04/09/2026
It’s truly the end of an era for model railroaders in New York City. Red Caboose Hobby Shop is preparing to close for good. Allan Spitz opened the original Red Caboose in 1970 on East 32nd Street, just off Fifth Avenue, with two partners before later taking over the business himself. The store moved a few times through the years, but for the last 32 years it has occupied its familiar basement location at 23 West 45th Street — the former home of Carmen Webster's legendary Model Railroad Equipment Company. Now, with the building purchased by a developer and all tenants being evicted, Red Caboose is nearing the end of the line. After Labor Day, movers are expected to begin packing up the remaining inventory, which will be sent to auction. The store is expected to close for good by mid-October. For generations of hobbyists, Red Caboose was more than just a shop — it was a destination, a gathering place, and one of the last reminders of a time when New York City was home to a thriving model railroad retail scene including legendary stores like Madison Hardware, Polk's, and America's Hobby Center. Support your local hobby shops any way you can!
The Red Caboose, the last of the old-time hobby shops in the city, is closing. With the shop’s demise slated for mid-October, Christmas will be a little differe...
