I am heading to Vancouver at the end of the month on business and was wondering if anyone knows of any decent hobby shops in downtown Vancouver that I could visit???
Thanks in advance…
RODC
OH do I ever! [party]
A great shop in North Vancouver that is relatively easy to get to. Plan to spend a couple of hours there.
Shoot me a PM closer to the time your comming and I’ll get you all that you need.
Drew
Finescale Models!
It was recommended to me by a fellow forum member, and it’s my pleasure to recommend it to another.
I’ll chime in with a third recommendation for Finescale Models in North Vancouver. It is fairly easy to get to via the Seabus across Burrard Inlet, with a relatively short walk from Lonsdale Quay.
If you can let me know what hotel you will be staying at I can get you directions!
How long will you be visiting the “Wets Coats”? [:-,]
Imperial Hobbies in Richmond was my old stomping ground. They have a -huge- selection, and they are quite a large store (they also carry games, comics and miniature figures). I have yet to see a comparable-sized model store here in Chicago. [#dots]
Is Finescale new? I do not remember that name from three years ago! Did I totally miss it?
Nope. It’s been around for years. It was formerly Stealth hobbies in Coquitlam until he was bought out, then Finescale (his original store from the '70s) was re-opened in North Vancouver as a dedicated model store. Imperial is still there on No. 3Rd, but a pain to get to and their model selection is less than 1/4 the size of Finescale. Imperial also carries no aftermarket items to speak of. A decient selection of kits, very limited in details and mostly older release aftermarket decals.
That seals it. When I move back, Finescale has another customer. 
Gents,
Thanks for all the suggestions re model shops. I did visit Finescale on my second last day in Vancouver…and wow…
Left the store $200 poorer with Italeri’s C-130J Hercules, Accurate Minatures’ Avenger (George Bush’s plane), Italeri’s Skyraider and Revell’s B-24 Liberator. All kits were 1/48 scale except for the Herc which was 1/72. I literally had a garbage bag full of kits that I had to lug back to my hotel. Filled my suitcase with models and had to get another suitcase to bring back my clothes.
I was overwhelmed with the selection Martin has in his store. Prices are very reasonable and would also recommend to anyone…
Regards,
RODC
Is Finescale the one that’s accross the street and down a block or two from Capilano Mall?
I believe its one and the same. Civic address is 163 East 1st Street…a couple of minutes walk east from Lonsdale Quay. Martin Riehl is owner.
RODC
Martin is a great guy to deal with. So far I’ve only ordered from him by mail, but the wife is heading to Vancouver at the end of the month on business, so of course I’m tagging along…I’ve heard that the shopping in N. Vancouver is simply the best! [swg]