Best model train store in San Diego County Socal. Excellent service and great train values with lots of N, HO, and O scale selections; Value was worth it and discounted items. Friendly and helpful staff Highly recommended to stop by! This is probably the only model train store remaining in San Diego County. read more

Great shop, only complaint is that their prices are a bit high and also the employees are a bit shy with me but overall there is a lot to choose from and an awesome store read more

Great place to shop. Large inventory to choose from. Very friendly. Reliable and trustworthy.

Excellent costumer service, great prices, one of the best train shops in Southern California, and thee best one in the SD area.

What a great selection of trains! There was plenty of great N Scale trains (new and consignment). I picked up a couple of 89' flatcars, as well as some painting supplies, and some scratch building parts. If you need any model railroad supplies, Reeds is worth a stop! read more

Reed's Hobby Shop - N Scale consignment - Hobby Shops Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Fabulous service . Great intelligence. Tremendous inventory . Discounted prices. The four horsemen of the apocalypse.

Be advised that Reeds Honly Shop does NOT service what they sell. This is NOT made clear at point of purchase. We spent over $500 on a Lionel Polar Express train set (train and track). When the locomotive stopped working less than 2 years after purchase they were unhelpful and frankly unfriendly when we went back for advise about how to/where to get the locomotive repaired. Buyer beware. read more

Such a cool place! We brought in our train for a repair. Everyone was so incredibly nice and the train was fixed in minutes. My son really loved the large train display that they were kind enough to turn on for him. Highly recommend! read more

If you see and read the poor reviews. Most of them are fairly old, and are no longer true. When I first walked in one of the gentle men greeted me with a casual hello. And left me to walk around and gawk at the selection of rolling stock and scenery for N scale. After a while one of the gentlemen (I'm sorry I forgot their names) asked if we needed any help. At first I said I was just looking around for anything interesting or good. But then I asked if I could look at a set of consignment passenger cars. And he was more than willing to let me have a closer look at the couplers and told me the story of the original owner of the cars. He then humored me with looking at some very nice well cars. I forgot already what they are called (again) and he told me that they are some very special well cars as they are no longer made for a very long time. I might have forgotten details and names but both of them made me (someone who is very young and naive about this hobby) feel very special. Especially since I don't live any near here. It is very sad to see stores like this becoming very scarce especially since I was too young and naive when places like this were easy to find. Of course there is the constant fight against delivery companies like Amazon, which have much cheaper deals on new starter sets and new locomotives. But online stores like Amazon just don't have the selection of rolling stock and locomotives and no where near the advice that a store like this will offer. And on top of that you get some pretty sweet deals on older and sometimes relatively new consignment deals that Amazon will just never have. For instance I got two amazing deals for a 6pc passenger set that is the same price of a single new auto rack. And a very sweet deal of a 5pc well car set for a little cheaper then a new Kato well car set. But it's a very unique set as they are no longer produced. So if you have time or are thinking about buying something on Amazon. Check out the store first. You never know what you can find. TLDR. The old reviews are outdated. The gents that I meet are very nice and willing to give information and advice on anything they know. Of course you can get some things for cheaper on Amazon but you just never really know what kind of deals they have without checking it out. read more

Reed's caters to the model train enthusiast, but as a miniature painter and wargamer, I often stop by for supplies, specially for modeling terrain. You're not going to find a larger supplier of pigment powders, model trees, and various turfs and grasses in the county. And though I am not a railroad modeler, there is a great supply of various train models of various scales. When I visit the staff if always friendly. I always look forward to going back. read more

Possibly the last true exclusive train store in the San Diego area. Large inventory and knowledgeable staff on hand. If you are watching your budget, they have some consigned trains also. read more

Reed's Hobby Shop - Hobby Shops Near Me - La Mesa, California

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What a disappointment, after driving down from Orange County. My six year old was so excited because he thought he spotted a Big Boy locomotive. One of the grumpy old men working quickly snapped "it's a Challenger". What a missed opportunity to kindly educate him on the differences. I have been told model trains is a dying hobby, and crappy interactions with the next generation does nothing to help the hobby. That same man sat down and began eating his lunch behind the counter. He then burped loudly for my family to enjoy. The store could also use a good dusting as well. The selection isn't great either. Overall, disappointing experience. read more

