I BOUGHT A TRAIN & HOBBY STORE
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- Where have I been you ask? Well, I bought a train and hobby shop in Las Vegas.
After a couple of years of behind the scenes, back in 2023 I officially bought Westside Trains, Inc from the previous owner. Since then I have been extremely busy organizing the store, adding new products as well as trying to get a lot of our products up on the new website. Yeah, so not a lot of time for videos.
In 2025 we are planning on expanding the store and hoping to give you guys a behind the scene on that project as we move forward.
If you'd like to see more videos and updates from the store please leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you. If you have visited the store over the past year and half do us a favor and leave a review on Yelp or Google. If you haven't visited the store what are you waiting for as I'd love to see you.
Also, feel free to follow us on all our social media from X, Instagram and Facebook for updates on the expansion as well as new product alerts in the store.
I'm just a small store, 2400 square feet right now, but have plans to grow to 10,000 square feet over the next five years. So help a girl out and order something from our store. Still a lot of product we need to get up on our site, but you can also call the store or send me an email. We do price match to legit brick and mortar stores.
Thank you for watching everyone. Happy Model Railroading!!!
Congratulations on your acquisition! I know the previous owner ran a good store and established himself with the modeling community in Las Vegas. You have already done a great job of bringing the business into modern times and I’m sure you’ll be able to take it to the next level. Thanks, Terry
Terry, thank you for always being supportive of me and the store. We have so many great model railroad men and women in Vegas. It is an honor to keep this store alive and work with so many great people. And yes, I still trying to work out the RMP in July.
You have done an amazing job with the store. You are my go-to store, and I live two hours north of your shop. Keep up the great work.
Awe. Yeah, I know the drive in for many including just locals is a bit tough. We are kind of off the beat and path. It is 45 minutes each day for me to just get to the store. Thank you for always making the time to come to the store. 20 years and counting at the same location. Time to grow!
Great looking store, I am designing my layout , hope tp start construction of the framework very soon. I took over the spare bedroom, I'm single so Im not in trouble,I live in Washington state, we need a shop like this in my area,
Yeah, the previous owner, John, took over his living room and dining room with his O Scale. He lives alone as well. I say the more trains you have the better. Yeah, we are losing so many stores across the country.
Hi Tina, we visited your store from California while visiting my sick father. We really enjoyed your conversations and beautiful store. You even stayed after closing to share your love of this great hobby. Thanks for your enthusiasm and knowledge of trains,
Jerry and Danielle.
Thank you for the nice words. Yeah, I try not to rush people out the store. I truly love sharing my passion along with so many who have the passion like yourselves.
Your Store is So well Organized and looks so Professional ! I am a New Subscriber !
Awesome. Thank you for subscribing and the nice words. Yes, still a lot of work to do but it is hard with such a small space. Of course there are some totes with a bunch of treasures if you want to go hunting. Maybe we'll see you in the store in the future. Thanks again.
This has been my go-to shop since it opened. Always had or could get whatever I needed. Knowledgeable and informed. You can't go wrong stopping in to see Tina and the crew. These are real train people.
Thank you. John did a great job all these years even when life got in the way. He was always a father figure for me and my son when we came to the store. I love that he trusted me enough to sell and believes in my future expansion. I truly have been very lucky not just with John, but with so many locals as well as out of towners who have embraced me, my staff and all that we stand for in the hobby. Twenty years and counting serving this area.
Congrats on the purchase of the store, I wish you all the best. When I lived in Vegas I would shop here often. Store looks much better now..
Thank you. I had some great support from the previous owner and now the skies the limit. Can't wait to see what we can do in the future.
so glad the store will continue to serve Vegas for years to come.
Yeah, I could let this one close. It was like home to me for so many years. The previous owner, John, was always so nice to me and my son. People actually think I'm his daughter the way we would have fun in the store. He is official retired but I do miss have talks with him in the store.
Awesome! I will be sure to stop by and say hi next time I'm in Las Vegas!
Yes, please do. Make sure to follow us on social media as well just in case we move the store before you get out here.
Nice looking shop. Thanks for sowing A++!
Thank you. I've been working hard but my crew on Saturday have been doing an awesome job getting that other bay organized. It has really helped to sell that used product. Very lucky to have them.
The store is looking awesome! It was great getting a tour from you when I visited a couple years ago, but wow it looks even better now! Glad to hear you're doing well with it!
Yes, you need to come back and see what we have done. So many new products and many more to come including many other company lines. So little time and so little space, but not for long.
Congratulations on owning the store. Great seeing new video up have a great day
Thank you. This video was long over due but need to get things under control in the store first. Hopefully I will be doing more videos each month from the store, even if they are just short videos. Thank you for watching and leaving a comment. I so do miss this community and doing videos.
