The Albemarle Music Shop as the name implies really was not a toy train shop. It dose have a large, more like 20X60 layout on the second floor, presuming it is still there. And yes he had a small area with some Lionel only trains for sale.
Ironically it was almost the root cause of the only area toy train shop with qualified repair technicians ceasing to do O-Gauge repairs.
I am sorry if I confused you. I don't have a shop. I have a home layout. You are welcome to stop by if we can work out the schedule. Let me know when and I will email you my address/directions privately. Thanks for
Hey Jacob,Christopher,C.sam,SouthernRailway Sean,PRRrounbh and I woulk like to say hi again to PRRrounph we meet one time at the little choo choo shop in Spencer last summer if you remember. I am also a transplante from the northeast to the Charlotte area, it will be a year this March. I see the same problem,with a nice local train shop in the charlotte area, so far I have made it to the Train loft and the little choo choo shop. it's a bit of a trip to both but worth the trip to seem them. But for me now I have enuff stuff to run, but it's all still packed up untill i start my temporary modular lay out in the garage,this will be my 3rd lay out. the first two lay out's where permanent. this time I will try building modular/temporary lay out that will be 8x20 walk around. the reason for this is because i am renting right now until I buy my next house in the area and at least will be able to take the lay out with me so all the wood won't go to weast again. if any one would like to get together like takeing a trip to C.cam club lay out that would be nice or just meet up some time,my e-mail is in my profile. right now i am still in the transitional stage with work and my side business/job, my wife and my son who is eleven years old with school and sports right now. But getting the trains up and running are aways on my mind. This weekend my wife and son and I are taking a trip out Asheville for some site seeing and on the waay back there will be a stop at the (toy train shop) and thats about 97 miles from charlotte for the next O gauge hobby store.To chris and Jacob i live in the middle of you guys I think?? in Ballantyne
Paul
I would love to come down for an operating session on your layout.
I have a collection of Lionel TMCC and MTH DCS Locomotives in my collection.
Would it be OK if I bring my Dad along he's also an operator and a collector.
Bill
If you like some help with your layout I'm in Huntersville but I'll be more than happy to lend a hand with helping you build your layout. I'm also renting but will be looking for a new home over the summer with a larger bonus room for my layout.
I am one of those Northerners who recently moved to NC. I lived most of my life in NJ and PA where there are many train stores. After retiring, I moved to Hickory in 2007 and then bought a house in Newton in 2008. It has certainly felt like an O Gauge desert around here. There seems to be a lot of HO and smaller gauge activity, but very little O.
It's great to see so many posts from people in NC who are O gaugers. So, we're here...just no local train shops. I can't dedicate the time to participating in a club that builds and maintains a layout, but I would certainly be interested in get togethers to discuss trains and maybe run some trains at peoples' home layouts.
After buying our house, I had a detached 2-story garage built. The second story is the Train Room (about 28' x 29'). I have installed 2-level Mianne benchwork (upper level for G gauge and lower for O gauge) around the room. But, I haven't found the time to get track laid so I can run some trains...too many other hobbies and activities.
We spend quite some time in the Charlotte area, Waxhaw NC, not too far from Ballantyne. I woul be interested in meeting up at some point, assuming its a time when we are here in NC.
By the way, I have a copy of a 1949 Model Railroader and the dealer directory had a listing for the Charlotte Hobby Center on w. 4th st. It was the only Nortch carolina dealer listed in the directory.
Hey Billy,
Ddid you take in the Asheille Train Show across from the Asheville Airport today?
It was good and actually the best we've had, especially for O gauge. There were 200+ vendor tables and 10 operating layouts - ours (3Rail) and 4 - count 'em, FOUR large Scale layouts in addition to two HO, one S, and an N gauge plus a Z.
Two forum members stopped in frm SC - Bob Kazian and another fella who's name escapes me at the moment.
Interest in growing...
Another NE transplant here too! Been in SC (Irmo, next to Columbia)for 5 1/2 years. I would be interested in visiting some layouts/clubs as well. I'm about to dismantle my garage layout as I've been "given" the room over the garage to rebuild in.
Sam, the "other fella" was me. Don't feel bad. I am pretty forgettable. Anyway, I hope you can come with your other club guys and see me. I would like to get up your way, as it is not nearly as far as I thought. We can talk about some dates as I would like to see the club layout and meet you guys in a little more time friendly environment. Enjoyed the show and meeting you and your fellow train guys.
