Chelmsford's Hidden Gem: Maine Trains

Maine Trains is a model train enthusiast's dream. The shop offers many options for those looking to start model train building, or those hoping to add to an already-impressive miniature train layout.

The store has an interesting layout of its own: a corner is devoted to a train set with mutliple tracks running in between manufatured hills, valleys, and through a model town and fabricated tunnels. Gerry Rooks, the store's proprietor, can use the layout to run trains or assess the problems of models brought in by customers.

The store sells supplies and accessories for HO and N scale trains. Shoppers can expect a wide variety of engines, train cars, track pieces, and parts for constructing scenery and miniature towns to be in stock. Maine Trains advertises that it also carries tools to construct a "dream layout": Xacto knives, glues, various paints and brushes, and modeling putty.

Customers visit from far and wide to sample Maine Train's selection, some even venturing from other states.

"The store has become a destination for train enthusiasts from all over New England," Rooks said in a prior Patch .

The holidays are a crazy time for the model-train business. Model makers often like to get their trains up and running for late December--perhaps setting up an engine to chug around the Christmas tree or the gifts on Christmas morning, according to Rooks. Rooks said that he has been "swamped" the last several weeks.

Maine Trains has a limited returns policy. Returned items will be accepted for customers who return items in saleable conditions with original reciept and packaging. A 30 percent restocking fee will be assessed during the return.

Rooks doesn't offer any holiday specials, but he is known for maintaining low prices in comparison to other hobby and model train supply stores. He said that he doesn't run the shop "for the money," but for his love of trains and model making.

Rooks does keep a shelf stocked with merchandise discounted at 30 percent for those looking for a bargain. Inventory in this specially priced section rotates.

Hours: Tues-Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sun and Mon, closed