Large Scale Central

Model trains in Germany

After much searching during our recent two weeks travel in Germany, I did find a model train source in Munich – at the Karlsplatz Marinplatz “shopping” center. In a corner of a toy store – perhaps one of the largest in Munich, packed with customers on three floors – was an L-shaped counter with a Marklin display of HO and N gauge locos, cars, and track. There was a continual stream of men making purchases at a one of the two 15’ long counters. A least fifty N and HO locos were displayed in a tall circular “jewelry” case. As to large scale, a single, tired, LGB Stainz and two cars on a 3’ circle of track was hung at ceiling height. The Stainz loco was not running and jutted off the track. No large scale products were for sale. The manager indicated no information was available from Marklin as to large scale products. The glossy Marklin literature on the counter was only for N and HO. Another English speaking clerk explained that the model train interests have come to a close with few if any stores in existence. I listed the cities I had made search and was affirmed there was nothing available. I was frustrated in efforts to locate any presence of LGB in Nurnberg - even English speaking residents and hotel clerks had no idea. Zero as to use of Google to locate. No modellbahn stores were listed.

In short, if the model train [modellbahn] stores are in Germany and in any abundance, they easily escaped my discovery.

HJ and others, have you any observations?

Wendell

Wendell Hanks said:
After much searching during our recent two weeks travel in Germany, I did find a model train source in Munich -- at the Karlsplatz Marinplatz "shopping" center. In a corner of a toy store -- perhaps one of the largest in Munich, packed with customers on three floors -- was an L-shaped counter with a Marklin display of HO and N gauge locos, cars, and track. There was a continual stream of men making purchases at a one of the two 15' long counters. A least fifty N and HO locos were displayed in a tall circular "jewelry" case. As to large scale, a single, tired, LGB Stainz and two cars on a 3' circle of track was hung at ceiling height. The Stainz loco was not running and jutted off the track. No large scale products were for sale. The manager indicated no information was available from Marklin as to large scale products. The glossy Marklin literature on the counter was only for N and HO. Another English speaking clerk explained that the model train interests have come to a close with few if any stores in existence. I listed the cities I had made search and was affirmed there was nothing available. I was frustrated in efforts to locate any presence of LGB in Nurnberg - even English speaking residents and hotel clerks had no idea. Zero as to use of Google to locate. No modellbahn stores were listed.

In short, if the model train [modellbahn] stores are in Germany and in any abundance, they easily escaped my discovery.

HJ and others, have you any observations?

Wendell


Wendell,

From what I learned from my Euro friends’ laments, LS stores in the larger centers are on the endangered list - high rents and all the other factors are usually mentioned.

When going to Europe it is best to check out the online stores first to get a feel for their brick and mortar presence, best done from NA with an inquiry or two. This will also give you a quick indication if they are used to English speaking clientel.
And then there is the fact that some of the really good stores are off the beaten path and carefully hidden in unlikely locations.

Wendell,

As Hans-Joerg said the best are the small 1’s & well hidden… Have a friend who is into Marklin & it took him years to find the really good stores… Most are off the beaten path, a lot of “Mom & Pop” stores…