When you walk in the store, the sight you see is what comes to mind when you think of a hobby store. They have military models on one side of the wall, and on the other, there are tabletop war games. I came in for a quick browse one day and was certainly awe-struck by how much stock they have! The prices are pretty decent from what I know! The gentlemen behind the register were super friendly and knew what I was looking for. read more

I was looking for an OO gauge model train freight car with graffiti for my nephew, and searches online primarily sent me to sites in England. I didn't trust those on Amazon. I was only able to find one option already painted, and all other options were simply decals to apply, so I decided to paint it on my own. I searched and visited local hobby shops in San Antonio- all told me that Dibble's was the option. I visited, and the fellows in there took time to graciously answer all my questions, to include the differences between gauge classifications, scales, compatibility, etc. The gentleman helped me filter through their stock for the right option, even let me run their model train in the shop. I was impressed by the variety of models (not just trains) available. When i am in need of models or supplies again in the future, this will be my first stop. read more

Dibble's Hobbies - Thanks for helping me find the right model fellas! - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Mike & Jeff run a good show & their enthusiasm, expansive knowledge, & experience are quite evident. I just stood there listening to their shop talk, banter, & customer service - it was quite entertaining & informative. Even if you don't need to buy anything just go down & listen for 20 minutes - fun & educational. By the way - I got a good deal on my trade-ins & purchases. read more

What an incredible gem in the city of San Antonio! We've visited from out of town before and had to go back. You will never find better customer service, knowledgeable staff and so patient with kids. Please support this local business you'll be glad you did. read more

My son and I stopped in looking for a small screw for our HO locomotive on what we thought would be a small chance of finding it. To our happy surprise they could figure out what we needed and were able to scrounge it up for us. Fantastic! One other customer also needed a diagnosis and fix for his train. They got it done for him while he waited. So, we feel like the staff is truly expert and enjoys solving tough customer problems. We also shopped for a diesel locomotive and they eagerly demoed it for us and even tweaked the sound. My son is thrilled with it. He was impressed by Dibble's selection of locomotives and rolling stock. They also have an excellent selection of model tanks, planes, cars, etc., plus they have role playing games, minis, etc. We love the "enthusiast" feel of the store and value the staff's expert knowledge and passion for model trains and hobbies in general. We highly recommend them. Apparently they do on-line orders too. read more

Visiting our daughter in San Marcos and my Christmas money was burning a hole in my pocket so I made the short drive to San Antonio and visited Dibble's Hobbies. OMG!! Yes, I typed OMG...please don't tell my daughter...This place is amazing, this is the hobby shop of yesteryear and I so wished I lived here so I could visit and spend my money there every weekend. What an amazing bunch of guys, so knowledgeable and helpful. Those of you that live in San Antonio are so lucky, not only is there amazing BBQ, you have an awesome hobby shop as well. I cannot wait until my next visit. read more

Fantastic place where everyone can find their hobby and gaming needs. Trains, models, dioramas and terrain, paints and building materials, board games, miniatures, dice and so much more. Family-owned and run business that has been in San Antonio for ages, very reasonable prices and so nice to have a hobby shop with hard to find stuff and such knowledgeable stuff who can help with everything from fixing my trains to finding obscure D&D books and board games. Thanks to the Dibbles family. read more

Make a pilgrimage to Dibble's a regular activity. I used to frequent this wonderful little shop when I was a kid and doing model railroading. They were experts for that stuff and for everything related to model building. They still are! I don't do trains anymore but now that I've moved back to SA for retirement, I like stopping in whenever I can. They always have something I want to buy, just to whet my hobby appetite. You've got to see the large USS Enterprise model-- it's stunning. And if you're into models or model soldiers, D&D, trains, etc, Dibble's is still a great resource. Make it a regular stop. read more

I LOVE THIS PLACE! Recently revisited after many years. Still has all your modeling needs and models you won't see at any brick and mortar store. Thank you for an amazing selection!!! Prices are good too! read more

If you are into older airplane and car model snap kits this place is a mecca. They have everything from race cars to dukes of hazard. The selection of board games is perfect for the history buff with things like world war tactical and civil war strategy. They also have a train section if you need parts for an older set. The owner will gladly help you out. read more

