The Train Shop

This place by far is awesome the lady at the counter was nice I went there to find a chassis for my sd40 t-2 shell the nice lady said they don’t sell kids anymore and that I could find one at my model train club SVL they know them a lot because they always come to the train shop and buy some trains from
There so I got two things so did my brother I got a Southern Pacific GE u28 locomotive also know as the “u boat” a submarine used by the Germans and nazis in world war 1 and 2 it runs nice though the sound needs work on i also got a southern pacfifc boxcar too my brother got a amtrack combine and observation car for his vintage amtrack train consist overall this lady is nice and I think she loves her work. ( though I wonder why are there photos of plane crashes and boats sinking I guess they saw it and took photos of them not sure why but it’s interesting

Great Train store!!! I was recently in town I business and had time to visit. AMAZING book selection! I've never seen so many books, magazines, and instruction manuals in one shop. Nice assortment of models from all manufacturers in all known scales. Also a wide variety of consignment items. I picked up a recently released SP book and magazine. I also found a TTX caboose in HO. Never seen one before, great find. Friendly service, knowledgeable staff, professionally run business. Prices are well below retail.
Highly recommended!!! 👍🚂

Great little store! Helped me and my son get some parts for a train!! Very kind and helpful.

Okay, after seeing all the mixed reviews on here, I was curious as to how my first visit was going to be like today, and I have to say, it was a positive one.

I stopped by half hour after opening. Walked in and started browsing around.
This shop has some of the best selection around! I've been to a few around the California, and it's has not been this diverse in what's in stocked.

Lots of HO and N Scale inventory.
Prices are as competitive as eBay or even better!
I picked up 3 N Scale freight cars averaging 24 each; a hopper, center beam, and bulk head. These alone aren't cheap online!

My interaction with the owners were pleasant. They both greeted me and extended help if questions arises or if I wanted something behind the glass showcases. Their store and themselves reminds me alot of rural town folks. They warm up when you warm up them up too. I'm not local so it's an environment I'm accustomed to.

This shop has a distinct character and one can definitely tell its filled with alot of history and stories. Doesn't hurt to step back and take it for what it is, someone's life long passion being extended out to others. Though they may not meet our versions and expectations of hospitality, they are still here today providing access and products of a hobby that is slowly losing storefronts.

I know forsure I'll be coming back for future visits next time I'm in San Jose.

Completley awesome store. I've gone here for years, and I've never had a problem with owners. I had a problem with my locomotive i bought, and they quickly replaced me with a new one. 10/10

This place is amazing! I am new to the area and went here with my daughter. They had everything well laid out and easy to find, and at great prices, too. I read the other reviews about "unfriendly staff", and have to say, you must be talking about a different store. The staff was AMAZING. Friendly, funny, and were above and beyond helpful. Growing up, my grandpa was a master builder and part of a huge railroad club. I was fascinated by it, and my model trains he would build me. now, my kids are fascinated with trains, so its time to pull out my models again. My childhood experience has set the bar extremely high. These guys definitely met it, and have earned a loyal customer.

Always very helpful. Friendly service and prices are better than online. We love browsing and shopping here weekly!

I have been back here many times since my last review. I moved to CA. several years ago and have now been to most of the Model Railroad shops across the state. "The Train Shop" is hands down the finest shop I have visited and will continue to do so. I encourage folks to visit this shop, really look around and support!

This is by far the best store for trains and train layouts in the Bay Area and maybe the country. The staff are enthusiasts, not salespeople, but they are very friendly, assuming that you're polite. I have been in the store when people have come in expected to be "waited on" and that doesn't go over well in this store. When I was rebuilding my "N" Scale layout, and just learning about DCC and the newest switch motors, they were very patient and helpful. The store is also a great source for small screws and hardware bits, as well as tools that you might need. I highly recommend shopping here.

If your an experienced model railroader, fabulous place to buy and browse trains! If you are still beginning, you might want to learn some thing before you shop.

This place is awesome, I went in with what I thought was a faulty transformer, it turned out to be dirt tracks, I'm new to the hobby and the gentleman (sorry I forgot his name) helped me accordingly and was very, very nice. Out the door with a new track cleaning block,$16 and some change. Smiles on the kids faces, priceless. Thank you Train Shop.

Before shopping here yesterday, I read through the reviews and will admit to being a little wary of visiting this store due to comments about negative customer service. While our interest in electric trains only happens once a year when we put the train around the Christmas tree, I am aware that this is a serious hobby, nay, passion for some people. I was prepared for a negative experience given that our experience level was that of a newbie.

I am happy to say that my 7 year old son and I had a great experience. I am pretty sure it was the owner that assisted us and, while initially quiet and a tad cautious, he readily came over to help us find a new engine for our HO scale train. I happened to be in the section with engines that made sound and he came over to demonstrate what the engines would sound like. He showed us a diesel engine and the steam engine my son eventually decided on. His knowledge was impressive and I would not be surprised if he knew intimate details about every train there. He pointed out key features and instructed us on how to handle the engine to preserve it. The woman at the counter, while also quiet, was courteous and friendly. They both demonstrated a deep level of knowledge of the products and I am sure both would be able to assist customers with their train needs.

The advice I would give everyone is to not treat this as a toy store. These are expensive items that are made with care versus toy trains that are built to withstand the abuse of the average child. Toys-R-Us or Amazon may be a better choice if you are simply looking for a toy. If you enter the store with the knowledge that this a deep passion for these folks that deserves respect, you will have a great experience. My take is that they want you to have years and years of enjoyment with the train you purchase. They have a wealth of knowledge and will help you find the right train for you if you know what you are looking for. I was dangerous enough that I had researched this a little online, but readily admitted to knowing very little about trains. They answered my questions and spent a fair bit of time with me and my son to ensure we found the right engine for us. We also learned about the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento and now are planning a trip up to see it.

We will definitely return here again and I recommend shopping here for your electric train needs.

Love this place. I could get lost in this store. I have found that their prices are the same or lower than online. I don't have to wait for shipping and I can physically touch the product before I buy it. The service is great. Helped me find what I was looking for without an attitude. You don't find that much anymore.

So nice to see a traditional train hobby store. You can actually see the products instead of a small picture on a screen.

By far the best book selection I've every seen! Fine selection of consignment items. Friendly service, well stocked in all scales, fun shop to browse and buy. Highly recommended!

I have shopped here for model railroad supplies, books, and equipment for many years. It's a warm, friendly, and well-equipped shop for you model RR needs. I highly recommend it.

I've been going here since I was a kid. It was always my go to place for trains. Their G scale section used to be better but a lot of that is the economy and the fact that too many homes that people can afford in this area don't have room for even O scale let alone G.

One of the best if not the best model train shops in the San Francisco bay/San Jose/Silicon Valley area.

To be clear: this place sells model ($$$$) and toy ($) trains - and parts, books, etc. Everything you need to build a train setup, except for the wood for a base. This is a rare store, and local.

If you're a beginner, they can help you with books, advice, and networking (the human kind) help.

Cool place where you can really get lost for a few hours
From complete scenery sets to DIY tools and materials necessary to build your own!! Every gauge of tracks and train sets. Excellent selection of product.