Model Railroaders Hunt Supplies At These 5 Nebraska Hobby Shops

One tiny village in southern Nebraska holds a model train store packed with HO and N scale trains. The town is small enough that the shop could be its biggest draw for hobby travelers.

That detail made me grin. Another shop on this list sells trains right alongside rows of toy soldiers.

One more opens only for a short slice of each afternoon, and you need an appointment.

I love that the hunt for a single boxcar or a strip of track can turn into a road trip. Model railroaders know the feeling of searching three websites for one missing part.

Holding the real thing in your hand beats a shipping box every time.

So where do the folks building tabletop towns and miniature rail yards in this state actually shop? I have a hunch a few of these stops will end up on your weekend map.

1. Spring Creek Model Trains

Deshler is a small town, yet it hosts one of the most complete model train stores in Nebraska. That surprise alone is worth the drive down to Thayer County.

Spring Creek Model Trains carries an extensive inventory of HO and N scale trains. You can hunt for locomotives, layout track, and the yard supplies that make a miniature railroad feel finished.

A husband and wife own and run the business. That family touch matters when you’re chasing one specific part for a layout you’ve worked on for years.

The selection goes well beyond a few engines in a glass case. Think of it as a one-stop depot for setting up a whole train yard, from rolling stock to the pieces that tie a scene together.

Pricing here has a strong reputation too. That’s a nice bonus when a hobby budget has to stretch across track, scenery, and that locomotive you keep eyeing.

Plan your trip for a weekday or Saturday, since the shop closes on Sundays. Free street parking and free Wi-Fi make a quick stop easy, though quick might be optimistic.

You may walk out with a bigger box than planned. Nobody in Deshler will judge you for it.

Address: 304 E Bryson Ave, Deshler, NE 68340

2. Randy’s Roundhouse

A roundhouse is where real railroads park and service engines. Lincoln’s version sits in the Meadowlane Shopping Center, and it serves hobbyists instead of hulking diesels.

Randy’s Roundhouse stocks model trains in several scales. You’ll find layout supplies and locomotive equipment for both quick fixes and big new projects.

Beginners get a real lift here. The shop offers helpful guidance on planning a first layout, which beats guessing your way through a pile of track.

Price-watchers can relax a bit, too. Pricing tends to line up with online sellers, and sometimes it comes in lower.

That changes the math on shopping local. You get to inspect the item, ask questions, and carry it home the same day.

Thursday evenings offer extra breathing room, since the shop stays open later that day. Weekday visits after work suddenly become a real option.

Sundays are a no-go, so plan around that. Saturdays open a little later than weekdays, giving you time for coffee before the browsing starts.

Lincoln layout builders have a solid neighborhood stop here. Your rail yard may just thank you for it.

Address: 918 N 70th St, Lincoln, NE 68505

3. Trains and Toy Soldiers

Two childhood favorites share one roof in south Lincoln. The store name tells you exactly what’s waiting inside, and somehow it still feels like a surprise.

Trains and Toy Soldiers specializes in model and toy trains, including electric trains. The selection spans different scales, so N, HO, and larger gauge fans can all shop here.

Track sections, accessories, and kits fill out the inventory. You can piece together a starter loop or add details to a layout that’s already sprawling across the basement.

Then come the army men. The store carries lots of different kinds, which makes it a fun stop for collectors who split their passions.

Detailed setups give you something to study while you shop. Seeing pieces arranged in a scene can spark ideas for your own tabletop town.

Hours run a bit later on weekdays than at some shops. That makes an after-work visit doable, and Saturday works too, though Sundays are closed.

Families may find it an easy outing for mixed interests. One kid can chase locomotives while another lines up a tiny battalion.

Honestly, the hardest part might be choosing which aisle to start in.

Address: 5500 Old Cheney Rd #7, Lincoln, NE 68516

4. Metro Hobbies

Appointments aren’t usual for a hobby shop. Metro Hobbies in Omaha does things its own way, and that quirk makes it stand out.

The small family business has been around since 1997. Its focus stays squarely on model railroad supplies, with a wide array of layout essentials for train builders.

The staff are passionate hobby experts. They can help you track down the pieces you need for a layout you’re proud to show off.

Here’s a service you won’t see everywhere. The shop also helps families manage hobby estates, which can be a real relief when a loved one leaves behind a large train collection.

Timing matters for this stop. Hours run daily in a short late-afternoon window, and an appointment is required, so plan ahead.

Flexible pickup options add convenience. Curbside pickup, in-store pickup, and delivery are all available for busy schedules.

Free street parking keeps things simple once you arrive. The shop also lists a gender-neutral restroom and a welcoming LGBTQ+ friendly approach.

Omaha has bigger stores, but few feel this personal. Sometimes the best finds come from the folks who live and breathe the hobby.

Address: 7307 N 106th Ave, Omaha, NE 68122

5. HobbyTown

Model trains get some lively company at this Omaha hobby store. Planes, cars, and building sets crowd the shelves nearby, and the variety is part of the fun.

HobbyTown is a national chain, but this location keeps model railroading in the mix. You’ll find model trains, scale models, building kits, and layout accessories.

Finding steady supplies matters more than ever. Some hobby shops struggle to keep shelves stocked, so a solid selection here earns real appreciation.

Remote-control fans have even more to explore. The store features two tracks for racing R/C cars, which adds a burst of motion beyond the train aisle.

That mix makes it handy for households with different hobbies. A train fan can grab scenery while someone else eyes a model plane kit.

Hours stretch into the evening on weekdays, and the doors open on Sundays too. That’s rare on this list and helpful for weekend layout sessions.

Weekend afternoons tend to get busy, though. Early weekday visits usually offer calmer aisles and easier browsing.

Nebraska model railroaders now have a full route mapped out. Which stop will you hit first on your supply run?

Address: 10020 Scott Cir, Omaha, NE 68122