Exclusive Cast Interviews For Logo’s New Reality Show “The A-List New York”

October 15th, 2010

Posted by Ife Blount in photography | Comments Off

[I:http://www.littlelionbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IfeBlount0.jpg] When you take six hot social elite gay men in New York City, you get the makings of a potentially hit reality television serious such as Logo Television’s “The A-List New York” (“The A-List”) I attended an exclusive episode screening, cast meet and greet, and after-party for “The A-List” at Therapy lounge in New York City. Created by the producers of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” it is being promoted as a similar show, although I found the cast more homogeneous in their careers as models, including an aspiring actor; a model agent; and a celebrity photographer. Meet cast members Reichen Lehmkuhl, Rodiney Santiago, Austin Armacost, Derek Lloyd Saathoff, Ryan Nickulas, and Mike Ruiz. Mike Ruiz was unable to attend. Not to be overlooked is TJ Kelly who is best friends and business associates with Ryan. Having met the cast, I am looking forward to the launch of “The A-List” on Monday, October 4, 2010 at 10:00 PM ET on Logo. The first episode was made available in advance via iTunes.

In summary, the first episode introduces the cast and ultimately brings them together for the opening night of “My Big Gay Italian Wedding,” and off-Broadway musical starring cast member Reichen.

Take a look at the footage I compiled from Monday night at Therapy. Thanks to Nando of Nandoism.com who graciously agreed to report with me, having never met in person before, in a true display of the power of online social networking. Also, thanks to his beau and fantastic photographer German Marin of MarinNYC.com who showed his support by often holding 2 digital SLR cameras and 2 digital recording cameras in his hand simultaneously. Forgive me in advance for the bootleg/amateurish nature of this video. I’m learning as I go with editing and have on my Christmas wish list to get a good video cam set up with lights and a microphone (eh-hem! ;-) ). It’s just part of the growing pains of a broke blogger who’s gaining some notoriety. 8-)
[youtube:GEpJiRRXhXs?fs=1;[link:Interviews with the Cast of Logo's "The A-List"];http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEpJiRRXhXs?fs=1&feature=related]

During the first episode, drama abounds between Reichen, Austin, and Rodiney; however, when interviewing the cast, I got a slightly different perspective that you don’t always get on television. For example, I was impressed by Reichen’s passion and involvement as a spokesperson for Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) fighting to overturn the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” (DADT) policy. He also has a jewelry line called Flying Naked. Austin’s dimples and midwestern charm was endearing to me. I love his confidence about his body and his disapproval of the modeling industry’s perfect body image requirements. It’ll be interesting to see a male’s perspective on this issue since the issue is most often discussed as something unique to women. Besides being my latest Latin lover, Rodiney had some real struggles restarting his career as a model when his connections were back in Miami.

[I:http://www.littlelionbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IfeBlount1.jpg] Upon screening the episode, I did not like Derek because my only impression of him was his addiction to spray tanning. When interviewing him, however, I found that Derek had one of those magnetic personalities that made me feel as if we had known each other for years. He ended up being one of the best interviews of the evening, but unfortunately the lighting was the poorest by the time we got over to speak with him. Derek spoke like a true ambassador for the show and with great enthusiasm.

Last, but certainly not least, are besties and co-workers at Darius Salon, the Ryan and TJ. The chemistry between these two is absolutely electric! I wasn’t surprised to go back through my footage and find that Nando and I spoke with them for 8 1/2 minutes- about twice as long as the others. There’s something about them that make you want to push “play” and be entertained. It will be fun to watch Ryan and TJ dish on other cast members throughout the season. We also get a look at Ryan’s romantic life. He’s married to Desmond who works in the finance industry. Talk about opposites attract! The couple wishes to have a baby, and we can expect to see more on that subject throughout the season.

While Mike was not present, I agree with his statement in the first episode about this show having the potential to make or break him. More than the others, I feel he has a long established career and highly regarded as a celebrity photographer. My initial thought was that he doesn’t need this show and risks ending up on the fast track to a revival of VH1s “The Surreal Life” if the show doesn’t do well.

That’s all I was able to gather from the event. Please share any feedback about my coverage of “The A-List” as well as the show itself scheduled to debut on October 4, 2010.

