Colorado’s Largest Train Shop Is Packed With Model-Railroad Finds In Every Scale

One shop near Denver stocks model railroad gear from tiny Z scale all the way up to garden-sized G scale. That’s a range running from trains that fit in your palm to ones built for the backyard.

The store started back in 1997 as a shop focused on N scale. It grew from there, and now it serves just about every kind of train fan.

I like how a small specialty idea turned into something this big.

Colorado has a long railroad story tied to its mining towns and mountain passes. This shop keeps that love of trains alive in miniature form, with new and used locomotives, rolling stock, and scenery.

I can’t imagine a better rainy-day stop for anyone who builds layouts in Colorado. So how long could you browse before your wallet starts sending warning signals?

Every Scale Under One Roof Means No More Hunting Around Town

Rocky Mountain Train Supply in Arvada carries model railroad products from Z scale through G scale. That covers the smallest common scale and the biggest one, plus everything in between.

Why does that matter so much? Many hobby shops only carry one or two popular scales, usually HO.

Fans of other sizes often end up ordering online and waiting for boxes.

Here, an HO builder and a G scale garden railroader can shop the same aisles on the same trip. N scale fans get plenty of love too, since that’s where the store got its start.

O and Z scale modelers also have shelves worth checking.

Track, accessories, and rolling stock come in multiple scales. That’s handy if you’re still deciding which size fits your space and budget.

Seeing models side by side makes the choice much easier than staring at a computer screen.

A smart move is to bring measurements of your layout space. Scale choice depends a lot on room size, so knowing your numbers helps.

You’ll leave with a clearer plan, and maybe a locomotive or two.

Fair warning, though. Comparing scales in person can turn one hobby into three.

The Shop Began As An N Scale Haven Back In 1997

Small trains started a big story. The business began as N Scale Supply in 1997, focusing on N-scale model railroading before expanding into other scales under the Rocky Mountain Train Supply name in 2020.

That history still shows today. N scale remains a real strength, with a wide mix of locomotives, rolling stock, and supplies.

For a scale that often gets overlooked at bigger craft stores, that’s a welcome change.

N scale is roughly half the size of HO. That means you can build sweeping curves and long mountain grades without taking over the whole basement.

Apartment dwellers and spare-bedroom builders often love it for exactly that reason.

The store also stocks Freemo-N module kits. You can pick wood-only versions or complete sets that include track and wiring.

Freemo modules let builders connect their sections with others for bigger group layouts.

That’s a fun way to meet fellow hobbyists and run trains on a much larger railroad than you could build alone. Starting with a kit also saves time on cutting and planning.

If you’re new to N scale, start small with one module. You can always add more track later, and your trains will happily wait.

Pre-Owned Trains Make This Hobby Way Friendlier On Your Budget

Brand-new locomotives can cost a pretty penny. That’s why the used section at Rocky Mountain Train Supply deserves a slow, careful look.

The shop sells pre-owned locomotives, rolling stock, and structures alongside its new products. Mixing both kinds of inventory isn’t common anymore, especially at this size.

It gives shoppers more options at different price points.

Used trains are a great fit for beginners and kids. A young railroader can start running trains without a huge upfront spend.

Parents get to say yes a little more often, which everyone appreciates.

Experienced modelers benefit too. Older or discontinued models sometimes show up in used stock, so collectors may spot something they’ve wanted for years.

N scale cars are a big part of this section.

Here’s some practical advice. Ask questions about any used item before you buy, like how it runs or what era it fits.

Bring your layout details so you can check couplers and wheel types.

Shopping used is also a quiet win for the planet, since good trains keep running instead of gathering dust. Your next favorite engine might already have a few miles on it.

Got A Box Of Old Trains? Trade-Ins Are On The Table

Plenty of families have a dusty box of trains sitting in the garage. Rocky Mountain Train Supply accepts trade-ins, which can turn that box into store credit.

That credit can go toward new track, a fresh locomotive, or scenery for a project. It’s a neat way to keep the hobby moving forward without starting from zero.

Set clear expectations before you go, though. Value depends on brand, condition, age, and demand.

Not every old set is worth what you might hope, and the shop decides what fits its inventory.

A little preparation helps a lot. Gather original boxes if you have them, since packaging can matter to buyers.

Test the trains if possible and note any missing parts.

It’s also smart to research your items beforehand. Knowing the brand and scale gives you a better idea of what you’re holding.

That way the conversation feels easier and more productive.

Calling ahead is a good idea for large collections. That gives staff a heads-up and helps you plan your visit.

Either way, those forgotten trains could soon roll again on someone else’s layout.

