Once upon a time children and their parents spent lots of time together. There was no Nintendo and no GameBoy games to get in the way. They would play catch, fly kites, go fishing, and if they were lucky, build basement railroad empires. Every boy wanted a toy train set for Christmas or his birthday. The trains were the perfect device to bring a child and parent together; complicated enough that the youngster needed dad's help, but easy enough so that dad could act the hero (without needing mom to bail him out!). Those days had a magical quality to them that many believe has passed.

That lost magic can still be found today at Charles Ro Supply Company in Malden. Billing itself as "the largest train store in America" might lead you to expect an impersonal, warehouse-sized train emporium, but the "scale" is a bit smaller here (scale: that's a train joke!).

What to Expect
Charles Ro is located a bit off the beaten path, but you'll know you're close when you see the neon steam engine chugging along. Just cross the (real) train tracks and come aboard. The supply company takes up half the first floor at the USA Trains building. The store windows are filled top to bottom with an unbelievable array of engines, boxcars, tankers, flat-beds, cabooses and more. USA Trains is Charles Ro's own brand of G-scale locomotives, rolling stock and accessories. They are available in the store, via mail order, and, of course, online.

Upon entering the building, you are greeted by the crisp click of wheels over track, as three or more trains of varying scales whiz about the store. The tracks are set above you on Plexiglas beds, so the trains are easily visible high overhead. Several other operating displays are scattered about the shop. Some send cars moving, other raise or lower crossing gates and one even plays familiar melodies.

What's This "Scale" Thing All About?
Scale is the key word at Charles Ro, as in "what scale are you?" Depending on your answer you might be sent toward trains so small that an entire layout could fit inside a briefcase (Z-scale) or you could marvel at the huge G-scale models which can be 10" tall and over 30" in length. Most of these giants are suitable for outdoor use, and garden railroads have been steadily growing in popularity. There are several scales in between including O, O-27, N and the ever popular HO.

It is important to remember that model trains can be quite an expensive hobby. As a result, we saw more adults than children avidly perusing the wares in the aisles. But that shouldn't stop first time buyers from finding something that fits both their budget and desires. An O-27-scale (about 5" tall and 16" long) starter set with an engine (steam or diesel), four or five cars, transformer and track is about $100-$150, while the significantly larger G-scale starter sets run about $150-$200. For the little ones, the store offers a well stocked Thomas the Tank set for about $99. Numerous engines and a huge variety of cars are also available for single purchase.

For the more advanced hobbyist Charles Ro has everything one could hope for and more. The most sought-after items are almost always found here (and if they don't have it, they can get it), from the Lionel Heritage Collectors series (where individual locomotives can reach $1200 and more) to the very latest high-end European and Asian imports. An ever-changing supply of used (antique) equipment can be found in the lower display cases in front of and behind the registers. Many a rail fan has found just the right piece to complete a collection or dress up a layout here.

Insider Tips

• Don't miss the glass display cases mounted high above the service counters. They contain a museum's worth of the most desirable (and valuable) O-gauge trains from the 30's, 40's and 50's around. The sign says "not for sale," but it can't hurt to ask.

• Also not to be overlooked are the amazing selection of accessories and modeling supplies, in all train scales. Tiny people, trees, buildings, cars, trucks, animals: you name it and you'll find it. After a while you start to understand how Gulliver must have felt.

• Charles Ro's selection of books and magazines are a terrific resource and many aren't available elsewhere.

• Be sure to get the latest catalog and place your name on the mailing list to be apprised of sales and special offers.

A Superior Level of Service
No report about Charles Ro would be complete without a few kind words about the staff. These folks are the most knowledgeable folks around and are a pleasure to talk with. Not only do they know the scale train business (and they can find anything in that store) but they care about the hobby and take the time to listen to your questions and give you straightforward honest advice. We would love to see this level of service everywhere. (Maybe they should open a restaurant!)

Getting There
From I-93, take Route 60 east and pass through downtown Malden, by the T station. About a mile further, turn left on Faulkner Street, next to Davidson Chevrolet. At the end of the street, turn right onto Salem Street. Take the second right, on Cross Street. The store is a few doors down, on the right.

From Route 1, take Route 60 west. Cross Route 99. About a mile further, turn right on Faulkner Street next to Davidson Chevrolet. At the end of the street, turn right onto Salem Street. Take the second right, on Cross Street. The store is a few doors down, on the right.

Visit Charles Ro Online
For store hours, gift certificates, or other information, visit the Charles Ro web site.

by Brian Cacchiotti

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