Water Damage Temporarily Closes Wayne Hobby Shop

WAYNE, NJ — A longtime favorite for slot-car racers has hit the brakes. Zeppelin Hobbies in Wayne has temporarily closed to deal with a "fairly major" leak, which store ownership says came from the sprinkler system in the office above them.

The leak damaged the ceiling and walls, while waterlogging products and equipment, Zeppelin Hobbies announced Monday. The water didn't directly hit the slot-car tracks, but the store (1530 Route 23 N) "has the humidity level of a tropical island," according to the business's Facebook post.

"Perhaps toward the end of the week or next week we can do some sort of curbside pickup but that's TBD," the store's Facebook page says.

Patrons can send questions or concerns via Facebook Messenger. For emergencies only, call the business's Google Voice number: 862-330-0543.

Zeppelin Hobbies opened in 1984 with a 600-square-foot store on Hamburg Turnpike in Riverdale. The business became known for its R/C vehicles, holding races for five years — inside Wayne and Pompton Lakes high school gyms in the winter and in their parking lot during summertime, according to the shop's website.

In 1990, Zeppelin Hobbies moved to a 12,000-square-foot space on Route 23 in Riverdale. The store hosted Slot Car Nationals in 1992, attracting racers from 15 states and 13 nations.

Zeppelin Hobbies switched locations twice since but settled into its current space, which includes two slot-car tracks, in 2007.