Congratulations, Hope your living your dream !!! Looks like you have put a lot of love and care into this venture. I truly wish you much success and I will be checking out your online store soon and will order something.
Thank you. As I tell everyone it is Christmas everyday for me! I mean I get to play with trains and slot cars all day long. What a life!
A month ago we were talking about the lack of rail oriented shops in Vegas, this is good news.
This store has been in the same location for over twenty years. We had like 5 stores across the valley about until about 5 years ago. We have a few hobby shops but most either do RC, models and paints. This store is going to expand and cover so much more but we will always be a predominate trains store carrying Z to G Scale. Thank you for watching. Happy Model Railroading.
Hello Tina it's Charles that was a nice informative videos for all the new folks checking
Thank you. I just wanted people to know I'm still around. I still watch many of others video, and thankful to the many who waited for a me to return. In a way I truly miss the interaction with everyone across the globe.
I was just there over the christmas season. I love the store so much I visited three times in a week!!
Thank you. Yes, and we had extended hours and was crazy busy at times. I actually miss those extended hours. Thank you for supporting the store and being patient when it was just me and the store got busy. Glad you got some cool items.
love your video since from last year i will be coming to ur store soon next month keep up the great work love from california
Thank you. Yeah, in a year we have done so much and so much more to come. Can't wait to see you again. Thanks for watching.
@ let’s do a collaboration sometime and let’s talk some business as well take care
Good luck! Wish I was close.
Well maybe you'll make your way to Vegas some day. Don't forget we also sell online as well. Not one of the big companies, at least not yet, but we are working on it daily. Thank you for watching and leaving a comment.
Hi Tina Marie 🖐🏼😃
Awesome!!!! I just shopped there this week! I bought 18 HO cars and some miscellaneous track. I have also gotten a Train set from you! You are one of the kindest person to talk to! Not only about what you have in stock but life and Life’s experiences! So excited to find your channel! I look forward to the next time I make it in! Have a blessed week!
I love talking trains, espcially if we aren't crazy busy, but I also love connection and learning about others who have a passion. It is always nice to see pictures or videos of what others are working on. It always inspires me to be a better person and modeler.
@ 🙏🏼
Going to las Vegas is on my bucket list to visit . good luck with the bussines !
Thank you. Hope to see you pass through the store when you're in town.
Hello this is my time here on the channel. I'm so happy you're carrying the torch to continue model trains & an in person store. Save them & you did it. I live in New York City, very few hobby shops here except in Long Island Trainland in Lynbrook ,Long Island, the other is Willis Hobbies in Mineola, Long Island both outside of the city. Keep the layouts running , that definitely indicates the hobby, & I applaud & appreciate you selling model 🏎️ racing sets of AFX which I have as well as Tyco . I definitely like what I see out there in Las Vegas I do Ho , N & O scale. Would definitely like to purchase. I just subscribed prior to viewing & happy modeling .
Harold CN Railroad 🇨🇦 etc..
Thank you Harold. Yes, I thought we were going to lose the only remaining store at the time. I knew it was going to be tough with how crazy Vegas is with rent and trying to compete with online sales. We are making it, but like you said, so many hobby shops are closing as they can't keep up with everyone ordering online to save a few dollars. Yes, the slot car stuff has been doing very well in Vegas. I see a big resurgence in that hobby in the coming years.
It will be nice to be able to visit the store, I have not been to Vegas for at least 6 years now, I used to go yearly, not a gambler so different strokes for different folks.
Totally get that. Vegas has so much more than just gambling. But with the price of everything it still is expansive. One of the reasons why we built the website. The previous owner didn't have one, and it is hands down one of the best things we did to help keep this store alive. Thank you for stopping by and watching. Hope one day to see you in person.
Hello Tina & it's is Randy and i like yours video is Cool & Thanks Tina & Friends Randy & Welcome Back Tina & Good Luck Sweetie Tina & Friends Randy
Awe. Thank you so much. I swear I'm going to try and do more videos from the store. I'm finally getting things organized at the store. The potential big move with the store with be crazy, but in the long run well worth it.
Hello Randy and it's Shawn how are you? This store looks great huh!
Wow. All the best to you in the new business. I'll be following you and checking out your stuff.
Thank you. Living the dream!
You rock a girl after my own heart!❤
Thank you. So far the store is doing great. Hoping with this expansion in the future we do even better.
Nice to see you back . Congratulation on the acquisition of a Hobby Store Regards Greg
Yeah, this video was long over due. So busy as I took over before the first Christmas rush, expanded the store a bit with new product and the summer was crazy busy then Christmas rush again. Just trying to get my feet back under myself again. Thank you!
Love Kato and Woodland scenics products. Will checkout website.
