I will be travelling to Phoenix next week and need to know if there are any hobby shops that carry a decent selection of Z-scale stuff. Thanks in advance for the help.
Dave, last time I was at Roys Train World (about 4 months ago), they had a little bit of Z stuff. Not sure about An Affair With Trains, haven't been there in a long time. And the Freight Yard was closed even though their sign said open, so not sure about that one either. I'm sure some of the other AZ guys will chime in here... Mike
Was at freight yard on Saturday and they don't stock Z scale only N and HO also was at Affaire with Trains on Saturday as wall and they are just starting to get into Z Scale they don't have any on hand but will order. Roy's Train World has Z on hand from MTL and Märklin no AZL. Just as Tim or Pete and they can point you at the display case with the Z that is on hand. The display cases are across from one another the case with the Märklin sign on it has the locos in it.
Unfortunately for us Z scaler's, the Internet is the only way to go. Not for the price, just the availability. Most shops carry the typical few cars, locos, sets or a few pieces of track. At least the several dozen train stores I have visited around the states. Certainly nothing like Germany. But, the good thing is, there are many great train stores and there are often items for Z or could be used for Z or just items that you've never seen or heard of before. Roy's was a good shop when I was there last month, and friendly. I drove way out to the Freight Yard and the only thing I found was a nearly desolate shopping center and a store that little on the shelves of anything. Great website but I think that was everything in the store: what you saw on the website was what was in the store !! He's apparently known for his custom painting and has lots of N and HO detail parts. I did find a "Model Railroad News" magazine that I had never heard of which featured Z adds from MTL and AZL so it was sorta worth the 50 minute trip. Keep an eye out for it as it has a lot of new product reviews (all scales, with good pictures) and lots of articles. (www.modelrailroadnews.com) .
