I love living in small Towns because sometimes the best hidden gems are sitting right in our own backyard, and that’s exactly how we felt when we visited the Model Train Crossing in North Richland Hills. Which we didn’t even know existed until we ventured into Troops Bookstore another hidden gem.
From ;looking at the store from the outside, you might think you’re stopping by a small hobby store, but once you walk through the door, you quickly realize this place is much bigger than it looks. Every shelf, display case, and corner seems packed with trains, tracks, buildings, scenery pieces, and treasures waiting to be discovered.
This definitely wasn’t one of those places where you stop in for five minutes and leave. It became an adventure for David bringing him back to Charlie’s childhood. As we wandered through the store, I kept noticing something new everywhere I looked.
There were collector pieces for serious train enthusiasts, detailed locomotives, and hobby-grade items that would make any model railroader excited. At the same time, there were beginner sets and family-friendly trains that would be perfect for introducing kids to the hobby.
That combination is one of the things I loved most about Model Train Crossing. You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy it. Whether you’ve been collecting trains for years or you’re simply curious about starting a new hobby, there is something for everyone.
What surprised me most was how educational the experience turned out to be. Without anyone planning a lesson, kids naturally start asking questions. They begin noticing how tracks fit together, how miniature towns are designed, and how engineering and creativity work hand in hand. It reminded me that some of the best learning experiences happen when children are simply exploring something that interests them.
We honestly lost track of time while we were there. Every time we thought we had seen everything, another shelf or display caught our attention. You could walk through the store several times and still discover details you missed the first time around.
avid and I honestly lost track of time while we were there. Every time we thought we had seen everything, another shelf or display caught our attention. You could walk through the store several times and still discover details you missed the first time around.
By the time we left, David was already talking about coming back and bringing Charlie, and Bradley but he wanted to let the boys know one wouldn’t be enough to see everything. That’s usually the biggest sign that we’ve found somewhere special.
Remember places like the Model Train Crossing are becoming harder to find these days even though there’s something nostalgic about stepping into a family-owned shop where people are passionate about their hobby and eager to share it with others. It feels less like shopping and more like stepping into a world where imagination and memories come together.
Whether you’re a collector, looking for a unique homeschool field trip, searching for a fun weekend outing, or simply wanting to discover something different in North Richland Hills, Model Train Crossing is worth a visit. Just don’t expect to be in and out quickly.
Trust me, once you start exploring, you may find yourself losing track of time and already planning your next visit before you’ve even left the parking lot.
Thank you
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