New owner. Very friendly staff. Lots of restocked inventory. Both new and consignment. Worth a visit. I had experienced the unfriendly staff in previous visits. This is a completely different, and much more pleasant, shopping experience. read more

I know nothing about model trains, but I was looking for a gift for my dad and decided to stop by. The staff were helpful and attentive. I had a lot of stupid questions that they answered for me. The prices seemed very reasonable, and they had a few layouts in operation that were fun to look at. Thanks! read more

Helpful Groupe of guys and best prices in town for trains and supplies. Also have cool displays of trains

I think some people in San Diego need to wise up and stop being so negative. 1) Reed's Hobby Shop is about the only model train shop left in San Diego. Yes, there are a few other model train shops here but I've been to a couple and they are extremely lacking in modern model train technology and expertise. 2) Do you buy on Amazon? Amazon has put thousands of small, medium and large business out of business around the world which also means hundreds of thousands of people lost their jobs. Do you really want this store to close and lose the incredible amount of first hand knowledge the people have at this store? Jeff Bezos (CEO and President of Amazon, as of October 28, 2019), is the richest person on the planet. In addition: He doesn't pay his employees well and he doesn't pay is fair share in taxes. Is it moral for him to make tons of money and not pay his employees well? No. Is it fair to the American public that Amazon doesn't pay their fair share of taxes? No. The money he doesn't pay in taxes is money that could be spent for better education, health care, roads and more. Why is it immoral that he makes tons of money? He didn't make the money all by himself. He made the money through employees and customers. If he had no employees and customers, he wouldn't be rich. Wake up. The rich don't make their money all by themselves! Yet, people buy from Amazon all the time and don't give a crap they have helped many many businesses, go out of business. When Amazon customers need help from experts who are now gone, I will have no sympathy. I never buy on Amazon. I buy at stores in person, buy online direct from manufacturers or buy on Ebay. I buy on Ebay because you are buying from normal everyday people or direct from a businesses, and you are not putting any company out of business. ---- Onto model trains... I used to have an HO train set in the 1970s and I loved it but never took up the hobby as an adult. I've been wanting to restart the hobby every year of my adult but did not until October 2019. I was very pleased (and pleasantly shocked) to find out that for the past 30 years, the model train industry has been advancing with the computer age and now model train locomotives can operate independently of one another on the same live track, due to electronics inside the locomotives. This is very exciting news. This is called Digital Command Control (DCC). It's very complicated but extremely fun. You can also still use analog transformers to run trains on a layout. ----- Did you know the number of model train scales there are? There are T, Z, N, TT, HO, S, O, G, I, II, III, V, VII, and X. T is the smallest scale and X is the largest scale. Do you know what HO stands for? Half "O" scale. Who knew? There might be more scales of model trains, not sure. And I'm sure there are a variety of toy trains for small children. So think about this: 1) There are lots of model scales. 2) A lot of different technology to run your trains: A) Analog locomotives, B) DCC connections but no DCC electronics inside, C) DCC no sound, and D) DCC with Sound inside the locomotive. There are pre-built building models/accessories/trees/etc., model kits or you can make your own models from scratch. If Reed's goes out of business, you'll never be able to buy off the shelf in San Diego. ----- The model train hobby is very complicated. So when people go into a store like Reed's Hobby Shop, have they done their homework and know all the above information I've talked about and more? Do they know exactly what they want? Do people just expect the employees to read a customer's mind and explain all of the above in less than a minute? And the hobby is expensive but not that expensive as other hobby's such as power boats or skiing. Skiing: You purchase ski equipment, airfare, hotel rooms, ground transportation, food, ski lift costs, and etc. Skiing is an extremely expensive hobby. ----- Do you know what to ask the employees? If you don't, you could be mad at yourself because you are overwhelmed and have not done your research. Are you in a rush? Don't have time for asking questions? Maybe you need to slow down. ----- I've discussed HO trains, DCC, modeling, track and various other things with four different gentlemen at the shop and they are all very knowledgeable and helpful about HO trains and I've learned lots things from all of them. If you want to lose the expertise of these very experienced gentlemen at Reed's Hobby Shop, then complain away. If you want to take advantage of what a long-time brick and mortar store has to offer, in terms of being able to buy off-the-shelf, order products, and being able to learn valuable knowledge about model trains from the employees, then why not take your time and revisit this shop (and for first time visitors, don't be afraid to go to this store) and take advantage of about the only good model train shop left in San Diego. read more