Southern Railway Sean: Would enjoy having you and your dad (and anyone else you wish to bring) come down. Give me some dates you guys can come and we can compare calenders and meet up. Thank you for the interest.
Thanks Paul,
I'm looking forward to coming down for an operating session.
Also would any member on the forum be interested in started a get together rather than a full modular club. It might work best for everyone in the Charlotte Area to invite fellow forum member over to maybe help with working on their layouts or for operating session.
I know the LCCA Red Carpet event in Concord is coming up on March 23 and the Train Show in Hickory I believe is in April just don't know the date.
I'll be in Spencer for my birthday on April 13th to ride the NS Steam excursion.
So if anyone wanted to meet I plan to be at all those upcoming events.
Hey Billy,
Ddid you take in the Asheille Train Show across from the Asheville Airport today?
It was good and actually the best we've had, especially for O gauge. There were 200+ vendor tables and 10 operating layouts - ours (3Rail) and 4 - count 'em, FOUR large Scale layouts in addition to two HO, one S, and an N gauge plus a Z.
Two forum members stopped in frm SC - Bob Kazian and another fella who's name escapes me at the moment.
Interest in growing...
Sam,
It was a great show, and bigger than I expected. Your club's layout was great. My son and grandsons had a wonderful time too.
Hope to see you again soon.
Bob
I have followed this thread with interest as I also bought a lot of trains and learned a great deal from Charlotte Electric Train and Rich's shop. I miss those shops and miss the people who worked there and shopped there (David Summerford, his dad, Brian White, Mike Rouse, Exum Davis, Pete the S gauge guy) and many others. As they say those where the days.
I would humbly invite those in the area (North and South Carolina) to visit my layout which is about 1200 square feet of highrail layout with three levels, a 80 car staging yard and many other features. I have had a tremendous amount of help on the layout from some very talented people from the HO, S, and O gauge hobbies, including Jamie Haislip, Will Allen, Bob Chapman, Bo Sis and John Drafts, and again, many others.
I would be interested in doing what Southern Railway Sean suggested (visiting and running trains) with the group from the Charlotte area. I am about a 1.5 hour easy drive down I-77 in Columbia SC. I would be flattered to have any and all come when you can. I have some folks visiting this weekend and would welcome any of you. Just give me a shout at my email in my profile.
Thanks for discussing the o gauge hobby world of Charlotte's past as it reminded me of good people and good times.
I have followed this thread with interest as I also bought a lot of trains and learned a great deal from Charlotte Electric Train and Rich's shop. I miss those shops and miss the people who worked there and shopped there (David Summerford, his dad, Brian White, Mike Rouse, Exum Davis, Pete the S gauge guy) and many others. As they say those where the days.
I would humbly invite those in the area (North and South Carolina) to visit my layout which is about 1200 square feet of highrail layout with three levels, a 80 car staging yard and many other features. I have had a tremendous amount of help on the layout from some very talented people from the HO, S, and O gauge hobbies, including Jamie Haislip, Will Allen, Bob Chapman, Bo Sis and John Drafts, and again, many others.
I would be interested in doing what Southern Railway Sean suggested (visiting and running trains) with the group from the Charlotte area. I am about a 1.5 hour easy drive down I-77 in Columbia SC. I would be flattered to have any and all come when you can. I have some folks visiting this weekend and would welcome any of you. Just give me a shout at my email in my profile.
Thanks for discussing the o gauge hobby world of Charlotte's past as it reminded me of good people and good times.
Paul,
I do not see your email in your profile. When you have a moment to you mind sending it to me?
Thank you!
The Albemarle Music Shop as the name implies really was not a toy train shop. It dose have a large, more like 20X60 layout on the second floor, presuming it is still there. And yes he had a small area with some Lionel only trains for sale.
Ironically it was almost the root cause of the only area toy train shop with qualified repair technicians ceasing to do O-Gauge repairs.
Why did it cause the repair technicians to cease performing O-Gauge repairs?
