Fine Scale model shop in Chicago area

Unfortunately, I think Al's has been gone for a while. Last time I was at Chicagoland, I spoke to one of the old timers. He said Chicagoland was the last shop in Chicago. Might be some outside of the city proper, though.

Every since Venture hobby closed, There isn't much left. Des Plaines Hobby in Des Plaines on Oakton is OK, America's best is good for supplies, Lots of models but not a lot of newer kits and prices are a little high. M&Models in Oak Lawn is a nice shop but small. They do have a decent amout of kits and supplies. Many of the local hobbies cater to R/C or trains. Plastic is limited. There are 3 IPMS groups in the area and have a model show every year with a large swap area. You can find new and old kits and accessories at good prices. I tend to get many things via mail order. Hobby Town is expensive and very limited.

You're right. There aren't many choices left in Chicago. It's been a few years since I was there, but I liked Chicagoland Toys and Hobbies. They had an adequate WW2 model selection and the prices seemed competitive. I seem to recall they were a little weak on supplies, but I think I remember them having Tamiya and MM paints. I'm sure it's a bit of a drive, but I think you'd be glad you went.

Barrett

It will be nice to have you as a neighbor, but alas no. there is a hobby town but they are overpriced and only care about rc. And there is a place named America's Best Train in Itasca. They have kits, nothing new though, and a good supply of paints but zero interesi in plastic and no help about kits, thus the train in the name. There are 2 shops in Joliet, a little south, that I have never gone to and a couple in Chicago. I am not going to drive 2 hours for a bad selection. There was Al's but that closed 2 years ago and even by then all the cared for was rc.

 I read up, make notes on line and I get all my kits on ebay. I think the days of browsing plastic around here are gone. I've liked your posts in the past and it will be nice to have someone knowledgeable near. I live in North Aurora, 5 min from you. Send me a PM if you want.

Good luck.

Look on the web for Al's hobby shop in Chicago .They carry a large selection of models.