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Some Texans plan road trips around barbecue, and others plan them around boxcars. Across the state, a handful of hobby shops keep their shelves so loaded with locomotives, track, and scenery that model railroaders happily burn a tank of gas to browse them.
These stores stretch from El Paso to Houston, with stops in Lubbock, San Antonio, Austin, and the Dallas-Fort Worth area along the way. Some lean heavy on Lionel sets, some stock deals on used engines, and a few carry gear you rarely find outside a big city.
Browsing is free at every one of them, which makes them a great outing for kids, grandparents, and anyone who still remembers a train circling the Christmas tree. Hours can be limited and many close on Sundays or Mondays, so check before you roll out.
Here are nine Texas train shops worth planning a trip around.
1. Minter’s Train Shop, Lubbock, TX
West Texas hobbyists do not have a ton of train shops to choose from, which makes this Lubbock store a big deal on the South Plains.
Minter’s keeps a deep stock across most scales, with large amounts of N, HO, and O scale on hand. Lionel fans get special attention here, since the shop carries a strong selection of Lionel trains and accessories.
Can’t find the exact car you want? The shop can order items it does not have in stock, which saves a long drive to Dallas.
You will find it at 4409 50th St. Hours run Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 5:30 PM, and Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM.
That short Saturday window is the one to watch if you are driving in from Amarillo or Midland. Plan to arrive early and give yourself time to browse the shelves.
2. Dibble’s Hobbies, San Antonio, TX
Old-school is the best way to describe this San Antonio hobby outpost, and I mean that as a compliment.
Dibble’s specializes in model trains and plastic models. It also covers a few other areas, including accessories for role-playing games, so mixed-interest families can split up and browse.
Train fans come for the selection of trains, track, and building supplies. The shop is also known for carrying European model train gear, which is not something every Texas store stocks.
The store sits at 1029 Donaldson Ave with a free on-site parking lot. It opens Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Curbside and in-store pickup are both available. That is handy if you call ahead about a specific piece and want a quick grab-and-go stop.
3. King’s Hobby ATX, Austin, TX
Here is a train shop with a bonus: an in-store slot car track.
King’s Hobby is an independent store on Burnet Road in North Austin. It mainly sells military models, trains, and Gundam kits, along with die-cast cars.
Railroaders will find a large selection of model train supplies, track pieces, and accessories for building out a layout. Staff are known for helping newer hobbyists narrow down a layout plan and put together a setup at a fair price.
Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 7 PM, and Sunday from noon to 5 PM. That Sunday opening is rare on this list.
The shop has a free parking lot and a gender-neutral restroom. Find it at 7325 Burnet Rd.
4. Model Train Crossing, North Richland Hills, TX
Trains are not a side department at Model Train Crossing. They are the whole point.
This North Richland Hills shop carries brand-name models and accessories across N, HO, O, and G scales. Shelves cover locomotives, rolling stock, track, structures, detail parts, scenery, and scratch-building supplies.
Visiting hobbyists from overseas have ranked it among the better train stores they found in the United States. Gifts and books round out the stock.
Timing matters here. The store keeps short hours, Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 3 PM, and it closes Sundays and Mondays.
The address is 7801 Brandi Pl, Suite D, close to I-820. Fort Worth and Dallas folks can easily make it a morning trip.
5. Discount Model Trains, Addison, TX
The name tells you the main draw before you even open the door.
Discount Model Trains in Addison is packed with track, layout materials, rolling stock, engines, and accessories in every major scale. Bargain hunters tend to zero in on the used engines, which can often come at solid prices.
It has a reputation as one of the quieter treasures in DFW. Staff knowledge and services are part of the appeal, which helps if you are new to the hobby.
The shop opens Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Monday hours make it a good pick when other stores on this list are closed.
You will find it at 4641 Ratliff Ln. The business posts updates on its Facebook page.
6. Papa Ben’s Train Place, Houston, TX
Bring the kids, because the dioramas alone make this Houston stop fun.
Papa Ben’s is a dedicated train destination on Bellaire Boulevard. The shelves hold starter sets, track, engines, and books, plus O, HO, and N scale locomotives and railcars.
Both new and pre-owned pieces are on hand. That mix helps beginners start small and lets seasoned modelers hunt for older stock.
The staff bring strong technical knowledge, which is useful when a locomotive needs troubleshooting. Scenery supplies are plentiful too.
Hours are Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Head to 4007 Bellaire Blvd, Suite E.
7. Angelo Hobbies, North Richland Hills, TX
Budget-minded modelers, this one is for you.
Angelo Hobbies specializes in limited edition train sets and parts, and it also handles repairs. Used HO scale trains and equipment fill a good chunk of the store at fair prices.
A fun detail is the pre-assembled structures, such as train stations, bridges, and coal mines. They can save hours of building time on a new layout.
The friendly staff make it easy for beginners on a tight budget. You can hit both North Richland Hills shops on this list in one trip.
Open Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. The address is 5600 Rufe Snow Dr, #106.
8. G & G Model Shop, Houston, TX
Planes, trains, and automobiles all share space at this family-owned Houston shop.
G and G specializes in trains, plastic models, and architectural supplies. Train fans will find N scale and Lionel trains, layout supplies, track, and accessories.
The staff are known for treating guests warmly. Plenty of hobbyists leave with fresh motivation for an old layout.
Practical perks stack up here. There is a free parking lot, free Wi-Fi, a gender-neutral restroom, and curbside pickup and delivery options.
It is open daily: weekdays 11 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday noon to 5 PM. Look for it at 2029 SW Freeway Service Rd.
9. Hal’s Hobby Warehouse, El Paso, TX
Out in far West Texas, one warehouse covers almost every hobby you can name.
Hal’s is best known for radio-control products, including RC cars, trucks, planes, helicopters, boats, tanks, and construction equipment. Scale trains, model railroad items, and accessories share the aisles with plastic models.
It even carries metal detectors. That makes it a good stop for a family where not everyone is into trains.
For El Paso railroaders, a nearby option beats a very long drive east. Free Wi-Fi is available in the store.
Hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM. The address is 1440 Bessemer Dr.
From Lubbock to Houston, these nine shops prove Texas has plenty of track to explore. Pick one close to home or plan a weekend loop.
