New Models at Hobby Lobby?

20170829_092744 by Jerry Richards, on Flickr

just seen this in town i have never been to 1 but here about them all the time in the forums. just so happens are local hobby shop shut down 2 weeks ago. i hate seeing that happen to a mom and pop store close up.

GMorrison

mock all yup want but at least make an effort to come up with reasonable comparisons.

You are correct. My attempt at sarcasem missed the mark. I do apologize for that.

GMorrison

lets say your neighborhood grocer won't sell to black people. Would you still give them business, or is boycotting them too politically correct.

That "IS" the point. But it's  every grocery store everywhere. You cant boycot them all.(Unless you start growing your own food.... not a bad idea by the way. )

GMorrison

I think the better point made here by others smarter than me is that HL kind of sucks anyways

You are correct here too. Their selection is very limited and I avoid them when possable.

But somtimes I need paint or whatever and they are the closest thing to a real hobby store. (HL is 53 miles away. ) When I can I preffer to purchase items from The Hobby Spot in Tuscon (122 miles away ) But no matter where I buy stuff the money goes to a corporation somewhere and eventually gets funelled to somthing  I dont agree with nor support. Hence my quip about "Wittiling our own models from trees". HL falls into the conveniance catagory.... nothing more.

I'm not trying to anger anybody.... My train of thought just gets de-railed sometimes.

Thank's for not beating me with a rubber hose. (The credit reporting companies have that covered already.)

Well Timmy, the thing with being politically correct is that it is usually correct.

mock all yup want but at least make an effort to come up with reasonable comparisons.

lets say your neighborhood grocer won't sell to black people. Would you still give them business, or is boycotting them too politically correct.

I think the better point made here by others smarter than me is that HL kind of sucks anyways

If we buy models that are manufactured in say North Korea, or China are we paying for WWIII? If we buy models from Britan, or Russa are we not taking away American jobs?

To be 100% politically correct and keep our "principals" do we have to stop buying models and go in our backyard... cut down a tree.... and whittle our way to a 1/48 p-51 Mustang?

I'll go for conveniance..... when China try's to invade my house they will be greeted with defiance..... unless they have a kit I "desperatly" want.

For me it was model cars, but, yes, my Alpha Beta in West Garden Grove was my go-to place for model cars. I think I also bought paint and glue there, as well, but can't remember for sure ...

Tojo72

Well for me there was no fuss,just conversation ,I certainly dont see it a great source for models,but when they opened one near me I wanted to check it out.I was glad to see another place to run in and get a bottle of glue I spilled or paint that I needed to finish something,lots of artist oils and brushes also.It is what it is,a craft and hobby store that happens to have a handful of things a modeler might find useful,but certainly no fuss.I buy kits mostly online,but if they hit my sweet spot with that 40 % coupon then great.But I couldnt care less whether they were there or not,just like I feel about Michaels

 

Is that not the problem?  Convienence over principles.

I find modelers tend to be well educated, moral, highly principled group that help others will no though of themselves as is well proven on the many threads just on FSM forums alone.

Big companies, banks, etc  know that with human nature we may give up our principles over convienence.  Since there are less and less LHS and online sources dedicated to our hobby, should we not rise above this tendency and choose our principles?  I get it, in the moment when you are so close to finishing a build and the last supplies are just a few miles away at a hobby lobby, it is hard not to just drive there and get it.

Is that not the best time for our principles to rise above this?  If one thing we as model builders have, it's plenty of patience.  What are a few more days to order from a dedicated retailer to our hobby.

 I'll get off my soap box now.

Hey, I don't know what part of the PS you live in, check out Skyway models.  I love going in there.  Also try HobbyTown down in Parkland, if they don't have it, they can generally order it for you.  

I checked out their catalog out of curiosity ad noticed that their prices were actually higher than those of my LHS. Kit selection was mediocre to poor.  I'll pass.

Bill

I am curious, what is all the fuss about with Hobby Lobby when it comes to this hobby?  Their kit selection, paints, tools and accessories are meh at best.  Their prices are nothing special and they could care less if model builders bought from them or not.

It seems in the age of the internet, if you do not have a LHS near you to support, are we not better as model builders to support online retailers that take our hobby seriously like Squadron and other similar sellers that cater to us directly?

If HL was the only place to supply our needs for this hobby, I suspect many of us would have lost interest.

I see seveal pages of discussion on this forum dedicated to a company that would not even notice if we all stopped buying from them tomorrow.  I have never seen an ad from them in FSM.

stikpusher

Guys, this is certainly a political issue when your boycotting a businesses for whatever reason. Especially when we bring ISIS into the discussion. And it has no business on the forum. I could write pages on it but will not for that reason.

And armor is very correct. We have much greater problems out here at home than this. Especially those involving veterans. 

 

'nuff said. I'm done.

There's a new coupon every week... and when I need more thinner, Tamiya Extra Thin, or whatever, I'll use one... not to mention the occasional kit that they stick and I want like the M4A3E8, Gamma Goat, or AT-ST

Anybody in the mood to assemble some pre-painted 1/144 scale kits from China? I have a 40% off coupon!

Anyone? 

No?

Didn't think so. Well, that's another coupon that's going to expire unused.

Criminal enterprises rate criminal charges in a court of law... at least theoretically... and working in that area for nearly 30 years now don't even get me started...  federal criminal laws are very political and not applied uniformly... even state and local laws are subject to the whim of the local D.A.

Of course but I can care about multiple things at the same time.

i don't consider this political as I haven't said anything about employee rights abuses.

i just consider the company a criminal enterprise.

Guys, this is certainly a political issue when your boycotting a businesses for whatever reason. Especially when we bring ISIS into the discussion. And it has no business on the forum. I could write pages on it but will not for that reason.

And armor is very correct. We have much greater problems out here at home than this. Especially those involving veterans. 

I am fortunate to have a great LHS owned by great guy! I go to his wholesalers website and he orders stuff for me. Mostly the prices are comparable to Amazon and I don't have to pay shipping. I still end up paying  $50-100 every month or two, but I'd rather see him get my money than HL.

I will admit to buying a bottle of paint or getting a great deal on a model, but they are not getting rich off of me. (yes, I use the 40% off coupon on a bottle of VJ)

I think it's an entirely appropriate thing to do to choose not to give them business. Reasonable alternatives exist. 

I unfortunately cannot choose who I buy gas from,  it I am saving up for an electric car.

I can and go buy my models online. 

Do I know what kind of ethics are practiced by Amazon? Yes. Do I agree with all of them? No.

