This Old-School Tennessee Hobby Shop Is Packed With Rare Models, Vintage Trains, And RC Cars

Remember the feeling of saving up for a model kit, racing an RC car until the batteries died, or staring at a train set longer than you meant to? One Tennessee hobby shop brings that feeling back fast.

Inside, shelves are crowded with rare model kits, vintage trains, RC cars, paints, tools, and specialized supplies that can turn a quick visit into a much longer stop.

The selection feels broad enough to keep longtime hobbyists busy while still giving curious newcomers plenty to look at.

That mix gives the shop its personality. Model builders can hunt for hard to find kits, train fans can scan older pieces, and RC enthusiasts can browse equipment that goes far beyond basic toys.

For Tennessee hobby fans, this is the kind of store that can make an afternoon disappear before you notice.

A Family Shop With Deep Roots

Every great hobby story starts with one person and a big idea. For Mid-South Hobbies, that person was Emmo Hein. He opened the shop in 1996, and model trains were his first love.

Family ties keep the engine running today. Emmo Hein’s nephew and his wife now own and operate the business.

They have kept the old-school charm while adding plenty of fresh energy along the way.

You can feel that family spirit right away. Staff members are known for being friendly and happy to talk shop. Ask about a part, a paint, or a scale, and you will likely get a helpful answer.

Independent hobby stores are getting harder to find these days. Big online sellers have pushed many small shops out of business.

That makes a place like this one feel extra special for Memphis and the whole region.

Here is a tip worth remembering. If something is not on the shelf, the team can often order it for you. That saves you from guessing about part numbers or waiting on mystery packages.

The shop also cares about helping beginners. Starting a new hobby can feel confusing at first. A patient expert nearby makes that first step much easier, and a lot more fun.

Sixteen Thousand Square Feet Of Wonder

Bring comfortable shoes, because this place is big. The building stretches across about 16,000 square feet. That is roughly the size of several houses stacked side by side.

You will find the shop at 4862 Summer Ave in Memphis, Tennessee. Summer Avenue is a long, busy road with plenty of local history. The store fits right in with its classic, no-frills style.

So what fills all that space? Trains take up a huge share of the hobby side.

RC cars, trucks, boats, and planes claim another big section. Model kits, paints, and tools pack the rest.

There is even more to explore beyond the usual hobby goods. Comic books and games have found a home here too.

Some shoppers like to browse the thrift-style corner for odd and interesting finds.

Planning ahead helps a lot. The store opens at 10 am and closes at 6 pm, Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, it runs a shorter day from noon to 4 pm.

Give yourself at least an hour, maybe two. It is easy to lose track of time while looking at tiny details.

All Aboard For Every Train Scale

Train fans, hold onto your conductor hats. Railroading is where this shop began, and it still shows. A full train town greets you on the left when you come through the door.

The store carries every popular size, from tiny N Scale to big G Scale. In between, you will see HO and O Scale too. Each scale has its own fans, and each one gets real attention here.

Quick lesson for newcomers. N Scale is small enough to fit a whole city on a tabletop. G Scale is large and sturdy, so people often run it outdoors in gardens.

Big-name brands fill the shelves. Lionel and M.T.H. Electric Trains are both well represented. The store has also offered pre-orders on Broadway Limited N Scale engines.

You can buy a complete ready-to-run set and start playing that day. Or you can pick separate track, cars, and engines for a custom build. Either path works, depending on your budget and patience.

Do not skip the scenery aisle. Tiny trees, grass, rocks, and buildings help bring a layout to life. These small details turn a loop of track into a real little world.

Rare Model Kits From Days Gone By

Ever wanted a model kit they stopped making years ago? You might get lucky here.

The shop is known for rare and hard-to-find plastic kits. Military builders have a lot to cheer about. There is a large stash of older 1/72 scale aircraft kits.

You will also spot 1/700 scale ships and 1/35 scale armor kits.

Car lovers are covered too. Antique cars and classic planes sit alongside modern releases. Almost every major scale model maker shows up somewhere on these shelves.

Fun fact for the curious. Many of the older kits are not listed online at all. The owners have said there are simply too many to post, so the shelves hold the real surprises.

