I was there from the beginning... Sorry to sound like Londo, but it's true. I was one of those people banging on the doors in 1976, wondering when the store would open. You see, the only "hobby stores" in cowtown Sacramento at the time were The Toy Shop (mostly toys, model railroad, brass imports), Graphic Hobby (an art store that mostly appealed to posers) and, if you really liked to drive, San Antonio Hobbies in Mountain View, California. The only way you could get a good armor model, or Historex figures, was by the unsure snail-mail path. When Viking opened it was like Fat City. The shop was totally devoted to military. Kits, books, magazines, miniatures, even records; ah! the place was like Heaven! No more snail mail orders, no more pilgrimages to Mountain View! At last, we tread-heads had a shop! After a falling out with the owner of Games People Play (the man was Viking's wargame and fantasy wholesaler), Viking offered fantasy gamers a ten-percent discount whilst stabbing the base in the back. Eventually, the shop offered the same discount to IPMS members (who were rebelling by patronizing Riverside Hobbies). The shop has declined through the years. At one time they offered items that no one else had, now they are generic and bland. Tis true that they offer some items that are hard to find online but, with shelves filled with Osprey and Concord books, Tamiya, DML, and Fujimi wares, the shop is no longer worth the trip. Where are the scratchbuilding supplies? The staff will tell you, pointing you to other mediocre cowtown shops which have empty displays taking up valuable floor space. There are some tools, but Micro-Mark has to supply most of your needs. If you want casting supplies you need to take a drive to Hobby Town in Rocklin. As mentioned before, the staff is friendly, and will special order for you. They will also put things on hold, but only for a short time (a great feature if you are a few days from payday and just HAVE to have that kit). However, the staff's greatest drawback is their lack of knowledge of the good and bad points of their wares. Often one is directed to a customer, usually a boorish, know-it-all government "worker" whose expertise comes from reading one magazine article. Caveat emptor. To enter five-star category, Viking really needs a revamp. Put old stock on sale, or get rid of it on eBay. Create shelf space by getting rid of the items which can be found everywhere else, and make the shop unique again. This means bringing in more reference materials from Poland and France, and some of the (overpriced but limited run) CyberHobby kits. Also, bring in scratchbuilding supplies, and have sponsored workshops in the basics. If Viking did this, it would cease being "run of the mill." read more

Viking Hobby is a small, mom and pop operation, and is limited in the spectrum of hobbies that they cater to. However, if you are into gaming or scale plastic models, it would be darn hard to find better at any size of shop. Very much to their credit, their web page does not try to give you the impression they cater to a larger portion of the hobby spectrum than they do. I'm not that big into gaming, but what I did see looked quite substantial, both in the base game sets and accessories such as mineatures. The model kit selection was better than much larger chain hobby shops, with little duplication of kits. The plastic modeling supply selection was also top notch, particularly the paint selection. Add to that a very extensive selection of reference books that support both plastic modeling and gaming. For a small operation, they have wisely chosen to cater to a limited, albeit large, segment of the modelling population. And what they do, they do do well...excellently, even. My only nitpic is the selection of automotive kits was a bit sparse, but the variety of military themed models was outstanding. All in all, going into their shop brought back extremely good childhood memories of wandering into Howard's hobby shop on the corner of Marconi and Fair Oaks Blvd back in about 1956 or so. Two thumbs up, Viking. read more

I've been visiting Viking hobby for over 40 years. Yes, I'm that old. As a kid building models, Viking was a modelers paradise stacked to the ceilings with all sorts of model kits. No matter what your preference is, armor, aircraft, sci fi, autos, even obscure kits, there selection is large for the small space they occupy. The consignment section is always a treasure with old out of production kits you can obtain for a few bucks. Paint and supplies are always stocked, even during COVID when supplies were low, Jessica was always able to find a stock of paints, glues or puttys from resources only I known to her. I still go there, I take my kids there and I take my friends there, viking will continue to be the old skool hobby shop from decades past that still exists today. Stop in and say hi. read more

