Model Railroading > Chicago area hobby shop closing it's doors...

After 45+ years in business, Golden Spike Train Shop in Burbank, Illinois is closing it's doors by the end of October. He is currently selling the remaining inventory at 30% off. Might be worth a visit if you're in the area...

I hope Des Plaines and Chicagoland Hobbies stay put, or get more transfer business from the shuttered ones. They are must-do's when passing through Chicago.

Lombard is under new management, and so far it seems they have really turned the place around.

joemvcnj Wrote:
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> I hope Des Plaines and Chicagoland Hobbies stay
> put, or get more transfer business from the
> shuttered ones. They are must-do's when passing
> through Chicago.

I'm pretty sure that Des Plaines is doing well.

sixaxlecentury Wrote:
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> Lombard is under new management, and so far it
> seems they have really turned the place around.


Did Jeff sell?

towazy Wrote:
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> sixaxlecentury Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Lombard is under new management, and so far it
> > seems they have really turned the place around.
>
>
> Did Jeff sell?

---

What items does Golden Spike have?

sixaxlecentury Wrote:
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> Lombard is under new management, and so far it
> seems they have really turned the place around.


I love Lombard, they are great. Ordered from them a number of times with great results.

When I was but a youngster, my mom and I would drive by Golden Spike on the way to and from the cemetery where my dad was buried. Naturally, I would always beg Mom to stop so I could get lost in that store for a little while. Brings back lots of memories. Sad to hear that another one is biting the dust.

Golden Spike is currently in their fourth location and what's unique is they were always on 79th Street....

I've been in Lombard 2x My impressions are:

1.Selection VERY Good
2. Prices Very reasonable
3. Customer service SUCKS!! I always felt like they were doing me a favor by opening their door and could care less if I spent any of my money in there.

Here's hoping the new management can turn this around.

Mike

Chad Wrote:
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> sixaxlecentury Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Lombard is under new management, and so far it
> > seems they have really turned the place around.
>
>
> I love Lombard, they are great. Ordered from them
> a number of times with great results.

Chad Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> sixaxlecentury Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Lombard is under new management, and so far it
> > seems they have really turned the place around.
>
>
> I love Lombard, they are great. Ordered from them
> a number of times with great results.

I do occasionally order from them but compared to a few others, Lombards shipping is bY far the highest because they use expensive UPS and refuse to offer USPS.

They have some models Id like to buy but have known issues. I asked if they could check them before shipping and got a flat no. If I risk buying them and they turn out to be defective I pay $14 shipping to find out and the pay return shipping. Potentially if the model was defective, I'd return it an be out around $25 and nothing to show for it. That is unacceptable risk, which could be mitigated if they would simple check the model before shipping. Other shops have been willing to do that for me, but of course the dont have that model. THAT is my only beef with Lombard customer service. I'll have to see if any yhing has changed with this new partnership.

Cheers, Jim

Posted from Android

Sorry to hear this. I actually haven't heard of Golden Spike; in my case, I'm pretty far in comparison to other Chicago hobby shops. When I saw this headline I worried it was Zientek's, but then remembered that I put an order in there today!

I really like Lombard Hobbies. My daughter lives in the area and I visit there when I go to see her. They have been very good to me and have a huge inventory. One time I did a fast count on their inventory and passed 1,000 n-scale locomotives and was still counting. They could use move inventory on vehicles and buildings along with other accessories.

Bruce Stikkers
St. Joseph, IL