Tony's Hobbies & Toys — Local services in Baldwin Park

Been here once to pick up one gunpla kit. This kit was at just right price, but here is why I give this store a 2 out of 5. . You see the kit I got was the HG barbatos, this kit should not ever be high than $11 since $10 is retail in Japan.

But all the other gunpla kits, all other HG, RG MG, and PG kits are overpriced. This hobby store marked up the price of these kits so high that I would rather order from Japan and wait for the long shipping.

For example, the MG unicorn ova edition is about $35 retail in Japan, at this store it's $47. Are you kidding me, you might as well Rob your customers.

And don't get me started about their knowledge about gunpla. They have no workers with any knowledge towards Gundam. They get so confused about me asking for specific kits by their short names, that I have to explain what Gundam I want to see and how Gundam kits are graded.

So instead I became the guy working there, cause if I have to explain to you what you're selling, you shouldn't sell that product at all.

This is why I don't suggest you go there for gunpla. I don't see any reason to go there for other plastic models either because they seem to think customers don't know the price for these kits and up...

Ok, so I first went to a different hobby store in Covina that was closer to me. Unfortunately, they didn't have what I was looking for in stock and were supposed to order it but never followed up with me and didn't really seem to want my business.

So I decided to look elsewhere and just happened to be in the area when I noticed this store. I wanted to buy a beginner 4x4 rc vehicle that was somewhat durable but unfortunately this shop was supposed to be closing soon. Since I was in the area I thought I'd just stop by real quick to check it out, even if I didn't have time to buy anything.

Right away I noticed that this store is larger with a better selection and a wider price range of vehicles in stock. But it doesn't stop there. Now I was preparing myself for a slight attitude because it was so close to closing...but the staff here were actually open and friendlier from the moment I walked in (even though it was probably 5 - 10 minutes before closing)! They helped me decide on a car, upgraded charger, and extra batteries and had me out the door, all without making me feel like I was being rushed...and even though I ended up purchasing a little after hours! ...

It's been decades since I'd been to Tony's Hobbies, and it was my first time to this location, but I'd describe my visit as nostalgic. Seeing a dad there with his kid asking about parts took me back to when I'd visit with my dad. It's more spacious than the old location, and the indoor RC dirt track is refreshing to see.

I used to buy model cars all the time, so it was nice to see that they're still available. Some of those kits are probably the same as when I was younger. I eventually moved on to playing with RC cars, and they should still have all the parts you'll need. Huge selection of parts and kits. The only down side to this is that there are so many RC bodies available! You have to look at each tag for rc bodies to see what it is. You might have better luck asking someone if the one you're looking for is available.

The only thing I might consider a downside is that their paint selection is smaller than I remember. They have the staple Model Masters enamels and Tamiya acrylics (big and small sizes for the latter), but the little Testors bottles were nowhere to be seen.

In the end I walked out with what I needed, along with a trip of nostalgia via...