Model Shops in Eglin AFB area

The AF Armament Museum model kits but I certainly wouldn't call it a model shop. Other than the usual odds and ends at the big retailers, there are no model shops in the area. You have to drive to Pensacola, about 45 minutes west, to find any. The one usually mentioned is Bobe's on W Street a bit south of Interstate 10. I do a lot of mail order and eBay model shopping as a result.

I live about 4 miles from there and I'd recommend spending time on the beach and fishing.

HTH. Ed "The French couldn't hate us any more unless we helped 'em out in another war." --Will Rogers

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Phil,

Bobe's Hobbies on the north side of Pensacola and John's Models in Cantonment, Fla. (just north of Pensacola) are both good. Bobe's is a well-stocked full line shop. John's is strictly plastic. He buys collections, so has a lot of hard to find stuff. He also sells Waldron products. Stop in on both places...you won't be disappointed. Both easily accesible from Interstate 10.

Oh, almost forgot. Do not miss the National Naval Aviation Museum at Pensacola Naval Air Station. This is a world class facility.

HTH and cheers,

Having been born in that town and growing up there, I can tell you that there has never been very much to choose from. In the 1960's and

70's Bobe's in Pensacola and another store in one of the malls was great. And when I visit now, not much is going on. But I can tell you that for a good weekend day trip going to Mobile's Hobbytown is well worth it. There is a great collection of models, plastics, rc, you name it. A very knowledgable owner and staff. And some prices that will surprise you, and sometimes on new release's. I stop everytime I go see my folks in Destin on my way from Jackson MS. This is not your usual Hobbytown and I would certainly recommend spending the hour and a half drive to Mobile and check them out.

Mike

Besides the shops that others have mentioned (Bobe's is EXCELLENT!), our local club (the Emerald Coast Modelers) meets every Friday, from 7-10 PM at the Valparaiso Library. You can contact me at snipped-for-privacy@cox.net if you have any questions. Larry Engesath

Phil

I lived there as a teenager and have since visited there many times.

I agree with the favorable comments about Bobe's. While the area is short on good hobby shops, there are some great places for the military enthusiast, including: The USAF Armament Museum at Eglin; the National Museum of Naval Aviation and Fort Barrancas at Naval Air Station Pensacola; Ft. Pickens on Pensacola Beach; the USS Alabama in Mobile. Also, just look up and you'll see all types of military aircraft. Finally, don't miss the beach!

Have fun.

Ed