Ifelicious also blogs about reviews and posts announcements of upcoming reality series on her blog. For more specific details about “The A-List: New York” read the press release. For information on other TV series written on her blog click here.

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Adding People To Your Model Train Layout – How To Make Sure The People In Your Layout Look Realistic

August 4th, 2010

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Detail is the key to the most realistic model train layouts.  That detail can be found in the scenery, locomotives, rolling stock, or even in historical realism.  All of these things are important, but without people, your layouts will still look flat and lifeless.  Take a look at model railroad magazines or at the photos and videos you can find on the internet and the most realistic ones will all be populated with people doing something relevant to the scene. You should seriously consider making people a part of your model railroad scenery.

People can help make your scene more realistic and interesting if done correctly.  One thing to consider is what your scene is trying to convey.  If it is an industrial building, the people are going to be dressed differently and be doing different things than if those people are waiting at a train station. Another consideration is historical accuracy.  If your scene shows a day at the beach in 1920, you are not going to find a lot of bikini clad bathing beauties if you want your scene to be realistic.  Also think about grouping your people.  A single person may get lost in your scene depending on its size and scale, but a small group will remain noticeable.  If you do use just one figure, place them in a spot that makes sense for just one person, like entering a bathroom, sitting on a park bench, or fishing by a stream.

In addition to the figures, your model railroad supplies will also need to include glue and paint for those figures.  You may need sandpaper to help make the bases flatter since many plastic molds leave the bottoms of the figures feet less than flat.  Glossy paint or flat paint can be used, but I think that flat paint is more realistic.  When was the last time you saw a shiny person walking around!?  Good old Elmers white glue can be used to keep your people in place.  You may need to find a way to support them until the glue sets, but that is usually only an hour or so.

Pay attention as you walk around in your daily life and notice where people congregate and what they do when they are there.  Are all of the people waiting for a bus facing the same direction or are they talking and interacting with each other?  Do they stand close together or far apart?  Are they standing in some sort of pattern or is their position random?  As you take note of these things, transfer those attributes to the people in your scene and you will be surprised at how much more realistic they appear.

The addition of people to your model railroad supplies and to your model train layout can be one of the most fun parts of the hobby.  Looking in your local hobby shop or at the swap meet for the perfect person in the perfect pose can become like a treasure hunt.  Finding those personalities that fit, can be very satisfying and will also make people wonder why your layout looks so much more realistic than theirs.  So go forth and multiply!

Henry Michael is a model train enthusiast who enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with others to help them get the most out of this exciting hobby.

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A Quick Look At Model Train Sets

July 25th, 2010

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There are probably as many model train sets as there are different kinds of trains. It is not hard to find them online, or at your local hobby shop. From exact replicas of antique locomotives, fancy, futuristic mono rail trains, and just about everything in between.

Many of these sets not only include the engine, cars, tracks on transformers, but also all the scenery and buildings you will need to start a basic layout. One very unique and cool model train sets is called the New Bright Sleigh Bell Holiday Express G.

This set is decorated in bright holiday colors, and includes the engine and coal car, a passenger car and caboose. It also has 75 individual lights, plays Christmas songs, and has the sound of a bell or whistle.

It includes a water tower, 12 curved and 8 straight tracks, the transformer which can easily power all this set has to offer. Other New Bright add on cars will NOT fit this set, however there are more Holiday Express accessory cars available.

While the transformer will power up to 80 feet of track, if you decide to purchase the optional musical clock tower, you may not have enough power to run all of it at the same time. While this unique set lists as much as $235, it can be found in many places for well under $200.

Another of the popular model train sets is the Bachmann Digital commander Deluxe HO Set, model number 00501. This set has two trains, and includes new DCC On Board technology, that allows you to be able to operate both trains separately, but at the same time.

The exclusive E-Z Command digital control systems gives separate control over speed lighting and the direction of both train. This train set includes both a EMD FT locomotive, (Santa Fe,) and the EMD GP40 (Union Pacific) engine.

One terminal rerailer, 3 freight cars, and a caboose. It also includes enough track to make a 47×38″ oval track, and of course the command center, power pack and magnets.

It also includes a DVD E-Z command instruction video, and illustrated manual. While the list price is close to three hundred dollars, may retailers offer this set for well under two hundred.

This is just a small sampling of all that is available for model train sets. This doesn’t even include any of the accessories and kits offered.