On the surface it is amazing that a little out of the way Hobby store has survived all of these years. But for those of us who have been patrons of Viking Hobby for decades we know why, its the people who own the place. They are the nicest most accomodating people you will ever find, if they don't have what you want they will either special order it for you, or even advise you where you may be able to get it if they can't. So FlyLow H. tell them what you want and they will get it. I for one love this little piece of Sacramento, it's a reminder of the small town feel that we lost long ago. read more

Love this place! Been coming to Viking Hobby for many years and I'm out in West Sac but its never to far to come to get what you need and I've always been comfortable hanging around taking my time looking for what I need. They have a great selection of kits, books and paints and Jessica and Mark have always been very helpful and friendly and always seem to recognize me when I return. My sincere hope is that they return from this nasty virus ordeal we're going through. Long live Viking Hobby!!!!!!! read more

I'm an avid artist, and I frequently visit this hobby shop for art supplies. Their service is consistently excellent, and the staff is always willing to help me find the right materials for my projects. The quality of their art supplies is superb; I can see a significant difference in my artwork. The prices are competitive, and considering the exceptional quality, it's an incredible value. This shop is a treasure trove for any artist. read more

Some of the best customer service I have ever received. Combine that with an astonishingly large selection considering the size of the store (which is pretty decent, but they've made sure to cover every wall with choices) and extremely fair prices and his is one of the best places you can shop for games, models or minis. My only complaint is that I don't live close enough to go there every day. read more

Im not sure what store the gentleman was in complaining about the smell of cigarette smoke. I have been going to this store since about 1985 and have literally never smelled cigarettes in the store. I cannot express my appreciation for the owners continuing to offer the service and products they provide to our diverse and wonderful model and gaming community. Thank you to infinity Viking Hobby read more

Viking is Great.I am a modeler and Jessica is the greatest.She is polite and no order is to small. If you are looking for photo etched she can order anything.Just ask for the binder with all the part numbers and she will order it for you.I am from Reno so she mails me the order. My orders have always been filled and never messed up. Only if the world worked this smooth.I give it 6 stars! read more

The lady that runs this place is super nice and helpful. The guy she just hired is a tool. He followed me around the store like I was a thief and then asked for ID. I'm a professional with a high-income. Maybe he thinks guys in flat brim hats and dunks are thugs but what is that other than straight up racism. Get a better bedside manner captain vigilant. read more

Far & away the best game shop in Sacramento. The selection is phenomenal, they're always thrilled to track something down for you & order a game you're looking for if it isn't in stock (which usually arrive super quick), & they're just so incredibly friendly, & knowledgeable. 10/10 customer service, 10/10 selection. I won't shop for games anywhere else. read more

Been in here a number of times and I'm always impressed by the friendliness and knowledge of the staff working here. Even though the place is packed full of amazing items, there were a few things they didn't carry the last couple times I've been there. Even still, I will always be a fan of this place! Great customer service and a wide selection! read more

I had my beloved remote-controlled car repaired here, and the service was outstanding. The staff was knowledgeable and quickly identified the issue. The quality of their work was exceptional, and they even offered cost-effective solutions. Although not the cheapest, the value you get is more than worth it. I'll be a loyal customer for sure. read more

Best Hobby Store in the area , and I'm from Stockton, I don't mind the short drive , excellent service , super friendly, carries a wide range of everything, if they don't have it , they can get it, priced fairly, been a customer since the 90's and I highly recommend. read more

I visited Viking Hobby and found it to be a nice store with a good selection of kits and parts. The staff was friendly and helpful, and I enjoyed my visit. Next time I'm in the area, I'll be sure to stop by again. read more

Jessica and Mark are TOP NOTCH in customer service. The selection of plastic models and games have something for everyone. The Best Little Hobby House in The River City!!! =) read more

The best hobby shop for scale modelers in Sacramento! Many scale models of tanks, planes, ships and war games! Friendly and helpful staff!

Best wishes for shop owners. I remember my cooperation, which despite the distance of 5847 miles lasted several years ...Henry from Poland

Love this place, best staff in the world, anything you need they will get for you. Also good prices too