Incredible N Scale Model Railroad of Chicago - LAYOUT TOUR

[@jamesf791]

As a train enthusiast, I have to agree this is a really great layout. Been there a few times... spoiled that the Chicagoland area has many great railroad clubs.

[@roberthiggins6745]

i lived in Glen Ellyn, the trains from where i lived on keniworth ave , ride the bike and watch them Yrs later, my buddy Gary , and i go see his mom in Chicago . and hobby shop we liked. I miss it.

[@robadams5799]

Nice to see the South Suburbs of Chicago represented. I grew up in Burbank, and now I live in Buford, Georgia. That's right--"Buford." I went to the Great Midwest Train Show in Wheaton and bought an affordable beginner's layout that just happened to be N-scale. I had to have it because it included a Santa Fe Yellowbonnet. On the way home I took a closer look at the box and realized that the track was a six foot figure eight . . .

[@elleryparsons5766]

Chicago ILL Ah yes Home sweet Home. Walking to the Depot Watching And Feeling the Trains Fly Past Me and Listening to the sounds of The Trains. Then Dad Brings Home a 4x8 in the back of the Pick up And then The Train Bug hits. Now I am Consummed And I love Every Second of it. Wouldn’t Trade for Anything.

[@robadams5799]

9:00 - Listening to the customers. What a concept!

[@tracynation2820]

Super. Hello from the Tracy Mountain Railway in Colorado. 💙 T.E.N.

[@BAHolmes]

Couldn't agree with you more about Lombard Hobbies. They have a great selection and great prices.

[@JoeyBPhotography]

Agreed on Lombard, in fact I just received an order from them today!

[@RailRoadRex439]

I will also agree on that. I’m not from the city but live near Chicago, and I think the hour and a half drive from my house to Lombard Hobbies is totally worth it! I actually just bought my first P42DC from them not too long ago.

[@jeffwardlow4626]

I love the place so professional

[@riogrande5761]

Have ordered from Lombard's many times, but their standard shipping is a little high so I need to make sure my orders justify it. I visited Spring Creek Hobbies last summer in Nebraska and was totally amazed. It has to be the biggest most well stocked shop in the US.

[@czerskip]

Superelevation on N scale layout ❤ Adds so much realism!

[@jasonjmarchi]

Amazing! I don't have time or the patience anymore to create and support such a wonderful N or HO pike. I wish I did -- too busy struggling to make a living from writing -- but I can live my love or model railroading vicariously. Thank you for all who have worked on building these outstanding model railroads.

[@ingomoba1001]

Hi Josh, great Modell Railrod🚂👍. My Favorit is the view Modell/ real Trains. 🤩👍👍👍

[@miniaturefarmer464]

Lombard is the best place to buy in N scale. Period!

[@jacksonthomas1851]

Just visited there for the first time yesterday. Amazing store Andrew is a great guy along with Alex, formerly of Kato.

[@douglasalan5783]

That layout is a technical marvel. And the hobby shop! Wow!

[@MrBillCNW]

Since you’re in the Chicago area Josh you should check out a train club in Lombard called Prairie Scale. I forget their address because it’s been along time since I’ve been there since I moved to South Carolina but I used to live in Villa Park Illinois so I’m totally familiar with all the clubs and good train watching places. Another great place to watch trains in a town called Rochelle Illinois it’s where the UP mainline and the BNSF cross at a diamond and they even had built a railroad park there with a platform in a pavilion so you can sit at picnic tables and enjoy the train watching. It’s about 68 miles from Villa Park to Rochelle so if you decide to check that out it’s definitely worth the visit.

[@matthewmoran5297]

Don't forget about Trains & Toys up in Berwyn!

[@HustleMuscleGhias]

@@matthewmoran5297 (Que the rubber chickens and bad jokes) Berrrwwyyynnnn!!!!

[@jamesj5565]

Our HO modular club is doing a show on the weekend of December 11th at the Glenview library if any of y'all are interested as well :)

[@Longshadowsmodeltrees]

Since I'm a N scalier, thanks Josh for showing that great N scale layout, it's always nice to have a Local Train Shop to go to....Ours closed a few years back, the internet took them down. Will check out Lombard Hobby's. God Bless. Bob

[@Steven_Williams]

I live in Chicago and I'm in this area all the time. I'm an O scaler, but started off with HO as a kid. Thanks for sharing.