We're lucky to still have such a great model train store like this close by. Went in on a Saturday looking for a specific book with my son and to look around. Friendly staff went above and beyond to find the book and answer questions. Will definitely be back to buy some N Scale. read more

If your child has developed a sustained interest in trains, at some point, you will end up at Reed's. The sales people are passionate about trains. I sense that they all have huge collections of model trains themselves and have just run out of space at home, hence the store. Reed's is much more than Grandpa's overgrown attic, though. If I need to re-spring an N gauge coupler, I go to Reed's for the springs and necessary tools. If I'm blissfully ignorant about DCC controllers and scared to buy my first one on line, I go to Reed's to get the face-to-face reassurance that the NCE Power Cab is a good purchase for use at the Model Train Museum at Balboa Park. Reed's carries wide variety of G, O, HO, N, and Z gauge model trains, track, parts, and accessories. They have a decent selection of Thomas the Train. Reed's is a good place to pick up a starter train around the holidays. Parking in their lot makes me a little anxious - I use my emergency brake - but hey, it's part of Reed's charm. read more

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If you have hobbies such as model cars, trains and planes, this is your go-to place. They have a HUGE selection of all of the above. They also buy products for half of what they can sell them at. My grandpa recently passed away and left behind a ton of old model trains. I took them here and was able to sell them. Some were even worth a grip of money...sweet! Definitely a place to check out if you would like to buy or sell hobby type items! read more

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Came here looking for some dremels and was soon to realize that this was not really the store for this. They had a few nice pieces, just not what I was looking for. This place is a wonderland for train aficionados. Trains, tracks, grass, sand, trees, tiny people and everything else you could dream of to build your own wonderland. If you can afford it that is. I never realized how expensive that hobby truly is. It is like a fairytale watching them go around all of the intricate scenic parts involved. If you love trains then this is the place for you. You should come check this place out if you have not ever seen a real train track set up. The employees were nice and advised me that I would fare much better going to Hobby Lobby. Thanks for a really cool experience! read more

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This place is horrible! I felt so uncomfortable as soon as I pulled in the parking. I know that sound exaggerated but I'm not exaggerating! As soon as I pulled in the man in front looked out the window and was staring at me the whole time I was getting out of my car. It was really creepy! I walked in and wasn't greeted or even acknowledged I was just meet with dirty looks and stares. I felt so uncomfortable but I ignored it because I was really interested in this place. I looked around and asked the man a question about a particular item that caught my eye. Guess what? He completely ignored me as if I wasn't even there! I asked again louder thinking maybe he didn't hear me. He answered my question but didn't even bother to turn around and look at me. He just kept his back turned towards me! What I'm the world is going on in this place? read more

If you are looking for model trains, accessories, and manuals this is the place to go. Plenty of spare parts and other goodies Giving these guys a four-star because of the service. The three older men that work there were very knowledgeable, especially the one. But they were rather grumpy. read more

Wow! I came into this shop and it have to say it was the worst experience ever! The men who are running this place are so rude. I couldn't believe what I was experiencing. Total jerks! I read many reviews after I left this place and I can see this is an on going problem. I understand this is a family owned business and people want to see small businesses thrive. I also understand that Amazon is taking over but come on! How can you expect anyone to support this business? They treat there customers so poorly! I honestly hope they do close this place down because these people don't deserve anyone's business. If it does close down it will be solely the owners fault for not doing better! read more

