These 7 Old-School Arizona Hobby Shops Still Have Kits Lining The Shelves
Out-of-production model kits are still sitting on shelves in Arizona, waiting for someone to finally build them. That fact alone made me grin like a kid.
One shop on this list sells rockets and slot cars beside its plastic models. Another runs a large indoor RC track right next to its retail floor.
A third began in 1998 with model trains and railroad books, then kept growing from there.
I love that these stores still trade in glue, paint, and tiny parts. You can hold the box, read the side panel, and ask a real person at the counter which paint works best on your build.
Screens can’t hand you a sprue.
So which kit has been quietly waiting for you? Maybe a classic car, a Gundam, or an HO locomotive.
Grab a hobby knife and some patience, because these seven shops are ready when you are.
1. Hobby Depot
Somewhere on Southern Avenue, a kit that went out of production years ago is still waiting for a builder. That’s the kind of shelf surprise that makes a trip to Tempe worth planning.
Hobby Depot carries a mix of current releases and older kits you won’t easily spot at chain stores. The shelves are packed tight with plastic models, so give yourself time to browse slowly.
Model railroading gets plenty of room here too. You’ll also find rockets and slot cars, which feel like a happy throwback to Saturday afternoons spent at the workbench.
Paint, adhesives, and hobby tools round out the stock, so you can grab supplies with your kit. The staff can help you pick paint for a project, even something as small as figure soldiers.
The shop keeps the feel of an old-style independent hobby counter. It’s built for kit builders who care about the details, not big-box browsing.
Hours run Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with shorter weekend hours. Sunday starts at noon, so plan any lazy weekend run around that.
Address: 109 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282
2. Hobby Bench (Bell Road)
Real model kits, the kind with sprues and instruction sheets, still get serious shelf space in Glendale. Hobby Bench on Bell Road has been a longtime stop for folks who build with their hands.
The selection leans classic in the best way. Traditional scale models share the aisles with model rockets, trains, and aircraft kits.
Slot cars are here too, which is a fun find in a modern strip of Bell Road. Some of the models sit well outside the usual picks, so it pays to look past the front shelves.
RC fans get plenty of love as well. Cars, trucks, boats, and planes are on hand, along with the parts needed to keep them running.
Scale gas-powered vehicles are part of the mix, which you don’t see at many Arizona shops. That range makes the store a handy one-stop trip for families with different interests.
Weekday hours stretch to 8 p.m., which helps after a long workday. Tuesday afternoons tend to be quieter if you want room to browse.
Address: 4240 W Bell Rd # A11, Glendale, AZ 85308
3. Andy’s Hobby Headquarters
Picture a warehouse, then fill it with model kits. Okay, that’s roughly the setup at Andy’s Hobby Headquarters, an industrial space in Tolleson stocked for serious crafting.
Scale model cars, planes, and tanks fill the shelves. Gundam kits and Warhammer models add a modern twist to the classic lineup.
The supply side is just as strong as the kit side. You’ll find paints, tools, and accessories for detailing, so you don’t have to hunt elsewhere for that one missing brush.
Organization is a big plus here. With a tremendous amount of models and supplies, a tidy layout keeps the hunt fun instead of frustrating.
Tolleson sits on the West Valley side of the Phoenix area, making this an easy stop for builders out that way. The shop opens daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturdays bring the biggest crowds, from morning into the afternoon. If you like a calmer browse, Sunday morning tends to be the quietest time.
Address: 2150 S 91st Ave, Tolleson, AZ 85353
4. Arizona Hobbies
Railroad books started it all. Arizona Hobbies opened in 1998 with a focus on model trains and railroad literature, and that heart still shows.
The shop has grown well beyond its rail roots. Scale models, rockets, kites, tools, and paints now share the space.
HO and N gauge railroading supplies remain a big draw in the Tucson area. Few local stores still carry them, which makes this one worth knowing.
RC cars, trucks, and airplanes add another reason to stop by. It’s a nice mix for households where one person builds layouts and another races.
The business also runs an internet shop with order pickup at the store. That’s handy if you want to reserve something before making the drive.
Hours are a little unusual, so check before you go. The shop closes Sunday and Monday, and Saturday runs only from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thursday stays open the latest, until 7 p.m. A free on-site parking lot keeps the visit simple.
Address: 3600 S Palo Verde Rd #109, South Tucson, AZ 85713
5. Heroes & Villains
Comic books, vinyl records, and model kits under one roof sounds like a dream from a teenager’s notebook. On Broadway Boulevard in Tucson, it’s just a regular Tuesday.
Heroes & Villains is an expansive hobby destination with a strong kit side. Warhammer 40k sets fill a large section, alongside pre-painted options.
Gundam kits and Lego sets add variety for different kinds of builders. Board games and Magic: The Gathering round out the tabletop crowd’s wish list.
The staff know their stuff, especially on the gaming side. You can talk through exactly what you need, from a first kit to painting tips.
That blend of old-school hobby counter and modern fandom gives this stop its own flavor. It’s a fun place to start a new hobby or feed an old one.
The shop opens at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday and at 11 a.m. on Sunday.
Saturdays are busiest, while weekday mornings tend to be calmer.
Free parking, Wi-Fi, and a gender-neutral restroom make longer visits easy.
Address: 4533 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85711
6. Hobby Action RC Raceway and Shop Chandler
Most hobby shops let you buy a car. Hobby Action in Chandler lets you race it on a large indoor track right next to the store.
That track is the headline, but the retail floor holds its own. It’s packed with RC kits, parts, accessories, and tools for beginners and seasoned racers alike.
Kit builders aren’t left out, either. Plastic and wood models share shelf space with Gundam kits and plenty of paint and glue.
RC airplanes and supplies are part of the stock too. Hot Wheels add a little toy-aisle fun for younger visitors or collectors.
Indoor racing is a smart move in the Arizona heat. You can enjoy the hobby without baking in a parking lot track.
Weekends get busy, especially Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Weekday mornings are quieter if you want space to shop or practice.
Hours run 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. That leaves time for a few laps after school or work.
Address: 855 N 54th St, Chandler, AZ 85226
7. Duncan’s R/C Hobby Shops
Broken RC plane? Glitchy radio?
Duncan’s R/C Hobby Shops in Phoenix handles technical repairs, which is a lifesaver when a weekend flight goes sideways.
The store carries a wide range of radio-controlled cars, planes, and drones. RC model kits and a deep inventory of components fill the shelves and displays.
Repairs and upgrades are where the place really stands out. The technicians are known for strong know-how, including with Spektrum gear.
The owner brings plenty of knowledge and an easygoing style to the counter. Expect real conversation, whether you’re new or have been tinkering for years.
Prices are considered reasonable, which matters when you’re buying parts again and again. The stock is broad enough that you may leave with more than you planned.
Long hours make planning easy. The shop stays open until 8 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, with Sunday hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday afternoons and Wednesday evenings tend to be busiest. Weekday mornings are your best bet for a quieter chat about your next Arizona build.
Address: 7146 N 35th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85051