You have town sets, which there are may varieties, as well as many scenery packs, and even trestle packages, enough to set up a mountain pass layout. If you want other ideas on layout designs, you can easily find videos and photos of many an enthusiasts creations.

It is really only limited by your budget and imagination. There are many communities of model train enthusiasts, and in many areas there are even museums, and shows set up just for model trains.

There are even contests held to see who has the most elaborate model train sets and set up, and it isn’t limited to the indoors, and many bigger sets are used in outdoor garden and landscaping settings.

Clint Spille is a model trains enthusiast who enjoys blogging about the World’s Greatest Hobby. Stop by his blog where you can read his many articles on the model railroading hobby or watch the videos he provides on topics such as model trains ho scale, toy model trains and much more!

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The Top 10 Model Train Shops in Texas

June 27th, 2010

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For the past year I’ve been compiling a list of model train stores for my model railroading website.  These shops all look like fantastic places to visit, but what are the most popular?   Here is a list for the great state of Texas.

The most popular model railroading shops (based on online chatter) in the state of Texas are:

10. Model Train Crossing in Hurst

9. Papa Ben’s Train Place in Houston

8. Rebel Hobbies in San Antonio

7. Midlothian Hobbies in Midlothian

6. RC Hobby Shop in Sugar Land

4. Victoria Hobby Shop in Victoria (tie for fourth place)

4. Larry’s Hobbies in Houston (tie for fourth place)

3. Collectible Trains and Toys in Dallas

2. King’s Hobby in Austin

…and the most popular shop for model trains in Texas is…

1. G and G Model Shop in Houston

Hobby shops not quite making my top 10 were Collectible Caboose in Cedar Park, Dibble’s Hobbies in San Antonio, Hal’s Hobby Warehouse in El Paso, Kerbey Lane Doll Shoppe in Austin, Mikes Hobby Shop in Carrollton, and Wild Bill’s Hobby Shop in Irving.

Nice to see that the four biggest cities in Texas all have great train shops with Houston, Austin, Dallas, and San Antionio all in the top 10.  However, Houston looks like “train city” in Texas with almost a third of the top stores being there.

Also in Texas be sure to visit some of the great railroading museums including Amarillo Railroad Museum in Amarillo, Greenville Railroad Museum in Greenville, and Railway Museum of San Angelo in San Angelo.

I compiled this list by searching for the hobby shops listed on a number of search engines and ranking them by the number of web pages, discussion forums, photos, videos, etc that are available online.  I further screened this list to include only pages that mentioned model railroading.

Check out my complete list of Model Train Shops in Texas at www.ModelTrainsWithLarry.com which has complete contact information for each shop including an address, phone number, and map to the store.

I’m a freelance PHP and MySQL programmer living in the San Carlos neighborhood of San Diego with my wife and our 3 cats. I enjoy hiking, reading, gardening, watching too much television, and other nerdy activites.

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The Top 10 Model Train Shops in New England

June 23rd, 2010

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For the past year I’ve been compiling a list of model train stores for my model railroading website.  These shops all look like a lot of fun to visit, but what are the most popular?   Here is a list for the New England states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

The most popular model railroading shops (based on online chatter) in New England are:

10. Rainy Day Trains in Saco, Maine

9. Bill Parker’s Train Shop in Springfield, Vermont

8. Mike’s Hobbies and Raceway in Rutland, Vermont

7. Grandma’s House and Grandpa’s Train Depot in Warwick, Rhode Island

6. Bill’s Hobby Barn in Salem, New Hampshire

5. Danbury Hobby Center in Danbury, Connecticut

4. Treasured Toys in Salem, New Hampshire

3. Mainely Trains in South China, Maine

2. North East Trains in Peabody, Massachusetts

…and the most popular shop for model trains in New England is…

1. Time Machine Hobby in Manchester, Connecticut

Hobby shops not quite making my top 10 were Hobby House in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine; Centerline Hobbies in Hyannis, Massachusetts; Charles Ro Supply Company in Malden, Massachusetts; Hobby Stop in Foxboro, Massachusetts; J and M Hobbies in Eastham, Massachusetts; LightHouse Hobbies in Townsend, Massachusetts; Railyard Hobbies in Dracut, Massachusetts; Apponaug Color and Hobby Shop in Warwick, Rhode Island; Darlington Hobbies in Pawtucket, Rhode Island; Depot Antiques and Toys in Laconia, New Hampshire; Hartmann Model Railroad in Intervale, New Hampshire; R/C Toy Box in Saint Johnsbury, Vermont; and Vermont Toy and Hobby in Essex Junction and South Burlington, Vermont.

