We had an amazing experience at Just Trains. The owner is delightful and knows everything there is to know about model trains and also the train happenings and events taking place all over California. He helped us purchase a fantastic addition to our original Lionel train set. My preschooler AND retired father absolutely loved chatting with him and perusing around the shop. We can't wait to come back! read more

I made my first stop under the new ownership. This location is smaller than the old one for sure, but the deals are still pretty good. I came in and the new owner pointed me to the N Scale section. It was not huge, and was mostly consignment and used pieces. I found a bunch of great deals and was very happy I stopped. Well worth it! read more

Just Trains - Deals - Toy Stores Near Me - Concord, California

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Gone are the days where we can visit the store and admire the track layout being displayed for others to play with / run with / display with. Wes has informed many folks that the store has been relocated 1170 Burnett avenue suite L. Concord, ca. It will take a while while he unpack so many boxes and items as the store is still being set up. As much as I really miss the old store, wes has keeping the business alive for a train store to sell parts and advice. Keep up the good work wes and wishing yanthe best luck to continue the tradition. Train store is open btw just make sure you chose this address since it is now being relocated 1170 Burnett avenue suite L. Concord, ca. read more

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Arguably the best train store I've experienced from the Bay Area, even with the new location and the small shop, I still felt beyond welcomed and questions answered to the best degree. Perhaps not the biggest selection but certainly one that's growing over time with the store's new spot. Very fairly priced items and actively will be visiting more often. read more

Just Trains - Toy Stores Near Me - Concord, California

Amazing spot. It's unfortunate that they had to downgrade the space but Vikki and Wes have done great with what they have. Always have the scenery stuff I need for my tabletop terrain. Not much into trains, but all the great selection they had before seems to be the same at the new spot. Would highly recommend if you want to support real brick and mortar, mom and pop, style businesses! read more

I drove 40 miles to check out this place, and I'm glad I did. When I arrived, I found that a couple of wild turkeys were waiting for the store to open ahead of me. They were kind enough to let me enter ahead of them. Once inside, I was immediately greeted by the owner, who apologized for not having any trains running yet. Can you believe it? They had been open for two whole minutes and hadn't started running trains yet. But before I could say, "all aboard," the owner had his Broadway Limited SP 4449 (HO) on the tracks, blowing its whistle and speeding down the layout. I toured the store and found a vast selection of locomotives, rolling stock, and everything anyone could possibly need to build a model railroad in any size, shape, or scale imaginable. As I walked around the store, I could hear the owner greeting customers and answering technical questions about the hobby off the top of his head. I spotted a few items that interested me and checked the interwebs for price comparisons. To my surprise, there wasn't a significant "brick-and-mortar tax." Pricing was fair. When you consider the investment necessary to maintain a well-stocked hobby shop, I'd say the place provides great value. I look forward to returning to Just Trains as I build my layout. Great service, great selection, and great value. Five stars! read more

Just Trains - A couple of regular customers wait for the store to open. - Toy Stores Near Me - Concord, California

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customer service is excellent, there knowledge of there products helps greatly. I can not think of another train specialty store with this much information. read more

Wes is a very knowledgeable owner , and has an extensive inventory of accessories for your needs , as well as a large model train inventory. He takes the time to answer your questions and provide feedback, thanks Wes ! read more

Ben was very helpful in servicing my n scale locomotives and explained DCC in a clear manner. There's a wide variety of rolling stock so ended up with a few new ones. Will have to come back when I have the chance. read more

One of my favorite train shops in the Bay Area!! I love Wes and the entire staff! They love and know there way around this amazing hobby

I had a great experience at just trains, they are very knowledgeable about the products that they sell, and has a wide range of products for your layout to advice that is honest and correct. And if they don't have an answer they will direct you in the right path. In this day and age the new owner is keeping the hobby alive at Just Trains, think about it how many brick and mortar stores that has trains are around today The NEW location will be great!!! But it will still have that selections that will build your layout Into something incredible. So stop by and have fun and let your inner child come out at a fun train store. I just did at Just Trains!! read more

These guys know their trains! They have been so very helpful in teaching my grandson and myself construction, scenery, and HO trains. If you have a any interest in train, this is the place! read more

Just trains is a great model railroad shop. They have a good selection and if they don't have what you're looking for they can order it for you. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The prices seem fair. Once a year they host an open house where they invite groups in to display model railroads. They are very alert to Covid and ask shoppers to wear masks. The personnel wear a masks as well. They limit the number of people in the store at one time to help maintain social distance. In addition to model trains, they have a good selection of Railroad related books and magazines. They also have scenery and tools for train modelers. read more

