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Tucked behind the paint aisles and garden hoses of an everyday Tucson hardware store sits something almost no local expects. Walk far enough past the wrenches and you land in a room packed with military tank kits, radio-controlled airplanes, model railroads, and shelves of paint colors that are nearly impossible to find anywhere else in southern Arizona.
It carries a 4.6-star rating across hundreds of reviews, and folks say it might be the best of its kind in the whole state. Old-school hobby shops like this are quietly disappearing, which makes stumbling onto one feel like uncovering a small secret.
This is the story of how a franchise hardware store became a destination for builders, collectors, and curious weekend browsers alike.
A Hobby Wonderland Behind the Hardware Aisles
The surprise begins the moment you realize the wrenches and paint chips are only half the story. The Hobby Place at Ace lives inside a working Ace Hardware at 7071 E 22nd St in Tucson, Arizona, and it has grown into a full hobby destination that most passersby never see coming.
Longtime shoppers often mention finding it by chance while driving down 22nd Street. What starts as a quick errand for household supplies can quietly turn into an hour of browsing model kits and paints.
The blend of two worlds under one roof is exactly what makes the place feel unusual. You can grab a screwdriver and a plastic tank model in the same trip, which is not something most stores can claim.
Regulars describe it as a little of everything, a spot where hobby dreams and hardware chores share the same address. That mash-up is the hook that keeps people talking about it long after they leave.
The Only Ace-Owned Hobby Store in the Country
Few stores can claim a title quite this specific. Shoppers point out that this is said to be the only hobby-focused store in the country owned by Ace Hardware, which gives it a quirky claim to fame beyond its Tucson zip code.
The oddity of the setup is part of its charm. Even though it operates as an Ace Hardware franchise, it is independently owned, which helps explain how it can lean so heavily into hobbies rather than just household goods.
That independence shows up in the little things. It accepts Ace Hardware gift cards and coupons, blending the perks of a national brand with the personality of a local specialty shop.
Discovering a one-of-a-kind store hiding in plain sight tends to spark exactly the kind of pride Arizona locals love. It turns an ordinary hardware run into a bit of a bragging right.
From Model Trains to a Full Hobby Empire
Every good hobby shop has an origin story, and this one seems to have started on the rails. Older accounts suggest the store originally focused on model trains before branching out into the sprawling collection it holds today.
Model railroading still runs deep here. Fans of the craft mention walls of different items, from track to diorama supplies, that rank among the best selections around for anyone building a miniature world.
Over time the shelves expanded well past locomotives. Plastic models, radio-controlled vehicles, paints, and building tools joined the lineup, turning a train-centered shop into a broad hobby headquarters.
The growth has not erased its roots. Train enthusiasts still treat it as a go-to source, while newcomers discover it as an all-around builder’s paradise.
That layered history gives the place a lived-in feel that newer stores rarely match.
A Military Model Collection That Stuns Builders
Serious model builders tend to lose their composure a little when they see the armor section. The store is known for stocking possibly three times more military models than many hobby shops anywhere, spanning multiple versions and scales of most planes and tanks.
Collectors who build 1/35 scale World War II tanks single this place out. Brands like Tamiya and Academy fill the shelves, and hard-to-find kits such as Elephant and Tiger variants show up in several versions at once.
The depth of choice is what earns the loyalty. Instead of one option per subject, builders can compare scales and manufacturers side by side, which is rare outside of specialty online shops.
For someone chasing a specific plane or armored vehicle, this kind of variety turns a shopping trip into a treasure hunt. Many say it is the best selection they have ever seen in the state.
Gundam Kits and Gunpla Galore
Gundam fans in Tucson have quietly made this their headquarters. The shop stocks so many Gunpla kits that repeat shoppers call it the best overall selection among the city’s gunpla-focused stores.
Beyond the kits themselves, it carries the extras that serious builders need. Stands, markers, thinners, and specialty tools round out the offering, so a project does not stall halfway through for lack of supplies.
Newcomers to the hobby often mention leaving surprised by how deep the range goes. Whether someone wants a simple starter kit or a more advanced build, the wall of boxes tends to deliver.
The steady supply of these kits keeps the hobby crowd coming back on a regular schedule. It has become a reliable stop rather than a lucky one-time find.
Radio-Controlled Cars, Trucks, and Planes
Speed lovers and sky watchers both find something to fuss over in the radio-controlled section. The store keeps a healthy range of RC cars, trucks, and airplanes, along with the parts and accessories that keep them running.
The staff earn praise for guiding beginners through the maze of brands. One parent shopping for an off-road RC car with a young child came away happy after getting patient explanations of the differences between models rather than a rushed sales pitch.
Returns and swaps get handled with a helpful touch too. A shopper who had trouble with an RC airplane was steered toward a different model that flew well, turning a frustration into a repeat visit.
Not every experience has been perfect, and a few shoppers have mentioned issues with certain RC products and warranties. The store has publicly invited those customers to reach out so the team can try to make things right.
Paints and Weathering Supplies You Cannot Find Elsewhere
Ask any modeler what makes or breaks a shop, and the paint wall usually tops the list. Here the range of paints is described as unusually wide, including colors and product lines that are typically hard to track down in Tucson.