So I spread it around on line too.

stikpusher

Feeling a little "activist" Karl? 

Youve made it quite well known before about your personal feelings on the store on pretty much any thread that pops up. 

Your quoting and reposting of one particular post for the second time is venturing into the political. 

 

It's just that I don't think I've ever seen a more UN-ambiguous moral/ethical choice in my life to be made than to boycott these shameless hypocrites, who have the absolute chutpah to actually write on their website " “Honoring the Lord in all we do by operating the company in a manner consistent with biblical principles.”. OK, so let's overlook the well-documented bigotry of this company--some would see fit to excuse that on grounds of their professed "faith". But come on--the deceit and self-interest so evident in this latest fisaco---which may have put America lives and interests in danger, especially those of soldiers --seems so blatantly contemptuous of the law and any cynically-offered "Godly" personal standards that I can't believe some of the equivocations and willing attitudes to just "forgive" these manipulators and support their PERSONAL business, all for seemingly the sake of a few dollars saved!?

Let's be clear: this is not buying gas or fuel oil from some monstrous, faceless conglomerate of literally thousands of nameless merchants. This is not committing an irresponsible case of "not paying your mortgage" as someone else here said. This is making a personal choice to buy, after all, what are essentially "toys"--inconsequential model kits which can be had and bought online today with the mere press of a button.

Rant over. I'm out. But I remain deeply, genuinely disappointed. And by the way, yes I DO carefully and conscientiously choose where, and with whom, I spend my money.

Back in the 1960s, there were very, very few hobby shops around. Toy 'R Us was the biggest source of model kits around.  Then, joy of joys; the Squadron Shop opened in Silver Spring, MD (My Dad was stationed at Bethesda, MD then) and I discovered Mecca!  I have had a plethora of hobby shops around my travels in the U.S.N. ever since, and there is on where I retired near Groton.  The local Toys 'R Us has no model  kits.

the doog

Just in case you guys who still shop at Hobby Lobby missed this: it bears repeating.

 

route62

"... the Green family had to pay a mutli million dollar fine and lose the artifacts because the way they were paying for the artifacts directly funded isis and they knew it. 

 

You buy stuff from Hobby Lobby.  That money makes its way to the Green family through fair and legal means and capitalism. The Green family buys artifacts on the black market knowingly funding isis.

Isis buys explosives, makes a ied, kills a US soldier.

I find what the Greens did to be indefensible and reprehensible. Full stop.

I also find that appropriate legal action was taken, and they paid the appropriate fine. Criminal prosecution would have been nice, but the facts did not support the likelihood of a conviction.

Did they knowingly support ISIS? I have no idea. Prosecution under the relevant federal statute requires a mens rea (state of mind) element. The prosecutor clearly felt that he could not prove this element, hence the plea deal.

Unfortunately, as consumers we are forced to make ethical concessions all the time. When I buy gas, I am supporting companies which do business with the Saudis who in turn fund madrasas that cultivate terrorists. When I pay my mortgage, I am funding a bank which has probably ripped people off, etc etc etc.

It is almost certain that you too, are engaging in economic activity with companies that you disapprove of in some way. The issue is where we draw the line, and that's going to depend on everything from our personal experiences to our political views.      

Roald

Just an update:

I stopped in to HL today to pick up some primer and noticed that lots of kits had been moved to the clearance section, and the shelves were half empty.

The guy working there said that a slew of new kits are arriving shortly. It'll be interesting to see what they get in. 

I recall from a previous post, whether in this thread (sorry, I didn't go back through and look) or in another thread, that this is their standard procedure, when a new shipment is due.

Roald

Yeah, I haven't seen models at Toys R Us in ages. Used to occasionally buy them there as a kid in the early 80s. K-Mart was my mainstay, though.

 

The most recent model kits at Toys R Us were the Star Wars Force Awakens snap together Revell kits (TIE, X-Wing black and grey and Millenium Falcon). Also right after the Deadpool movie, they sold the Moebius deluxe figure model kit (1/8 scale).

But, yes, they used to carry a pretty good selection of model kits.

the doog

Just in case you guys who still shop at Hobby Lobby missed this: it bears repeating.

 

route62

"... the Green family had to pay a mutli million dollar fine and lose the artifacts because the way they were paying for the artifacts directly funded isis and they knew it. 

 

You buy stuff from Hobby Lobby.  That money makes its way to the Green family through fair and legal means and capitalism. The Green family buys artifacts on the black market knowingly funding isis.

Isis buys explosives, makes a ied, kills a US soldier.  

 

 

 

 

 

Feeling a little "activist" Karl? 

Youve made it quite well known before about your personal feelings on the store on pretty much any thread that pops up. 

Your quoting and reposting of one particular post for the second time is venturing into the political. 

GMorrison

Sure wish I had an electric car.

Just in case you guys who still shop at Hobby Lobby missed this: it bears repeating.

route62

"... the Green family had to pay a mutli million dollar fine and lose the artifacts because the way they were paying for the artifacts directly funded isis and they knew it. 

 

You buy stuff from Hobby Lobby.  That money makes its way to the Green family through fair and legal means and capitalism. The Green family buys artifacts on the black market knowingly funding isis.

Isis buys explosives, makes a ied, kills a US soldier.  

 

 

Agreed. I'd say for the most part that their model customer base is the casual modeler. The serious modeler has their hobby shop in the area or online already picked out. But the kid with mom or the grandparent goes in there, or one of those non builder adults looks to HL for a model gift there.

Yeah, I haven't seen models at Toys R Us in ages. Used to occasionally buy them there as a kid in the early 80s. K-Mart was my mainstay, though.

Almost forgot: HL also had a bunch of new 1/144 scale Trumpeter kits. 

Again, the selection seems totally haphazard. No real sales strategy. I mean, is there really that much of a market for 1/144 stuff?

Conversely, I suppose it's also possible that their target buyers don't really care about stuff like scale and just buy what looks cool. That's what I did as a kid.  

I have not seen a model sold at Toys R Us in close to 20 years. The one by me stopped carrying Models probably in the mid to late 90's. And the Hobby Lobby that they opened up in town is in the same center, right next door to Toys R Us. 

Took my son to HL today to pick up some glue, and they did indeed have a number of new kits. 

Really disappointing stuff. It looks like they replaced the usual Revell/Monogram stuff with a number of pre-painted Hobby Boss 1/72 kits. Nothing even remotely interesting. 

warshipguy

The nearest Hobby Lobby to me is about 50 miles away from where I live.  It doesn't seem worth the trip to me.  I have a local hobby shop that I have used since the late 1970s, and I mail order what they can't get.  I might make the trip someday out of curiosity, particularly for the Vallejo paints.

