Hate to ask really, so needy, but I'll be transiting Europe in September, Split, Zagreb, Graz, Munich, Koln, Brussels, Barcelona. If anyone has favorite train shops (Marklin Z preferred) in those cities, or just amazing shops they know of, I would try to visit them! I know a trip like this is ill advised in these turbulent Covid days but that's the travel plan, my insane travel plan... Here in the states 99% of train shops do not carry Z but maybe Europe is different?
Hi husafreak, If you're going by train, there's a couple of model train shops very close to the main Munich Station. Gleis 11 and a Marklin store. Both have a selection of Z scale, but it's been a few years since I've been there. Most of the train shops I went to in Germany had some selection of Z. The Marklin store/museum in Göppingen had a good range, and a little space that sold end-of-run and discontinued items at a discount. Again, this was a few years back.
Google maps search in Köln for Modelleisenbahn displays several. Been more than 10 years since I’ve been there though. The Märklin Museum just completed a new building and layout. ICE & others stop. Make sure you have the DB app. Buy tickets on the fly and Tour package?
Thanks guys! Sounds like there are shops in the cities in Germany which is great. I’ll look for them. Jeff we had searched Eurail passes but ultimately much cheaper to just buy the tickets we needed to go from city to city and also lodging. Also not dragging my wife all over creation but rather hoping to find shops in the cities we visit. Goppingen is only possible if the train makes a stop there and DB would allow us the flexibility but probably not going to happen this time.
LWR21 in my airline travels in the US I found almost no shops in big cities, probably due to high rents, and also no one carries Z so it is usually a waste of time. Sounds much better in Germany. Cheers
Germany is a blast for Model Trains, whichever scale you model. It seems like the hobby is more embraced by people than in North America. I feel your pain with American cities, it's the same here in Canada. Have a great trip.
Donnerbüchse in Cologne is worth a stop. They have 2 shops, one for new, the other 2nd hand. Also Lindenberg, both in walking distance from Main station. Greetings Mattias
