This Idaho Train And Hobby Shop Is Worth An Afternoon For Model Railroad Fans, And It Even Revives 1960s Engines

Someone sent a 1960s model train to a small Idaho shop, and it came back running better than before. It also returned with a fresh paint job.

The tender even got a brand-new light it never had originally.

That sounds like the work of a quiet garage workbench. The real setting is a hobby shop with lake views out the window.

The same shelves hold model railroad items, trading cards, crystals, and paints.

I love a shop that refuses to pick just one hobby. Train fans get a repair team that treats old engines like family heirlooms.

Gamers get tables, and crafters get glitter mugs and 3D printing.

So how does one store juggle all of that and still keep vintage locomotives humming? I can’t imagine a better excuse to spend a slow afternoon finding out.

A Lakeside Boise Shop That Collects Hobbies Like Rail Cars

Some shops hitch one hobby to the engine and call it a day. 9 Realms Relics Train and Hobby Shop keeps adding cars to the train.

The store sits in Boise, Idaho, near the water in the city’s northwest side. Google lists it as a game store, but that label only covers one corner of the place.

Inside, model railroad items share space with trading card games, tabletop gaming supplies, paints, and craft materials. There are stones and crystals too.

Add in 3D printing and custom printing services, and the name starts to make sense.

Nine realms is a fair count. It might even be a little low.

For model railroad fans, the big draw is the repair work on vintage engines. The shop has brought a 1960s locomotive back to life, which is no small feat for gear that old.

That story gets its own section shortly.

What ties everything together is the people behind the counter. The owners come across as hands-on hobbyists who enjoy helping folks find the right piece.

That friendly approach shows up again and again across the shop’s many sides.

That 1960s Engine Left Better Than It Arrived

A model train from the 1960s got shipped to this shop needing help. It went back to its owner running in better condition than when it left home.

The repair didn’t stop at getting the wheels turning again. The engine received a new paint job as part of the upgrade.

The crew also added a light on the tender, where the original model never had one.

That’s a thoughtful touch. Old trains carry memories, and a little glow on the tender makes them feel brand new without losing their history.

Here’s the fun part for Idaho collectors. You don’t have to live next door to get help, since that engine arrived by mail.

Plenty of vintage locomotives sit in closets because nobody nearby knows how to fix them. Motors stall, wiring wears out, and paint fades after decades of holiday layouts.

A shop willing to tackle that work is a real find for anyone holding a family train set.

Got a grandpa’s engine collecting dust in a box? 9 Realms Relics Train and Hobby Shop might be the place that gets it rolling down the track again.

Model Railroad Supplies Hiding Between the Card Racks

Train fans, take heart. The rails haven’t been crowded out by all the gaming gear.

9 Realms Relics Train and Hobby Shop carries model railroad items right in the mix with its other stock. The train name on the sign isn’t just decoration.

It reflects a real part of what the shop does.

Fantasy games and model railroading might seem like odd neighbors. Yet both hobbies reward patience, tiny details, and a good imagination.

Building a mountain pass for an HO layout isn’t so different from painting a battlefield for a tabletop game.

That overlap makes the shop handy for layout builders. Paints, craft supplies, and printing services can all help with scenery and custom touches.

The owners also come across as knowledgeable, which matters when you’re shopping for something technical. Model railroading has scales, couplers, and track types that can confuse newcomers fast.

Having someone who can talk shop saves a lot of guesswork.

Stock in any small store rotates, so the railroad selection may shift from visit to visit. Calling ahead before a long drive is smart if you need something specific.

Then you can browse with a plan and still leave room for surprises.

Lake Views Make Browsing Feel Like a Mini Vacation

Most hobby shops offer fluorescent lights and a view of the parking lot. This one gives you water.

The shop’s Lakeharbor location in Boise comes with views out the window that stand out among hobby stores anywhere. It’s a rare perk for a place full of cards and train parts.

You might catch yourself staring outside between aisles.

The docks nearby add another layer of charm. Some customers have played rounds of Magic: The Gathering out on the docks.

That’s a pretty great upgrade from a folding table in a back room.

Idaho summers practically beg for that kind of thing. A game of cards near the water on a warm afternoon sounds like a fine way to spend a weekend.

Inside, the store stays well lit and clean, with room to move around. It feels spacious for how much merchandise it holds.

Nobody wants to knock over a display of delicate train cars while turning around.

The setting also makes the shop an easy pick for couples or friends with different interests. One person can browse trains while another enjoys the view.

Everyone wins, including the person holding the snacks.

Card Players Get Tables, Events, and Fair Prices

Magic: The Gathering, Pokemon, Lorcana, Star Wars, Riftbound, and more. The trading card shelves here cover a lot of ground.

9 Realms Relics Train and Hobby Shop has become a busy stop for card players in the Treasure Valley. The store offers tables for Commander and other formats.

It also hosts TCG events and has welcomed a Magic card artist for a signing.

Pricing is a big deal for collectors. The shop sells products at MSRP, including Magic items that can be hard to find at that price.

Bulk single cards get priced one by one, so give yourself a little extra time at checkout.

Newcomers aren’t left out. Staff have been known to explain games and help beginners get started.

That’s a comfort if card shops have ever felt intimidating.