Bill Morrison

 

I agree,not where we would go out of our way for,especially if you got a good LHS.This was the 1st one in the area,only 2 mi away.

The nearest Hobby Lobby to me is about 50 miles away from where I live.  It doesn't seem worth the trip to me.  I have a local hobby shop that I have used since the late 1970s, and I mail order what they can't get.  I might make the trip someday out of curiosity, particularly for the Vallejo paints.

Bill Morrison

Well,I went to the grand opening of the Hobby Lobby in my area.For a non model shop it was pretty good.They had about 1 side of an aisle worth of models,mostly cars but some Tamiya armor and Revell planes.I don't think they will be my primary source of models,but with that 40% coupon I could have gotten the Gamma Goat or Easy 8 at really low prices.

They have a supply of Vallejo Paints and MM Acrylics,glues,and various supplies. Airbrushes and parts were available,brushes,artist oils.So I downloaded my coupon,and picked up an Optivisor and a handful of supplies.My wife also enjoyed it,so while not a LHS as we know it,it was useful and I will use it.

route62

I agree trying to save priceless artifacts is a worthy pursuit but the issue was the way they did it.  It was proven and the Green family had to pay a mutli million dollar fine and lose the artifacts because the way they were paying for the artifacts directly funded isis and they knew it. 

Just to connect the dots...

You buy stuff from Hobby Lobby.  That money makes its way to the Green family through fair and legal means and capitalism. The Green family buys artifacts on the black market knowingly funding isis.

Isis buys explosives, makes a ied, kills a US soldier.  

You have to ask how many modelers serve, served or have family serving.

 

Probably the usual Revell and Monogram kits.

Just an update:

I stopped in to HL today to pick up some primer and noticed that lots of kits had been moved to the clearance section, and the shelves were half empty.

The guy working there said that a slew of new kits are arriving shortly. It'll be interesting to see what they get in. 

First, thank you for serving stik.  A valid point.  I am as guilty as the next person for filling up.  

When an oil company purchases from opec, they are dealing in the open market.  If that government then takes that money and funds terrorism I can't blame the oil company.

Many of the same countries buy our weapons and turn and use them in horrible ways.  I do not blame the US or the weapons manufacturer but the government of that country.

The Green family dealt in the black market will full knowledge where the money was going.  Had they purchased the artifacts legally on the open market and then that government or seller of the artifacts funneled money to terrorists, I would not blame the Green family.

I don't judge anyone buying from Hobby lobby or buying gas to get to work.  You are right, it is an imperfect world and we are all guilty in one way or another.  

For myself, there are many sources to get what I need for this hobby.  It's a small way I can take back a little control over where my money goes.

Not shopping at HL is a choice that's doable. Not buying fossil fuels from the Middle East is immeasurable harder, although we are getting there. Sure wish I had an electric car.

And it's only the latest transgression. Bad staff treatment too.

i see it as a simple matter for me.

You can also argue the same thing for gasoline, as isis receives major funding from the Gulf states, who in turn derive their income from their oil exports. And I'm willing to bet that isis receives far more funding from our various "allies" in that part of the world than they got from one business  transaction. 

I served until 2007, and my son is serving now. It is what it is. 

I agree trying to save priceless artifacts is a worthy pursuit but the issue was the way they did it.  It was proven and the Green family had to pay a mutli million dollar fine and lose the artifacts because the way they were paying for the artifacts directly funded isis and they knew it. 

Just to connect the dots...

You buy stuff from Hobby Lobby.  That money makes its way to the Green family through fair and legal means and capitalism. The Green family buys artifacts on the black market knowingly funding isis.

Isis buys explosives, makes a ied, kills a US soldier.  

You have to ask how many modelers serve, served or have family serving.

No, not at all; you completely missed the point---did you miss the posts about the hypocrisy and illegal, unethical behavior by this company? I put my money behind people whose values coincide with mine, and my values don't include theft and deception for self-gain and ideology.

Honestly, I would pay double for something from a company which I respect rather than one which is deceitful and hypocritical. That's just how I roll.

 

A lot of the Christian artifacts and other historical sites were being destroyed once these areas fell under ISIS control. Smuggling them was wrong. Trying to preserve them is not. There was probably a better way to accomplish this.

Yes I did. Don in trains was a good friend, as was John the owner.

OOOPS ! Didn't you know Fransiscan closed about a year or more ago ?

Zar

The best one's I know of that are still around are down around Buena Park/Anaheim. I'm in the SF Bay Area.

San Antonio Hobby.

Theres still one in San Carlos.

Zar, Hobby Lobby is certainly not a model store. They just happen to have an aisle full, like all department stores once did years ago. If you come down to OC now and then, there are two super old school hobby shops here. Brookhurst Hobbies in Garden Grove and Military Hobbies in Orange. The only shop that I know of in Anaheim at Hobby City has nothing on those two. 

I never even knew about them until I joined this forum. Due to it being talked about, I thought it might be a model store. My mistake. That said I stand by my opinion. The 40% coupon is a plus and I have ended up buying a few things.  Sadly the only real hobby stores that I loved are all gone. The best one's I know of that are still around are down around Buena Park/Anaheim. I'm in the SF Bay Area.  I did go to a great one in New York City. Jan's.

Tanker - Builder

Oh My ;

 Another company guilty of having a corporate and black market face ? This is distressing , I have to admit . And the hypocrisy of closing on Sunday ? If there were an alternate place closer I would go there . Both my reliable LHs's are an hour's drive there and back .

 The truth is , How many got hurt on the Stock market shenagins of some years back ? I certainly did and I'll be paying for that till I pass . No retirement savings anymore . YET , Many folks still do business with some of the still existing malefactors .

 Same story , different bad guys . Those of us with any morality would refuse to go in the place .  Their marketing folks know about this too .That's why select stores in select locations . I don't have a choice .

 Well , I guess I do , But that leaves me little margin .

 

Exactly. If you do business with nearly any bank, the same issues arise in one way or another. 

[quote user="the doog"]

[quote user="plasticjunkie"]

[quote user="the doog"

This is one store that deserves to fail because of online competition if you ask me.

[/quote]

Deserves to fail? Aren't you being a bit drastic. 

Then according to your logic all brick and mortar hobby stores also deserve  the same fate because their prices cannot compete with the on line shops.

