Jan's Hobby Shop

One of the last old-school hobby shops in the city, this place is a treasure! Owners are friendly and enthusiastic about their craft. Thank you both for helping me get back into model building! Here are some pix of that E-2C I picked up on Christmas Eve...

Visited here after intensively researching for scale modelling shops in New York, the owner has made a collection that will leave your eyes popping, some models can no longer be found in the market, truly remarkable 5 starts for that I would’ve liked to have a chat with the owner about his scale modelling seeing all those models he’s made himself , picked up a Mistel V 1:48 after a little searching around, there was an old lady the owners mother who seemed to follow me all around the store which made me a little uncomfortable and seemed a little rude , when I asked her the price of the Mistel she said “it’s over $100” when I asked her specifically how much she said “what does it matter it’s over $100, you take it or leave it” the kit actually cost 90$, I was a little taken aback by her behaviour but decided not to say anything considering how old she was , only when my card payment went through did she warm up a little and wished me an au revoir! I wanted to hang around a little more to explore supplies but this lady’s behaviour shortened my trip, hope the owner reads it and realises we all have grandma’s but such erratic behaviour is only going to upset people visiting a store from as far as India!

This place is a hidden gem in NYC . To many small business are gobbled up by big chains and high rents if you're a New Yorker like me you know what I am talking about ! I was so sorry to see Glasers bakery on the upper East side go after 116 years and I am so happy this place is still here ! Great selection of models , kits and hobby supplies and very knowledgeable staff . I always stop in to have a look and buy here .

A lovely store with a decent inventory of models and supplies. almost all Tamiya paints can be bought there, as well as tools and of course models. The staff are very nice and helpful, and the owner, who is often present, definitely knows what he is doing, as many of his models are displayed throughout the store, the large warship at the entrance is impressive, well made and painted. The prices are fair, and help/guiding is certainly helpful if you aren't 100% sure. overall its a nice store for scale model builders.

I loved the lady who owns this place, and her family, and the gentleman who was with her when we visited the shop. When she says things like “all kids play with toys! Smart kids make them!” she is not insulting your kids. She is being humorous. She takes credit cards. She says she loves cash and of course that is not surprising. However, not only did she let me use my Discover card with the credit card machine that is prominently displayed on her counter, when I forgot it there, her 80? year old gentleman friend ran out of the store with it, in multiple directions, trying to find me. My kids loved them both right away because she has a sense of humor very much like their deceased grandmother and the gentleman told them wonderful stories while she was processing my credit card. Smile at them and suddenly they will be your friends. The next time we go to NYC, we were planning to stay in a different part of the city but I can’t help wanting to stay near their store again and, strangely, I know I will always remember them fondly. Incidentally, she may not want children touching the constructed models because her now grown son built them when he was a child. It seems that is what motivated her to sell modeling supplies. None of us are interested in models but I love the store.

Wonderful experience & exact kind of store I was looking for! Yes, it might not be for “everyone” as per other comments however, as long as you’re little bit more understanding and tolerant of Jan’s age & background, you’ll enjoy the visit. Personally, listening to the classic music playing in the background and her childhood stories from WWII Europe only added to the experience. Store has plenty of models to choose from planes, ships, tanks..., all the supplies you’ll need plus the amazing display of many, many assembled models. If you shop for price, buy online. If you prefer the experience of a real model shop, come here.

I don't see what the bad reviews are about. The old lady was very friendly and helped me pick out a set of paints for my WWII plane that was sitting around. She gave some tips as well. I also bought a model. The prices are a little more than Amazon, but some of the kits you can't even find on Amazon! I got a really nice thank you for buying after cashing.

Amazing little model store!!! This place made my son so happy- and thus Dad happy!. He was wondering around the store for over 45 minutes marveling over all the wares. They have a great selection of models to put together, including all the accessories like ink, paintbrushes, glue etc. To boot, the owner is engaging and highly knowledgeable. This store has been in business for over 45 years- and is an absolute MUST visit!!!

The woman that runs it is very passionate and enthusiastic. They have a great selection of models: cars, military, Gundam, Sci-Fi and novelty. Less selection for model RR terrain. BUT they have a great selection of evergreen styrene products, and other specialty model supplies that probably no one else in the city stocks.

The store is fantastic. Lots of RC stuff and a literal WALL of plastic airplane models of every brand and every kind and of every age. They also have a few world war 2 model tanks. Just don't go here for Sci-Fi stuff, they don't have much of that. Better try Games Workshop or something in Chinatown for that. But they've got everything a traditional modeler would want. Tools, paints, brushes, I love it! And they're open everyday... The old woman here has never been rude to me, probably because I'm polite, I know what I want and I always pay cash. She was even helpful when I couldn't find a model B-17 and told me where it was. She's a good host to good customers. Just go in knowing what you want, the store is small and there's not much room for browsers.