Madison Wisconsin Nice Ho Hobby Stores? - Model Railroader Magazine
Well there are four these Days. In order of personal preference.
Madison's Hobby Stop. Clock Tower Court/Mall (same thing) near West Town Mall. If you have a membership with any of the local clubs (includes Milw, Baraboo, and Dubuque IA I think) or a NMRA membership just tell them and they will give you the standard discount. The two owners and the son of the older owner range from moderately knowledgeable to extremely knowledgeable. Chris (fairly knowledgeable) works there most of the time. George (extremely knowledgeable) works Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays but as he comes in from near Milwaukee is weather dependant, so go assuming Chris will be there. Greg (extremely knowledgeable) works on occasions for his dad and used to be in on Wednesdays. Don't know if he still is. The store is pretty well stocked this time of year, though with it serving 4 Model Railroad Clubs right now and the individuals it can be a bit spares, especially since Mad City is coming up. Good selection of Wisconsin, Midwest and some the major roads outside of those areas in rolling stock, engines and detail parts. Good selection of Walthers kits, JL Innovative, Laser Kit, and one other can't put finger on. Little sparse on the MR books, but that hasn't ever seemed to be a part of the buisness model.
The Last Square. Odana Road. Mostly military models and prints, but carry a fair selection of MR related items. The scenery supplies are second to none in the city. The MR selection can be sparse at times, but it is always intresting and maybe a bit odd. Seems to be into DPM and other sectional kits, haven't seen a lot of "standard kits". If you are a retired service member, know someone in the services or are in the services or can sweet talk they too will give a discount. It's was less than what The Hobby Stop gave.
Doctors Hobby World. It's still around it just moved. It's now on Odana Road in the Market Square Shopping Center. It's right between the Pegasus Games and the U-Bake It Bakery Store. I mention this because Pegasus actually installed a couple of ovens to feed thier gamers. It's a bad place to stop on occasion as I have been lucky to escape with my diet, wallet and or budget intact. Not a lot of HO more O scale and S scale but they care track. Haven't ever asked for a discount, but they are the only place that carry's brass stock local to me.
Hobby Horse. East Town Shopping Area. Look for the Rocky Rocco's. It's right next store (what's with all of the LHS's in this town being next to take out). No discount that I know of. Not a great selection but are the only store that deals in estate sales or consignment. Also the only one that deals in Marklin. Althoght the prices are slightly lower than MSRP.
That pretty much sums up Madison. There are several more, but the closest would be in Monroe but that's an hour drive south, and it is a really bizarre/cool/clastiphobic/awesome hobby store. Hope that helps.