[/quote]No, not at all; you completely missed the point---did you miss the posts about the hypocrisy and illegal, unethical behavior by this company? I put my money behind people whose values coincide with mine, and my values don't include theft and deception for self-gain and ideology.

Honestly, I would pay double for something from a company which I respect rather than one which is deceitful and hypocritical. That's just how I roll.

[/quote]

Yes I missed that part, never saw anything in the news. It doesn't look good for them IMO. 

Oh My ;

 Another company guilty of having a corporate and black market face ? This is distressing , I have to admit . And the hypocrisy of closing on Sunday ? If there were an alternate place closer I would go there . Both my reliable LHs's are an hour's drive there and back .

 The truth is , How many got hurt on the Stock market shenagins of some years back ? I certainly did and I'll be paying for that till I pass . No retirement savings anymore . YET , Many folks still do business with some of the still existing malefactors .

 Same story , different bad guys . Those of us with any morality would refuse to go in the place .  Their marketing folks know about this too .That's why select stores in select locations . I don't have a choice .

 Well , I guess I do , But that leaves me little margin .

the doog

Guys, just wondering how anyone could shop at these scumbags anymore? They got caught and indicted for KNOWINGLY smuggling ("stealing") priceless, irreplaceable antiquities on the black market. Ain't no rationalizing it. It's pretty shameful and immoral. I would urge you to think twice. 
 

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/06/opinion/hobby-lobby-iraq-artifacts.html

 

You have a good point.  I've never shopped there before, so I won't miss it.  

[quote user="plasticjunkie"]

[quote user="the doog"

This is one store that deserves to fail because of online competition if you ask me.

[/quote]

Deserves to fail? Aren't you being a bit drastic. 

Then according to your logic all brick and mortar hobby stores also deserve  the same fate because their prices cannot compete with the on line shops.

[/quote]No, not at all; you completely missed the point---did you miss the posts about the hypocrisy and illegal, unethical behavior by this company? I put my money behind people whose values coincide with mine, and my values don't include theft and deception for self-gain and ideology.

Honestly, I would pay double for something from a company which I respect rather than one which is deceitful and hypocritical. That's just how I roll.

[quote user="the doog"

This is one store that deserves to fail because of online competition if you ask me.

[/quote]

Deserves to fail? Aren't you being a bit drastic. 

Then according to your logic all brick and mortar hobby stores also deserve  the same fate because their prices cannot compete with the on line shops.

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

 

 

 

Funny, they close on Sundays because they say it's a day of worship to to spend time with family. Kind of ironic isn't it after the news story broke about them obtaining illegal goods.

 

 

GMorrison

I'd be lying if I chose not to shop there, only because I don't have the choice. If I did, I wouldn't.

 

 

stikpusher

Karl, we can agree to disagree here. You can shop where you choose, as can anyone else here. Not rationalizing  their actions, but I'll spend my money where I can get the best deal and I can get what I seek in person then and there. If their store was not nearby, I'd shop elsewhere for the best bargain. But since they are, I gotta stretch my spending cash as far as I can. 

Posting a New York Times opinion piece is probably venturing into the realm of political. 

 

It is a sad affair about the illegal antiquities for sure. It is even more magnified because of their faith profession. No excuse for it though. The company  is still a business that is profit driven, so the lure of money is hard to resist, Christ followers or not. That is why Paul said that "the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil". A warning to all people especially in this day and age.

I'd be lying if I chose not to shop there, only because I don't have the choice. If I did, I wouldn't.

stikpusher

Karl, we can agree to disagree here. You can shop where you choose, as can anyone else here. Not rationalizing  their actions, but I'll spend my money where I can get the best deal and I can get what I seek in person then and there. If their store was not nearby, I'd shop elsewhere for the best bargain. But since they are, I gotta stretch my spending cash as far as I can. 

Posting a New York Times opinion piece is probably venturing into the realm of political. 

 

I agree.

I rarely go to HL for two reasons. They never stock anything new and they have bankers hours (In my area, the HL closes at 8 pm every night and are closed on Sundays)

Funny, they close on Sundays because they say it's a day of worship to to spend time with family. Kind of ironic isn't it after the news story broke about them obtaining illegal goods.

Karl, we can agree to disagree here. You can shop where you choose, as can anyone else here. Not rationalizing  their actions, but I'll spend my money where I can get the best deal and I can get what I seek in person then and there. If their store was not nearby, I'd shop elsewhere for the best bargain. But since they are, I gotta stretch my spending cash as far as I can. 

Posting a New York Times opinion piece is probably venturing into the realm of political. 

Guys, just wondering how anyone could shop at these scumbags anymore? They got caught and indicted for KNOWINGLY smuggling ("stealing") priceless, irreplaceable antiquities on the black market. Ain't no rationalizing it. It's pretty shameful and immoral. I would urge you to think twice. 
 

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/06/opinion/hobby-lobby-iraq-artifacts.html

Roald

 

 

Aggieman

A few years ago they had a far larger selection. Tamiya and Accurate Miniatures abounded.

 

 

This is what I don't get. You would think that by stocking these higher-end kits along with entry level stuff, that they would cover all their bases and sell more products. 

Maybe my assumption is wrong, and they simply weren't selling very well? It seems hard to imagine that Tamiya kits, for example, wouldn't fly off the shelf at 40% off. 

 

Until the recent Gama Goat and Sherman, the only Tamiya kits they stocked were the ancient Panther Ausf A, M41 Walker Bulldog, PzKpfw II Ausf F/G and Pak 40 as well as certain old figure kits. They used to stock a few Tamiya 1/48 scale armor kits, and those sold quite well.

They can be quite convenient for replacing certain supplies and such at good prices. And occasionally you find a good model deal as well...

Aggieman

A few years ago they had a far larger selection. Tamiya and Accurate Miniatures abounded.

This is what I don't get. You would think that by stocking these higher-end kits along with entry level stuff, that they would cover all their bases and sell more products. 

Maybe my assumption is wrong, and they simply weren't selling very well? It seems hard to imagine that Tamiya kits, for example, wouldn't fly off the shelf at 40% off. 

Here in Katy just west of Houston, TX, the local HL carries pretty much what has been described already in this thread. Old Monogram re-issues, random kits from Academy, Lindberg, and Minicraft, a whole lot of cars, some Trumpeter naval subjects and some Tamiya armor subjects. One side of an aisle, with the other full of supplies.

A few years ago they had a far larger selection. Tamiya and Accurate Miniatures abounded. I added several kits to my stash that I just happened upon when these kits ended up on their clearance rack, a couple of 1/48 Tamiya Spitfires, for instance. The one that I regret putting back was an AM B-25; I mulled it that night, went back the next day to grab that one and of course it was gone.