Dibble's Hobbies - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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So glad I found this place! Couldn't figure out if my model railroad transformer or locomotive was not working. Dibble's quickly figured out the issue and repaired it at minimal cost and time. From now on my only place to go for model railroad issues. read more

This place is great! If you are looking for a hobby store with that personal touch this is the place! They have a great selection of models trains and various painting supplies and brands. Jeff not only took the the time to help me despite not have the specific thing I was looking for, he provided me a suggestion as to other where I might be able to get the item, and took time to ask for use my name. I look forward to my next stop and more to come for years moving forward. Thank you again and I look forward to send other model builders and painters your direction! read more

Dibbles was such an amazing experience for my young boys. I have a 13 year old son on the spectrum who is a huge train enthusiast. We stopped in all the way from North Texas with several of his friends and brother. We had all boys. The staff was absolutely incredible. We spent so much time there and were never rushed or pushed out like we've felt at other hobby shops. Today is the day after our visit and the boys can't stop talking about their visit and making plans to go back. Thank you especially to Mike and Joanie, you have no idea what your kidness meant to this Mom. God bless your business. We will make sure to make our future train purchases from this shop! read more

Dibble's Hobbies - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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My first visit. I know I was even more in awe than my 5 year old grandson. Even though I only needed a small item and had lots of questions, Jeff treated me as if I was interested in buying half of their inventory. He spent a great deal of time answering my questions and making sure I got what I needed. Customer service the old fashioned way in a true candy store of fun and dreams for kids of all ages. Do yourself a favor and drop in, take your kids and grandkids and prepare to see some ear to ear smiles and see some new hobby enthusiasts emerge. read more

Outstanding hobby shop -- I needed help with my 70 year old Lionel train locomotive... and Mike and his team of helpful experts repaired in a few minutes! They have everything related to model building and model railroading -- this is a wonderful shop with great people who love to chat with you. This is the only place you need to go -- a wonderful shop with experts who are ready to help! read more

Great place! Been visiting since the 80's! Great place to see what's new, used and walking down memory lane! Bought my first N gauge engine and trains cars. Not to mention to many model kits, will I ever build them??? In there today, made a purchase of a Virginia Class Nuke Cruiser model kit and decal stuff.... we will be back! read more

Extremely helpful and patient every time I visit, especially when trying to navigate the maze of different paint colors/brands. Good selection too. If he doesn't have a model in stock, he will quickly get it and price it competitively. read more

Great shop with lots of N scale train accessories. Ppl are friendly and helpful with everything including ordering if needed. Layaway available read more

The name of the store has been around since 1905. As for this Donaldson Avenue location has been around since 1960 also is one of the first Strip Mall styled buildings. In the early 1990s the shop needed a new owner two siblings who been buying supplies from Dibbles for YEARS (also one of them worked there). Decided to purchase the store. And is now run by the Brother and Sister Duo. I really love going here they know whats-what with painting kits. And Mr. Chladek is very helpful with painting techniques. Paint wise they carry: Vallejo Model Color Vallejo Model Air (sells fast) Model Master Citadel Tamiya (not so much anymore hard to import it) Prices are great here and they have the most paint I've ever seen. If you need something they can probably order it for you, too. They also have a very nice selection of WW2 Kits and If I recall table tops too. On the right of the store little area of paint related books like Citadel ones which are very cool to read. And haven't seen at most comic shops. Also, Dibble's Charges $3.70 for Citadel. I haven't really ran into old paints here for citadel. - - - But other places I went to for emergency supply had old paint, ugh. Something to note: Pricing comic book stores charge $3.95, $4.00, and one place wanted $5.00 per tiny bottles Citadel. Bottom line: When I need Paint, Putty. or any hobby tool. I always go to Dibble's Hobbies First. read more

Apparently this hobby store has been around for quite awhile now. I couldn't belive I saw a box for the Atomic Cannon and for Axis & Allies! How cool! They carry model airplanes, trains, games, and everything a geek like me loves to see in one little place. It's a couple of doors down from the Koffee Kup so a quick stop-by is on the agenda on some occasions. read more