Lots of great model railroading shops from all over New England in the top ten with every state making it into the top ten – so no matter where you live in New England there are great hobby shops right in your own state.

When in New England be sure to visit some of the excellent railroading museums including Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum in Willimantic, Connecticut; Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor, Connecticut; Danbury Railway Museum in Danbury, Connecticut; Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston, Connecticut; Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven, Connecticut; The Peters Rail Road Museum in Wallingford, Connecticut; Boothbay Railway Village in Boothbay, Maine; Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. and Museum in Portland, Maine; Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine; Wiscasset, Waterville, and Farmington Railway Museum in Alna, Maine; Bay State Model Railroad Museum in Roslindale, Massachusetts; Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum in Lenox, Massachusetts; Old Colony and Fall River Railroad Museum in Fall River, Massachusetts; Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts; Beaver Brook Farm and Transportation Museum in Mont Vernon, New Hampshire; Gorham Railroad Station and Historical Society in Gorham, New Hampshire; Rutland Railway Association in Rutland, Vermont; and Swanton Railroad Depot Museum in Swanton, Vermont.

I compiled this list by searching for the hobby shops listed on a number of search engines and ranking them by the number of web pages, discussion forums, photos, videos, etc that are available online.  I further screened this list to include only pages that mentioned model railroading.

See a complete list of Model Train Shops in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont at www.ModelTrainsWithLarry.com which has complete contact information for each shop including an address, phone number, and map to the store.

Larry Truett is a freelance PHP and MySQL programmer living in the San Carlos neighborhood of San Diego with his wife and their 3 cats. He enjoys hiking, reading, gardening, watching too much television, and other nerdy activites.

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The Top 10 Model Train Shops in New England

June 23rd, 2010

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For the past year I’ve been compiling a list of model train stores for my model railroading website.  These shops all look like a lot of fun to visit, but what are the most popular?   Here is a list for the New England states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

The most popular model railroading shops (based on online chatter) in New England are:

10. Rainy Day Trains in Saco, Maine

9. Bill Parker’s Train Shop in Springfield, Vermont

8. Mike’s Hobbies and Raceway in Rutland, Vermont

7. Grandma’s House and Grandpa’s Train Depot in Warwick, Rhode Island

6. Bill’s Hobby Barn in Salem, New Hampshire

5. Danbury Hobby Center in Danbury, Connecticut

4. Treasured Toys in Salem, New Hampshire

3. Mainely Trains in South China, Maine

2. North East Trains in Peabody, Massachusetts

…and the most popular shop for model trains in New England is…

1. Time Machine Hobby in Manchester, Connecticut

Hobby shops not quite making my top 10 were Hobby House in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine; Centerline Hobbies in Hyannis, Massachusetts; Charles Ro Supply Company in Malden, Massachusetts; Hobby Stop in Foxboro, Massachusetts; J and M Hobbies in Eastham, Massachusetts; LightHouse Hobbies in Townsend, Massachusetts; Railyard Hobbies in Dracut, Massachusetts; Apponaug Color and Hobby Shop in Warwick, Rhode Island; Darlington Hobbies in Pawtucket, Rhode Island; Depot Antiques and Toys in Laconia, New Hampshire; Hartmann Model Railroad in Intervale, New Hampshire; R/C Toy Box in Saint Johnsbury, Vermont; and Vermont Toy and Hobby in Essex Junction and South Burlington, Vermont.

Lots of great model railroading shops from all over New England in the top ten with every state making it into the top ten – so no matter where you live in New England there are great hobby shops right in your own state.

