This place is a time capsule in all the best ways. If you are going here, take in the experience. Someday soon there will be no way to go into a hobby store of any kind and see / hold anything. What a shame. Carmen works for a few hours every day, upholding a family business that probably makes no real monetary sense (IMHO). She told me her hours are basically conditional as long as she gets a ride. I called ahead and she picked up. She's there a few hours a day, but so helpful. I needed this 1 odd piece of HO track. I could have searched ebay and waited and hoped, but instead, she saw the picture, knew she had it, and we even found a used one she sold me for $5. They have every scale! Sure, some of the inventory is priced high, but I also have found some really good deals (on some G-scale box cars) here that had some San Diego history. And then you get the experience of a real store, a real chance to find exactly what you need, and a real gem of a woman keeping up her husband and family's tradition and enthusiasm for trains. We're lucky to have this last train shop, as long as it lasts. Come with a smile (and cash only). You won't regret it. read more

A blast from the past! Totally amazing! Small but a lot of neat stuff. I recommend if you like toy trains or classic cars.

The train store has one of the best selection I have seen. For adult regulars this could be a great store. I really can't speak for the pricing because we were not welcomed warmly. My son has loved the other train stores we have visited, but this time he just wanted to leave. He felt very welcomed at the museum. Even I felt like I was disturbing the owners day by arriving. read more

This store has a large inventory of model trains at a reasonable price. The inventory includes all gauges of toy trains for every level of experience and age of engineer. read more

Worth a trip to San Diego. Some cars that are unique to this collection. The hours are limited.

The only reason I give this place a 3 star is because they only accept cash. And if you into trains there not cheap. Otherwise nice cool little place. And they have a guy who repairs old train engines read more

We had a wonderful experience today with Carmen. I had recently brought out my old G scale LGB train that I have loved since childhood (80s). My husband has been excited about adding on to my collection. My dad mentioned there was a store in North Park area when he was a kid (50's) but doubted it was still there. Well, sure enough it is. We went in for tracks and came out with tracks, a new engine and 4 more train cars. Carmen was patient with all of our novice questions and gave us an incredible deal. I look forward to going back and chatting with Carmen again. I am shocked that other people made negative comments. Absolutely shocked. I challenge those people that made comments about the organization to suggest another way to organize 100's of years of collection and antiques. I loved that there was a mixture of old and used & new. Incredible collection and the knowledge Carmen had was unbelievable. read more

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This was my second time walking into Frank the Trainman store. I came here once many years ago with my father. Today was my second. Walking into the store and felt like I just walked into a attic of rare trains. On the right is all the trains one could want in multiple lifetimes. On the left a museum. There's a little old nice knowledgeable lady who pointed out multiple trains and tenders I was looking for. I recommend this mom and pop train store, be patient and be nice to her. Store is cash only, so come prepared. Thank you for helping me find what I needed. read more

To Carmen, Jason, and Ben. where do I start. I guess no words can truly come to mind how thankful I am for you and what you guys have done to help me with a H.O scale model train set that hasn't been probably touched in 20-30 years. You helped me test some items, helped with the purchasing of a new locomotive for my model train setup and gave some great info to keep things running and clean. You will alway have my business. I can't thank you enough for looking the items over and showing me and my family your wonderful store with the beautiful museum of classic and vintage cars, model trains and cameras. I have truly found a wonderful place in San Diego. read more

This is a cool place to look at. I like all the things that they have. They have neat stuff. Go check it out

My parents recently shipped us my Lionel train from 1979. This thing ran every Christmas for years before getting boxed up and stored for at least 10 years. The train got here in good shape, but it was missing a piece of track, so I couldn't fully test it. Inside the box was a folded paper with a state-by-state list of hobby shops and train stores that service Lionel trains. The date on the list was 1979. I located San Diego, and there was one shop listed: Frank the Trainman. "Put this in your phone," I told wife, as I joked about how old the manual was. "It says here Frank the frikking Trainman might have the piece we need." She laughed, and said right away Frank the Trainman actually still exists and is OPEN. I flew down here, and was blown away by the stuff in here. Dozens of old box cars and engines along with catalogs, track, and all manner of accoutrement abound in this place. It was truly a pleasure to browse the shelves in this store. It had what seems like 100 years of history just sitting there. Now, Frank has passed on, but the workers here do more than enough to carry on the flame. Good, good people here and very knowledgeable. I bought a maintenance kit and some track, fixed up the set I have, and it runs like a champ. More importantly, my kid loves it, and I feel like a kid again. Thanks, Frank the Trainman! read more

Frank the Trainman - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Diego, California

This place used to be great back in the day, but not so much any more. My n gauge stuff has been sitting in the closet for many, many years, and lately I have been trying to get it going again. The shop is totally disorganized, the lady behind the counter doesn't have a clue about anything and doesn't seem to care, and she acts like she's doing you a big favor. Plus it's cash only. Don't waste your time. read more