Tabletop role-playing fans can find D&D supplies here too. Warhammer 40k players get a dedicated table, plus the option to combine other tables for bigger battles.

The shop also offers terrain mats and some terrain pieces free for store play. Ask a team member, and they’ll help you set up.

Pokemon stock can disappear fast, so don’t count on it every visit.

Rentable Airbrush Stations for the Curious Painter

Airbrushing looks amazing, but the gear can cost a small fortune. Here’s a clever workaround.

The shop offers airbrush stations that customers can rent. That’s an uncommon setup for a hobby store.

It lets you test the technique before committing to buying your own equipment.

Miniature painters will love this, but train fans should pay attention too. Weathering a boxcar or adding grime to a locomotive often looks best with an airbrush.

A smooth coat on a building or vehicle can make a whole layout feel more realistic.

Paints are part of the draw as well. The store carries paints that are richly pigmented and easy to use with brushes.

Prices on supplies have earned praise for being fair.

Beginners can learn without cluttering the kitchen table with overspray. Experienced hobbyists can get a quick project done without hauling equipment from home.

It’s the kind of service that turns a shopping trip into a hands-on afternoon. Bring a model, grab a seat, and see what happens.

Worst case, you leave with a slightly blue thumb and a new skill. Best case, you find a hobby that sticks.

Custom Prints, Mats, and 3D-Printed Surprises

Need a part that nobody sells anymore? A 3D printer can be a hobbyist’s best friend.

9 Realms Relics Train and Hobby Shop offers 3D printing, and printed items show up on display throughout the store. Some pieces are fun decor, while others fit right into gaming or crafting projects.

It’s one of the most talked-about features of the shop.

For model railroaders, custom printing opens doors. Small details for a layout or a one-of-a-kind accessory become a lot easier to imagine.

Asking what’s possible costs nothing.

The services go further. The shop handles graphics and t-shirts, along with custom mats for card and tabletop games.

A personalized play mat makes a memorable gift for any gamer in your life.

That mix gives the store a maker-space feel. You aren’t limited to what’s on the shelf.

You can walk out with something built for you.

Club members might like the t-shirt option for group events or train shows. Gaming groups can get matching gear for tournaments.

Either way, the printers keep humming while you browse the rest of the store and wonder what to order next.

Glitter Mugs and Crystals for the Non-Gamers

Not everyone in the family wants to talk about locomotives or card decks. Good news for them, because this shop has a sparkly side.

The store shares space with Boss Momma Boutique, and crafts play a big role. Customers can make custom glitter mugs right there.

There’s a large choice of decals, glitters, cups, and mugs to personalize.

Stones and crystals also fill part of the shelves. A pretty crystal makes an easy souvenir for anyone who collects them.

It’s also a nice small gift if you’re not sure what someone likes.

That variety makes the shop work well for mixed groups. A spouse can design a mug while a train fan browses railroad items.

Kids can check out the crafts too.

Families have found friendly service here as well. The owners once handed out Hot Wheels cars to kids while their parents shopped.

Small gestures like that tend to stick in young memories.

Craft fans who skip trading cards still get plenty to explore. The shop seems built for groups who arrive with different wish lists.

Everyone can leave with something, even if it’s covered in glitter.

Planning Your Visit to Lakeharbor Lane

Finding the shop is easy once you know the spot. 9 Realms Relics Train and Hobby Shop sits at 3000 N Lakeharbor Ln, Boise, ID 83703.

The store keeps long hours and opens seven days a week. It stays open well into the evening, which helps after-work shoppers and weeknight gamers.

Hours can change, so check before driving.

Game nights draw regular groups, and some nights are set aside for specific games. If you want quiet browsing, a daytime visit may suit you better.

Event schedules are worth asking about if you want to join a game.

The shop has grown recently, adding bigger shelves and more products. That means you might find new stock each time.

The owners have said new items arrive weekly.

Repair projects need a conversation first. Reach out to the shop about your train before showing up with a box of parts.

They can explain what’s possible for your engine.

For out-of-town Idaho visitors, the shop fits nicely into a Boise day trip. Pair it with a meal nearby or a stroll around the area.

Then head home with a revived engine or a fresh stack of cards.

Why Train Fans Should Save an Afternoon for This Stop

A shop that fixes a sixty-year-old engine and adds a light it never had? That alone deserves a road trip.

9 Realms Relics Train and Hobby Shop gives Idaho model railroad fans a place to shop, ask questions, and rescue old trains. The repair work shows real care for vintage equipment.

Few stores take on that kind of project.

The rest of the shop makes the visit even better. Card games, painting stations, crafts, crystals, and 3D printing keep everyone busy.

The lake view is the cherry on top.

Friendly owners and staff tie the whole place together. They seem to enjoy helping, whether you’re a lifelong collector or a total beginner.

That attitude makes a big store feel personal.

It’s not a museum or a quiet train-only shop. It’s a lively hobby hub where rails meet dice and glitter.

Some folks will love that mix, while purists may want to call ahead about railroad stock.

Still, it’s hard to beat the combination of skilled repairs and a waterside setting in Boise. Bring a curious mind and maybe an old engine.

You might leave planning your next layout before reaching the car.