Some stores sell stuff, and some stores hold memories. Mid-South Hobbies on Summer Avenue in Memphis is the second kind, a place stuffed with model kits, trains, RC cars, and paints that many towns lost years ago. Independent hobby shops like this one are getting harder to find, which makes a visit feel extra special.
Here is what makes this local favorite worth the drive.
A Memphis Hobby Shop That Feels Like a Trip Back in Time
Walk through the front door and your brain might do a little double take. On the left, a tiny train town hums along. On the right, a slot car track waits for racers.
Mid-South Hobbies sits at 4862 Summer Ave in Memphis, and it has the kind of charm that malls and big-box stores never quite figured out.
Part of the magic is how much is happening at once. You have model trains, RC trucks, plastic kits, paint racks, and even comic books all sharing the same roof. Nothing feels sleek or staged, and that is exactly the point.
Think back to the hobby shops of the past, where you could spend an hour just staring at box art. That feeling is alive here. Kids get wide-eyed, and grown-ups suddenly remember the model plane they never finished in fourth grade.
Families seem to love it, too. One dad shared that his kids enjoy the in-store activities and that the shop helps them make memories together. That is a big compliment for any business, especially in a world full of screens.
Here is a tip for first-timers. Do not rush. Give yourself at least an hour, because every aisle seems to hide something new, and you will want time to circle back to whatever caught your eye.
Also, bring someone along who has never been. Watching their face when they spot the train layout is half the fun. The shop holds a 4.5-star rating from more than 700 Google reviews, so plenty of people have already made the trip and walked away happy.
Whether you are a serious builder or just curious, this spot offers a rare chance to step out of the fast lane and enjoy hobbies the way they used to be enjoyed, slowly and with your hands.
Shelves Packed With Model Kits and Hard-to-Find Treasures
Picture a stack of model kits so tall you need to tilt your head back to read the top boxes. That is a normal Tuesday at Mid-South Hobbies.
Plastic model fans have a lot to cheer about here. One visitor hunting for military kits found a large selection of older, out-of-production 1/72 scale aircraft. He also spotted 1/700 scale ships and 1/35 scale armor kits, plus many boxes marked down 25 percent.
Out-of-production means the company stopped making it. Once those kits vanish, they can be really tough to track down, so finding them sitting on a real shelf feels like striking gold.
Now for the secret that regulars already know. The shop has said that while new products usually go on the website, there are simply too many older kits to post online. In other words, the best stuff might only be visible in person.
Decals are another hidden prize. A reviewer once mentioned huge drawers of decals, some rare and no longer produced. If you build models, you know a good decal sheet can turn a plain kit into a showpiece.
Then there is the paint. One shopper called it one of the largest paint selections they had ever seen. That matters, because nothing stalls a project faster than missing the exact shade of gray you need.
So how should you shop this section? Bring a list of what you are hunting for, including the scale and the maker if you know them. Snap a photo of your project, too, so the staff can help match colors and parts.
Also, check the lower shelves and the back rows. Treasures tend to hide where most people forget to look. You might walk in for one tank kit and leave with a vintage bomber you did not know existed.
For anyone who loves to build, this aisle alone could justify the trip across town. Just maybe set a budget first.
A Little Slice of Heaven for Model Train Lovers
Choo-choo. Okay, maybe nobody says that out loud here, but plenty of folks are thinking it.
Trains are a big deal at Mid-South Hobbies. You will find working layouts in O, HO, and N scale right inside the store.
Quick scale lesson for beginners. G scale is the big outdoor-friendly size, O is large, HO is the popular middle size, and N is small enough to fit a whole railroad on a table. Mid-South carries models across all of these, according to shoppers.
But trains alone do not make a railroad. You need hills, trees, tiny fences, and little people waiting at the station. One visitor praised the shop for its many detail items and scenery materials, which are the pieces that make a layout feel alive.
A traveling couple once stopped in just to see the train section and called the selection pretty good. The owners replied that they are always adding to it. That suggests the inventory keeps shifting, so return visits can turn up surprises.
Planning a layout at home? Measure your space before you go. Knowing whether you have a closet corner or a full basement will help you pick the right scale.
Also, ask questions. Model railroading has a lot of small rules about track, wiring, and couplers, and a friendly chat can save you money and headaches.
Kids especially love watching the in-store train town loop around. It is a great first taste of the hobby, and it might just spark a lifelong passion. One self-described huge model railroader summed it up simply, saying you are going to love it.
RC Cars, Trucks, and More for Hands-On Hobby Fun
Vroom first, questions later. That seems to be the unofficial motto of the RC section, which is the most talked-about part of the shop in online reviews.
Remote control cars and trucks fill a large chunk of the store. Shoppers also mention planes and drones, so there is plenty for folks who would rather fly than drive.