You probably have been in hobby shops before, staffed by disinterested staff, probably working there for the discounts so that they can afford to support their hobby habit. Just Trains, on the other hand, is in fact staffed by a very knowledgable team, and they are very glad to assist you with anything. Parts, like that small spring that shot over your shoulder when you took that whatsit apart? Technical questions like sizing your new transformer? Buy a train set? They are interested in what you are interested in. They match their excitement with your excitement making it a great consumer experience. Good folks. read more

Love this store !!! Been going since I was a kid with my father. After many many years away I recently stopped in and purchased a item. While they were busy they still found time to help me and make sure the product I was buying worked well. Great selection of HO , O scale and Lionel. Very impressed. Wes and Nick are both stand up guys who have so much info they can share with you about model trains. Don't buy from eBay buy local !. I will fully support just trains with my business in the future. read more

Just Trains - Toy Stores Near Me - Concord, California

This place is the dream store for the young model train enthusiast. Our 15-year-old is easily frustrated but Wes and his staff are incredibly and unfailingly helpful and patient and I've seen my son blossom and grow with his love for this hobby. Beautiful merchandise, scrupulously honest, offering as much (or as little) detail as you need, and what a fabulous layout they have that they make available for customers bringing in their own trains. A real gem of a business and we're so happy we discovered them! read more

Our 4 year old son is crazy about trains (specifically level crossing gates, but anything train is often close enough), and while we're running errands we'll occasionally look for train stores nearby. To that end I'd say we've visited four or five over the last year. Out of these, Just Trains is clearly special. First off, I should acknowledge we're probably not a key demographic for train stores. We don't have any tracks (outside of brio) and we're not looking to spend big money on train stuff. We're really just there to pass the time (and hunt for the elusive level crossing gate toy suitable for a 4 year old). Generally what I'm looking for in a train store is tolerance, and to be fair, most of the stores I've been in have met the mark. That said, my experience at Just Trains blew me away. We walked in and the counter person (Wes?) immediately greeted my son and told him there were trains running that he could go watch. He spent at least ten minutes giving us an overview of the hobby and recommended sets that would be appropriate for our 4 year old. He got our boy set up to try out a small Lionel setup. Basically he totally made my son's day. I've been in a lot of various specialty stores and I think a lot of times outsiders are treated with indifference (or in the worst case, derision). This is probably hands down the best retail experience I've had in a long time. These folks are clearly playing the long game -- creating new enthusiasts and treating potential customers well to get their business in the future. Also, I'm not a train dude, but this store was BIG, well laid out, and had a LOT of train stuff. Way more than any of the other stores we've been in. They also seemed to have a bit more community there (folks running trains and lots of flyers for local events) We didn't buy anything and honestly I don't know when we'll be a customer, but if we're in the market this is the store we'll choose. read more

Just Trains is a great store with excellent customer service! My wife needed some train scale scenery items for a miniature project. She called Just Trains and a very nice, helpful man (think it was Jim?) answered all of her questions. My wife ordered online; everything was well-packed, as described, and arrived quickly. We both love train stores and want to go to Just Trains soon and see all their fun scenes, etc. Meantime, we know where to look first when we need train scale items. Highly recommend Just Trains! read more

Great store for train enthusiasts. Authentic environment and selection. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff, especially Wes. He was very helpful and courteous. read more

This store is a great place for people who are into running model trains. They have a good selection of tracks, beautiful locomotives, cars, scenery items, and control boxes. I actually came here looking for train memorabilia: shirts, hats, signs, posters, mugs, etc. They do have train magazines, calendars, and a very small collection of tin signs but this store isn't a memorabilia store. I'm into going out and watching real trains (railfanning) and this store isn't geared towards that type of train fan. I enjoy watching model trains but it's not a hobby I'm into. The reason I'm leaving a five star review is because the customer service is great. The two men behind the counter are very friendly and helpful. I was asked quickly if I needed any help. They were still friendly when I indicated I was just browsing. They kindly answered all my questions later on when I was buying a calendar. If you're into running train models I think this store is worth the time and effort to visit. read more

I brought a couple items in for repair back in 2021 and items where shipped out for repairs. Always had to call to check status after a year went by never received return calls and when did reach them they said waiting on part. Eventually I never got a call regarding my items or received my items BACK! Would NEVER recommend using them for any repairs! Poor customer service! read more

Wes went over and beyond to help us get our vintage Lionel train back in action. The entire staff was friendly and helpful.