Hey Jacob,Christopher,C.sam,SouthernRailway Sean,PRRrounbh and I woulk like to say hi again to PRRrounph we meet one time at the little choo choo shop in Spencer last summer if you remember. I am also a transplante from the northeast to the Charlotte area, it will be a year this March. I see the same problem,with a nice local train shop in the charlotte area, so far I have made it to the Train loft and the little choo choo shop. it's a bit of a trip to both but worth the trip to seem them. But for me now I have enuff stuff to run, but it's all still packed up untill i start my temporary modular lay out in the garage,this will be my 3rd lay out. the first two lay out's where permanent. this time I will try building modular/temporary lay out that will be 8x20 walk around. the reason for this is because i am renting right now until I buy my next house in the area and at least will be able to take the lay out with me so all the wood won't go to weast again. if any one would like to get together like takeing a trip to C.cam club lay out that would be nice or just meet up some time,my e-mail is in my profile. right now i am still in the transitional stage with work and my side business/job, my wife and my son who is eleven years old with school and sports right now. But getting the trains up and running are aways on my mind. This weekend my wife and son and I are taking a trip out Asheville for some site seeing and on the waay back there will be a stop at the (toy train shop) and thats about 97 miles from charlotte for the next O gauge hobby store.To chris and Jacob i live in the middle of you guys I think?? in Ballantyne
Bill and Sean, I would love to lend a hand with the layouts as well. Feel free to email me and I will devote time as long as someone can provide mentoring.
Billy, I'll add you to the list of those who would like to meet and run trains!
I am one of those Northerners who recently moved to NC. I lived most of my life in NJ and PA where there are many train stores. After retiring, I moved to Hickory in 2007 and then bought a house in Newton in 2008. It has certainly felt like an O Gauge desert around here. There seems to be a lot of HO and smaller gauge activity, but very little O.
It's great to see so many posts from people in NC who are O gaugers. So, we're here...just no local train shops. I can't dedicate the time to participating in a club that builds and maintains a layout, but I would certainly be interested in get togethers to discuss trains and maybe run some trains at peoples' home layouts.
After buying our house, I had a detached 2-story garage built. The second story is the Train Room (about 28' x 29'). I have installed 2-level Mianne benchwork (upper level for G gauge and lower for O gauge) around the room. But, I haven't found the time to get track laid so I can run some trains...too many other hobbies and activities.
Vince, I'll add you to the list of those interested in meet ups. If you need help on the layout, please email. I would certainly be willing to lend a hand.
We spend quite some time in the Charlotte area, Waxhaw NC, not too far from Ballantyne. I woul be interested in meeting up at some point, assuming its a time when we are here in NC.
By the way, I have a copy of a 1949 Model Railroader and the dealer directory had a listing for the Charlotte Hobby Center on w. 4th st. It was the only Nortch carolina dealer listed in the directory.
LIRR Steamer, I'll add you to the communication list.
Another NE transplant here too! Been in SC (Irmo, next to Columbia)for 5 1/2 years. I would be interested in visiting some layouts/clubs as well. I'm about to dismantle my garage layout as I've been "given" the room over the garage to rebuild in.
Chuck, I'll add you to the list. If you need help with the layout please let me know!
It seems like Black Hawk Hardware (Ace) at Park Road shopping center would be a perfect place to sell trains in addition to hardware products!
There was a train store at Park Rd shopping center years ago.........
My buddy ran Toy Circus, really a toy store, but he carried trains and when I started working there we carried more. We also offered basic layout service at Christmas. Small layouts with grass mats, a few switches and buildings. But we always had a number of customers each year and delivered Christmas Eve. The store was owned by an investor and when he wanted to retire we had to close. But yes....there was a train store in that center!!
PS...Segfield area of South Blvd was were Whistle Stop was...across from Pepsi!
Alright, here is the list of those that will be receiving an email about a possible train run or meet and greet...somewhere 
. If I've missed anyone please shoot me an email.
VinceL
LIRR Steamer
Chuck B
Billy
Southern Railway Sean
Christopher2035
paulreeves
I will be sending out an email tomorrow (Monday 3/4/2013).
It seems like Black Hawk Hardware (Ace) at Park Road shopping center would be a perfect place to sell trains in addition to hardware products!
There was a train store at Park Rd shopping center years ago.........
My buddy ran Toy Circus, really a toy store, but he carried trains and when I started working there we carried more. We also offered basic layout service at Christmas. Small layouts with grass mats, a few switches and buildings. But we always had a number of customers each year and delivered Christmas Eve. The store was owned by an investor and when he wanted to retire we had to close. But yes....there was a train store in that center!!
PS...Segfield area of South Blvd was were Whistle Stop was...across from Pepsi!
AMAZING...that's a 1/2 mile walk from my house. I would have probably passed on my walks to the light rail! I'm so bummed it's no longer there.
