Hello All,
Ive got a business trip coming up tht will have me in San Francisco over a weekend, and I’m wondering if anyone can recommend a good hobby store or military book store to visit. I’m also planning on going to Hiller Air Force Museum and to see the Jeremiah O’Brien as well.
Thanks in advance!
Mike
Its been ten years but…try Hobby Company of San Francisco. If i remember correctly its of of either 16th and Geary or 17th and Geary. Made many of trips there while stationed at Coast Guard Station San Francisco on Yerba Buena Island. Good times to be had as a young 19 year old. There is another one far south on Highway 101 i think is ib san ansalmo/anselmo? i do remember its off of El Camino Real dr/st/rd. Like i said, its been 10 years. Sure miss that town.
Hey benzdoc! I live across the Bay, north of Oakland and have frequented hobby stores in the area for the last 6 years.
In the city itself I prefer Franciscan Hobbies on Ocean Ave. It has a pretty decent selection of model kits, hobby tools, and a somewhat decent selection of magazines and books. The last time I was at Hobby Company their model selection was very small and almost no magazines or books; they cater mostly to arts and crafts now.
If you’re travelling to Hillier Aviation Museum you might want to stop by Talbots Toys in San Mateo. They have a relatively small selection of ktis and books, but its an easy sidestop from the 101 Fwy.
If you are willing to travel another 20-30 minutes from Hillier check out D&J Hobbies in Campell, easily my favorite shop in the entire Bay Area. I’ll make the 60 mile trip there myself every so often just to “visit”. One of the best selections of kits, magazines and books. Not GREAT, mind you, but better than anyone else.
Across the Bay in Berkely, Berkely Ace Hardware is stocked with a HUGE amount of aircraft kits, followed by ships, armor and cars. Some books and magazines, but not a lot (I has just there a couple of weeks ago). You’ll have to pay the $5.00 or $6.00 bridge toll on the return trip if you visit them though (unless you drive ALL THE WAY around the South Bay…loong drive)
Too bad the Littlefield Collection (Military Vehicle Technology Foundation) doesn’t provide general tours, otherwise you could treat yourself to an Aircraft/Armor treat!
Hope this helps and have great trip to the City by the Bay!!
I’ll second Ace Hardware in Berkeley. I always make time to go there whenever I’m out in the Bay Area visiting family. They have a pretty amazing selection of aircraft kits there in the lower level of the store.
Best of luck on your trip.
-Derek
Berkeley has a nice selection ask for Bill. Also look up Hobbies Unlimited he carryies alot ask for Al.
Thad
Hi Guys!
Thank you so much for the suggestions. Based on your enthusiastic recommendationI’m definitely going to visit D&J after Hiller, and then Franciscan Hobbies too.
I’m not sure if I’ll make it to Berkeley, but if I do, there’s no way I won’t go to the Ace!
Thanks again for the recommendations. San Francisco is a beautiful place, and I’m really looking forward to the visit.
Mike