The lineup reads like a wish list for finishers. Shoppers mention Tamiya paints and panel liner, Mr. Hobby and GSI Creos, Vallejo, AK Acrylics, and Abteilung 502 weathering products all sharing the shelves.
Weathering fans in particular appreciate the depth. Building a realistic tank or aircraft depends on those specialty finishes, and having them in one physical store saves hours of online hunting.
Regulars note the shelves stay well stocked, with few empty hooks. For someone in the middle of a detailed build, knowing the right shade is likely in stock is a genuine relief.
Specialty Tools for Serious Modelers
The difference between a good build and a great one often comes down to the right tool. This shop has become the local source for gear that other stores simply skip, filling a real gap for dedicated hobbyists.
Precision tools headline the draw. Shoppers point out that it is the only place in town carrying Dspiae hobby tools, a detail that matters a great deal to builders who want clean cuts and sharp finishes.
Alongside those, the essentials are always on hand. Balsa wood, glue, cutting supplies, and modeling accessories fill out the aisles for both beginners and veterans.
Having the tools and the kits in the same place keeps projects moving. Instead of piecing together supplies from several sources, builders can gather everything they need in one visit.
LEGO, Metal Earth, and Gifts for Everyone
Not every visitor arrives as a hardcore modeler, and the store seems to know it. Gift hunters mention finding options for just about anyone, from adult LEGO sets to Metal Earth kits and model cars.
The LEGO selection gets specific praise. Shoppers describe a mix of affordable sets and larger builds, plus plenty of adult-focused kits for grown fans of the brick.
That variety makes it a handy stop during the holidays or for a last-minute present. Something on the shelves tends to fit whoever is on the list, whether they are eight or eighty.
Friendly guidance rounds out the experience. Staff members are described as helpful when steering an unsure gift buyer toward the right choice, which takes the guesswork out of shopping for a hobbyist.
The Knowledgeable Crew Behind the Counter
A specialty store lives or dies by the people running it, and this one leans on a team that knows the hobbies inside out. Staff members are frequently described as friendly, patient, and happy to talk shop with anyone who wanders in.
Names come up often in the praise. Team members like Dan, Rob, Mikey, Luke, and others get credit for walking shoppers through brand differences and answering endless questions without rushing.
Watching them work seems to reassure browsers even when they do not need help. Shoppers describe seeing the crew calmly guide confused customers through their projects with genuine understanding.
The store has also faced criticism, including one account of unprofessional remarks from an employee. Management responded publicly, calling the described behavior unacceptable and saying the matter would be addressed directly, which shows a willingness to own up when things fall short.
An Old-School Vibe That Keeps Changing
There is a comforting throwback quality to walking these aisles. Fans call it a classic old-school hobby store for plastic models, trains, and RC gear, the kind of place that is steadily vanishing from towns everywhere.
The decor draws its own compliments. Shoppers describe the setup as inviting, with stellar displays that make browsing feel like part of the fun rather than a chore.
What keeps it fresh is how often the inventory shifts. Regulars mention that the store seems different on each visit, giving repeat trips a sense of discovery.
To be clear about the flavor, this is a conventional models and trains kind of shop rather than a spot built around tabletop role-playing miniatures. That focus gives it a distinct identity that its loyal crowd clearly treasures.
Who Will Feel Right at Home Here
Picture the range of people who leave this store happy, and it is surprisingly wide. Dedicated builders chasing rare tank kits stand next to parents hunting a first RC car for a curious child.
Collectors treat it as a monthly ritual. One tank enthusiast describes stopping by regularly to grow a collection and keep a relaxing hobby going, which speaks to how it rewards long-term passion.
Beginners fit in just as easily. Newcomers to model building mention finding everything needed to start, paired with patient help that keeps the learning curve friendly.
Even casual browsers get pulled in. Gift shoppers and drop-in visitors often admit they came for one thing and ended up wandering the aisles, which is exactly the sign of a store worth its reputation.
Hours, Prices, and Getting There
Planning a trip is refreshingly simple. The store keeps steady hours, opening at 9 AM and closing at 6 PM every day of the week, so there is no need to memorize an odd schedule.
Parking rarely poses a problem. Shoppers note plenty of free parking on site, a welcome perk when you are hauling home a large kit or a stack of paints.
On price, expect honesty rather than deep discounts. Products generally sell at MSRP, and a few items may run higher than online sellers, though a sale shelf at the back helps offset the cost for bargain seekers.
You will find it at 7071 E 22nd St in Tucson, Arizona, right along a main road that makes it easy to reach. That combination of set hours, free parking, and a central location keeps the visit low-stress.
Why This Hidden Shop Is Worth the Drive
Some places earn their following quietly, and this one has done exactly that. With a 4.6-star average across nearly 500 opinions, the store has built a reputation that reaches well beyond its hardware-store shell.
The pull is the mix of variety and personality. A deep bench of military models, Gunpla, RC gear, trains, paints, and specialty tools sits under one roof, backed by a crew that clearly enjoys the hobbies.
It is not flawless, and a handful of shoppers have flagged concerns the store has openly worked to address. That transparency, paired with its standout selection, is part of what keeps the loyal crowd loyal.
For Arizona locals who love the thrill of finding something special close to home, this Tucson shop delivers. Hidden behind an ordinary storefront, it stands as proof that the best discoveries are often the ones you never expected.