I agree with Stik that they really aren't focused on us as a target market. I get 95% of my kits from online sources, with the remainder these days coming via Christmas gifts or the local Hobbytown.

This is a far cry from how it was when I was growing up. Of course there was no online anything, but one could do mail order. Most thought bought at places like a five and dime, K-Mart, Target, Sears, or hobby shops. My first models likely came from Jean's Model Shop that was in Sharpstown Mall (Houston) from the late 60s through the mid 80s. Also back then, I don't recall the vast number of manufacturers. Kits were either Monogram, Revell, Lindberg, Aurora, or MPC. I know there were others but these were the ones that were always available in these stores.

I went by my local Hobby Lobby earlier today. Sure enough, they had the Tamiya Gamma Goat and M4A3E8 in stock. And several of the new Revell Star Wars Rogue One kits, as well as some Bandai Star Wars kits on hand. The C-54 and Virgin Spaceplane from Revell Germany, as well as several Academy and Minicraft 1/72 kits. Plus the usual subjects. I definitely need to squirrel away some cash for the Tamiya armor kits before they're gone...

David2080

 Ridleusmc....

 

Where in NE Ohio are you from?  I grew up in Ravenna and bought most of my kits at a hobby/toy store called Jack and Jill.  Everything else came from KMart or Clarkins in Kent.

 

I remember when we would walk in the door of any department store I'd tell my parents, "I'll be in the model aisle...."  I'm sure I did not need to tell them lol!

 

I'm from Medina.  The Drugmart was near the north end of town.  I think it's still there, but that side of town has gotten bigger.

I remember Drugmart fondly.  It had more than drugs.  

ridleusmc

 

David2080

Picked up the Revell Mig on clearence at DrugMart along with the Meserschmidt a month or so ago.  Yeah I keep buying stuff there hoping they will restock with new stuff.

 

In Hobby Lobby today they had a Squadron pre-painted P-47.  Very basic kit.  I think we will see a big change in the next month or so

 

 

 

 

My hometown in Northeast Ohio had a Drugmart.  I guess that was where my model habit started as a youngster.  But, there are no Drugmarts in Southwest Ohio.  

 

ridleusmc

What brand names does Hobby Lobby have for paints?  I see Vallejo and Tamiya products listed on their website.  Does that mean that there is a good selection of such paints in the stores?

My local Hobby Lobby carries Testors, Testors Model Master, and Vallejo. The selection for each of these is pretty good, although the Vallejo selection is more limited.

They don't carry Tamiya paints except for the rattle can primers. 

 Ridleusmc....

Where in NE Ohio are you from?  I grew up in Ravenna and bought most of my kits at a hobby/toy store called Jack and Jill.  Everything else came from KMart or Clarkins in Kent.

I remember when we would walk in the door of any department store I'd tell my parents, "I'll be in the model aisle...."  I'm sure I did not need to tell them lol!

ridleusmc

What brand names does Hobby Lobby have for paints?  I see Vallejo and Tamiya products listed on their website.  Does that mean that there is a good selection of such paints in the stores?  

 

The only Tamiya stuff they carry is primers and tape. Some MM enamels and acrylics but VERY limited with the FS colors. The Vallejo is Model Color but no Air series.

David2080

Picked up the Revell Mig on clearence at DrugMart along with the Meserschmidt a month or so ago.  Yeah I keep buying stuff there hoping they will restock with new stuff.

 

In Hobby Lobby today they had a Squadron pre-painted P-47.  Very basic kit.  I think we will see a big change in the next month or so

 

My hometown in Northeast Ohio had a Drugmart.  I guess that was where my model habit started as a youngster.  But, there are no Drugmarts in Southwest Ohio.  

What brand names does Hobby Lobby have for paints?  I see Vallejo and Tamiya products listed on their website.  Does that mean that there is a good selection of such paints in the stores?  

Tanker - Builder

Hey Mike !

 What's with the gas guages in your posts ?

 

My posts? That's my new signature piece. Amazing what Photoshop can do if you know how to use it. Mine is unique.

Tanker - Builder

Hey Mike !

 What's with the gas guages in your posts ?

 

If you had a free account with Photobucket,you now have to pay big time for 3rd party posting of pictures,if you don't upgrade your account,your pictures will no longer link.

Picked up the Revell Mig on clearence at DrugMart along with the Meserschmidt a month or so ago.  Yeah I keep buying stuff there hoping they will restock with new stuff.

In Hobby Lobby today they had a Squadron pre-painted P-47.  Very basic kit.  I think we will see a big change in the next month or so

In Ohio we have a chain of stores called Drugmart. They have about a 15ft. section of aisle with Revell models and Testors paint and supplies.(Like the ol' days) Lately they have been putting them on clearance. Months ago I picked up a bf109, Spit, and PT109 for $25. Today I picked up a F4U, F6, and a P47N for under 30. I hope they are just getting rid of their inventory and restocking with new kits. It's the store that got me back into models.

Hey Mike !

 What's with the gas guages in your posts ?

the Baron

 

 

Tanker - Builder

Hi;

     Did you say Hobby - Lobby has new models ? Since when ? I don't think , except for " Snappers " as I call them , that anything has changed much . At least it hadn't when I was there Saturday July 8 2017 .    

 

 

 

 

I suspect that there is some variation from one franchise location to the next.  We have two here in the Lehigh Valley, PA, and they both carry the selection described above:  Lots of Revell cars; Revell re-issues of Monogram 1/48 kits, including the large bombers, and the smaller single-engined aircraft; Revell ship kits, from box scale to 1/1200; Tamiya armor kits, 1/35 and 1/48; Revell snap-together kits (ex-Monogram); and some Star Wars kits whose brand I can't recall.  They also have those Metal World PE kits.  As far as supplies go, they carry Testor and Model Master paints and Vallejo acrylics.  They have Aztek and Paasche airbrushes.  I've probably forgotten some items, but that's a description of the general selection at any given time.  And that doesn't include the general hobby supplies that we can use for scale modeling, like craft store brand acrylics, etc.

 

Baron your stock rundown is a carbon copy of the one HL near me and suspect the other one a few clicks away has the same boring stock. Too bad they don't carry Vallejo Air cuz even though I don't like acrylics I may just give a couple of colors a try to see how they behave.

Tanker - Builder

Hi;

     Did you say Hobby - Lobby has new models ? Since when ? I don't think , except for " Snappers " as I call them , that anything has changed much . At least it hadn't when I was there Saturday July 8 2017 .    

