Where to Buy Model Trains? About 66% Answered "Hobby Shops." About Half Said "No Specific Budget."

Realities of Purchase Locations and Budgets for Train Enthusiasts

Small vehicles running through dioramas. Collections lined up in glass cases.

The enjoyment of model trains expands in various forms of "liking" for each individual.

In recent years, the scope of enjoyment has broadened with self-made parts using 3D printers and sharing layout photos on social media. On the other hand, many people are hesitant at the entry point of purchasing, wondering "Where should I buy them?" or "How much do they cost?"

Therefore, what's interesting is the purchasing behavior of those who actually own model trains.

With that in mind, we conducted a survey on "How to Enjoy and Purchase Model Trains" in collaboration with Tetsudohiroba, targeting 138 men and women nationwide who responded "interested in trains" in a preliminary survey.

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Survey Overview: "Survey on How to Enjoy and Purchase Model Trains"

Survey Method: Internet-based questionnaire

Survey Period: April 21, 2026 - April 30, 2026

Survey Target: Men and women nationwide who responded "interested in trains" in a preliminary survey

Valid Responses: 138 samples

Questions:

Question 1: Do you own, or have you owned, model trains (N gauge, HO gauge, Plarail, etc.)?

Question 2: How do you enjoy (did you enjoy) model trains? (Multiple answers allowed)

Question 3: Where do you primarily purchase (did you purchase) model trains?

Question 4: Please tell us the reason.

Question 5: Approximately how much is your annual budget for model trains?

Question 6: Have you ever had difficulty finding the desired product within your budget?

Question 7: In what ways did you have difficulty? (Multiple answers allowed)

*Note: In principle, values are rounded to the second decimal place, so the total may not be 100%.*

31.9% Responded "Own or Have Owned Model Trains"

First, we asked about experience owning model trains.

The result was that 31.9% answered "Yes, I own or have owned them."

This shows that about one in three people have experience owning model trains.

On the other hand, 68.1% answered "No."

Even among those interested in trains, only a portion have actually owned model trains, suggesting that interest in trains does not directly translate into owning models.

77.3% Enjoy "Running" Model Trains

Next, we asked those who own or have owned model trains how they enjoy them.

The most common answer was "running," at 77.3%.

This was followed by "displaying" at 36.4% and "keeping as a collection" at 31.8%.

It appears that running the model trains on rails is the primary way of enjoying them.

Additionally, a certain number of people also enjoy displaying and admiring them, or keeping them as a collection.

Beyond the joy of running them, the appeal of model trains also lies in being able to thoroughly appreciate the design and craftsmanship of the vehicles.

65.9% Purchase Model Trains at "Hobby Shops"

Next, we asked those who own or have owned model trains where they primarily purchase them.

The most common answer was "hobby shops" at 65.9%.

This was followed by "large retail stores" at 25.0%, and "online shopping" and "other" at 4.5% each.

Even in an era where online shopping is commonplace, specialty stores, specifically physical ones, are still chosen in the world of model trains. This might be a somewhat surprising result.

We asked for the reasons behind each answer and will share some of them.

Respondents who answered "Hobby Shops"

* "They have a wide variety." (30s, Female) * "Hobby shops specializing in trains have more variety and you can get advice." (40s, Male) * "Because there is advice on storage conditions and construction." (50s, Male)

Respondents who answered "Large Retail Stores"

* "Looking for them in the toy section with my children." (40s, Female) * "The store is nearby and they have most things." (40s, Male) * "It was easy to visit." (50s, Male)

Respondents who answered "Online Shopping"

* "After all, Amazon, Rakuten, and Yahoo Shopping have a large selection." (40s, Female)

From those who choose hobby shops, we heard voices praising the abundance of variety, the knowledge of the staff, and the specialized advice unique to these stores. Being able to consult about storage conditions and construction also contributes to a sense of security.

On the other hand, large retail stores offer convenience of access and the fun of choosing with children, while online shopping provides a wide selection and ease of use. The choice of purchase location seems to reflect not only one's dedication to model trains but also one's lifestyle and involvement with family.

45.5% Answered "No Specific Budget" for Annual Model Train Expenses

Next, we asked those who own or have owned model trains about their annual budget for them.

The most frequent response was "no specific budget," at 45.5%.

This indicates that about half of the respondents enjoy model trains without setting a clear budget.

Looking at specific amounts, "less than 5,000 yen" was the most common at 20.5%.

This was followed by "5,000 yen to less than 10,000 yen" at 11.4%, "10,000 yen to less than 30,000 yen" at 9.1%, and "30,000 yen to less than 50,000 yen" at 6.8%.

Furthermore, "50,000 yen to less than 100,000 yen" was 4.5%, and "100,000 yen or more" was 2.3%. Although the percentages are not high, there are individuals who spend a considerable amount annually on their hobby.

The high number of "no specific budget" responses suggests that people are more likely to consider purchasing model trains when they encounter a desired vehicle or part, rather than setting a budget in advance.

29.5% Have Had Difficulty "Finding Desired Products Within Budget"

Finally, we asked those who own or have owned model trains if they have ever had difficulty finding their desired products within their budget.

The result was that 29.5% answered "Yes."

This means that about 30% have experienced dilemmas between desired products and their budget.

On the other hand, 70.5% answered "No."

So, in what specific ways did they have difficulty?

We asked those who answered "Yes."

The most common answer was "the desired product was expensive," at 76.9%.

This was followed by "the desired product was out of stock" and "it was a limited edition and hard to obtain," both at 30.8%.

It is clear that the high price is a major concern when trying to find desired products within budget. Additionally, some people struggled with the difficulty of obtaining items when they wanted them, such as when products were out of stock or were limited editions.

Model trains, which include not only vehicles but also tracks and scenery parts, can become a hobby where balancing the budget becomes a challenge the more one gets into it.

Summary

This survey revealed that among those interested in trains, 31.9% own or have owned model trains. The most common place to purchase model trains was "hobby shops" at 65.9%, with reasons for choosing them including the wide variety, staff knowledge, and access to specialized advice.

On the other hand, "no specific budget" was the most common annual budget at 45.5%, suggesting that many people consider purchasing when they encounter a desired vehicle or part, rather than setting a clear budget.

Even with the prevalence of online shopping, the unique selection and the reassurance of being able to consult at specialty stores remain significant attractions for enjoying model trains. Whether you are new to model trains or already enjoy them, why not try finding your favorite piece by considering a purchase location and budget that suits you?

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* Indicate that the source is "A survey by NEXER Inc. and Tetsudohiroba." * Install a link to Tetsudohiroba (https://www.tetuhiro.com/)

[About Tetsudohiroba]

Company Name: Yashima Kizai Co., Ltd.

Representative: Shoichiro Seki

Company Address: 6-5 Kabutocho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0026

Phone Number: 03-6758-2572

[About NEXER Inc.]

Headquarters: Rise Arena Bldg. 11F, 4-5-2 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0013

Representative Director: Yuya Miyata

URL: https://www.nexer.co.jp

Business Activities: Internet research, SEO, web branding, review content, real shop support, website production of websites