Have a dedicated room . 73 and still enjoying
Greatest hobby. You are never to young or old to enjoy this hobby. We had two people in their 90s coming during Christmas to pick up their first train set. That was inspiring.
Congrats to you, I hope you enjoy the store and keep it going. Nice you are bringing in the gaming as well, and paints so cool.
Yeah, we have a lot of the gamers come into the store. We have the largest collection of scenery in the valley. More paints to come as a modeler myself I always need more stuff.
Congrats on the store, hope you do real good. Next time I'm Las Vegas I will stop by...Hope to see more videos.
Yes, please do. I want to try and do a couple videos a month from the store and at some point maybe stream a live show weekly. Also, hoping to document the move to a bigger store. You can all watch me have a meltdown live on air. Now that will make for great content.
great vid TINA ----great store owner and you-- help n treat me so well----l thank you
Thank you for watching. I try and treat everyone liked I'd want to be treated in a store. Amazing how many people, from around the country and world I've met in just this short time. This hobby is bigger than ever.
Super cool! Congratulations! The ratfink banner is so cool! I have the red one in my shop. I sure hope i can buy online from you guys!
Thank you. I am in the process of building a Carrera layout in my workshop to have in our new store. Don't really have the room at this location. We had so many guys in town that are into trains and slot cars but no one really sold them in town. We are really trying to expand that line not just in our store but also in line. Personally, I have a ton of the 1/32 scale cars. Besides train I collect those digital cars...I guess you could say it is a healthy addiction.
Great job organizing!
I wish I could take all the credit but have a great crew in on Saturday that has been doing an awesome job keeping thing organized. At some point I'll be bring them on full time.
Wow! Impressive. I always wondered what was in the other room!.
Yeah, check out a few of my older videos that showed what it was like before I took over. We have come a long way in just a short time, but that is all to the couple of friends who work on Saturday and do an awesome job organizing the inventory next door.
@MojaveModelRailroad I always thought thete was a bunch of cool stuff over there, but that John didn't have the space to display it. Will chec k it out.
Congrats
Thank you. Was a long process behind the scene and been a crazy schedule the past year and a half but loving every minute of it.
NICE.
Thank you. Very lucky to be able to give back to a hobby that has given me so much over the years.
Nice store when I’m out there in a couple weeks I’ll have to come visit
@ Please do. Looking forward meeting you.
COOL !!!
Greatest hobby and greatest job in the world. To think I actually get paid to play with trains and slot cars. Well not really get paid, I'm putting it all back into expanding the store, but still fun daily.
will keep you in mind been buying ho -scale for 40-years from mts in maryland usa wc
So you must have amassed a large collection. Good to know there are others out there with an addiction. Ha ha. Happy Model Railroading.
Informative video, good luck in your business.
Thank you. I have always owned by own business but this one is for sure my favorite. I mean I get to play with trains and slot cars all day. Not a bad way to go to work.
I live in Chico California and our only hobby shop does RC cars, planes and boats. He won't sell trains except online and not that much in comparison to a dedicated train store. So I have to drive an hour away to another town to buy trains. My wife says she is glad about that.
We have expanded the store to carry Slot Cars, as well as Warhammer. At some point we are planning on adding RC stuff, but regardless we will always have a main focus on model railroad items. If I can quote a famous movie line, "It's what I do!" I tell people all the time if you order online or support us in person that is awesome. In the same breath I tell people, however, if you have a local hobby store, even if it means spending a few dollars more to please support them. We have five in town just a few years ago and now they are slowing fading away. One of the reasons why I bought this store. As a customer for over 14 years I couldn't see it just go away! Here is to another 20 years of success for Westside Trains.
i alwaus wonder what happen to you havent seen you around for a while sounds exciting to own your own store are you planning to sell on line to good luck for the future
Yes, we have an online store at www.westsidetrains.com still a lot of products to get up but a little more everyday. Thank you.
Gigantic O Scale office building.
Yes, the previous owner was very big into O Scale. We have since really expanded the N Scale and HO line as well as even bringing in some Z Scale. Amazing what has been collected over the 20 years this store was in business.
Nice set up.
Yeah, a lot of work to get the store organized and still so much more to go, especially getting it all listed on our site. The expansion will be awesome, but will have a ton of new products to add to our site. They say good growing pains. Thank you for watching and the nice comment.
I would like too wish you the best of luck.
Thank you. I am very lucky to have a previous owner that gave me such a great store. He trusted me enough to sell it and has been a great mentor. He is now official retired and playing with his trains.
Congratulations🎉
Thank you. I was working on this project behind the scenes for almost two years before I signed the paperwork back in the fall of 2023. I should have done a video then but had so much I needed to get done. Plus daily operations and working 7 days a week can get to be a bit crazy.
