Loose Caboose

No on-​line mega-​store beats the experience of walking into a locally-​owned genuine hobby store like The Loose Caboose. I stopped by for some model railroad supplies and was impressed by the scope and inventory they carry (and their prices compare favorably also). Oh, and if you’re into model rocketry, you’re going to love this place.
As the years go by, independent hobby shops like this are getting harder to find. I’ll be coming back and hope they’ll be there for years to come.

They do have a nice selection of train items. My problem was that I bought some track and I figured that I would be getting all the same kind of track. When I got home I notice portion of the track were different brands. Since I live almost an hour away I called and asked about it and they said don’t worry about it most people won’t notice. When I buy something I want it to be what I bought not what you want me to gave. I guess I learned my lesson not to trust them. A company only gets one chance and they used theirs up. Never going back.

I love this place, they got tons of cool stuff and the owners are awesome guys. Trains, model kits, planes, tabletop games… even card games. 5 for life.

I have been visiting and utilizing The Loose Caboose since it was located at the north end of town off Highway 29. Whether it has been selecting ¹⁄₃₅ scale models for a diorama as a high school student, or, as a teacher, finding supplies for missions and other projects, I have always been pleased with the service. The gentlemen I have interacted with have never failed to be polite, knowledgeable and helpful. If they don’t have what you need they are willing to look for it, or even recommend another store which may have what you need.
From the name one would assume almost exclusively model railroading. However, there is a large selection of models, military and civilian, of several different scales. Model rockets are well represented as are R/​C models, Legos, robot and anatomy kits, and gaming hobbies (Pathfinder, Warhammer and 40k), and a great section for younger kids.
Having been part of a miniature wargaming group, I have appreciated how the store has a back room set up for gaming. Whether setting down for a hand or two of Magic, using the tables and available terrain for a battle of Flames of War, Bolt Action, Warhammer or 40k, the proprietors have been very gracious. Just over the last month, the back room has been remodeled with new walls, ceiling and carpet.
If models, gaming, or just the ambience of a model railroads appeal to you, I can’t recommend The Loose Caboose highly enough!

This place really is a gem. It sells a variety of useful things for people making their own models, such as glue, tools for resin kits. They really strive in terms of having a lot of train related models, both old and new. The owner is really nice. I was really amazed when they displayed a N series Caltrain on display that I can play on. If you are a train person and into this kind of hobby, this place is as good as it gets.

This place looked nice from the outside, and seems to have a pretty decent train selection. However, I was looking for helicopters and some parts but found barely anything. Everything had to be ordered. The guy working there, however, was VERY nice and helpful, and gave me a few tips and tricks with honest opinions to help me out. If it were just for helis, I’d give this place a 2 star rating, but since its not mainly a plane hobby shop, that’d be unfair… so here’s a three.
Just know that helicopter options here are limited before coming, otherwise, if you’re looking for trains you’ll probably be a happy camper.

A train lover’s heaven, my little engineer was in awe the minute he walked in the door of the Loose Caboose. This little hobby shop has an amazing collection of Lionel cars, pieces to construct the beautiful villages to wind your train through along with landscaping of all kinds. They also carry an amazing selection of Legos and of course, enough Thomas and Friends cars to make your little engineer go crazy! Run by a nice and knowledgeable staff who are willing and eager tackle any train challenge you throw their way.

My two boys love to come play with Thomas the tank train set they have set up. They have trains running on tracks overhead. Great Lego selection at this store. Lots of hobby supplies to keep us busy. Ray and Roy are very helpful and welcome kids, young and old.