I am very interesting about train things. Very rare vintage lots old trains. All is great it. Price is middle to high because thing have quality rare vintages. Love it am very interested it. Will go again find more about thing.smile read more

Staff is super friendly and eager to educate those who have questions, or new to model railroading. They have a pretty good selection of all scales and also scenery. Yes, Amazon is cheaper; however, you get to put your hands on the product and see it in person, and you are also supporting a local business. You want to know how dc or dcc works? They will be more than happy to not only explain it, but show you! read more

If you are interested in model trains this place has everything. A real old fashion hobby shop. The guys working there are just quite older dudes. Don't be discouraged by some bad reviews. Feel free to ask questions and they will engage. Prices are competitive. read more

Great selection for any train enthusiast. Customer service is extremely lacking. My son was asking questions and the guy at the counter blew him off. I understand that talking to a 7 year old about trains may be boring, but he was a paying customer and deserved to be treated better. read more

I am a train beginner and needed a few pieces of track so I stopped by Reed's. The staff was very helpful, answered all my questions and went out of their way to explain some technical aspects to me. The selection was good and prices were about the same as the internet. I am a happy customer. read more

I've been shopping here most of my life for hobby supplies. However, I thought that the guy at the register just didn't like me due to my age and/or skin color. I must say I'm glad to hear he treats everyone this way and that it's not just me. After reading all these reviews, I'm going to stop shopping here. For anyone who is deciding on wether to give them a try, you can find better prices online with waaaaaay better customer service without feeling looked down upon. If you prefer to see stuff in person, try Discount Hobby Warehouse. They don't have a model Train focus, but you can get other hobby supplies there. read more

With Mike gone from this store I no longer shop here. Chuck is not someone you want to deal with Customer service NOT Chucks thing is unless you talk his gage of trains. he could care less He is not a fan of garden or LGB trains I no longer take the time to stop in here. Thank You read more

First off I know nothing about model trains and I came to Reeds to find a train for my father. Everyone in this store was friendly and so helpful! I will be shopping here in the future read more

I don't want to write a bad review, because after one visit here I can tell they have a great supply of model railroad and diorama making supplies which is great to find. However, the customer service is lacking and made me uncomfortable. Upon entering the store, the three men who I guess run the shop all were sitting in folding chairs all stared at me like they had never seen a human being before. One of the men began grilling me asking what I needed. I said I was just looking for building models; emphasis on the "just looking." He tried to explain the scales to me as if I didn't know, probably assuming based off my age and gender that I didn't. I said "thank you, I'm thinking just n scale, but I just wanted to look around." He took me to the n-scale section of the store and pointed at a small amount of already built models at a hefty price. He didn't seem to realize that there were two isles of n-scale model building right behind him. How do you not know what's in stock at your own store? I ended up buying two woodland scenics building kits that were in small bags, as opposed to how they usually are kept in boxes, but they were significantly cheaper than their regular price. When I got home I realized one of the kits seemed to have been messed with before being put into the bag. A whole piece of the kit looked like it had been torn off, and now I'm missing a significant piece of my model!!! I don't even want to bother coming back because of how awkward it is in there. I would love to come back to a store like this because of what the store itself has to offer, however the uncomfortable atmosphere and poor customer service is the determining factor in never coming back. read more

I love the place! If you're a model train lover, this place is for you. Everything from Z scale on up, you'll find something for what you want to do. It does seem to me that it's mostly focused around HO scale, which is nice for some but not so for others. I wish there were a wider variety of N scale engines. There is plenty of rolling stock to choose from, though. Flextrak and turnouts, in N scale, aren't that easy to come by unless you put a special order in. That said, I found that most places were running low on those items due to issues at Atlas. Anyways, the guys there are a wealth of information. There's a number of regulars that can answer any questions that come up from values to types to wiring/DCC info. If you need something, they can get it. If you live in Southern California and haven't been to Reed's, do yourself a favor and go! read more