My husband and I went looking for extra tracks and clips for an older model train we've had for 20 years. Firstly, Wes is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about trains, and one of the friendliest persons we've ever encountered. Wes informed us that the company wasn't supporting those bigger models anymore and suggested we look on eBay. Before our disappointment settled in, he added there was a box that had been left at the shop that seemed to contain what we sought. He handed the box to us and said, "Merry Christmas." We were all-around in disbelief; that this box would show up containing what we needed and that Wes would so generously simply gift it to us! Secondly, this shop is a hobbyist's dream! The staff are super friendly, helpful, and also do repairs. It's a drive for us to get to this shop, but so worth it. read more

Deep, Deep Inventory of all things having to do with Model Trains. Definitely one of the best-stocked shops in the Bay Area, if not all of California. Lots of N, HO, O and G scales, and a complete operating HO scale train layout to help get you inspired. Really young ones can get into the Thomas Trains they have on sale, with a demo play area too. Gotta get 'em hooked while they are young, ya know! Lines carried (deep stocks of each) include Athearn, Atlas, Walthers, Intermountain, Proto 2000, and a decent stock of detail parts, especially many obscure little scenery items that are usually hard to find in other shops. Tower 55 models and some brass models too. Model paint selection is above average, with full stocks of Polly S, Scalecoat and Floquil on hand. Amazingly, though, they do NOT carry decals to letter up all those trains you wind up detailing/decorating. Book Collection is a little light as well. The service is good and professional. Woman-owned, if that matters to you! Believe me.. this is a well-run shop and the owner knows what she is doing. Way to go Joan! read more

I want to put fears about the sale of this shop to rest. A previous reviewer posted a warning. The shop has been sold but to Jim and Rosita, two wonderful former customers. They worked closely with Joan, the former owner, to transition the operation. This was my first visit, so I can't say if it has changed. But I can say it is awesome and the owners are super nice! There is a large, sceniced HO layout on one side of the shop and I enjoyed chatting with a customer who was being allowed to use the layout. Great guy, I learned a lot. And what a cool shop to allow regular customers some run time. Special. This layout is a dog bone I suspect is at least 100 feet long, meaning over 200 running feet. Stock was outstanding, from train sets for beginners to brass and scratch building supplies. Really first rate. I am an HO guy so I can't comment on stock in other scales but most seemed well supported. I was asked gently several times if I needed help, which I appreciated. The owners are super friendly and seem like genuine, sweet people. They offered to fill my special orders and deliver for free to my wife in a neighboring city (she is in NoRCal on a temporary assignment and I was just visiting my wife). Amazing offer of customer service. Just Trains is absolutely worth a visit but I would allow at least an hour, if not more, to really enjoy it. I was rushed. But Jim I will be back! Why can't I live closer to Just Trains!?! Life isn't fair. Side note, bring your camera. Nearby there are an apparently rail served water treatment plant, and an amazingly photogenic concrete recycling plant which, although not rail served probably could be. These are just down the road from the shop and visible from the Just Trains parking lot. read more

Excellent advice available. My go to store in the bay area.

Has unique trains that are costly but worth it if you are a real train lover. Check it out

The people here are very helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. My son has a model train that was no longer functioning due to broken wiring. A staff person fixed it for free. He also provided us with information on sending it to the manufacturer for repairs which would be a better value due to parts that are only available through the company. They can also arrange for someone offsite to repair the trains. They have wooden trains and train tables for the kiddos to play with. read more

ABSOLUTELY 100% PROFESSIONAL AND KIND CUSTOMER SERVICE! I called looking for LGB curved track and they had it in stock! They placed the track on hold for me and I was able to purchase it upon arriving. They are the best! Inside they have mint condition trains and accessories of different scales. They even have a model train layout! WOW! A+++++++++++ read more

The store is a treasure! For a store to survive, they have to know what customers need and want. And Just Trains is about the only store left in the East Bay. My only wish is that they had more stuff! :-) read more

Pretty cool store, not many like it anymore. Everything's pretty much retail mark up price - wise, but they've got some cool stuff for sure. Wish they'd have a little more rolling stock, but you can't please everyone. Other than that, a definitely cool place with nice employees who greet you at the door. read more

