I absolutely love The Train Center, right here in downtown Centralia. There's nothing like a locally owned shop that specializes in something like this ... Model Trains!!
Originated in Seattle, the owning family moved to Centralia pre-pandemic and made Lewis County their home. Successful navigating the shutdown, this business now survives thanks to the determination and passion of the grandfather who owns and runs the shop with the help of his wife and grandson! One cannot argue with the lineage that it present here.
My son is wild about model trains and we are just getting started with his first electric model set - the locomotive, the additional cars, the tracks, and the layout! We're working to be all in.
The extremely helpful and kind owners have been nothing but helpful to us - guiding me in explaining what we need (now and in the future) and how to install it. They've even helped me understand what wasn't working with our set and what else we'd need to make it work better.
Being a small, locally owned business they don't always have the large selection that one might find at online shops; but believe me ... the online shops are not going to give you the personal attention and time that these guys will give you. They love model railroading and sharing their knowledge with the consumer. That said, they do have a goodly amount of trains and accessories for your layout at very reasonable prices! You'll be able to find locomotives, cars, and model extras (people, buildings, vehicles, landscapes, etc.). Plus they have paints and other model building supplies.
Trust me ... The Train Center is worth your time and you'll not only get a great deal on your layout needs, you'll probably end up learning something new too. I know that I always have left the shop having learned something new every time I've been there. I love it!! Be sure to give their pet cat a little love too!! ;-) read more