This Old-School Tennessee Hobby Shop Is Packed With Vintage Trains, Rare Models, And RC Treasures

Most hobby shops start at the front door. This Tennessee one starts surprising people before they even get inside.

There is something unusually large waiting outside, and it costs nothing to use.

Indoors, the family-run business has spent nearly three decades turning a simple shopping trip into something that can easily become an afternoon activity.

The deeper I looked, the stranger the details became.

There are places to test things, areas meant for playing rather than browsing, and even one four-legged employee with a very relaxed approach to customer service.

That is about as much as I want to spoil. The real fun is figuring out what has been hiding beyond that front door.

Sixteen Thousand Square Feet Of Hobby Heaven Awaits

Some hobby shops fit everything into a handful of aisles. Mid-South Hobbies has more than 16,000 square feet devoted to model building, remote-controlled vehicles, trains, games, and creative projects.

The Memphis store opened in 1996 and has grown into a second-generation family business.

Its enormous selection reflects that long history, combining older collectibles with newer hobby equipment.

Model trains occupy a substantial section, while remote-controlled cars, trucks, and aircraft have their own areas. Plastic model kits, paints, tools, puzzles, and action figures fill out the shelves.

The layout makes it possible to browse several completely different hobbies during one visit. Someone interested in building miniature cars might discover model railroading, while a family shopping for a puzzle could find an entirely new project.

There’s also room for hands-on activities, adding another dimension beyond ordinary retail shopping.

For anyone exploring independent hobby stores in Tennessee, the sheer range makes this one particularly interesting.

A short shopping list might help with the original plan, although the store offers plenty of reasons to keep browsing after finding everything on it.

Two Acres Of Outdoor RC Fun Are Waiting Behind The Shop

A two-acre remote-control vehicle park isn’t something usually found behind a hobby store.

Mid-South Hobbies opened its outdoor RC area in June 2024, creating a dedicated place for enthusiasts to use their vehicles.

Four courses were developed for different driving styles, including an off-road dirt track, a crawler course, a smaller-scale course, and an area for high-energy driving.

The terrain includes turns, obstacles, and jumps, allowing drivers to practice different techniques.

Crawler vehicles move slowly across uneven surfaces, requiring careful steering and throttle control. Faster trucks are better suited to courses with room for acceleration and jumps.

The park opened with complimentary access, although participants must complete a waiver before using the tracks. Current conditions and availability are worth confirming before arriving with a vehicle.

Outdoor racing competitions have also been part of the shop’s activities, bringing together people interested in more organized RC driving.

Indoor Tracks Keep The Racing Fun Going

The outdoor courses aren’t the only places where miniature vehicles get moving.

Inside Mid-South Hobbies, dedicated areas have been set up for slot cars, crawlers, miniature RC vehicles, and Hot Wheels.

The slot car track brings a particularly nostalgic touch. Small electric cars follow grooves built into the racing surface, while handheld controllers determine their speed.

Keeping a smooth pace around each turn takes practice, especially when the track includes tighter corners and longer straight sections.

Crawler courses offer a completely different challenge. These miniature vehicles move across obstacles that test careful wheel placement rather than outright speed.

Hot Wheels tracks and smaller RC setups add more opportunities for indoor play.

The store has also featured a LEGO building area, providing another hands-on activity for children interested in constructing rather than racing.

These spaces make the shop an appealing option during warm Memphis afternoons, when an air-conditioned activity can be especially welcome.

Anyone hoping to use a particular track should confirm its operating arrangements and equipment requirements ahead of time. Different setups can accommodate different vehicle types.

All Aboard For G, O, HO, And N Scale Trains

Model railroading is where the story of Mid-South Hobbies began.

Founder Emmo Hein opened the business in 1996 with a focus on trains, and that original specialty remains an important part of the store.

The railroad selection spans G, O, HO, and N scales, covering everything from larger display trains to compact layouts designed for smaller spaces.

Scale determines how a miniature train compares with its full-sized counterpart. HO remains a common choice for home layouts, while N scale allows more track and scenery to fit into a limited area.

G scale models are considerably larger and can suit garden railroads, depending on the equipment.

Engines and train cars are only part of the selection. Track sections, scenery supplies, miniature buildings, and accessories help transform a basic oval into a detailed railroad environment.

The store also carries vintage and previously owned railroad equipment, including items for several popular scales.

