CoolTrains Toys & Hobbies

Fantastic model train store! Stopped in with my teenage son whose hobby is HO model trains while vacationing in the area. Great selection of new and used items and very reasonable prices My son was able to find several items. The owner is very friendly.

I wanted to get my 10-year-old son into modeling. The last model that I put together was 30+ years ago. After some web research, I came to find that a lot has changed, at least with regard to paints. Acrylics are apparently now the big thing, for a number of reasons. Based on my web search, I found what I thought I needed and then began the hunt for a local store that sold the individual paints that I wanted... vs. going online and buying pre-fab kits that have 15 paints that I don't need, and 2 that I do. Also, I needed some guidance, as I'd never worked with acrylics before (having grown up in the age of Testor's enamels). I passed by CoolTrains Toys & Hobbies for well over at least a decade on my way home from work. I was always curious about what was in the store, but never had an opportunity to go in, as they keep very limited hours. I'm glad I went in, and I now understand why they keep such limited hours. After striking up a conversation with the owner (Ted) about how I need to consider re-approaching modeling, I discovered that the one, very knowledgeable, shopkeeper (i.e., Ted) runs the entire store... pretty much solely because he has a passion, mainly for trains, but really for models of all sorts. He took the time (a solid 15 minutes) to walk my son and I through acrylics and cross referenced the colors that we'd need for a Shelby Mustang model, which we purchased at a big box store, unaware that CoolTrains Toys & Hobbies carried such a massive supply of model trains, cars (including the Shelby we bought at another store for more), trucks, ships, tanks, jeeps, planes, big rigs... etc. (from all major manufacturers). Ted recommended all kinds of accessories (no pressure to buy at all) and gave us some free magazines that he said would help get me in touch with the current modeling goings on. The store has everything that you could possibly need for build, fitment, and finish... and, if they don't, Ted is willing to order it for you. Other reviewers posted photos, and, while helpful, they barely did the store justice. Even those I posted are limited. This store has so much packed into a relatively small space (there's even a clearance section in the back of the store) that you wouldn't believe it until you saw it. My son was awestruck. What was supposed to be a 15-minute visit turned into a solid hour and a half.. with my son not wanting to leave, as he couldn't believe all the models in the store. While the majority of the store is geared toward model trains of all shapes, sizes, quality, and cost (I wish I could tell you what they are, but I know nothing about model trains)... there is a great deal for all types of modelers. CoolTrains Toys & Hobbies truly seems to have it all... and what they don't have Ted will get for you. When you go in, expect a no-hassle small-town experience from a knowledgeable shopkeeper who's willing to spend what little time he has with folks, passing on his passion for models. Also, please be patient with the owner if he's busy. I saw another reviewer noting that they didn't get the customer service they expected. We're conditioned to big-box store experiences where you might have a ton of employees but truly only one or two of them (who are usually slammed, because they are the few who have the answers), can help you. It might make you feel warm and fuzzy (i.e., acknowledged), but what help are you ***really*** getting? There's literally one gentleman running CoolTrains Toys & Hobbies. He does the very best that he can and provides a truly customized customer service experience... listening to your needs and addressing them to the best of his ability. If he's busy, take a breath, peruse the store's wares. You just might be pleasantly surprised at the wonders that CoolTrains Toys & Hobbies offers. I know that my son and I both were... and, we'll definitely be back. Give CoolTrains Toys & Hobbies a chance. While the store has limited hours, it's well worth the experience... just make sure to call ahead to see if the store owner is in. Happy modeling.

Reasonably priced and great customer service.

Took my son over to see some of the model trains and was immediately taken by surprise with the selection of trains available. The prices varied but were extremely affordable. Tracks, decor, transformers, etc. are available to build or add onto a model train table.

There is a massive selection of paint and supplies for any hobby and in the back, you will have to ask to see their model train run.

Extremely nice people to deal with.

This place has the Best prices. It's clean, it's the Owner very nice. He will work with you hold stuff for you gets for you. It's a great place

Nice selection, very helpful. Went out of his way to find out a spec for me.

It’s a great store! Clean and bright. The owner Ted is friendly and helpful. I make it a point to stop in anytime we’re in the area, because there’s usually something neat from a collection Ted has picked up that you won’t see anywhere else. Prices are always fair. Great experience every time!

Nice guys but shop is in process of changing ownership.

Nice train store. Treated my 12 year old like an adult, when he shopped for train supplies (I hurt my leg, so I let him go in without me, with the warning to behave). Thank you

What a great shop extremely large selection, well priced and knowledgeable Friendly staff. I will certainly be back.

We bought a very nice train set here for our grandson. The owner was really helpful & knowledgeable about the different train types & sizes & accessories etc. It's a great shop, and we like to support our local businesses. Definitely check it out. The train we got is so cool & works on a remote that our 3 yr. old grandson picked up easily. The sound effects sound just like a real train with the chugging & steam sound and even real smoke coming out of the smoke stack. Even the conductor calling out different sentences. Really fun stuff. They have one of those on display so you can see it & hear it.

Primarily an "O" and "HO" gauge train shop with models as well. Helpful staff, great prices and a wide variety of stock that is always rotating, if you see it and want it you better buy it because it'll be gone the next time you stop in. I drop in every two weeks or so and generally pick up something. Well worth the visit!

Awesome hobby shop with a great selection an very reasonable prices. The owner is friendly & knowledgeable. Im fortunate enough to live close but I’d have no problem driving over an hour….yea it’s that good.

Ted's the MAN, if he doesn't have what you want, he will try hard to get it for you. So happy he was able to reopen after a devistating
fire took most if not all of his inventory. I just feel at home there, slot better then the big box hobby stores.i give him 5 star rating.

We were in town on a day trip. Decided to check it. Glad we did!!! Great variety of model kits and trains! Second hand model kits and trains! We will definitely be back!

This is a great store! The owner was very helpful and we left with a fantastic starter train that we will build on each year. I can see that going to Cool Trains to add another piece is going to become a tradition we repeat each year.

I love this store and never walk out empty handed. The employees are really friendly, helpful, and cool to talk hobby stuff with. I believe everyone should try a hobby and have one .... unfortunately we're in a day and age where having a hobby seem like a lost leisure activity. I've personally witnessed the loss of countless Hobby stores of various types over time but thankfully we have Cool Trains here to serve our needs. If you want to get into model railroading, model vehicle building, scenery or diorama building, model rocketry, etc then this is the store to go to in the region. Bonus points for the random used train stuff they often buy and resell. You never know what used train goodies you'll find. I also enjoy building model WW2 planes and they literally have everything you would ever need to put the perfect finishing touches for an authentic look on your models. check the store out and get a hobby!

This is a great place for model enthusiasts. Ted is a wonderful person - if he doesn't have the item you're looking for, he will do his best to find it!

Great place, great selection, worth the drive from anywhere!!!

While I usually don't write reviews, I believe this shop deserves one. CoolTrains recently started selling Gundam models and has been carrying more and more of them. His stock is ever growing and is really in tune to what his customers are looking for. They have a variety of different grades, from high grade to real grade, to master grade. If his shop doesn't carry what you're looking for, Ted is more than open to order one for you. If you're looking for Gundam, don't go anywhere else, this is the store to go to! They have excellent customer service and always greet you with a Hello! Thanks for the fantastic service!

First time there. This is a real gem! Knowable and friendly people. Seemed very well stocked for a small old fashioned hobby shop.