Scale Model Supplies

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458 Lexington Pkwy N
Saint Paul, MN 55104

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(651) 646-7781
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Scale Model Supplies - Saint Paul, MN
Scale Model Supplies - Saint Paul, MN
Reviews
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Best

I wonder what kind of sterile, Wonder Bread world Chad comes from if he thinks that University and Lexington is a "very criminal urban area". I've been going to SMS for many year...

Worst

I walked in, got glared at (I don't know if it was because they thought I was stupid to be in a suit and tie in that extremely criminal urban area, or they just don't like the guy...

Best Hobby Shop In Town. 1/18/2010

I wonder what kind of sterile, Wonder Bread world Chad comes from if he thinks that University and Lexington is a "very criminal urban area". I've been going to SMS for many years, and I've never felt uncomfortable or worried about my personal safety. I've never been approached by a panhandler or other unsavory people, nor have I even seen any suspicious or criminal behavior. \r \r Is the area (and the store for that matter) a little run down and seedy? Sure - but criminal?? Give me a break! God help Chad if he ever does find himself in a bad neighborhood.\r \r SMS has the best selection of model railroad items in the Twin Cities, bar none. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, and helpful, but at the same time, unobtrusive. If you just want to go in and browse a great selection of hobby supplies this is the place to go. They won't hassle you, but if you have a question, they can answer it. \r \r Don't let Chad scare you off. If you're looking for a great hobby shop, this is it! more
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Not so bad, I don't expect my ego to be stroked, just buy some stuff. 2/28/2009

I started going to SMS when I had just gotten out of rehab, and had hardly any $$ to spend on anything except food and shelter. And I belong to a sexual minority. Hardly what you would call a target customer for a hobby shop, hey?\r \r I got the "cold" treatment sometimes, too, I thought it was me, guess not, LOL!\r \r Anyway, whenever I asked to see something (say, a loco with sound demonstrated), they were more that happy to accommodate me. I wasn't buying at the time, and told them so, but still, they were more than happy to show me whatever I requested.\r \r I used to spend all my meager $$ buying old issues of magazines (in the far back room) at $.50 a copy, 10 to 20 copies at a time. No one ever acted like I wasn't welcome there.\r \r Yes, some of the employees could use some customer relations training, but then again, I was able, always, to wander around the store looking at this and that, and never have some eager beaver constantly asking me, "Can I help you?" If I wanted help, o more
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Best Hobby Shop in the Twin Cities Bar None 1/5/2009

I cant disagree with the last two comments more about Scale Model Supplies (SMS)... While Chad is right, its not in the best area of town, University and Lexington is not my Favorite place to be when it gets Dark, But I have yet to ever see "Panhandlers in the parking lot". And by appearance the Store is not what your going to find at Mall of America.. I believe I was told at one time that it is what used to be an old Bowling Alley...\r This is one place where if its made for hobby's, more then likely your going to find it there, or they can order it for you.\r \r I have shopped SMS for I think more then 20 years or so... Since the days when the store was located a few blocks north of where they are now and was located in a Residential House, the isles were tight and small and it was hard to walk around in. I have yet to be in a store with as much inventory as they have and with my travels I have stopped in a lot of hobby shops around the country.\r \r These are some Guys here who are seri more
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RUDE - I Agree! 12/15/2008

I've had much the same experience as the first reviewer. Went to them several times to find items I didn't want to wait for online, and found as I descend the staircase to the store (in the bottom of a ratty old single level building) an amazingly rude, nasty looking, and smelly guy behind the counter stares at you like you're a piece of dog meat.\r \r Prices are much more expensive than online, and found that the owner is only willing to deal-down pennies on items they've had in stock for far too many years.\r \r Sad really, I'm sure a friendly face and better prices would make me want to buy there again. I just don't understand how they stay in business - it's a real mystery.\r \r Conclusion: Don't go there unless you're really desperate and have far too much money in your pockets! more
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VERY rude staff, store located in a very criminal urban area, 8/28/2008

I walked in, got glared at (I don't know if it was because they thought I was stupid to be in a suit and tie in that extremely criminal urban area, or they just don't like the guys who work in suits?). I was in a suit because I came from work, as I didn't want to be in that area of St Paul anytime after dark. The selection was really nice and they have many items. The prices are a little higher than most hobby stores in the Twin Cities, but they probably have to charge more because of the security system they need at this store. There is a gentlemen with horned rimmed glasses, that is very friendly, and helpful (if he's in). Unfortunately, none of the rest of the staff is helpful or friendly. They appear pained that you are even there. My first visit I asked no questions, and spent over $100 and didn't even get a smile. The cashier muttered or growled something, and I think it was a thank you, but it could have been an F-you for all I know. I shared this experience with some of my co- more
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Scale Model Supplies

Owner Message

  • Welcome to Scale Model Supplies one of the biggest and best hobby stores in the Twin Cities! We carry everything from model trains, planes, cars, ships and rockets, to dollhouses, memorabilia and more. The aisles are packed with all the hobby-related merchandise you're looking for!We carry all the top brands of: model kits, slot cars, plastic models, die-cast items, rocket, car, ship, aircraft and armor model kits, stamps and coin collecting supplies and so much more. Plus, we know our inventory very well, so if one of the categories on the left isn't what you're looking for, call us -- we just might have what you're looking for in the store!. Automobiles & TrainsBrassDie CastDie Cast CarsPlastic ModelsRocketsStampsVideos

Additional information
  • Hours: Sun 11am-5pm, Mon-Sat 9am-9pm
  • Payments: American Express, Visa, Discover, Master Card
  • Neighborhoods: Summit - University
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