Scenery, Buildings, And Tools Turn A Loop Of Track Into A Real World

Trains get the spotlight, but scenery makes the magic. A plain oval of track looks a lot better with mountains, trees, and tiny towns around it.

Rocky Mountain Train Supply stocks buildings, accessories, and tools for train hobbyists. That means you can shop for the whole layout, not just what rolls on the rails.

Structures range from little houses to industrial buildings that give freight cars a reason to stop. Accessories add the small details that make a scene believable.

A few figures on a platform can change everything.

Tools matter more than beginners expect. Good cutters, tweezers, and glue make building kits less frustrating.

Buying them in the same place as your models saves an extra errand.

Since this is Colorado, mountain scenery feels like a natural choice. Rocky cliffs, pine forests, and winding grades fit right in with the state’s railroad character.

Some practical advice helps here. Start with one small scene, like a station or a farm, and finish it fully.

That success builds confidence for bigger projects, and soon your layout will look lived in.

Too Busy To Lay Track? Pre-Built Layout Boards Have Your Back

Laying track takes patience, a steady hand, and a lot of time. Some modelers would rather skip ahead to the fun part.

Rocky Mountain Train Supply has offered layout boards with pre-laid track. You add the scenery and run your trains.

It’s a shortcut that still leaves plenty of room for creativity.

These boards make sense for busy parents and anyone short on workshop space. They’re also good for kids who want trains running quickly.

Waiting weeks for a working layout can test anyone’s attention span.

Inventory changes, so ask what’s available when you visit. Different sizes and track plans may come and go.

Checking before you buy helps make sure the board fits your room.

Once you have a board, the real personality comes from scenery choices. Maybe it becomes a mountain mining town or a busy rail yard.

The base is ready, and the story is yours to tell.

Electronics are worth considering too. The shop carries electronics for train control, which can make a small layout feel much more lively.

Lights, sounds, and smooth control turn a simple board into a showpiece.

Questions Are Welcome, So Bring Your Whole Wish List

Model railroading comes with its own language. Couplers, DCC, gauge, scale, rolling stock… it can sound like a secret code at first.

That’s where knowledgeable staff make a real difference. The team at Rocky Mountain Train Supply is widely known for being helpful and friendly.

That reputation matters in a hobby where small details decide whether parts work together.

Beginners can ask how to start without overspending. Experienced builders can hunt for hard-to-find items.

A good conversation often saves you from buying the wrong thing.

Families especially benefit. A kid picking a first locomotive gets more out of it with guidance.

Grandparents sharing the hobby with grandkids can find budget-friendly ways to start together.

Here’s a tip that pays off. Write down your scale, control system, and the era you model before you visit.

Photos of your layout help too.

That gives staff a clear picture, so recommendations fit your setup. It also keeps you focused when every shelf is calling your name.

Bringing a list won’t fully stop impulse buys, but it might slow them down a bit.

Plan Your Trip Around These Hours And Easy Arvada Location

Timing your visit right makes everything smoother. Rocky Mountain Train Supply is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Saturday hours run from 10 AM to 4 PM, and the shop is closed on Sunday. Weekend shoppers should arrive earlier on Saturday to get the most browsing time.

You’ll find the store at 6060A W 55th Ave, Arvada, CO 80002. Arvada sits in the Denver metro area, so it’s an easy drive for many train fans around the region.

Parking is available outside the building. That’s handy if you’re hauling home big boxes, long track pieces, or a trade-in collection.

Nobody wants to carry a G scale engine across a huge lot.

Give yourself plenty of time. With so many scales and sections, a quick stop can easily stretch longer than planned.

Browsing every aisle is half the fun.

Hours can change around holidays, so it’s smart to double-check before driving over. Then you can relax and enjoy the trip.

A weekday visit might also give you more room to explore at your own pace.

Online Ordering Keeps The Fun Rolling Between Visits

Not every train fan lives near Denver. Good news, the shop also has a website for online ordering.

That makes Rocky Mountain Train Supply useful for hobbyists across Colorado and beyond. You can shop from home when a trip to Arvada isn’t practical.

Online browsing works great for restocking basics. Track pieces, couplers, and scenery supplies are easy to reorder once you know what you need.

It also helps when you’re planning a bigger purchase and want to compare options first.

Still, visiting in person has its perks. Seeing models up close helps with scale comparisons and color choices.

You can also ask staff questions face to face.

Many hobbyists mix both approaches. They visit the store for big decisions and order smaller items online later.

It’s a flexible way to keep projects moving without long waits.

Gift-givers can benefit too. The shop has sold gift cards, which are perfect when you don’t know someone’s exact scale.

Let the train lover pick their own treasure. Whether you shop online or in the aisles, the next piece of your railroad is never far away.