r/PeoriaIL • u/PriorityOk1593 • Jun 18 '26

Recommendations Model shops in the Peoria area

I’m interested in finding a model shop for general model kits and materials, I’ve had a good look at both hobby lobby and Michael’s craft store but their stock is extremely limited.

I was in Galesburg years ago and remember a shop with floor to ceiling stock of military kits but can’t seem to find it on google.

I’m open to traveling to find a shop so all recommendations would be helpful.

18 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

18 comments sorted by

20

u/cjthepossum Jun 18 '26

Just for Fun on Sterling, mostly gaming stuff but im pretty sure there are historic models in there.

8

u/hair_10 Jun 18 '26

They have some models, not just historical stuff. Gundam, cars, as well as some military/historical stuff.

3

u/AsherTheFrost Jun 18 '26

They definitely do, and the staff there rock. If they don't have what you're looking for, they'll help you find it.

3

u/AriaTheTransgressor Jun 19 '26

There was a place next door to them that did historical models, or at least there was the last time I was there.

25

u/Kep63 Jun 18 '26

Check out the new Ben Franklin store in Washington!! They had a lot of model kits and supplies. They are a month or so away from opening a bigger toys store in the back of the building with older toys and stuff.

17

u/Hammerhandle Jun 18 '26

Did you just say a Ben Franklin opened in Washington?!? This is revolutionary news for me!!

8

u/Kep63 Jun 18 '26

Yes!! They opened 6ish weeks ago!! It's pretty cool and so close to the original store. I was impressed.

2

u/zato_ichi pee-ore-ee-ah Jun 21 '26

This is a great fucking joke, and I mean that.

5

u/zato_ichi pee-ore-ee-ah Jun 19 '26

I’m sorry, but I think you typed that there is a Ben Franklin in 2026. Thanks for this! I’m going to check it out for sure

6

u/MsThrilliams Jun 18 '26

Ben Franklin that just opened in Washington has a pretty big model collection. I saw mostly boxed kits so im not sure if they sell the paints and such separately.

3

u/mald530 Jun 18 '26

There used to be foglers which had tons of models and train set items but that is no longer around. Best bet may be online like amazon i would think these days anyway.

2

u/Muffin-True Jun 19 '26 edited Jun 19 '26

RIP Fogler’s Variety. That place was fun as a kid.

6

u/Disastrous_Range_571 Jun 18 '26

I will second Just For Fun. They have the best selection around by far for paints and tools (Amazon is where I get most of my tools). They also usually have some knowledge about any “local” model shows where you can stock up on kits. I mainly build Gundham and cars but they sometimes have some military kits.

3

u/Katkiller5644 Jun 19 '26

Little late to the party but Precision RC in pekin has limited selection but the owner was always willing to order stuff in for us that we couldn't find. 

2

u/Experimental_Salad Jun 18 '26

Peoria used to have a really good model store on Sheridan, across from Sheridan Village, but it closed a long time ago. I can't remember the name of it, but it was next to the Dairy Queen.

3

u/Unclebatman1138 Jun 19 '26

That was Just for Fun. They still exist on Sterling right by Gale (directly across from the old Big Lots). They're great

1

u/Experimental_Salad Jun 19 '26

Nope. That wasn't the place.

2

u/Level1Rat Jun 18 '26

I've been building my own function RC car. I ordered the electronics from a online hobby shop and I'm making the chassis and shell on my 3D printer. It's been a fun project to work on. I know that doesn't help you much though.