When in New England be sure to visit some of the excellent railroading museums including Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum in Willimantic, Connecticut; Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor, Connecticut; Danbury Railway Museum in Danbury, Connecticut; Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston, Connecticut; Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven, Connecticut; The Peters Rail Road Museum in Wallingford, Connecticut; Boothbay Railway Village in Boothbay, Maine; Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. and Museum in Portland, Maine; Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine; Wiscasset, Waterville, and Farmington Railway Museum in Alna, Maine; Bay State Model Railroad Museum in Roslindale, Massachusetts; Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum in Lenox, Massachusetts; Old Colony and Fall River Railroad Museum in Fall River, Massachusetts; Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts; Beaver Brook Farm and Transportation Museum in Mont Vernon, New Hampshire; Gorham Railroad Station and Historical Society in Gorham, New Hampshire; Rutland Railway Association in Rutland, Vermont; and Swanton Railroad Depot Museum in Swanton, Vermont.

I compiled this list by searching for the hobby shops listed on a number of search engines and ranking them by the number of web pages, discussion forums, photos, videos, etc that are available online.  I further screened this list to include only pages that mentioned model railroading.

See a complete list of Model Train Shops in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont at www.ModelTrainsWithLarry.com which has complete contact information for each shop including an address, phone number, and map to the store.

Larry Truett is a freelance PHP and MySQL programmer living in the San Carlos neighborhood of San Diego with his wife and their 3 cats. He enjoys hiking, reading, gardening, watching too much television, and other nerdy activites.

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The Top 10 Model Train Shops in Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey

June 19th, 2010

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For the past year I’ve been compiling a list of model train stores for my model railroading website.  These shops all look like a lot of fun to visit, but what are the most popular?   Here is a list for the states of Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey.

The most popular model railroading shops (based on online chatter) in Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey are:

10. Ridgefield Hobby in Ridgefield, New Jersey

9. Maplewood Hobby in Maplewood, New Jersey

8. M. B. Klein Model Train Stuff in Cockeysville, Maryland

7. Tony’s Train Town in Cedar Grove, New Jersey

6. MTH Electric Trains in Columbia, Maryland

5. Hobbymasters in Red Bank, New Jersey

4. The Model Railroad Shop in Piscataway, New Jersey

3. The Train Station in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey

2. Toy Train Emporium in Cherry Hill, New Jersey

…and the most popular shop for model trains in Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey is…

1. The Hobby Shop in Aberdeen, New Jersey

Hobby shops not quite making my top 10 were Just Trains in Newark, Delaware; Millsboro Hobbies in Millsboro, Delaware; Seaside Hobbies in Ocean View, Delaware; Engine House Hobbies in Gaithersburg, Maryland; G Scale Train Station in Waldorf, Maryland; Hobby Works in Rockville, Laurel, and Bel Air, Maryland; The Train Room in Hagerstown, Maryland; Atlantic Rails in Folsom, New Jersey; Genes Train Stop in Kearny, New Jersey; Island Trains in Middletown, New Jersey; Pastime Hobbies and Miniatures in Bayonne, New Jersey; Z and Z Hobbies in Mercerville, New Jersey; Zeppelin Hobbies and Raceway in Wayne, New Jersey.

So, there are lots of great model railroading shops from all over Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey but clearly New Jersey dominated the list with eigth in the top ten.  Maryland had two in the ten, and Just Trains in Delaware just missed out.  Note that this list was for the train stores more than their online web stores. If this list were for online stores www.modeltrainstuff.com, the website of M. B. Klein Model Train Stuff would probably have won.

When in Delaware, Maryland, or New Jersey be sure to visit some of the excellent railroading museums including Harrington Museum and Railroad Museum in Harrington, Delaware; Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum in Baltimore, Maryland; Brunswick Railroad Museum in Brunswick, Maryland; Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum in Hagerstown, Maryland; Huntington Railroad Museum in Bowie, Maryland; New Jersey Museum of Transportation in Wall, New Jersey; Whippany Railway Museum in Whippany, New Jersey; and South Jersey Railroad Museum in Tuckahoe, New Jersey.

I compiled this list by searching for the hobby shops listed on a number of search engines and ranking them by the number of web pages, discussion forums, photos, videos, etc that are available online.  I further screened this list to include only pages that mentioned model railroading.

See a complete list of Model Train Shops in Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey, at www.ModelTrainsWithLarry.com which has complete contact information for each shop including an address, phone number, and map to the store.

Larry Truett is a freelance PHP and MySQL programmer living in the San Carlos neighborhood of San Diego with his wife and their 3 cats. He enjoys hiking, reading, gardening, watching too much television, and other nerdy activites.

