Guys, I've been working on this for a little while but need some input.

What I'm trying to do is list shops with a review and a link to a map at mapquest. My goal is to help folks find shops when they're on the road and easily locate them.

Anyone got any input they want to contribute?

Here's what I got so far.

Shops

Steve,
Wow that's really great!

But tell me you didn't do that in plain HTML.

There are some fairly good pre-built database scripts that would do what you want without all the maintenance headaches. Plus they would allow for more cross-searching and localized listings. I can look around for you and see what's out there script wise. Of course you would need to run it off of a site with database support (Access, SQL, MySql, or other).

Good luck with it.

Cheers,
Jim

Jim,

Thanks, the host I have my site on has this

CGI
SSI
Perl, Java, C/C++, PHP3, HTMLScript
mSQL and mySQL

I'm always open to learn something new.

Steve,
Sounds like you could run a PHP database driven script (like this site) then.

I will take a look around and see if there is something written that would work. If you'd like to get your feet wet you can check out sites like Hotscripts.com.

Cheers,
Jim

Great Idea!
I will forward a few where I live via email or PM.

One idea to toss in as a Future Feature. How about a small text field that provides a review/comment for the shop. IE: We have one shop here in town that is heavy on Train stuff with great diorama stuff but no plastic kits.

I travel a lot nationally, and usually bring some of my hobby work with me on extended trips. i also try to visit local stores when on the road, and your site will be quite helpful. I've probably visitted 25-30 stores in the past year alone.

Suggestion... how bout letting end users RATE the place on the old proverbial scale of "1/POOR to -10 /EXCELLENT? Ffor example here is a review for PHIL's HOBBIES and Hobbytown USA Plano, which are already in your Texas section

PHILS H/T USA PLANO
Resin Figures 9 3
White Metal Figures 2 0
Photo Etch 10 4
Decal Sets 8 5
Paints and Supplies 8 5
Armor Kits 7 7
Aircraft Kits 9 8
Ship Kits 5 4
Diorama Accessories 6 5
Train Supplies 7 6
Train equipment 6 4
Remote Contral 1 8
Rocketry 1 8
Games / Misc 1 6
War Gamming 1 8
Books and Ref. Guides 7 3
Helpfulness of Staff 8 6


Keith

Gotta Love Software Development. There is a never ending flow of ideas and features you can add!!!

I know - That's what I do to support my plastic habit #:-)

Here are a couple that I utilize in the Boston, Mass. area:

Hobby Emporium, Inc.
T.J. Maxx Plaza
440 Middlesex Road (aka Daniel Webster Highway)
Tyngsboro, MA 01879
(978) 649-5055
Good selection of armor, aircraft, ships, cars (cop cars too) and supplies.

The Spare Time Shop
222J East Main St. (Rte 20E)
Post Road Plaza
Marlboro, MA 01752
(508) 481-5786
(508) 229-2592 (fax)
Superb selection of armor and aircraft, good selection of cars, ships and sci-fi. Aftermarket item selection (cars, armor, aircraft) cannot be beat! Mail orders welcome.

Salt, great job!

Hopefully someone will do this for shops in large cities accross Europe. I have very very little spare time (if at all) but i will gladly help developing a shop directory for Europe.

Hey Guys,

Thanks, some good ideas here. I'll see what I can do when I learn this new stuff Jim is talking about.

I'll post your shops as soon as I can, Sabot.

Mihai,

If you scroll down the main page you see some European shops.

Europe

:-)

Great salt6!

I should take my time to make a list with shops in Romania and in Budapest and then send it to you to put it there.

There is a website: www.hobbyretailer.com that has a list of mostly all hobbyshops in the USA. They have addresses and phone numbers...but no maps or ratings. I have to drive 35 miles to Pittsburgh or 50+ miles to Ohio to find a hobby shop and I reallllllly hate it when I get there and all they sell is CARS or AIRPLANES!!!!! Rating the shops and letting us know what they specialize in would be great as well as letting us know exactly how to get there. GOOD LUCK...Jeff

Good idea.

I concur that having users rate the shops would be good.

Here are some more shops for your list:
Hobby Jonction Express (that is the correct spelling)
Dorval, QC
Canada
A fantastic source of armor models and accessories. Unbeatable prices and selection. Man I miss that place...

Universal Hobbies/UDisco
Decarie Blvd.
Montreal, QC

Interesting selection of kits. You go into the warehouse at UDisco. The prices are competetive, and there are some real treasures in there! Some junk too! Well worth a visit.

Performance Hobbies
Main St.
Webster Village, NY

Not a bad shop. Too much R/C stuff , but a decent selection of current armor kits.

Phil's Hobbies in Farmer's Branch you have. There is a 'forma' hobby meeting there on the first Saturday of each month. The DFW Historical Miniatures Society meets there. