Best train shops in New York City

Dave45681 posted:

So... side question on the TrainWorld/TrainLand recommendations.  (for those that have visited both locations)

I have to admit I have never been to TrainWorld in Brooklyn, but have been to TrainLand in Lynbrook many times over the years.

I was always of the impression that TrainWorld in Brooklyn has much less on display than TrainLand?

I know technically, only TrainWorld is within NYC, so if that's why people are recommending it as a train store to go see, I understand.  But as to what you will actually see on display, I always thought TrainLand had a lot more out for show.

True or False?

-Dave

True   Train Land has more floor space   For ease of a visit from a tourist Train World is easier to get to  F train to Ditmas Ave

bluelinec4 posted:

True   Train Land has more floor space   For ease of a visit from a tourist Train World is easier to get to  F train to Ditmas Ave

Thanks. 

Definitely easier (and much less time consuming, I would guess) to stick with the subways than hopping on the LIRR to get to the Lynbrook station. (which isn't too far away from TrainLand (looks like maybe around 1/4 mile?), but that's much more out of the way if starting in the city).

-Dave

Dave Warburton posted:

I always heard that Madison Hardware is the premier train shop in Manhattan. 

Just saying...  

My father had a toy store in East New York, Brooklyn in the 50's and when we needed anything special, I went into the city to Madison Hardware. It was overwhelming to me. They had everything.

bluelinec4 posted:

Jim R. posted:

bluelinec4 posted:

Jim R. posted:

bluelinec4 posted:

Jim R. posted:

Ignore the rants about Red Caboose. Some people lose all perspective when someone from out of town asks such a question.

 

Your kidding right?  Why give a bad impression and visit the Red Caboose

Trainworld is the only place worth visiting

Funny, I heard and read the same complaints about Madison Hardware in its heyday.

I was trying to be kind, but it’s clear some forum members can’t resist getting their own attitudes in the way.

For those who don’t want to shop there, fine. But the guy has been in business for, what, a half century? And people are still navigating the space filled with lots of merchandise? So maybe it’s worth a visit since he is doing something right to survive in a high-rent district?

Like I said, ignore the rants, or at least take them with a grain of salt. You’ll be in town for quite a few weeks. Why not check it out. And maybe report your own experiences.

 

It’s a front for laundering Tommy and ghosts money.  

Unless you have proof of that, he can now sue you for libel. 

Its a joke!!  Tommy and Ghost are fictitious characters from a TV show   Sheesh

Sorry. Missed that point.

No question Allan is a character, though. Not so different than other shops, though, in which the owner can be described as a bit crusty. I don’t know if I would be a regular customer of his store if I still lived in New York.

Frankly, I can’t believe the five boroughs of New York City essentially have two train stores.

three

bluelinec4 posted:

three

Four!  Trainworld, Scag's Fish 'n Trains, Red Caboose and LeBlanc's (http://www.lioneltrainstoreofstatenisland.com/)

If you like an outbuilding piled high and deep this is the place for you.  And a surly owner who will follow you around thrown in to boot!  The trains are actually in the building all the way in the back.  

All in all a pretty pathetic selection (except Trainland.)

Dave45681 posted:

bluelinec4 posted:

True   Train Land has more floor space   For ease of a visit from a tourist Train World is easier to get to  F train to Ditmas Ave

Thanks. 

Definitely easier (and much less time consuming, I would guess) to stick with the subways than hopping on the LIRR to get to the Lynbrook station. (which isn't too far away from TrainLand (looks like maybe around 1/4 mile?), but that's much more out of the way if starting in the city).

-Dave

Yes. If you are attempting to jump on the LIRR, you might as well go out to charlie's place in Nassau.

Nassau hobbies that is.

bluelinec4 posted:

Is Ez Catch a new name for fish n trains? Curious because I bought from fish n trains on line years ago and had good expeiences. Lately I have seen Ez Catch on ebay but not fish n trains  so I was wondering if there is a connection . 

pennsy484 posted:

bluelinec4 posted:

Is Ez Catch a new name for fish n trains? Curious because I bought from fish n trains on line years ago and had good expeiences. 

EZ Catch was always the name of the store since he moved to this location  Fish and trains is his ebay id  Ferry & a bus from Manhattan 

LeBlancs is a little tougher to get to

Yes. If you are attempting to jump on the LIRR, you might as well go out to charlie's place in Nassau.

Nassau hobbies that is.

Nassau Hobby is at 13 W Merrick Rd in Freeport, Long Island (Nassau County).
Since I have not been on Long Island in quite a few years now, I haven't even been to his current store.

I started going to Nassau Hobby in the 1970's, when the shop was a tiny place on Church St.

Just North if the city is Toms Trains in Ardsley. A fantastic Lionel selection and a lot of nice postwar! A big layout in the center and Tom, the owner, is a real nice guy. Metro-North from Grand Central to Dobbs Ferry, then taxi over. Plus the train ride is real nice??