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The Top 10 Model Train Shops in North Carolina and South Carolina

June 15th, 2010

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For the past year I’ve been compiling a list of model train stores for my model railroading website.  These shops all look like a lot of fun to visit, but what are the most popular?   Here is a list for the states of North Carolina and South Carolina.

The most popular model railroading shops (based on online chatter) in North Carolina and South Carolina are:

10. The Hobby House in Hendersonville, North Carolina

9. Todd’s Train Depot in Wendell, North Carolina

8. Little Choo Choo Shop in Spencer, North Carolina

7. Rail and Spike Trains in Easley, South Carolina

6. The Train Loft in Winston Salem, North Carolina

5. Factory Direct Trains in Asheville, North Carolina

4. Blue Ridge Hobbies in Greenville, South Carolina

3. Time Zone Hobbies and Toys in Aiken, South Carolina

2. Tom’s Train Station in Raleigh, North Carolina

…and the most popular shop for model trains in North Carolina or South Carolina is…

1. Greensboro Electric Trains in Greensboro, North Carolina

Hobby shops not quite making my top 10 were ABC RC Hobby in Forest City, North Carolina; Chuck’s Trains in Landis, North Carolina; Dry Bridge Station in Mount Airy, North Carolina; Hayes Hobby House in Fayetteville, North Carolina; Leland’s Toy Trains and Planes in Hildebran, North Carolina; Zoo Toys and Trains in Wilmington, North Carolina; Hobby Station in Bethune, South Carolina; New Brookland RR and Hobby in West Columbia, South Carolina; SVC Trains in Georgetown, South Carolina; and The Great Escape Bicycles and Hobby Shop in Spartanburg, Anderson, and Greenville, South Carolina.

So, there are clearly many great model railroading shops all over North Carolina and South Carolina, with North Carolina having seven in the top ten and South Carolina having three – but both states had two in the top four.

When in North Carolina and South Carolina be sure to visit some of the excellent railroading museums including North Carolina Railroad Museum in New Hill, North Carolina; North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, North Carolina; Smoky Mountain Trains in Bryson City, North Carolina, Wilmington Railroad Museum in Wilmington, North Carolina; Lancaster and Chester Railway Museum in Lancaster, South Carolina; and South Carolina Railroad Museum in Winnsboro, South Carolina.

I compiled this list by searching for the hobby shops listed on a number of search engines and ranking them by the number of web pages, discussion forums, photos, videos, etc that are available online.  I further screened this list to include only pages that mentioned model railroading.

See a complete list of Model Train Shops in North Carolina and South Carolina, at www.ModelTrainsWithLarry.com which has complete contact information for each shop including an address, phone number, and map to the store.

Larry Truett is a freelance PHP and MySQL programmer living in the San Carlos neighborhood of San Diego with his wife and their 3 cats. He enjoys hiking, reading, gardening, watching too much television, and other nerdy activites.

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The Top 10 Model Train Shops in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia

June 11th, 2010

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For the past year I have been compiling a list of model train stores for my model railroading website.  These shops all look like a lot of fun to visit, but what are the most popular?   Here is a list for the states of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.

The most popular model railroading shops (based on online chatter) in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia are:

10. Trains by Johnson in Pensacola, Florida

9. Warrick Custom Hobbies in Plantation, Florida

8. Blairsville Hobby Shop in Blairsville, Georgia

7. Southerland Station in Huntsville, Alabama

6. Electric Train Outlet in Saint Louis, Alabama

5. Trains and Treasures in Clearwater, Florida

4. H and R Trains in Pinellas Park, Florida

3. Bull Street Station in Savannah, Georgia

2. Legacy Station in Lawrenceville, Georgia

…and the most popular shop for model trains in Alabama, Florida, or Georgia is…

1. Kennesaw Trains in Kennesaw, Georgia

Hobby shops not quite making my top 10 were Model City Models in Jacksonville, Alabama; Pyramid Hobbies in Cullman, Alabama; KB Hobbies Model Trains in Stuart, Florida; Hollash’s Trains in Riverview, Florida; B&B Sales Hobby Shop in Snellville, Georgia; and Young Again Trains and Hobbies in Stockbridge, Georgia.

So, there are clearly many great model railroading shops all over Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, with both Georgia and Florida having four in the top ten and Alabama having two.  Georgia did especially well to have all three of the top three.