This place is a hidden treasure. Has great selection of board games, playing cards, model everything trains, etc... The men there were very knowledgable and friendly. read more

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Went in for Bolt action game sets and was greeted by friendly staff. When it came time to pay I was offered a discount. I will definitely be back, they won my business. read more

Over all, the staff is very helpful and this place articulates everything that is good in the hobby of model trains. However, all of the pricing is at MRSP and I often have trouble finding things in-stock that I need. For last minute purchase, this place is great. However, make sure you call ahead to see if what you need is in-stock. For general purchases, your best price is online. read more

Great little hobby shop!! Whenever I'm in San Antonio I make it a point to visit them. Great selection of static model kits, trains, games and miniatures. read more

This place is a step back into a much simpler time! It is the type of store that you actually get knowledge help, not just some kid who can read the box. If you are looking for models or rc products this is the place! You will feel like a kid in a candy store! read more

A friend suggested I visit Dibbles, in fact he stated "you must make it no matter what". Well I did on my visit to Dallas and San Antonio, I live in Maryland. It was much more than just a hobby store it was an experience like being in a time machine. Everything about the store including the way the owner was so informative and positive left me with many reasons to return. If I was lucky to live in the area, I would be there once or even twice every week. If you have never built a plane, car or ship, it's time you did. If you ever wanted to recreate a scene from some war movie or any other diorama now is the time to start. If you have kids take them to Dibbles, away from electronics, let them experience creativity, you will thank me for it. Jimmy T. From Maryland. read more

This is one of those places that seem like a time machine. Inside, I was transported back to my childhood memories of hobby shops. There are the basics, the stuff you can find in a chain hobby shop, but there are also the treasures. The little accessories or odd brand model that you never knew existed before. Recommended. read more

An excellent old-style hobby store. We found model train supplies, models, and tons of gaming supplies. No website, but very helpful staff. Because it is old-school, expect an overwhelming number of kits. read more

no gunpla, BUT really good prices on tools and equipment. mostly trains and military models with a bit of trek and older board games. don't let their appearance fool you! ask the questions on how to use the equipment and how to do what you are trying to do. they have a host of experience to share. read more

Such an amazing store! The owner hung out with me and talked about trains for over an hour! He offered to take the Locomotives out of their display and run them for me. Excellent customer service and very friendly atmosphere! I love this business and will be a customer for life! read more

Once a great hobby shop that seems to be struggling now. I love the old school charm, but the collapsing ceiling & tiles peeling off the floor, not mention empty paint racks - are unnerving. Good Luck guys! read more

I went in today looking for something that would challenge my 16 yr old grandson. The owner spent quality time with me discussing various options, games, miniatures, etc and I was able to chose just the right gift. They were most helpful, knowledgeable and helpful and I was very impressed. They price fairly, are generous and are very kind. My favorite hobby store of all times. read more

I've been coming to Dibble's since the early 1980s. I tend to get into modeling every 5-10 years and then into something else for a while before getting back into. It's probably been a good 10 years since I last built a model and I got a wild hair to get into building me some tanks for the very first time. Here's what I like about a special place like Dibble's: 1) After being away from the hobby for 10 years, I can pick right back up with the same people who were their to guide me and offer advise ten years ago. Where else can you say that? Not any on the big box stores and certainly not online. 2) They have the models there (not just pictures of them) and you can actually hold it and take a look at it in the flesh. 3) They have a great selection of models and everything needed to complete the kits and they are always willing to spend quality time with you answering all of your questions with many years of experience to back up what it is they are telling you. Try that at the big box stores or online! Dibble's is a San Antonio institution and I wish more people had grown up with it like I did and would spend their money there and not online. You can probably find things a little cheaper online or at the big box stores but you will not get the experience and knowledge from any of the salespeople who work there like you will get from the owners of Dibble's who are there from open to close. This is why I love Dibble's and will spend my hobby dollars there. Save $1 on a model and not get to talk shop with someone that's been in the biz for 30 years? Forget about it. I'm going to Dibble's! read more