[@davidurban6813]

I belonged to the Elmhurst Model Railroad Club back in the 70's when it was under The Paradise Restaurant and the club was run by Bob Brush and Company. Next time in Chicago I'll have to stop by and say 👋. Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone.

[@ronaldjoyce7374]

Yup, Lombard Hobby is a great place with a bunch of great helpful staff, I’ve used them for 95% of my N scale items. About 4 years ago I did take my son to the Elmhurst model RR club and was amazed at the HO scale they had there but I didn’t see or recall an N scale layout unless this is something new??? Im in Naperville and Elmhurst is just a short ride for me, I’m definitely going to see this.

[@nsmodeler24]

They've been slowly working on it. I was also there frequently about 4 years ago when I lived there and it was little more than benchwork at the time. It's come a long way!

[@yonbear1]

I have just bought my first purchases from Lombard. I was very impressed with the discount prices offered too. Given that I am 8842 miles away in Queensland Australia I'm very impressed with the service and the fast turn around and shipping. I will certainly be buying more from Lombard as I start building up my layout (which is still in the planning stages).

[@JohnMullerJDGCTRy]

Great post and thanks for the heads up on the shop. I couldn't walk out empty handed either .

[@ntrohed]

Love the support for local hobby shops, I too live where there isn't one and have to travel to get to a great one. Spring Creek Model Trains in Nebraska looks like a further west version of Lombard Hobbies

[@ericcallender1575]

Thanks for sharing. I was in Chicago area for a sporting event, I took time to ride the Metra and the El. I hope to visit the club and hobby shop next time. TMRCI.

[@GelFireQueensland]

Great how you showed the Hobby Shop. Carrying so much stock like that, they deserve any support they get. I used to own a shop, mostly RC because the local model trains demand was a bit low here at the time. Though I did carry some and made sure to order a few things for my future layout I'm yet to do. Thanks for all your great video productions. From Queensland Australia.

[@nsrailfan2035]

The legend has returned

[@apartmentsizeintermodal3587]

Lombard Hobbies is probably the best in the Chicagoland area! They have so much to choose from. This is where i'd drive 45 minutes to, to get my HO intermodal equipment, if i wasn't buying online. I love this place!

[@chris18t]

Love to see that you are local! Lombard Hobbies is a great store! I also do like to America's Best Hobbies in Addison.

[@BNforever2009]

Still, my club to go to. Love Lombard Hobbies!

[@lynganddistrict]

Thank you for taking the time and effort to produce this video. I was totally enthralled by the scenes and layout, and have taken on some ideas. In the UK our model shops are few and far apart as well, but there is a great take up recently, as people such as myself take on the challenge to learn and build our own layouts for the first time.

[@MetalMania3DTV-TAS-AUS]

This is looking magnificent absolutely love this video and that model shop, I never walk out empty handed lol, beautiful layout cheers 🥂🍻🍺🥂🍻🍺 KC Cradle Mountain Tasmania Australia 🇦🇺🇦🇺🤝😎🙂👍

[@dongrainer6405]

Nice slice of train heaven! I grew up in a railroad family and always have had a love for trains. Great video.

[@johnathanlewis2049]

Hi Josh. Awesome video. Chicago is definitely a great train watching place.

[@mikepringle5523]

Hello-Enjoyed your appearance on the ModelersLife podcast-great to hear more about you & your modelling.

[@dentguygary1568]

Great video, great shop, and great club! Glad to be part of both and you did a great job showcasing them both!

[@rocketsnhotrods9022]

Love ordering from lombards my favorite place to shop online

[@jefffishel2241]

Thanks for the layout and shop tour! There isn't a local hobby shop where I live in NC. I have, though, purchased online from Lombard, and had a great experience. Would definitely purchase from them again.

[@dlifedt]

1:42 what a beautiful backdrop, just like western NY and PA

[@emrrcmember6257]

Excellent video, awesome to see a club I am a member at be featured as well as Lombard Hobbies and views of the Union Pacific West line from the Great Western Trail overpass. I'm fortunate to live just down the street and bike across that bridge time to time, as well as pop into the hobby shop. Keep up the great work! Great opening shots on the HO layout as well, Shelbina and Grover''s Mill!!