What makes this spot stand out is that you can actually play. There is an indoor mini crawler track for small rock-crawling trucks. There is also a huge slot car track, and outdoor race tracks host events.
Speaking of events, one fan mentioned parking lot RC racing every other Sunday through the summer. They described the crowd as an awesome group and a great way to get into racing. That is a fun, low-pressure way to meet people who share your hobby.
Broke something? It happens to everyone. Reviewers praise the service department for fixing damaged vehicles, and one customer said staff helped him find the exact part numbers for his Traxxas Mini Maxx.
That same shopper said prices came close to the Traxxas website, and he spent less than ordering online. Another longtime customer said the RC expert there knows all kinds of radio control vehicles, from tiny gears to big tires and motors.
A heads-up for slot car fans. One parent noted the shop does not rent slot cars, so you need to bring your own. Plan ahead so nobody ends up just watching.
If you are new, start small. A beginner-friendly truck is cheaper to fix and easier to learn on. Ask the staff which models have parts in stock, because spare parts are what keep you driving long-term.
Finally, pack a charged battery or two when you visit. Nothing is sadder than reaching the track and realizing your truck is out of juice.
The Kind of Hobby Shop You Just Don’t See Much Anymore
Remember when every town had a hobby shop where the owner knew your name? Many of those places quietly closed as online shopping took over.
So what do you get here that a website cannot give you? For starters, you can hold a kit and check the box before buying. You can compare paint colors under real light, and you can ask a human being why your truck keeps pulling to the left.
Staff also go the extra mile. One customer said the crew will order anything the shop does not carry. Another claimed that if they do not have it, you will not find it anywhere else, which is bold praise.
The owner, Aubrey, gets shout-outs in reviews too. One shopper called him phenomenal, while another said the owner is just amazing. That personal touch is exactly what disappears when shops close.
There is also the space itself. A reviewer once mentioned a thrift-style side worth browsing, and the store has gone through renovations that longtime fans loved. It feels lived in, not designed by a committee.
Here is a simple way to help keep places like this alive. Next time you need glue, brushes, or a small part, buy it locally instead of clicking a button. It might cost a few minutes more, but the shop keeps its doors open.
Bring kids, too. Showing the next generation what a real hobby store looks like might be the best way to make sure these places stick around.
Why Mid-South Hobbies Is Worth Exploring in Memphis
A road trip detour turned into a highlight for one family. They called the shop an accidental discovery and said they would definitely return.
That kind of reaction shows up again and again. People come for one thing and stay for three more. It is a store built for wandering.
Variety is the big draw. Trains, RC cars, planes, drones, model kits, games, paints, and even comic books all live here.
Then there is the hands-on factor. Indoor tracks let you test RC vehicles, a slot car track lets racers compete, and train layouts give you something to watch. Most stores just sell things, while this one lets you enjoy them on-site.
Friendly help is another plus. Reviewers keep describing the staff as knowledgeable, honest, and helpful.
It also works for many ages. A grandparent who built kits decades ago can share stories with a grandchild picking out a first RC truck. That mix of generations makes the trip feel meaningful, not just like another errand.
Hobbies are good for the brain, too. Building a model teaches patience, and racing an RC car sharpens hand-eye coordination. Painting tiny details trains focus in a way video games rarely do.
For locals, the shop is an easy weekend outing that does not cost much just to browse. For travelers, it offers a quirky, very Memphis stop away from the usual tourist spots.
You might walk out with a new passion, or at least a really cool box to open at home.
What to Know Before Visiting This Old-School Hobby Shop
Good planning beats a closed door every time. Here is the practical stuff so your trip goes smoothly.
Mid-South Hobbies is located at 4862 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38122. Hours run from 10 AM to 6 PM Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, the shop opens from noon to 4 PM, so plan weekend visits carefully.
Want to check stock first? Call the store at 901-682-9402. The website at midsouthhobbies.com lists many newer items, but the owners have said older and out-of-production kits are too numerous to post, so a phone call or visit is smarter.
Bring the right gear. If you plan to use the slot car track, bring your own car, since one parent said rentals are not offered. RC fans should pack charged batteries and maybe a few spare parts.
Need a repair or replacement part? Bring the broken piece or your vehicle model info. Staff have helped customers pinpoint exact part numbers, which saves time and guesswork.
Weekdays may be calmer. That can be great if you want space to browse or time to chat with staff.
Summer brings extra fun. A regular mentioned parking lot RC racing every other Sunday during the warm months. Ask the shop about upcoming events if you want to join or just watch.
Budget wisely, too. With markdowns on some model kits and so much to see, it is easy to leave with more than planned. Decide your spending limit before you start exploring.
Finally, take your time and ask questions. The people behind the counter clearly love hobbies, and their advice could make your next project way easier. Go in curious, and you will likely leave with a full bag and a big grin.
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