Lombard Hobbies

This not a bad place at all the guys are very helpful. Maybe this person took things the wrong way but this is a great place for trains if you like the hobbie

I’ve read some negative reviews about Lombard Hobbies; however, without fail, all my visits with them have been pleasant and the the staff were both cordial and helpful. The prices are outstanding and the merchandise quality is top shelf. I recommend a visit to this shop if model trains are your thing.

Just got back recently from a trip and wow what amazing prices! I have to say they have improved in their customer service and were great in helping me find some items. They were also offered excellent advice as to buying appropriate intermountain metal wheel sets for my 50 coal gondolas. Now with Al’s closed down, this is THE place I will go to for all my trains!

I ‘ve been going to Lombard Hobbies for over 20 years. I know each employee and the owner by name. The prices are the best of all other model train stores possibly in the entire USA. I have been to hundreds of hobby stores throughout my modeling days. My entire layout are products of Lombard Hobbies. I bring my kids there and the employees welcome them every time. On line, Train Shows, don’t compete with Lombard hobbies. Huge selection of HO and N scale trains. The store sells items fast because of the prices. I try to check in every week to see what’s new and have a crack at picking up items that Ive been looking for. The store does not have a public restroom it’s an employee only restroom. In store layout to test your engine purchase always test any engines that you purchase at any store. The employees are more then happy to oblige. If you ask they will install DCC decoders as well as program your new purchase free of charge. The decoders you will have to pay for of corse. In a hobby like this please be patient you may have to wait for assistance and yes other customers/​friends like to hang out and chat the hobby chat. For the most part the employees will help you find what you need. Great store for the model train enthusiast I highly recommend any model railroad fan to check it out.

I’m surprised by the negative reviews of Lombard Hobbies, as I’ve never had any issues there. In fact, I got really good service on a purchase — I bought an engine, took it home, found a small defect from the manufacturer, and they were happy to exchange it.
They are very up-​to-​date with releases, so whatever is new seems to always be there. They also have very competitive pricing. There is a really dangerous aisle of specials — discounts like 50% off — that I almost feel I should avoid if I have a very deliberate purchase in mind.

This Christmas I too was visiting family in the Chicago area. Lombard Hobbies was a horrible shopping experience!!! If you are into buying trains and adding to your hobby, this is definitely NOT the store where you want to drop major bucks. There are plenty of other stores in the area like Berwyn hobbies who are much nicer, more helpful AND will act like they want your return business. But NOT the guys at Lombard Hobbies. These guys are old and rude to everyone who dares to darken their door. How on earth this store stays in business is beyond me. I suspect they’ve made their money and don’t need the business. Otherwise, why would these rude dudes be so ticked off at people who merely ask a simple question? And God forbid if anyone asks to use their restroom!!! That question brings out a mean face from the sour, dour old guys faster than a «get off my lawn» rant. Whether you’re five or fifty-​five don’t go in there expecting to get a warm and fuzzy feeling from anyone. It won’t happen.
Definitely NOT a store for kids either!!! But if rude, old guys do it for you, who act like they don’t need the business, or repeat customers, or the money, then this is the place for you! As for me, I won’t go back. Luckily there are too many other hobby stores in the area who will go the extra mile for a customer. Lombard Hobbies isn’t it.

Ditto on the rude dude as stated below, nice store, but when did not feel warm and fuzzy in this store! Had to walk the whole store to find out no O scale. The rude dude was talking with his buddies (non customers) and did not have time to ask if I needed help, or even an acknowledgement we were there. This was about a year ago, so we headed to Berwyn hobbies, and spent $ 1500 and went back to Berwyn hobbies yesterday and dropped another $ 330

I also found Lombard Hobbies by accident, the «dude» behind the counter sounds like the «dude» who answered the phone absolutely 0 help but they do have good prices.

I found this place by accident while visiting family in Chicago and was pleasantly surprised. The «expert advice» is hit or miss depending on how many people are working. If it’s just the one dude behind the cash register you won’t get too much help with questions. The prices, however, are excellent for a «brick and mortar» store… As good or better than any Internet stores and you don’t have shipping to contend with. Nothing in the store is retail and they have occasional specials that can’t be beat by anybody. Every visit to Chicago now includes a stop to Lombard Hobbies.
Note, although it’s called Lombard Hobbies, it is primarily a model train store with an emphasis on HO. if you’re into that, I’d highly recommend stopping by.