[@disturbed1954]

Awesome layout and the neatest hobby shop I have ever seen. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@ricardojuricic9027]

Awsome video!!! Thanks Josh🤙👏🏼👏🏼 Nice to watch trains not racing around 😃 Cool hobby stores!! Cheers from Argentina

[@trickywho7463]

muh homies & ï use to jump this train right by the scrap yard, 😶 hey, church was all the way in the next room🤭 unbelievably cool layout 👌🏼 thanks for sharing ThX 🙏🏻

[@kgee2111]

Great there is still a shop like that!

[@trudycrockett7570]

I love this, it's so realistically done.

[@elleryparsons5766]

When I Started model Railroading The #1Engine I had To Get Was Burlington Northern. Love The Paint scheme.

[@tonyromano6220]

Wow this is a very nice railroad.

[@Greatlakesrailfan]

Thing is they seem to be out of stock with a lot of stuff, but the let me check in the back is a great thing for me to hear, because I know they’ll have it.

[@jamescerone1981]

Something about that trackwork with all the switches at 2:22... it looks REAL!

[@stump182]

In the 70s I would ride my bike FROM Lombard to Elmhurst to shop at a hobby store there. (Al's?)

[@HustleMuscleGhias]

If you are still in the Chicago area, contact the Dupage division of the NMRA and see if you could get a hold of Fred Henize. At one point in the late 1980s, his Apple Valley system was the was the 3rd or 4th largest N Scale layout in the in the country. He taught horticulture at Wilco area vocational center at the time my dad was teaching electronics - There are a few interesting stories about old DC power pack based sound systems built from a kit, and a few optical crossing gate anti bounce circuits.

[@Jonathanrailfanning123]

In that area you got lake shore model railroad in east side Chicago then you have a model railroad club in oak park

[@Stanf954]

Great looking N scale layout.

[@CraigLYoung]

There is no such thing as walking into a Hobby Shop and coming out empty handed.

[@elleryparsons5766]

Going to Hobby shops or train shops Are Heaven To me and My Wife and we Love Going To Train Shows can’t Get enough of.

[@dylanhale7300]

Yes there is when your poor lol

[@SarcasticBroth]

@Dylan Hale Well, you say that, but I still ended up walking out with something last time I went 😅

[@davidurban6813]

@@dylanhale7300 I know the feeling I've gone into a model train store and walked out empty handed and believe me when I say it felt wierd.

[@nicholasmiller4331]

Good to see the problem is just as bad over the pond, support your hobby shops folks

[@stephenhartrick4486]

OMG Lombard Hobbies. The layout tour was fantastic. Thank you so much...

[@jimholmes4224]

Most impressive model railroad hobby store I have ever seen. Nothing in Central Texas to compare.

[@markiewodi3371]

Wow!! That layout is so very well thought out. It has come quite a ways. Between this layout, Andrew and Lombard Hobbies, I came very close to switching scales. Lombard is one of the best in the Chicagoland area.

[@michaellawson1518]

Lombardhobbys is great and can't be beat. I live the Chicago area and go there all the time

[@ChicagoGringo]

I grew up going to Lombard Hobbies back in the early 90’s, when they were originally located off of Westmore Avenue next to Schroder’s Ace Hardware… I haven’t been back in well over a decade, but it’s great to see them still around and thriving! Any chance of a tour of the Kingsbury Branch switching layout? I saw it in person some 15 years ago, she was a masterpiece… pretty sure she’s located in the Chicago area…

[@amtrakrailfan787]

Lombard Hobbies is my Favorite place to buy my N Scale Stuff. Like I would never walk out of the store without something from them in my hand.

[@explore_off_road]

Holy Crap! That's an awesome store! That would be a GREAT local hobby store. I too now live where there aren't any local hobby stores. I'd support that!

[@DimensionMachine]

Great video, As for Lombard I have ordered from them many times with great success, It is neat to see what a nice store they have though, so thanks for the tour.

[@TrainDetailsbyGuss]

Excellent video. Thanks for sharing.

[@jamesj5565]

As a Chicago suburb native, welcome to my old stomping grounds! Looking forward to see what gems of layouts you find. How long were you gonna be in the area?

[@stewarttrains98]

Been to lombards before myself and must agree they are one of the best stocked shops around. It was very hard for me to limit my spending there. And definitely get thi gs from them time to time online.

[@theshoeman7044]

Nicely done video. We still have several great model railroading hobby shops scattered around the Chicago area: Lombard is my go to shop as well. I believe I have never left empty-handed!