 

Yep that's how I use my coupons.

Frank

Kit selections at either place could be better. They both have excellent paint selection specially Colonial Photo that has some limited Gunze stuff.

[/quote]

I started shopping at Colonial when I first moved to Orlando in the summer of 1973. The store actually fronted on Colonial Drive back then, around the corner from where they are now. At the time they were a Squadron outlet and they were the only game in the central Florida area. When I lived in Valdosta, GA, I would have to drive to Jacksonville, FL to find kits and supplies. I don't remember the name of the shop I went to in Jax but I think it was out on Blanding Blvd somewhere. Having a shop like Colonial so close by was a real treat and a boon to my modeling hobby back then.

Hi;

     Did you say Hobby - Lobby has new models ? Since when ? I don't think , except for " Snappers " as I call them , that anything has changed much . At least it hadn't when I was there Saturday July 8 2017 .    

falconmod

I rely on Michaels and hobby lobby for their discount.  I've started to teach a plastic modeling class in our home-school co-op group for the past 2 years and I usually have 10-14 kids in each class,  this next year I have to teach 2 semesters!   So I try to buy the same kit for everyone each class. Makes it easier on me.

I have to use a lot of 40-50% coupons but what the heck!   The kids love it.

John

I rely on Michaels and hobby lobby for their discount.  I've started to teach a plastic modeling class in our home-school co-op group for the past 2 years and I usually have 10-14 kids in each class,  this next year I have to teach 2 semesters!   So I try to buy the same kit for everyone each class. Makes it easier on me.

I have to use a lot of 40-50% coupons but what the heck!   The kids love it.

John

Anybody from Northern NJ would remember these stores for models in the 60's

Branch Brook

Two Guys

EJ Korvette

Always had models,especially remember Aurura kits.

plasticjunkie

You may be remembering Hawk Models?

Plasticjunkie, I owe you. 

I googled "Hawk Model Truck" images, and boom. There they were.

http://www.collectormodel.com/category/hawklindberg/#sthash.pF8bE8V9.dpbs

It's funny, for some reason certain things from childhood stick in your head. For me, those little trucks rocked my 8 year old world. Seeing the box art for the first time in 35 is amazing. 

Apparently they were a Hawk/Lindberg line, in HO scale, and cost a whopping forty five cents. No wonder I loved them, it's all I could afford!

Roald

I was recently told by a friend that HL changes over a large portion of their model section fairly frequently, and offers new models while the old stuff goes on clearance.

I don't go to HL too often, but it seems to me that they have been carrying the same selection of models for quite a while.

Does anyone know if this is true?  

 

Rob

K Bee Toys!! Forgot that one too. I just remembered when Sears & Roebuck carried plastic Models and firearms. I still own a .22 rifle with the Sears brand on the barrel.

plasticjunkie

Roald

I also remember K Mart, Toys R Us, Food Lion Supermarket, and even some drug stores selling them too. 

You may be remembering Hawk Models?

 

My main source was Kaybee Toys & Hobbies, K-Mart and this local photo & hobby shop. A discount store called Ames, like a lesser K-Mart, moved into the vacant department store in my town's plaza and introduced me to Matchobx models. I literally bought and built virtually every 1/76 scale armor kit and most of the aircraft kits.

Kaybee carried MPC's reboxed Airfix armor kits and a sub brand called USAirfix aircraft kits.

Between Matchbox and MPC/Airfix, they are the kits that took over from my building car models.

Roald

I also remember K Mart, Toys R Us, Food Lion Supermarket, and even some drug stores selling them too. 

You may be remembering Hawk Models?

Just to show how much things have changed in the world of modeling:

I grew up in Southern California and we used to have a supermarket chain called Alpha Beta. In addition to being our source of milk and bread it was also my main source of model airplanes, because they used to sell model kits at the supermarket! Can't imagine that happening now.

K-Mart was my other source. They sold these really cool little model trucks that used tiny metal screws to attach the chassis to the cab or trailer. The box art was unchanged from the 60s, and I loved them. Wish I could remember what brand they were.  

That concludes today's stroll down memory lane.  

stikpusher

Yes, but I suspect most serious modeler like "us" tend to get our kits from online shops, LHS's, or other places. The folks that I usually see at the local Hobby Lobby are usually kids and their parents or grandparents. The guys who I see at AMPS or IPMS I run into at the local hobby shops. Never at Hobby Lobby. Different demographics. Hobby Lobby is maybe 5%-10%, if that much, geared towards our hobby. It's more like the department stores used to be when I was a kid.

Stikpusher, I agree. The target demographic is definitely not people who are frequenting online model forums. And as far as entry level products go, I think they have an alright selection.

My point was simply that if they dedicated more of their shelf space to higher quality kits, they would probably sell very well. I mean, if I knew that HL carried a good selection of kits I'd certainly stop in more often, and probably throw a few other items in the basket, too.

Personally, I like HL. It's been a great place for my kids to pick up some very low priced models to get started. My son picked up a Lindberg Stuka/Me-262 kit on sale for like $7 or $8. I picked up the Revell Stearman there a while ago for something like $11, a steal. I stop in occasionally and pick up Tamiya primer, pipettes, tape, glue, brushes, etc. It's good for that type of stuff.

Nathan T

 

Don't even need a printer. Just show them the coupon in your smartphone browser. You have to sign up for their emails, and they email you a link to the coupon. 

 

Yep that's how I use my coupons.

Frank

Kit selections at either place could be better. They both have excellent paint selection specially Colonial Photo that has some limited Gunze stuff.

Zar

I think Hobby Lobby bites it, big time! It's nothing but Michaels re done. While they have some stuff for guys, it's a womans store. The one near me is huge with just one aisle for model kits. The selection sucks, my stash is almost as big. Paints are Testors enamel and that is it. I personally will never set foot in it again. 

 

Well yes,their not a model shop.They are a direct competitor to Michaels,thats what they are.

I doubt they will miss you,your not their target customer.

plasticjunkie

 

 

fotofrank

 Fortunately there is one decent franchise hobby shop and one excellent family owned hobby shop in the area, each about thirty minutes from me in opposite directions. The excellent family owned hobby shop I have been trading with since the 1970s. The decent hobby shop only fairly recently.

 

 

 

 

Where is this place at? I'm only aware of Colonial Photo and Hobby in Orlando and Hobbytown in Sanford.