I need to stop by there next time in Vegas
Yes, please do. The one thing I really miss with my schedule is not being able to travel and hit up all the local hobby shops in the area. So many great ones across the country still left, but we have lost many.
Yeah I'm going through my collection and trying to get a direction and get ready for my layout build spent 18 yrs buying engines and cars
@@rodneystewart8958 That's awesome you are starting to build. I think most of us are collectors at heart. We all want that empire build but many don't have the space, so we collect. I think I have way too many trains myself...who am I kidding....you can never have too many trains. Good luck with the build and if there is anything I can do to help just let me know.
YEA, great Video. I kept hearing "New Store", are you moving to another location or just expanding?
Our plans are to move the entire store hopefully this summer if the stars align. I have no room to expand at the current location or to even put a door between the two bays. We should know more in the coming weeks.
@@MojaveModelRailroad COOL.
@@MojaveModelRailroadhey there are Bed Bath and beyond, maybe some Kmarts, in room in malls🤗. Just kidding, hope you find a new space, and maybe have a place for modelers to work. When I visited Kato in Japan, they had and entire area devoted to kit builds, workshops and kid activities. In Japan it was popular. Good luck in future.
@ Yes, we have a lot planned for the new store. I agree with you about kid activities. I've already reached out to the local NMRA and have a few fun ideas planned. As for big stores, we looked a few, even put offers in on a few. The problem here in Vegas is the real estate market has gotten crazy. Building and land that was 400,000 8 years ago are now selling for 4 to 6 million. Crazy. That is a whole lot of trains to sell. One of the reason for us branching out into Slot Cars, Warhammer and maybe even RC stuff in the future...plus a few other surprises.
Hello, congratulations. I would love to go to your store, but I live in Florida. Do you guys have a website?
Yes, westsidetrains.com We are slowly trying to get the entire store up on our site. The previous owner didn't have an active website so I had to build an entire site from the ground up while also running the store.
@MojaveModelRailroad Thanks you
Yeah buying a store makes sense so I can buy appreciate things and move them but for me it would be like a drunk buying a bar
Ha ha.....I totally get that analogy. My son tells me all the time, "Mom you have a train and slot car addiction and bought a hobby shop. This isn't going to go well. There will be an intervention at some point!" He is kind of right. It is very hard when you get promos for every single product being made. I guess that is why I need a much larger store. Way, way, too many thing I want and if I want them I'm sure there are many others that want them as well.
Do you have any of the slot cars semi trucks set that fit tycoon tracks been looking for those
@rodneystewart8958 No. But will keep my eyes out for them.
Probably hard to find but will buy if reasonable
I see you do consignments....do you have an inventory of what you available anywhere on line? Daring move getting into the brick and mortar hobby business, i hope you thrive, good luck!
We do consignments! Our focus have been to get all our new product up in the store as sometimes our consignments go out just as fast as they come in. At some point the entire store will be up on our site. I think we have about 7000 products up in our store and about another 35,000 plus to go. Our goal is to expand not just the store but our online store. We do a ton of online sales as we keep our pricing in store and online the same as the big guys. Who knows one day people might consider us a "big guy" or should I say "big girl". I hope so.
@MojaveModelRailroad just saying it would be great to see what you have in stock.....there are several specific things i want...will be watching to see how things develop....again...good luck
@@OutlawRailroader If you are looking for something just zip me an email at contact@westsidetrains.com. I keep a list of stuff people are looking for and if we have it I send you a text or email. We buy estates all the time so you never know. I sometimes buy an estate just because I know there are a few items on my list of things people have been looking for.
Hello Tina, Do you have the Atlas N/scale Highrise building..😎
Sorry, no I do not.
lot of TONS
Yeah, hard to really grasp all the stuff we have including the bins and bins of miscellaneous items hiding throughout the store.
Do you sell Marklin and trix?
We don't have much of that currently at the store but my distributors I have can get it. So if we don't have something I can check to see if we can get it. If it is available I normally get it shipped to my store within 5 business days.
Do you have any I 90 Lionel remote with charging base? If so how much? I'm way up here in Wisc.
Do you mean the Lionel #990 Legacy remote with charging base?
Do you sell Scale Auto slot car tracks as well?
@Moondoggy1941 Right now we don't. However with our expansion coming up there are many new products on our want list for the new store. We have right now Scalextric, AFX, Auto World and Carrera. Not all of it is on our website yet.
We found your store on face book and went to see it today ! It’s Awesome ! My husband and son bought a few things …. 🙏🤗❤️😘
Yes, I remember you guys. Thank you so much for stopping by the store. I love the excitement everyone had for the hobby. This is why I am so glad the store is still here. Looking forward to seeing some pictures of things you guys are working on. By the way I passed that quilt information on to my BFF. Thank you.