[@lnproductions3227]

That is just incredible the amount of stuff Lombard has in their store! I'd be having a field day in there and spend LOTS of Money too. :-) Very nice store there Josh

[@conrailfan6277]

Great to hear from you Josh!! I've been thinking about jumping into N-Scale since my Wife and I moved!!

[@AbelG8781]

Do it! I left O 2R for N scale and have not regretted a thing!

[@conrailfan6277]

@@AbelG8781 I'm seriously thinking about it, I have a 15x17 basement and I could get more layout in N-Scale!! I just hope I can get Conrail equipment in N-Scale!!!!

[@AbelG8781]

@@conrailfan6277 Scaletrains has offered Conrail in the past, but Atlas tends to be the main manufacturer for Noreaster stuff in N scale.

[@conrailfan6277]

@@AbelG8781 I've seen their HO stuff and it's nice!! For the mid 80s I want to model I know I can use Kato SD40-2s but I'll probably have to repaint, Atlas made GP40-2s which I'll also need at least 6 and they also made SD60s and B23-7s which I would like at least 6, then 8-40Bs and 8-40CWs to round out the roster!! There's also SW1500s and GP15s out there too, I don't see a problem with rolling stock as I have found Conrail coal hoppers and Box cars on Ebay!!!

[@hollispurn]

Hello . By chance I stumbled on your channel and thought : take a look. It was a very nice video. The model railway layout is top. When then came the hobby store I had no more words. I have not seen anything like that in our country. I would not even know where to look first, as it is with small children. I have to bust my ass here to get American rolling stock. Earlier I thought, oh the Yanks, what do they have " ..... Since I've been involved with it (Norfolk Southern, by the way), I think you guys are a lot further along than we are here. My opinion. Your channel I subscribed immediately 💪 See you then Greetings Holger 🇺🇲🚂🇺🇲

[@KenN.OXN.805]

Glad I found this! I’m driving to Chicago the first weekend of October, and didn’t know about the layout and Lombard Hobbies being so close! I’ll have to visit if they are open for visitors now. I’m driving from CA, Denver, Lincoln NE, LeClaire IA, Chicago. 70, 80, 88, any other things to see?

[@karenhumes8689]

Just awesome!! Greg

[@charlesmcclure5994]

That's a wonderful looking layout and as for the hobby shop yeah I'd be in a lot of trouble in a place like that and yes I would not leave empty-handed 👍👍

[@liamcooper6721]

the second you said it had banked curves (super elevation) then the Super Chief hit the corner, i saw it. the only thing I'm not seeing, is the lack of a easement leads into the curves. nice looking layout though.

[@atsf81rj]

Good video, someday if I make back up there I'd love to see both the layout and hobby shop

[@stephenjones8928]

One of my favourites is the donut shop replete with giant donut and cop car.

[@cruikshank]

Thanks for a great video. At times I couldn’t tell what was prototype and what was a model.

[@cp368productions2]

I will have to check them out, there are some locomotives that I wanted a few years ago and couldn't afford that other places don't have anymore.

[@bostonrailfanner471]

That layout is awesome!

[@mbtaghost2583]

Ok

[@205004gs]

Spectacular video!👍

[@KING-LEO]

I live out in the Desert of NV and i do a lot of on line busness with lombard hobbies grate people

[@cheezWiz68]

I don't know. It doesn't really look like Chi-Town to me. Where are all the looters? Hehehe. There should definitely be way more ambulances. I have seen a hundred layouts but I don't believe I have ever seen one simulating fire. Something should be burning. Like a barrel with a couple ho's handing out by it? Can you spray paint on some plywood over a store front window? That's realism. Glad I could help! Great layout!

[@sturnie1]

Good video been in building block since covid haven't built or bought anything keep taking my n scale track apart and redoing

[@AbelG8781]

Lombard is my go to no matter what!

[@Stussmeister]

While I've been a lifelong resident of the Philadelphia suburbs, I can definitely appreciate Chicago's significance as a major railroad hub, and have also purchased items from Lombard Hobbies.

[@cruikshank]

Which area outside Philly are you in & what are some of your favorite Hobby Shops & Layouts to see? I’m in Reading, PA. In town we have Iron Horse Hobbies. I need to get out and visit others in Boyertown & Gilbertsville. I lived for years in Lancaster. There I was across the street from Cool Trains which is mainly 0 and HO plus Slot Cars & Models. There was a great shop in Manheim which had extensive N & HO but unfortunately closed.