 

Those are the ones...

stikpusher

Well, how about a home computer with a printer? Do you have that? All you need is internet access. Go to their website, mobile or desktop, look for the 40% off coupon, and print it up. The discount code and dates change weekly, so you could theoretically print up 6 per week, and use one a day if you're feeling miserly. Since they're closed on Sunday and only allow one customer one coupon and one item per visit...

 

Don't even need a printer. Just show them the coupon in your smartphone browser. You have to sign up for their emails, and they email you a link to the coupon. 

fotofrank

 Fortunately there is one decent franchise hobby shop and one excellent family owned hobby shop in the area, each about thirty minutes from me in opposite directions. The excellent family owned hobby shop I have been trading with since the 1970s. The decent hobby shop only fairly recently.

 

Where is this place at? I'm only aware of Colonial Photo and Hobby in Orlando and Hobbytown in Sanford.

I think Hobby Lobby bites it, big time! It's nothing but Michaels re done. While they have some stuff for guys, it's a womans store. The one near me is huge with just one aisle for model kits. The selection sucks, my stash is almost as big. Paints are Testors enamel and that is it. I personally will never set foot in it again. 

I've never been a fan of Hobby Lobby. Whenever I would go into one of their stores I always felt uncomfortable, like my every move was being watched. Fortunately there is one decent franchise hobby shop and one excellent family owned hobby shop in the area, each about thirty minutes from me in opposite directions. The excellent family owned hobby shop I have been trading with since the 1970s. The decent hobby shop only fairly recently. There are a few Michael's sprinkled about and I will occasionally shop at one with some coupons printed out from the website. The stack of Revell kits on the shelf almost all came from a Michael's.

Yes, but I suspect most serious modeler like "us" tend to get our kits from online shops, LHS's, or other places. The folks that I usually see at the local Hobby Lobby are usually kids and their parents or grandparents. The guys who I see at AMPS or IPMS I run into at the local hobby shops. Never at Hobby Lobby. Different demographics. Hobby Lobby is maybe 5%-10%, if that much, geared towards our hobby. It's more like the department stores used to be when I was a kid. Yeah they carry some stuff for us. But most of what they carry is not for us. One side of one aisle is kits. The opposite side is supplies and paints. How many aisles of products do they have in any store? And of course there are items they sell such as paint brushes, tools, etc. that are used in other hobbies besides this one. 

I actually wish that Hobby Lobby had been around when I was trying to get my kids to build models. The local hobby shops back then really did not carry "entry level" models. They were geared towards the serious modeler like "us". The local Hobby Lobby near me only opened about 5 years ago. After my kids were past wanting to build models with dad.

lawdog114

They used to carry the good stuff back in the day, Tamiya, Hasegawa....even Accurate Miniatures when they were still around..I have 5 Tamiya P-47s in my stash courtesy of their 40 percenters. I suppose it was no longer economical

I get the impression that whoever is responsible for purchasing for the model section doesn't really understand the nature of the market. 

For example, I was there recently and the aircraft section seems sort of haphazard. They have a few cheap, entry level products (old Revell kits) which probably sell relatively well for beginners and more experienced modelers who appreciate the nostalgia.

They also had a very small number of higher end kits (Tamiya Sherman/Gamo Goat/Revell C-54) which I imagine move pretty quickly.

But then they have a slew of random stuff. Old Lindberg reissues, some Academy 1/72 kits, some slightly obscure Italeri helicopters, etc. Nothing wrong with any of that, but I wonder how many people it appeals to? 

Most modelers today are not kids, but are adults who are fairly well informed on the products. I wonder if they realize that?

Admittedly, I know nothing about how that company works but it seems that if you spent even five minutes researching the market you would quickly conclude that your limited shelf space is better utilized by selling newer, higher quality kits.  

plasticjunkie

 

 

lawdog114

They used to carry the good stuff back in the day, Tamiya, Hasegawa....even Accurate Miniatures when they were still around

 

 

 

 

They also carried Trumpeter and current Revell releases like both 1/72 Gato and Type VII/C boats. I remember a 1/350 Trumpeter USS Hornet Flat top on clearance for under $50. I had it in my hands but decided not to get it, bad move on my part.......

I have two HL's in my area and there is nothing worthwile to pick up. It's always the same old kits. Once in a while a new one pops up like the 1/48 Revell Stearman but that one has not been re stocked. I pick up stuff like glue or blades.

A couple of months ago I called the Corporate Office and spoke to a nice lady in customer service. I asked her why they had such an anemic selection of kits and paints. She said the big guys upstairs decide on what stock the stores will carry. Well, I couldn't help myself and told her that who ever decides is just purely ignorant and not in touch with the modeling community. I mentioned several products that I know would fly off the shelves. In such a large city like Orlando, I know of only two HL's and two hobby stores, all with limited choices in kits and supplies. I sure miss the days of walking into Orange Blossom Hobbies in Miami. That was modeling heaven!

I suggested bringing back the 1/72 subs and some of the ROG kits along with a better paint selection. She said she would pass the info down and sounded like she was writing things down (or just blowing smoke up my you know what.) 

 

We had American Eagles HS in Seattle and a smaller sattelite store in Tacoma. Both are gone. Best HS in Washington for over a decade.

lawdog114

They used to carry the good stuff back in the day, Tamiya, Hasegawa....even Accurate Miniatures when they were still around

 

They also carried Trumpeter and current Revell releases like both 1/72 Gato and Type VII/C boats. I remember a 1/350 Trumpeter USS Hornet Flat top on clearance for under $50. I had it in my hands but decided not to get it, bad move on my part.......

I have two HL's in my area and there is nothing worthwile to pick up. It's always the same old kits. Once in a while a new one pops up like the 1/48 Revell Stearman but that one has not been re stocked. I pick up stuff like glue or blades.

A couple of months ago I called the Corporate Office and spoke to a nice lady in customer service. I asked her why they had such an anemic selection of kits and paints. She said the big guys upstairs decide on what stock the stores will carry. Well, I couldn't help myself and told her that who ever decides is just purely ignorant and not in touch with the modeling community. I mentioned several products that I know would fly off the shelves. In such a large city like Orlando, I know of only two HL's and two hobby stores, all with limited choices in kits and supplies. I sure miss the days of walking into Orange Blossom Hobbies in Miami. That was modeling heaven!

I suggested bringing back the 1/72 subs and some of the ROG kits along with a better paint selection. She said she would pass the info down and sounded like she was writing things down (or just blowing smoke up my you know what.) 

Roald

Another quick point:

My local HL sells the Tamiya Sherman for $50. Minus the 40% coupon, that's $30. You can find the same kit online from numerous sources for around $36.