That means browsing in person really pays off. Stock changes often, so a second trip can turn up something new. Some kits have even been marked down for sales.

Do not forget the decals. Big drawers hold sheets of markings, including some rare ones. The right decals can turn a plain model into a museum-worthy piece.

Start small if you are new. A simple snap kit builds skills before you try tricky glue builds.

Paints, Glues, And Tiny Tools Galore

A model is only as good as its paint job. That is why the paint wall here deserves its own spotlight. It is one of the largest hobby paint selections around.

Rows of colors stretch from floor to eye level. You will find shades for tanks, race cars, jets, and fantasy figures. Matching that perfect shade of army green suddenly feels easy.

Glues come in many types, and each has a job. Plastic cement melts pieces together for a strong bond. Super glue works fast for small parts and repairs.

Here is a handy painting tip. Thin coats always look better than one thick layer. Let each coat dry, and your details will stay sharp.

Tools matter as much as paint. Hobby knives, sanding sticks, tweezers, and fine brushes make the work cleaner. Having the right gear saves frustration and wasted kits.

Curious about airbrushing? Mid-South Hobbies has offered classes on airbrushing and soldering. Learning from someone skilled can shorten the learning curve by a lot.

Bring your project list when you shop. It helps you grab everything in one trip. Nobody likes stopping a build halfway because they ran out of primer.

RC Cars, Trucks, Boats, And Planes

Speed lovers, this aisle was built for you. The RC section here is huge and full of motion-ready machines. Cars, trucks, boats, and planes all wait for a driver.

Top brands line the shelves. Traxxas, Arrma, and Axial are some of the big names you will see. Each brand has its own style, from tough bashers to rock-climbing crawlers.

Here is what really sets the shop apart. It claims the largest RC parts and accessories department in the region.

Broken a gear or snapped a toe link? There is a good chance the fix is in stock.

The parts team knows its stuff. Staff can help you track down the exact part number you need. That beats guessing online and waiting days for the wrong piece.

A service department handles repairs too. If you crash hard, help is close by. Every RC driver crashes eventually, so this is a big plus.

New to RC? Start with a ready-to-run model that includes the radio and battery. Ask about spare parts before you buy, since some brands are easier to fix than others. Drones also show up here for flying fans.

Free Outdoor Tracks And Indoor Racing Fun

Buying an RC truck is fun, but driving it is the real reward. In June 2024, the shop opened a 2-acre outdoor RC car park. Best of all, it is free to use.

Four different courses fill the space. There is an off-road dirt track, a crawler course, a 1/8 scale course, and a basher course. Each one tests a different kind of driving skill.

Crawler courses are slow and careful. You steer over rocks and steep climbs without tipping over. Bashing is the opposite, with big jumps and wild landings.

The fun keeps going inside the building. Indoor tracks welcome crawlers, minis, and Hot Wheels. A big slot car track sits to the right of the entrance.

One quick tip for slot car racing. Bring your own car, since the shop does not rent them out. Ask staff which types work best on the track.

Charge your batteries before you head over. Pack a few spare parts and a small screwdriver set too. That way a loose screw will not end your day early.

This mix of shopping and driving makes the store feel like a playground for all ages.

A Friendly Crowd Of Builders And Racers

Hobbies are great alone, but they get even better with friends. Mid-South Hobbies has become a gathering spot for people who love to build and race.

The calendar stays busy for a reason. Racing events bring serious buzz. The Thrills and Spills racing group holds competitive races here. Parking lot RC racing has run every other Sunday during summer months.

Model car clubs meet every other weekend too. Members swap tips, show off builds, and learn new tricks. It is a friendly way to grow your skills.

Younger builders have their own corner. A LEGO play area keeps kids busy and creative. Parents often find it as fun as the children do.

Classes add another layer of value. Soldering and airbrushing lessons teach skills you can use for years. Those skills help with RC repairs, trains, and models alike.

Want to join in? Check the shop website or social pages for upcoming events. Showing up to watch a race is a no-pressure way to start.

This Tennessee shop proves a hobby store can be more than shelves. It can be a place where people connect over the same small joys.