[@Stussmeister]

@@cruikshank I'm in the Broomall area, which is between Newtown Square and Havertown. My favorite hobby shop to visit (both in person and online) is Nicholas Smith Toys & Trains, located near the edge of town. My maternal grandmother (God rest her soul) lived out in Lancaster County, and I would sometimes visit the Strasburg Train Shop or the Choo Choo Barn when I went out to see her.

[@cruikshank]

@@Stussmeister We have a 6 year old grandson who loves trains. We make several trips a year to Strasburg for Thomas, the 611 N&S & the PA RR Museum. I live very close to the NS Mainline @ Wyomissing JCT. We go there to watch trains or Port Clinton to watch the RN. There was a dealer in Delaware known for Brass, but I think they closed.

[@Stussmeister]

@@cruikshank That sounds really neat. My grandmother used to take me to the Strasburg Railroad and Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania when I was much younger, and I credit that short-line railroad (and the Thomas episodes on TV) with instilling a deep passion for trains and railroads within me. I've also been on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railroad with a friend, but haven't yet been to Port Clinton.

[@cruikshank]

@@Stussmeister you have to visit Port Clinton on a working day. That’s where the R&N shops are and their engine servicing facilities. They also house the 2102 & 425 steam engines there.

[@AemJaY]

great showcase! the layout and the shop are looking awesome. i dont think we have such big shops in switzerland. thanks for showing us!

[@theonlyfaeronarr]

Unfortunately I will never get to Lombards but I wish there was a store as well stocked as this in Tasmania

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

Nice upload. Thanks for sharing.

[@seanpacificrailroad3700]

Wow I would love to visit that store I really enjoy your videos thank you 😁

[@MrTommy001]

I love the Lombard Hobby shop. Unfortunately, I moved from Chicago back in 1979. Nice work on this video. Do they have shopping carts there?

[@nscalefun]

AWESOME, EXCELLENT and PERFECT!!!!! Thank you for sharing and keep up the good work.

[@bobkohl6779]

Good job on coverage

[@brantleyhester6641]

I live in SC. We don't have any model RR shops anymore. I have to drive to NC or GA to go to one. It is depressing. I want to start my own I swear

[@nsmodeler24]

There is a model train shop in Columbia, SC. The prices arent great but it’s a fun shop to look around!

[@adriengadson3544]

That place is Massive. ..unbelievable just viewing online.

[@rat-matt-miniatures8705]

With me wanting to do Chicago at some point for the trains this video helps a lot... My only concern is if I buy stuff it'll cost a fortune when I get back to the UK in customs fees. Because BS.

[@OgaugeTrainsplusslotCars]

Nice Railroad 🚂

[@loriosterweil982]

You make me want to move from NJ to Chicago.

[@ericcallender1575]

There are good clubs and a great model RR shop in NJ.

[@tedfisk1211]

Well done video. Lombard Hobbies is a great place to go.

[@KJ7JHN]

Nice setup.

[@ScottRails]

Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@Thomas1980]

H__E__L__L__O___Excellent good Video! I like it!

[@TheSaint0358]

The N scale RR has come a long way since the last time I saw it.

[@Sven_Okas1967]

Nice, realy nice. Greetings from Berlin/ Germany. Sven

[@jwrailve3615]

Living in Texas I’m envious of basically every other state. We’ve got maybe 5 stores in the entire state and we have been losing one or two every single year, closest one for me is papa bens in Houston and that’s nearly three hours, the one in austin closed a couple years back because he couldn’t compete with online and the monthly payments for space and all hobbytowns either closed down or entirely rc cars

[@AbelG8781]

Agreed. For the state with the most railroad track mileage, model railroad shops are certainly rare and hardly stocked up.

[@AbelG8781]

Also yes. I visit Papa Ben's, I lived in Houston but moved to Austin for work. They're just down the road from the UP Houston sub too!

[@jwrailve3615]

@@AbelG8781 definitely! Most don’t have much of anything at all, I have to wait for train shows just to get decent selection,

[@AbelG8781]

@@jwrailve3615 I just do online lol less hassle honestly. The train shows ive noticed, carry mostly old trains made in the 80s/90s so newer RTR is rare