The Bottom Line
Pros
- Everything train-related imaginable
- Hours of indoor entertainment for little children
- Friendly, knowledgable staff happy to help with questions
Cons
- Gets very busy at holidays and weekends
Description
- 2050 Marshall Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55104 - Telephone 651-646-5252
- On-street parking outside. A large parking lot is behind the store, the entrance is via the alley on Cleveland Avenue.
Guide Review - Choo Choo Bob's Train Store
Merriam Park has a unique selection of interesting stores, and Choo Choo Bob's Train Store is one of the longest lasting and best loved in the area.
Model railroad enthusiasts, whether favoring HO, O or N gauge, will find everything needed for their train sets. Transformers, track, scenery, engines and cars, of every style and vintage, to suit every taste are available.
The staff are incredibly helpful and passionate about trains. They specialize in getting people started in model railroading, and will be delighted to help beginners. Several trains run around the front of the store for inspiration.
Choo Choo Bob is also busy cultivating his next generation of customers. Children's train sets are carried, with all the must-have Thomas the Train and Brio wares. Saturday storytimes are held at the store rather random dates, so check before making the trip.
In the back of the store are several children's train tables displaying the latest from Thomas the Train and Brio. An ever-present company of parents read the paper, snooze, or drink coffee from nearby coffee shop A Fine Grind (on the same block as Choo Choo Bob's) while their kids choo choo, chuff chuff, merrily away. Choo Choo Bob's say it's fine for the kids to stay and play as long as they want. That's because their parents have their arms twisted into buying just one more Thomas before they leave.
