antonio Texas next month. Is there anything of railroad interest down their to check out? Hobby or prototype? Any must see hobby shops? Thanks. Brad Slone
Hi Brad, I live here in San Antonio. There are only really two hobby shops that deal with trains. Dibbles and Hobbytown USA. They are generic and not really what you'd call an in depth train shop. They cover the basics and some detail parts (Dibbles) but that's it. If you want real train stores, we'd have to go to Dallas or Houston which is 3 hours away each, respectively. As for real trains, lots of UP action on the NE/E/S side of town. Railfanning would be plentiful. You can check out the old Southern Pacific station, fully refurbished, with a Southern Pacific steam locomotive outside. There is also the trolley museum which operates old trollies and also houses the San Antonio Model Railroad Club. I can get you more information on that if you wish. That's about it for railroads. There is plenty of shopping and sites to see. Seaworld, Six Flags, Schlitterbahn water park, Alamo, River Walk, to name a few. I don't know what your schedule is like or what your interests are. I can just say with authority, avoid the south side of town. Manny
Go through Addison (N. Dallas suburb) and stop at Discount Model Trains. A model train super store if there ever was one! Tom
Brad, There is also LIGAR Technologies ( http://www.ligartechnologies.com ) on NW Military Highway near its intersection with West Avenue. They have a good deal of DCC stuff and expertise, if that is one of your interests. You might also enjoy a trip to the old MoPac station in New Braunfels (http://newbraunfelsrailroadmuseum.org) if you are there over a weekend. -Bob T.
Thanks everybody for the input, and a stop at Addison on the way back is definitely on the too do list. Brad
Discount Model Trains and Caboose Hobbies in Dever for modelers is like the Vatican or Jerusalem for pilgrims! )) Tom
The depot and Espee MK-5 are nicely done, and there is usually an AMTRASH sleeper spotted at the depot. It's worth a look. These pictures were taken during April of this year.
The depot is north of the Alamo Dome and just off I-37 at Hoefgen Ave and Commerce St. When I go to San Antonio, I like to avoid the River Walk Touristas, so I like to eat at least one meal at the Grey Moss Inn in Helotes, TX. Watch the speed traps as you near the restaurant. http://www.grey-moss-inn.com/