When in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia be sure to visit some of the excellent railroading museums including Foley Railroad Museum in Foley, Alabama; Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera, Alabama; North Alabama Railroad Museum in Huntsville, Alabama; Central Florida Railroad Museum in Winter Garden, Florida; Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish, Florida; Gold Coast Railroad Museum in Miami, Florida; North Florida Railway Museum in Green Cove Springs, Florida; South Florida Railroad Museum in Deerfield Beach, Florida; West Florida Railroad Museum in Milton, Florida; Charlemagne’s Kingdom in Helen, Georgia; Roundhouse Railroad Museum in Savannah, Georgia; and Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth, Georgia.

I compiled this list by searching for the hobby shops listed on a number of search engines and ranking them by the number of web pages, discussion forums, photos, videos, etc that are available online.  I further screened this list to include only pages that mentioned model railroading.

See a complete list of Model Train Shops in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, at www.ModelTrainsWithLarry.com which has complete contact information for each shop including an address, phone number, and map to the store.

Larry Truett is a freelance PHP and MySQL programmer living in the San Carlos neighborhood of San Diego with his wife and their 3 cats. He enjoys hiking, reading, gardening, watching too much television, and other nerdy activites.

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The Top 10 Model Train Shops in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan

June 7th, 2010

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There are fantastic model railroading hobby shops all across the United States.  These stores all look like a lot of fun to visit, but what are the most popular?   Here is a list for the great states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

The most popular model railroading shops (based on online chatter) in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan are:

10. Steve’s Train City in Hopkins, Minnesota

9. Scale Model Supplies in Saint Paul, Minnesota

8. Only Trains in Buffalo, Minnesota

7. Just For Fun Hobbies and Comics in Lansing, Michigan

6. Brasseur Electric Trains in Saginaw, Michigan

5. Sommerfeld’s Trains and Hobbies in Butler, Wisconsin

4. Hobby World USA in Brighton, Michigan

3. Rider’s Hobby Shop in Flint, Michigan and Grand Rapids, Michigan

2. Whistle Stop Hobby and Toy in Saint Clair Shores, Michigan

…and the most popular shop for model trains in Minnesota, Wisconsin, or Michigan is…

1. Hub Hobby in Richfield, Minnesota and Little Canada, Minnesota

Hobby shops not quite making my top 10 were Wild Bill’s Trains in Clinton Township, Michigan; A and E Railroad in Thief River Falls, Minnesota; Becker’s Model Railroad Supply in New Brighton, Minnesota; Carrs Hobby in Duluth, Minnesota; Flotsam and Jetsam Books and Model Trains in Cook, Minnesota; Hobby Hut in Moorhead, Minnesota; Three Rail Trains in Coon Rapids, Minnesota; Hiawatha Hobbies in Waukesha, Wisconsin; and RCSLOT in Franklin, Wisconsin.

So, there are clearly many great model railroading shops all over Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, with all three states having stores in the top five.  Michigan had the most with five in the top ten, but Minnesota had four – and also had the number one spot.

When in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan be sure to visit some of the excellent railroading museums including Durand Union Station in Durand, Michigan; Michigan Transit Museum in Mount Clemens, Michigan; End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum in Currie, Minnesota; Gopher State Railway Museum in Shakopee, Minnesota; Lake Superior Railroad Museum in Duluth, Minnesota; Minnesota Transportation Museum in Saint Paul, Minnesota; Old Depot Railroad Museum in Dassel, Minnesota; Twin City Model Railroad Museum in Saint Paul, Minnesota; East Troy Electric Railroad Museum in East Troy, Wisconsin; Fennimore Railroad Historical Society Museum in Fennimore, Wisconsin; Mid-Continent Railway Historical Society in North Freedom, Wisconsin; National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

I compiled this list by searching for the hobby shops listed on a number of search engines and ranking them by the number of web pages, discussion forums, photos, videos, etc that are available online.  I further screened this list to include only pages that mentioned model railroading. See a complete list of Model Train Shops in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, at www.ModelTrainsWithLarry.com which has complete contact information for each shop including an address, phone number, and map to the store.

Larry Truett is a freelance PHP and MySQL programmer living in the San Carlos neighborhood of San Diego with his wife and their 3 cats. He enjoys hiking, reading, gardening, watching too much television, and other nerdy activites.

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