During the Postwar Era, my go to hobby shop was Lopo's Camera's and Trains on the northeast side of Detroit. Going to Lopo's with my father was always a treat -- sometimes literally! Lopo's had a significant stock of Lionel Trains, many of which were displayed in numerous glass cases. Additionally, the staff was quite knowledgeable about the current Lionel line, and the proprietor and other staff were quite willing to show you the different Lionel pieces that you might be interested in viewing. Although not a model train enthusiast himself, my father acquired sufficient and substantial information to be able to make informed purchases for me, especially with input from the Lopo's staff.
In addition to their model train line, Lopo's was also a dealer for photographic and movie equipment. Since my father was a camera enthusiast, particularly for taking home movies of family and friends, it wasn't very difficult to convince my father to go to Lopo's with me when he had the time. When we announced to my mother where we were going, she would sometimes just roll her eyes and smile! The trip was also a particular treat on occasion because we would sometimes stop for one of the famous, hand-scooped hot fudge sundaes at the soda fountain counter at the Sanders Ice Cream and Candy Shop along the route. That was always special!
Another favorite location to view Lionel Trains at that time was at the giant model railroad department in an upper floor of the massive, downtown Hudson's Department Store. That was particularly exciting around Thanksgiving time, and during the Christmas season, since the downtown Hudson's was fully decorated for the annual Hudson's Christmas Parade, and for the holiday season. The train displays were wonderful and the stock was plentiful.
Did you have a favorite "go to hobby shop" during the postwar era, and when were you likely to visit it?
