They used to have a rack of AJ's tires and gears, pick-ups etc. It truly is like a toy store in the 1940's with all the train stuff in there (the owner's personal Lionel collection that is open to the public once a year is reportedly insured for over a million) They have just started to expand on the slot car area and although I haven't been there in about 10 months I think it is geared toward 1/32 but I need to see where they are on HO. The other place of interest here is Davis Electric in Milford, East of the city which is a world-renowned mecca for Lionel train collectors and buffs. The good thing is that they have a 30% off retail pricing policy and I can usually get some things close to net prices minus the shipping, but plus the tax. They carry a fair amount of Life-Like track sections a a few odd Tomy sections but will order whatever you want. That doesn't stink when you can dodge out at lunch and see if the local guy has one of the new releases you've been eyeballing on the net.

Mostly they'll have the latest AFX releases, Life-Like cars and tracks and some JL, AutoWorld releases. Their hobby section is pretty good for a toy store, is very train heavy, but does have some HO slots in addition to the beginnings of a good 1/32 selection. Here in Cincinnati we had a string of local toy stores called Johnny's Toys which has now shrunk to one store in Latonia, south of Covington KY (across the river). Never know what treasures one can find when going to long established hobby stores? Anyhow, I will still check out the new Trost location just to see what they have. and get the choices that a local hobby shop couldn't or worse yet, wouldn't think to offer. Where else can you click on site like Pattos, Greg Braun's, eBay, etc. Usually at prices well below the local shops. The net offers such a vast variety of selection and availability. However, the internet has just about put the hobby shops out of business. That should be a 'no brainer' decision for slot car hobbists. I would prefer to support the local hobby shops, even if it costs more. I will have to check them out to see how they are stocked. Looks like a new location for them? They used to keep a very good inventory of slot car items. I just looked them up and came up with this Trost Hobbies was/is(?) located on 63rd Street in Chicago.

I think I remember them for like $1.99 or 2.99. However, when I was a kid, I can remember looking at T-jet after T-jet. Hobby City went away back in the 80's if I remember right. The place for us kids growing up on the southside was either Hobby City in Evergreen Park located at 95th and Millard, or Trost Hobbies on 63rd st.

Hobby shops with slot cars