This place is amazing! My son and I had a fabulous time looking through all of the inventory. My son wanted a crane car and she walked right over to a model that fit the bill, which we had looked over. I was looking for vintage Mantua parts and she combed through a few bins and found exactly what I was looking for. This woman knows more about model trains than anyone I have ever encountered! We will continue to patronize this establishment. As for the very few negative reviews, this is not Walmart. It is an amazing Mom & Pop shop surviving through the years on customer service and love for the hobby. Use patience and you will receive an expert's lifetime of experience to help you enjoy the model train hobby. read more

In this age of AI-robots providing universally bad customer service, it is so refreshing to come across a store like this. I had the very best customer service experience. Owner went way beyond expectations. Service like this should be complimented and it reminds us of how things used to be. Thank you Ladd. read more

This is a step back in time! A lot neat stuff for the hobby inside. I love this place! But it's MINE so leave it alone!! Lol. Kidding. EXCELLENT PLACE!! read more

This place, a model train store owned and staffed by an older couple, is a time warp. Founded in 1943 by the current owner's mentor, the shop hasn't changed much. Even the antiquated cash register must be an original. To the left is a gate leading to a "car museum" containing some beautiful old cars, available for the viewing with a $5 entrance fee. Jim and his wife Carmen are very knowledgeable about model trains, and they were helpful when we went in to get parts for a 1950s Lionel set. No, they aren't terribly warm, but boy does this place have character! Here is a link to an article I found about the place: http://www.sdcitybeat.com/sandiego/article-5143-the-trainman.html read more

I've grown up LOVING model trains. I'd be upset when the train would fall off the tracks. Quality was sometimes an issue. My buddy Johnny is way more of a diehard fan than I am, and I couldn't get through a single day without him screaming at me to go to Frank the Trainman. Well this time he was right. I walked in and the staff was awesome..they knew and loved their trains and I could sense the passion. Sensing that I was a busy adult with other responsiblities, they talked to me about setup time and space allocation. I walked out an extremely satisfied customer! read more

I brought my 7 year-old niece here who loves museums. Admission was only $2 for her and $5 for me. My niece has been to many of the great museums in Washington DC and New York, yet she still enjoyed this little gem. They have a few antique baby carriages and dolls that she loved looking at. This place has a very different feel than big museums; it felt more cozy and intimate, as if we were in an old home. It was cool meeting Frank the Trainman. He is native to San Diego and so were his parents. I bet he has a lot of neat stories about San Diego. I would love to come back and pick his brain one of these days. read more

Frank the Trainman - My 7-y/o niece with Frank the Trainman! She LOVED this museum. - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Diego, California

Frank the Trainman is a life long memory for me. I remember his shop across the street. It was taken down, but the iconic Frank the Trainman neon sign was incorporated into the new building. The Frank the Trainman neon sign is a true icon of University Heights and greater San Diego. read more

Frank the Trainman - This historic landmark is a very rare example of animated neon. Here the chugging train. - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Diego, California

Frank the Train Man on Park in San Diego must be in his 90's! Wife & Frank still work their shop on Park have an amazing collection of cameras, typewriters, antique cars, music boxes and of course thousands of trains. read more

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My husband was super excited to check this shop out on our trip to San Diego. He is an avid train collector and has collected since he was a kid. There were several employees working and my husband asked to see something in the case. The lady was helping someone, which was fine. After about 10-15 minutes my husband asked the guy at the counter for help. He told him no, he was working on a model train. At that point I was ready to walk out. After all the wait time we were told cash only. Such a waste of time. Won't be back. read more

I wanted to start doing more things that would build a special bond between my boy and his Dad. Knowing my son's love for trains, this seemed like the right place to at least start looking. Boy did I luck out! Jim met us as we walked in the door. I told him I was interested in building HO scale trains with my 5 year old and he asked me a series of questions that led me down a better path to a train that would last longer under the playful hands of my rough and tumble boy. Going here is like taking a trip into your past - Jim and Carmen are the kind of people that have a passion for their trade and are wiling to take the time to share it with the next generation. My son walked out of the store as the happiest kid on earth when Jim gave him a Lionel cargo car to attach to his new Santa Fe Diesel engine. Thanks for a memorable day and a good start on a hobby I hope my son and I will share for years to come! Highly recommend this place to others! read more