Another NE transplant here too! Been in SC (Irmo, next to Columbia)for 5 1/2 years. I would be interested in visiting some layouts/clubs as well. I'm about to dismantle my garage layout as I've been "given" the room over the garage to rebuild in.
Chuck, I'll add you to the list. If you need help with the layout please let me know!
I may take you up on that! I'm still prepping the room (paint, lighting, etc.) I'll have about 14'x17' to work with when I'm done.
The closest train shop to the Charlotte area is the Little Choo Choo in Spencer NC , I think. The NC Transportation Museum is directly across the street and has an operating turntable and a large collection of train cars and steam and diesel locomotives.
I would LOVE some help when I put my new layout up after we move in June!!
My wife & I are yet more northerners to come down here, but we really don't know anyone at all
@ Billy - you may be really close to me, as I'm close to 521/160 junction
Christopher you are somewhat close to me.... Waxhaw NC providence rd.
Christopher you are somewhat close to me.... Waxhaw NC providence rd.
Waxhaw is pretty close - I go there all the time to watch the CSX trains w/ my daughter. It's maybe a 15 min drive to the tracks
Waxhaw, NC - 2/8/13 by Christopher & Amy Cate / Eastern Rails Photography, on Flickr
Nice photo from the Bridge. We are about 5 minutes north of there off Providence road. This is on the original Seaboard main line from Hamlet to Atlanta Birmingham. The "Silver Comet" once called in Waxhaw. The line still has quite a few trains daily. There is a restaurant in town Rippingtons" which has two tables in the front windows which give a great seat to have lunch or dinner and catch a CSX train going through town. Monroe about 15 miles east on NC 75 is the division point with the line into Charlotte. The depot there is restored and used by CSX. It still has a Seaboard sign on it
Chris,
look me up the next time you go out railfanning I got a Niko D5100 for Christmas!!
plus it would be nice to get out for some good photo's in the spring.
Dave,
I forgot about Toy Circus I would go there as a kid when my Grandmother would buy my clothes at L&S. My Dad also bought his Lionel SP U36B from there.
Jacob
I just updated my profile to list my email. Look forward to hearing from you and meeting all these guys. Sounds good.
Dave,
I forgot about Toy Circus I would go there as a kid when my Grandmother would buy my clothes at L&S. My Dad also bought his Lionel SP U36B from there.
Wow....neat to know!!! Toy Circus existed in a different era. Park Rd was a old school shopping center. The store survived the mega stores because we offered SERVICE. We had free birthday gift wrap and on Saturday morning folks would be lined up to get in. I had a lot of fun building and delivering the train layouts....kinda a Santa thing! The store only closed because the owner wanted to relax.
My buddy that ran Toy Circus now owns a GREAT pizza place in Cramerton @ 202 Market St and Hwy 74. Market St Pizza is the BEST pizza in NC. (I'm not bias because I eat free either!!)
Alright, here is the list of those that will be receiving an email about a possible train run or meet and greet...somewhere . If I've missed anyone please shoot me an email.
VinceL
LIRR Steamer
Chuck B
Billy
Southern Railway Sean
Christopher2035
paulreeves
I will be sending out an email tomorrow (Monday 3/4/2013).
Email has been sent. If I missed anyone please respond to this post and let me know!
Alright, here is the list of those that will be receiving an email about a possible train run or meet and greet...somewhere . If I've missed anyone please shoot me an email.
VinceL
LIRR Steamer
Chuck B
Billy
Southern Railway Sean
Christopher2035
paulreeves
I will be sending out an email tomorrow (Monday 3/4/2013).
Email has been sent. If I missed anyone please respond to this post and let me know!
Thanks Paul,
I'm looking forward to coming down for an operating session.
Also would any member on the forum be interested in started a get together rather than a full modular club. It might work best for everyone in the Charlotte Area to invite fellow forum member over to maybe help with working on their layouts or for operating session.
I know the LCCA Red Carpet event in Concord is coming up on March 23 and the Train Show in Hickory I believe is in April just don't know the date.
I'll be in Spencer for my birthday on April 13th to ride the NS Steam excursion.
So if anyone wanted to meet I plan to be at all those upcoming events.
Brian, thanks for the kind words. Hope to see you soon. Please come when you can.
Paul
Are you running TMCC or DCS on your layout?
I hope you don't mind if I bring a few thing with me to run.
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