I couldn't survive in this hobby without being able to shop online! Number of shops here that sell model trains.... 0
However, when I do make it to UK (or any other country with a shop selling trains... found a great little shop in Hong Kong last year, and another one in Victoria, BC) I can't think of anything better than going to a corner shop and looking at the real thing... so much better than a photo on my laptop... you get to see the other side!
The biggest plus for me with the corner shop is the (normally) friendly staff who know all about what they are selling, often offering a wealth of advice and expertise beyond what I would think of asking myself. It's a bit like the difference between watching a football game on TV as compared to actually being there. The atmosphere is something that the internet cannot replace. 'Box shifters' tend also to know more about the box than they do about what's in it!
Finally back to the plus of the internet... when I have a problem or when I need advice... I can always ask you guys!
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Bigdog
However, when I do make it to UK (or any other country with a shop selling trains... found a great little shop in Hong Kong last year, and another one in Victoria, BC) I can't think of anything better than going to a corner shop and looking at the real thing... so much better than a photo on my laptop... you get to see the other side!
The biggest plus for me with the corner shop is the (normally) friendly staff who know all about what they are selling, often offering a wealth of advice and expertise beyond what I would think of asking myself. It's a bit like the difference between watching a football game on TV as compared to actually being there. The atmosphere is something that the internet cannot replace. 'Box shifters' tend also to know more about the box than they do about what's in it!
Finally back to the plus of the internet... when I have a problem or when I need advice... I can always ask you guys!
Bigdog