I bought my 2020 Friendly Southern Pacific railroad calendar at Reed's Hobby Shop in La Mesa, CA last October 17,2019. I also bought some of my Kato N scale track & N scale freight cars for my Pacific West Coast Model Railroad. I will be buying my 2021 railroad calendar there this October 17th.,2020. The 2021 calendar will either be a Santa Fe or another Southern Pacific calendar. Reed's Hobby Shop is just a 2 block walk West of the Downtown La Mesa Trolley Station. For all model railroaders, Southern Pacific, Santa Fe or any railroad fan and you are looking to buy your 2021 railroad ca,endear, but it at Reed's Hobby Shop. Christopher O'Rourke-Arizona, City,AZ read more

Best hobby shop ever. Friendly staff, prices comparable to what one would find on the Internet, with the bonus of a staff that is both passionate, and knowledgeable about trains! Great selection, great prices, and it's a shop that's just fun to visit! read more

These men no longer care if they sell anything. They'd rather continue changing a register tape than acknowledge a customer's entry. Or even look up at a guy standing in front of him to ask how he can assist. We have been going here for over 15 years buying G-scale train cars, track, scenery, etc. $$$$$ DONE. NEVER AGAIN. read more

Just...wow. I'm a teacher that runs an after school club to get kids away from the computer screen, and into hands on hobbies. I went into this place and saw three guys. One with arms crossed and a scowl on his face, one actually asleep, on one just kind of sitting. I told them I had $1400 to spend to get a model railroad club going at my school and needed to know how to get started. The sum total of advice was...check the book rack and order the stuff online. Now instead of getting $1400 of my business they got $18. Not sure how this place stays in business. read more

I have never been in a hobby store that is so packed with all sizes, models and brands of model railroad products. My grandson was in heaven, with eyes as big as saucers. Then, the service after our purchase was incredible. The staff is so personable and knowledgeable. We could not be happier with the discovery of this gem of a model railroad store. read more

This will be the first time I have ever left a one star review, I would leave negative 5 stars if they allowed. I recently visited Reeds to purchase a quality train set for my grandson. Due to my obvious age they treated me as if I should know what I wanted. Refusing to assist and actually asking " Did you not grow up with a train set? " Having spent 30 years in the military we never had the money for this large purchase for our children. So now that I do I want a quality set that my grandson may be able to pass along to his children. I had a large budget for this and they could care less with helping me. Via ebay I located a shop in Arizona. The owner spent a total of 3 hours over many different calls, and numerous e-mails explaing in detail how to build a layout on a 1" x 4 feet x 8 feet paice of plywood. We sent pictures back and forth and all has turned out verry well. Reeds owners may need to check into some type of therapy sessions to better understand their role in customer service. After the completion I have visted Reeds again to estimate the cost of what I received from Arizona. Even with over $150.00 in sh9ipping costs I still saved about $275.00. Thanks for all that have taken the time to READ this. John read more

I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT! ABSOLUTELY ZERO CUSTOMER SERVICE! HOW DO THEY STAY IN BUSINESS? Just returned from the store, I have to share this. I walked in. Two persons at the counter stared at me. I smiled. No reaction. I walked through the whole store. Nobody approached me, not to ask if I needed help, or if they could help me find anything. I was there for about 15 minutes, finally selected some small items for my layout. Nobody was at the counter; I could have simply walked out. By now I was curious what would happen. I stood at the counter for a few minutes until someone saw me. Nothing; no "did you find everything you needed". My items were on the counter, money in my hand. The "clerk" took the cash from my hand, rang up the purchase, returned my change, all completely silent. Finally, as I was at the door ready to leave, I couldn't stand it any more. I said "do you know that nobody said anything to me while I was here?" the answer was that they were busy. They'd been talking about a new layout they wanted to build. I was the only customer in the store for this whole time! If there were a way to give zero stars, I would. read more