So, does HL simply raise their sticker prices to compensate for the 40% coupons?  

 

Most likely they do. At least a small percentage. Their sticker prices are around or slightly above MSRP you see on various producer companies websites. 

Another quick point:

My local HL sells the Tamiya Sherman for $50. Minus the 40% coupon, that's $30. You can find the same kit online from numerous sources for around $36.

So, does HL simply raise their sticker prices to compensate for the 40% coupons?  

mississippivol

They get their new layouts in late August. Not sure what's coming, though. 

This essentially confirms what I was told, that they get new kits periodically throughout the year, but then get a fairly major overhaul in their selection in the summer. I'll have to check back in August!

I mostly buy supplies as well, but when I do I'm looking for anything that catches my fancy under $20.

They are the ONLY place in town for armor kits. I did look into those Italleri 1/56 armor kits for that game "bolt action" and the local comic/game shop will order them for me at their cost. That's a cool deal for some oddball sized armor subjects. The details look a little soft, but that's never deterred me lol.

I mostly buy tools and supplies from them.  They have a better selection of polishing pads and fine sandpaper than my LHS has.  I have on occasion bought a Revell kit with the discount coupon, since those are reasonably priced already, and with 40% off are a bargain. They have a much bigger range of Testors paint than my Michaels store.

I look for tools in other areas than the model section, too.  They have a swivel knife that looks good and a good price, and I'll use my coupon on it pretty soon.  I bought a pair of nippers from the jewelry section that is the best sprue cutter I have ever had!

stikpusher

The one here seems to slowly rotate some stuff in and out. They now have Bandai Star Wars kits which was a shocker. Their website shows a Tamiya new tool 1/35 M4A3E8, which if the store gets it I will have to pick up at 40% off. Or the Gamma Goat. They seem to rotate the new Revell aircraft kits in quicker than other kits.

 

Both of my local Hobby Lobby stores have the new Tamiya M4A3E8 (not the old motorized kit nor the rebox Tasca kit) as well as the Gama Goat. They have the two Bandai Star Wars kits, the 1/72nd scale TIE Interceptor (I bought) and the dual X-Wing kit with a 1/72 and 1/144 scale kits inside.

They have many of the World of Tanks kits by Italeri, about a half dozen different ones like the Chaffee, Type 59, Elefant, Leopard, Sherman, etc.

And you only use it on ONE item PER DAY. It's not like you can use multiple coupons per item on one shopping trip like Bed Bath and Beyond does.

Last week while looking at their website I saw the Gamma Goat for $16.95 (regularly $50).  I went to the store where they were still at $50.  They honored the website price but the manager said the website price was wrong. I give the guy credit for doing that, and it turns out he is a fellow modeler....

It does seem like late summer is when they rotate new stuff in, but I seem to see new stuff in about once a month or so.  It's probabaly a good thing for my wallet actually lol!

Mike ;

   That's so you can't use the coupon . It cannot be used for marked down items . T.B.

Yep! I got all that. Looks like there may be a new Armour kit in my stash soon.  :D

Well, how about a home computer with a printer? Do you have that? All you need is internet access. Go to their website, mobile or desktop, look for the 40% off coupon, and print it up. The discount code and dates change weekly, so you could theoretically print up 6 per week, and use one a day if you're feeling miserly. Since they're closed on Sunday and only allow one customer one coupon and one item per visit...

So how do I go about getting these 40% off coupons? I don't have a modern phone with internets. Lol.

M. Brindos

I saw that on Saturday when I was in there. Too bad they don't fall in my budget!

I'll be keeping an eye on those new M4A3E8's to see if I can catch one going on clearance. Might be a while, but I've learned a lot of patience over the last 10 years lol.

One of these days.... Pow! I'll get one.

 

I think it runs for around $50 before the 40% off... one thing I've noticed from grabbing stuff on clearance there-the clearance price is usually the  40% off price... go figure

First, that's an impressive haul. I was happy when HL showed up down the road from me as well. Before HL there was only Michael's (who's selection is stagnant) and Fred Myers (very limited and mostly snap tight).

All of the local hobby shops have died off in my area. So HL is my best supplier of paints and supplies. The local airport has the best selection of kits though lol.

Chemteacher

My HL will have new kits every now and then. I check periodically since they often put kits on clearance. Almost picked up the pro-modeler ME-410 for a little over $16.00 but decided to save some coins for a while. They usually carry a descent amount of kits however more 1/72 than 1/48 in planes.

 

You should've grabbed that 410 when you had the chance lol. That price was less than they are asking for the 1/72 Academy P-51D. 

I saw that on Saturday when I was in there. Too bad they don't fall in my budget!

I'll be keeping an eye on those new M4A3E8's to see if I can catch one going on clearance. Might be a while, but I've learned a lot of patience over the last 10 years lol.

One of these days.... Pow! I'll get one.

We had a Hobby Lobby open two blocks from where I live just last weekend! In the past week, I've used their 40% off coupons to pick up two Tamiya M4A3E8s, several of the 1/72 Star Wars kits, the R2/AMT Klingon Bird of Prey, a couple of resin casting kits, a few paints, and miscellaneous stuff like X-Acto blades and a set of polishing pads.

So far, I'm impressed. It's a huge improvement in my local hobby scene. Glad to have it in the community and so close to the apartment.

The wife is not impressed, but she's grateful that we no longer have to drive 200 miles to pick up Tamiya primers and cement.

I stopped by over the weekend and saw nothing that caught my eye. Lots of auto kits though.

The one here seems to slowly rotate some stuff in and out. They now have Bandai Star Wars kits which was a shocker. Their website shows a Tamiya new tool 1/35 M4A3E8, which if the store gets it I will have to pick up at 40% off. Or the Gamma Goat. They seem to rotate the new Revell aircraft kits in quicker than other kits.

Just for fun, and apropos of almost nothing, the current HL headquarters sits on my in-law's former farm.

I would assume it depends on what they have in the main warehouses and how much they have of it in stock. I've noticed that a lot of items will stay in stock for months, but new items show up from time to time, then dissapear and never come back.

Hobby Lobby has a better rotation than Michael's though. Nothing has changed on Michael's shelves in two years around  here lol.

They get their new layouts in late August. Not sure what's coming, though. 

Surely, they jest.  I haven't seen anything new or worthwhile at HL for years, and nothing has changed as of today.  Whole bunch of car models, if anyone is interested in that, and a mediocre selection of old Revell airplane models-  They're good for an occasional paint or tool purchase, but that's about it.