That variety gives Tennessee railroad enthusiasts options whether they’re building their first layout or expanding an established collection. A small station, a few trees, and a miniature crossing can gradually become an entire town.

Rare Model Kits Fill Shelves With Possibilities

Rows of model kits offer another reason to spend time browsing.

Mid-South Hobbies specializes in plastic models, including vintage automobiles, aircraft, ships, buildings, and science-fiction subjects.

Its inventory includes older and difficult-to-find releases alongside newer kits. That combination is especially interesting for collectors seeking a particular design, manufacturer, or scale.

A classic automobile kit might require careful assembly and finishing, while a miniature ship involves smaller details and delicate construction.

The shop also maintains an extensive selection of paints, adhesives, brushes, and modeling tools.

These supplies allow builders to add realistic finishes, weathered surfaces, and detailed markings to their projects.

Airbrush equipment provides another option for applying color smoothly across larger model surfaces.

The range of kits and accessories serves beginners as well as experienced builders who want to develop more advanced techniques.

Model-building classes and hobby events have also been part of the store’s community activities, creating opportunities to learn practical skills.

For collectors, the shelves are worth exploring carefully. The appeal isn’t limited to finding a particular kit.

Sometimes the most interesting discovery is a miniature subject that wasn’t part of the original shopping plan.

RC Parts Keep Favorite Vehicles Running Smoothly

Remote-controlled vehicles need more than batteries and a place to drive.

Tires, suspension pieces, gears, motors, electronic components, and other accessories all contribute to how a car or truck handles different surfaces.

Mid-South Hobbies maintains an extensive RC parts department, serving enthusiasts who want to maintain existing vehicles or experiment with upgrades.

Brands represented in the shop’s selection include Traxxas, Arrma, Axial, and other established RC manufacturers.

Some vehicles are designed for speed across smooth surfaces, while others are built for rocky terrain or off-road driving.

Choosing compatible components matters, particularly when upgrading motors, tires, or steering systems.

The store’s selection includes ready-to-run vehicles as well as individual parts, allowing newcomers to explore complete models before learning about maintenance.

Experienced hobbyists can browse replacement components and accessories for more specialized projects.

Staff assistance can help with identifying suitable parts, and any repair-service arrangements should be confirmed directly before bringing equipment in. This practical side of the hobby is an important part of the shop’s appeal.

A vehicle can remain an ongoing project, with adjustments and additions offering new ways to enjoy it over time.

Collectibles, Puzzles, And Crafts Share The Spotlight

Remote-controlled trucks and model trains may attract attention first, but the store’s shelves extend into plenty of other interests.

Collectible figures include characters from Marvel, DC, and Star Trek, giving fans of superheroes and science fiction something to browse.

Board games, puzzles, and building sets provide activities that can be enjoyed around a table rather than on a racing track.

LEGO products and other construction toys add options for younger builders, while educational kits introduce creative projects that involve assembling and experimenting.

The arts and crafts selection reaches into embroidery, crochet, cross-stitch, watercolor painting, and other hands-on activities.

Books and supplies support these interests, making the collection broader than a conventional model shop.

A family might arrive looking for one particular toy and discover several possible activities for a rainy weekend.

The store also carries miniature scenery, tools, and painting materials that can be useful across multiple crafts.

For a Tennessee shopping trip with different generations along for the ride, the range provides something for nearly everyone.

Plan Your Summer Avenue Hobby Day Right

Mid-South Hobbies operates at 4862 Summer Ave in Memphis, a convenient address for exploring the city’s long-established commercial corridor.

The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with shorter Sunday hours from noon until 4 p.m.

Hours and event arrangements can change, particularly around holidays, so checking before traveling is useful.

The business began with model trains in 1996 and now operates under its founder’s nephew and his wife.

That second-generation ownership has continued the original hobby-store concept while expanding into new product categories and activities.

There’s also an unexpected member of the shop’s everyday routine: a friendly dog that often spends time near the counter or resting in quiet corners.

The store welcomed its current canine companion in 2024, adding a little personality to the shopping experience.

Visitors interested in the outdoor RC courses should confirm access arrangements and bring suitable equipment.

Those planning to browse trains, models, or collectibles can explore the indoor selection during regular store hours.

After three decades in business, this Tennessee shop has become far more than a place to purchase miniature vehicles and supplies.