Wow! Went there to see if my antique Lionel train whistle and smoke generator could be fixed. Took my 4 grandchildren ages 4,6,6 and 9. The finest collection of model trains and accessories to choose from. Had no idea about the museum and almost didn't pay the small fee for all the kids and me to go in but am I ever glad I did! A fine collection of old and one of a kind cars. Must be 30 or so vehicles. One is a car made of fiberglass during WW1 because all steel was being used for the war effort. It is the last one of its kind in existence! Another is a concept self driving car that was made by GM in the 70's as part of an experiment to place sensors in the pavement between Mira Mesa and Escondido that the vehicle could use to navigate driverlessly! It actually made several trips. Plus lots of other things like cameras, typewriters, doll carriages, antique model trains, victrolas, etc. This is a personal collection that is well worth the trip and the $5 for adult and $2 for children. Don't miss it! read more

With a son now old enough to play with an electric train, it was time to resurrect my 1950's Marx Streamliner. It worked, but poorly. I stopped by Frank the Trainman and Carmen (I believe) helped me diagnose the problems and dug-up a used Lionel transformer double the capacity of the dying Marx transformer in order to save me an additional $70. for a new transformer. She knew exactly how many track segments I'd need to expand my sad little oval to an exciting figure-8! I was so pleased with the service that I purchased a boxcar that matches my set's design and material. I'm going back soon to browse the wide range of new and vintage train gear and to see the car museum as well. read more

The shop is great, awesome selection. A bit disorganized but that's part of the charm. I've bought a whole set here before and was looking to add to my set. As I'm about to purchase I'm informed "cash only." I really want to support local small business, but please don't make it hard for me to give you money. read more

Walking into this store is not only like walking into a time warp but do not expect to be greeted with any level of friendliness or interest in doing business. I am new to model railroading and interested in building a nice set for my son. The second you walk in a lady asks if I need help but with a tone and disposition of someone who is inconvenieced by a customer coming in rather than welcoming it as an opportunity to sell something. Their inventory doesn't look like it's been updated since Nixon was in office, it's dark, smells like a retirement home and in general just a miserable store. I'd recommend going to Hobby Central where they actually are interested in helping hobbyists and are glad you came into their shop to spend money. read more

Frank the Trainman is an amazing place. If you want to know about trains, old cars, or the history of San Diego - this is the place. Take the time to speak to the owners, Jim Cooley is one of the most beloved people in all of San Diego. This place was built from love of our past, our culture and our country. Take the time to enter this collection from yesterday and be prepared to enjoy yourself. This store is like no other in San Diego, it is a museum and the best kept secret in town. Jim and Carmen are treasures. Jerry read more

Neat old train store north of downtown run by a retired couple. Stuff jammed all over the place, different scales and brands from long ago I've never heard of. Throw a couple quarters in the meter out front. read more

Great collection - This guy is a serious collector of cars, model trains, irons, still banks, jugs, mantle clocks, bottles, lanterns, transportation, local pieces and more. His car museum is worth the $5 fee and goes to a good cause. This is a gem in the city and a must stop for a serious antique collector. The items are not for sale but you can see good examples of many categories. read more

I love this place. They always have a large inventory of Lionel trains. They have catalogues for free, and during Christmas time I like to look at the train set up. They have been helpful in resolving problems in the past. I highly recommend this place to any model railroad enthusiast. read more

Let me start by saying, AWESOME!!!!! It's not your typical "BIG BOX Store" name brand hobby shop. It's a mom & pop establishment that has some of the most nostalgic collection of hobby train items I've seen in the San Diego area. Upon entering the store I was pleasantly greeted by an older lady. Not pushy, no hard selling tactics, she just allowed me to browse the shelves and tables of HO items at my pace, and this was 10 minutes before closing time. I barely scratched the surface in regards to the collection of HO scale items they had. It's almost like a junk yard of train stuff, but if you know what you're looking for and recognize good value when you see it, this is a very cool store. It's cash only, But there is a ATM machine less then a block down the street in front of the Supermarket, with that being said, she waited for me to go to the ATM get the cash and come back. I ended up picking up 8 box cars to add to my collection and am quite happy with price I paid per item and the discount she applied to the total sale. I do plan to go back when I have more time, there was a lot of stuff I didn't get too. I'm a HO scale modeler, but I will say their selection of Lionel scale items was much greater. Again,,, a very cool store, remember to bring cash and I'm sure you'll find something to add to your collection. read more

A great place for the model railroader! Hands down my favorite store. They have a great selection and if by the off chance they don't have something, they will order it for you. Not to sound cliche, but visiting the store is an excursion in itself. I always love going! read more

I used to love the great selection and service till Frank's wife started running it. I bought a train and she told me to oil it. so i went home and did, but it didn't work, it just sat there and smoked. i brought it back nice and calm, i asked her to fix it, she looked at it and said in a snooty voice, ohh, you oiled it too much... Well, that was my fault, but she just got ruder from there. she put it on the track and it rolled around a bit. My whole point is, if the lady is running the shop, dont go in read more