A few weeks ago, we went behind the counter to interview Rob Gale, owner of Chinook & Hobby West. It's an interesting insight into what goes on behind the scenes, which old timers and new modellers alike should enjoy.
RMMC: What is the history of Chinook Hobbies, and how did you come to own the store?
Rob Gale: Hobby West was founded in 1972 by Hans Madsen. It was up on 14th Street and was dedicated entirely to model trains. In 1983, Hans opened Chinook Hobbies at its present location. Hobby West moved in 1987 and the two stores operated out of the same building. Even though they shared the same space, they were operated as individual businesses. Around that time, Hans also founded H&D Distributing, which you may recall from their line of superglues, marketed as “H&D’s Own”. This operated out of the basement of the building.
I started working at Chinook & Hobby West in 1988. I enjoyed building models, but was ultimately a train guy, so I worked in the trains department. I saw the store grow when H&D moved out of the building, into their own facility in 1990. I left the company in 1992, to set up an automotive embroidery shop. By 1995, the store had suffered a few bad years in a row and was on the verge of closing. Hans approached me to buy the store, as he felt I would be the best person to turn the business around. In September 1995, I signed the papers and became the owner of Chinook & Hobby West.
RMMC: What is the best thing about owning your own hobby shop.
RG: Well I don’t get a lot of time to build for myself, so my fun comes from seeing the enthusiasm of my customers. Kids who come in and see the G-Scale train running around the store, or modellers excited to get the kit they’ve been anxiously waiting for. I also love getting new stuff in all the time. Every day feels like Christmas when we open the latest shipments and pull out the new stock.
RMMC: In that case, what’s the worst thing about owning your own hobby shop?
RG: For me, it’s the fact that I can never just be me. When I’m at a show or a contest, people are always picking my brain about the business. What products are coming soon? Do you have this in stock? How much will that be? I can never seem to relax and enjoy things as a spectator. I’m always tied to the store.
RMMC: You’ve done a lot to support our club, and the local modelling scene over the years. What do you think should be the role of local clubs?
RG: Enthusiasm. I think they should be injecting enthusiasm into the hobby. Guys who join clubs love the hobby, they’re passionate and they’re knowledgeable about it. I think they should do everything they can to pass that along, whether it’s to kids just starting out on their first model, or an adult building their first kit in decades. Spread your enthusiasm to people with less experience so the hobby will grow.
RMMC: Most modellers seem to have a stash of kits, yet still get excited by the next release. Are there any recent releases that had you particularly excited?
RG: The one that comes to mind is the Moebius Models Battlestar Galactica Viper. When I heard it announced, I felt like FINALLY someone made the right decision. It’s a great subject that fans had been clamouring for, yet appeals to newcomers as well. And the customers have been really happy with it – it’s on it’s fourth or fifth run, I think. And it also showed there was a lot of potential in other Battlestar Galactica subjects.
RMMC: What is your all-time favourite model kit or hobby product?
RG: Well I love Floquil paint. It’s what I started out with and what I’ve learned to use, and by now, I can really make it dance. I’m bummed that it’s disappearing. As a kid though, I was crazy about the Lights, Action Sound kits from Revell. There were three of them, a helicopter, an ambulance and a motorcycle. They had flashing lights and made noises, and were run by little motors and elastic bands – they were the greatest things in the world to me as an eight year old. Definitely my favourite kits.
RMMC: What is your fondest memory from this hobby?
RG: I actually have three of them:
- The first is building models and trains with my dad. I loved spending quality time with him.
- The second is my relationship wit Hans Madsen, and everything he taught me about the hobby and about business.
- And finally, as a father, I really cherish the quality time I’m able to share with my son. I love it when he sees me airbrushing a train out in the garage, and asks what I’m doing, how the airbrush works, and if he can try. It doesn’t matter that the model isn’t a work of art. He’s learning, and he’s having fun, and that’s what really matters.
Our thanks go out to Rob for his time, and for running such a great shop. Check out their Facebook page for all the latest in-store news or drop in and say hi to Rob and the gang. If you want to scope things out first, you can visit out our Chinook & Hobby West gallery for a virtual tour of the store.
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