My dad likes trains. A lot. And I like to be a good daughter, and my husband likes to be a good son-in-law. So when dad's bday came up a couple weeks ago, we knew what we had to do to get on the A List and to make my brothers look bad. We needed to get my dad a train. A very very nice train. Hehehee yes sibling rivalry does exist in my family (just kidding in case my family is reading this....) I made the mistake of trying HobbyTown first. They had nothing. Don't even bother. Then we drove out to Just Trains. They have an intense selection of all types of gauges of model trains, engines, boxcars, model building kits, trees & shrubs, track, everything. We decided to pull out the big guns and buy a new engine for my dad. The elder gentlemen staff (and even the customers) were very helpful in locating the engine we were looking for, and gave us ego boosts by saying, "Wow, I wish MY kids would buy ME something this nice." Hehehe. Needless to say, Dad loved his new engine. Tip: If you are not familiar with trains, and are buying a gift for someone, find out which gauge trains they use (HO, N gauge, Micro...) We had to guess and luckily we guessed correctly. read more

I don't know Jack about model trains...but they sure do have a lot of 'em here. I used to go here to buy wooden Thomas trains as gifts. They seem to be a couple of bucks cheaper here than Toys R Us...plus I'd just rather go here than there on general principles. The people who work here are nice and helpful. read more

Wow what an amazing train selection. Staff were helpful and friendly. Nice to see merchandise that I found on you tube. Easy to locate items in store. Lots of parking and handicap accessible. read more

Thank goodness there is Just Trains. In today's world where everything is online and specialty stores and small local businesses are closing constantly. To have a specialized hobby like model trains is almost impossible to find an Actual Brick and mortar shop. Not only is just trains Just that, they also are one heck of a store! They stock tons of products, and supplies, and have very competitive prices to the online options. They are knowledgable too, so they are very helpful and of they don't have an answer, they can tell you where to go to find it! Hands down the best train shop in Northern California, and one of the last! Support local businesses like Just Trains! I was there yesterday and they had a not so common DCC item I was looking for IN STOCK! :) read more

I've been to Just Trains a handful of times over the last few years, having only recently started in the hobby. Joan is always incredibly helpful, and patient. I had no idea what I wanted the first few times I went in, I just knew I wanted to build that model railroad I never had the space or the funds for. I would slowly roam around the store looking at all of the cool stuff, often times having no idea what it was intended for, asking lots of newbie questions, and Joan was always ready with answers. I ended up getting a Woodland Scenics Grand Valley 4x8 layout kit for my birthday, just as Atlas was having production issues with their snap track, and was having a really tough time finding the pieces I needed. Joan spent a good amount of time looking over the layout, and helped me locate every piece of track I needed to get started. A lot of the shops I've visited seem to have the off-putting old railroader attitude going on, but I've not experienced that at Just Trains. Whether Joan or one of the regulars is helping me, I always walk away with some sage advice, and as much reasonably priced stuff as I can carry! read more

We've shopped here for a year, they've always taken good care of us. We have a six year old, with thousands of questions and he's treated kindly. It's a good family atmosphere as well as a high quality model train store. A good place to shop for the novice and collector. We especially like looking at the model train set ups they have in the store and find ourselves wondering around looking at everything, "great fun". They have an Open House where model train clubs come set up displays for everyone to enjoy. read more

I've been purchasing trains and supplies from this store for about a year now. This is one of the few great train shops left in the Bay Area. Just Trains has a great selection of model trains and the components you'll need to begin your model train adventure or just expanding on an existing one. And if they don't have something you're looking for, they are very helpful in researching and finding it for you. They also have mad connections to other professionals in the field. Unlike some train stores I've been in around California, The owner, Jim, and the staff; Richard, Morgan and Jeffery, all have a vast amount of experience & knowledge in the field, are a pleasure to discuss your trains needs and/or experiences with, and are very customer service oriented. Having issues w/ DCC components? Jim is your resource. My NCE Power Cab & SB5 smart booster had some faulty internal connections. Jim was right there to help. Not only diagnosing the issues, but providing loaners until the units returned from the manufacture. I also discovered that my track voltage was too low to properly operate my steam locomotives. Jim was very helpful with assessing and guiding me on the components and adjustments I needed to make everything run smoothly. If you're a model train enthusiast, I would highly recommend you stop by and visit with these gentlemen. You won't be disappointed! read more

Just Trains carried just trains and lots of them. So if you go here looking for something that isn't model-train related then, ummmm... Harry pretty much summed up the place, listen to him! read more

It was my first time purchasing a train set for under our tree. From the moment I walked through the doors, I knew I was at the right place. Jim, the owner was so patient and knowledgeable about all the different brands and gauges that I felt confident about my purchase. His lovely wife will even gift wrap for you! Their prices are the same as Amazon/Target too. What you get with purchasing locally is the demonstration of your purchase. They show you how to operate it and a phone call away if you have any issues. read more