Smith Bros Hobby Center

I’ve been going here since I can remember it being open. This is the best Hobby Shop in Northridge. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, and they always give great advice if you have a question about an item, or even techniques to improve your skills. They have a wide variety of models, including foreign hard to get items, like Gundam, and other animé/​sci — fi kits. I can’t tell you how many hobby shops I wish were like this one!

Beyond helpful and customer service oriented store! Tony & Dave are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to RC/​Model Aircraft and beyond helpful! They’ve helped me repair my planes, helped me service my gear and even lent me missing pieces when needed. Tony gives RC flying lessons and is an excellent flight veteran with 60+ years under his belt. He has exceptional patience and is an exceptional pilot!

The people who work there are so helpful which is important to me since I know nothing about model trains. They have a huge selection of model cars, planes, rockets, etc. The store is so organized that it’s easy to find what you want. You can spend $ 10 on a fun project or drop a paycheck on all of the toys or accessories that they have in stock. I will be back there for holiday shopping!

The best there is. Each person who works there is personable, informed and always interested in helping you.

Been a customer for over 25 years, Never had a problem, Friendly Helpful Staff, Dave is the best.

I’ve been a customer for nearly 17 years when I became really serious about modelship building. They are well stocked from ships, to toys, to books, etc. The staff is real helpful and can order items that are not there. My first model ship that I bought from them was the Tamiya USS Enterprise 1\350 scale. I eventually bought the New Jersey, the Nimitz, and a whole lot of other ships. Glad that they are still around because you can’t find a collection like theirs anywhere in the San Fernando valley or even Los Angeles!

A real hobby shop with guys that have brains ! You can ask a question and get an answer not a packet that «should work » ! This is not a box shop they sell balsa wood, kits, paper… Supplies needed and guys that build and play !

These guys are great! The guys are very friendly and have a lot of experience in this industry. The prices are average to a little high but well worh the money for the service you get. I would say that this shop is mostly caters to airplane and train customers.

One of the best in SoCal. I am there at least once a month. Going there today.
They are old school in many ways, since they carry things across the board for all types of hobby-​trains, planes, military and ships, even RC flying model aircraft, just like back in the day. They carry the newest kits and a good selection of the re-​issued kits from the classic days of modeling. Also, they have a good reference literature selection for sale, as well as paints, decals and specialty parts.
A bonus is that unlike some hobby shops like Hobby People, their staff are friendly, approachable and helpful. If you ask them a question they are responsive and do not act elitist as some hobby shop employees are at other places who look down on a person for not knowing something.
Will also special order kits for you on request.

I bought an airplane from Tony. He assembled it for me that same day! The purchase also came with free flight lessons. We flew my new airplane together and he taught me how to pilot my new plane. The service is great and best of all they they have a large selection. First time flyers should go see Tony.

My review is about airplanes and customer service and value. Up top, if you are counting your pennies, know exactly what you want, have time on your hands– and generally don’t like people, then you’ll be very happy buying online.
However, if you have questions; if you value your time; if you can afford a few cents more, then this is a great place to shop.
I have purchased two electric foam airplanes here and in each case they were patient and helpful. (I ask a lot of questions.) I have returned several times to buy small items and at first I was a bit put off at the price of some items. But (for example) when Dave or Tony picked up the soldering iron and started to put things together for me I realized I wasn’t just paying for a part– I was paying for hobby partner.
It’s a great shop and– if you are a bit older, you will appreciate the nostalgic atmosphere. This is exactly the kind of business I want to see remain in business!
Also, re other post, good advice about parking. It’s best in the back.

They have a pretty good selection. Customer service varies, depending on the individual. They can get testy, for example, if you ask to make sure that the airplane in the box is the color that you want. Bastos sila sa Noypi, brad.

This is by far the most complete hobby shop in the valley, both in terms of staff, selection, and service.
Everyone that I have dealt with has been helpful whenever I have a question, and respectful of the times I just want to browse without needing to ask if I am finding everything ok every 2 seconds.
As far as selection goes they really are second to none. I buy all of my paints and tools here and have yet to come in and not find what I was looking for. They have just about every color paint tamiya makes at a great price. They also recently began carrying Gundams which is right up my alley.
If you’re in the valley and looking for a place to scratch your hobby itch don’t even bother going anywhere else. You’ll find exactly what you need at a good price, all while dealing with a friendly staff.

Really nice staff and a decent selection, I’ve been going to this place since my dad took me there when I was a kid, and I’m happy that they’re still here.

Smith Bros. is an old school hobby shop close to CSUN in Northridge.
Lots of RC and modeling stuff along with good advice.
Pull into the IHOP driveway and park in back.

Best hobby shop in the valley. They are very knowledgable and respectful to their customers.

Great shop and great prices. The kits are a good price as well as supplies. This is the best local place to go for paints.

Great bunch of guys. Helpful and didn’t try to upsell me…

Hidden gem in the Valley, close to CSUN.
On Reseda next to iHop. Never knew this place was here but I came to purchase Tamiya paints a couple weeks ago and the staff was friendly and inviting.
Will return for hobby needs.

Great store. One of the few remaining independent hobby stores around. Whether you are looking for R/​C planes, cars, plastic models, electric trains or something for your kid’s school project this is the place to go. Friendly, helpful staff that includes a lot of the old time R/​C guys from the valley.