THANKS YOU IN ADVANCE !!!
FREDSTRAINS
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Forum sponsor @Berwyns Toys and Trains is always a great place to stop.
Des Plaines Hobbies
Chicagoland Hobbies
Berwyn's
America's Best Train and Hobby
Make sure you make the trip up to IRM too. Well worth the drive.
Fred, it would really help if you provided a little more info.
The stores listed above are really all that are available, but if we knew where (within the CHICAGO Area) you will be based, for how long and if you have transportation we can probably give you even better ideas for your trip.
Charlie
IRM = Illinois Railway Museum
Pioneer Zephyr, NYC #999 Empire State Express & other locomotives are on display at Chicago’s Museum Of Science & Industry
If you have an interest in European trains, there's also Reynauld's in Elburn (west of Chicago) - https://www.reynaulds.com/
Suggest calling first to make sure the store is open.
You might also try Walt's Hobby on Plainfield Road (Route 30?) in Crest Hill, IL. They had lots of new and used (but in good condition) Lionel and MTH equipment with some Atlas and Williams. Haven't been there in a while because it's not close to my home, but, pre-COVID, I used to drop in after Joliet casino visits.
Chuck
@Boilermaker1 posted:Make sure you make the trip up to IRM too. Well worth the drive.
This and next weekend are Day Out With Thomas weekends at IRM. If history is any guide, it will likely be mobbed with long waits to board trains.
Rusty
Thanks everyone for the recommendations! Looking forward to our visit to the Windy City! Used to have a Hobby Shop in Lisle Illinois, but that was 30 Years ago! Everything changes, nothing stays the same!
Fredstrains
If you're downtown by Union Station, check out Lou Mitchell's. The beginning of Route 66. Great food!! http://www.loumitchells.com/
One of the best places to visit in Chicago is “The Museum of Science and Industry” with a beautiful HO gauge model railroad and many other items if interest to review. On Lake Shore Boulevard. Happy Railroading Everyone
The big 3 left are
Americas Best Hobby Itasca (North)
Chicagoland Hobby by Ohare (middle)
Berwyns Hobby in Berwyn (South))
Downers Grove hobby is long gone
Illinois Railway Museum in Huntley (way north) is well worth the drive
Museum of Science and Industry if you have a block of time
If you want to pair great breweries with the train hobby let me know where you are going.
THANKS AGAIN EVERONE !!!!!
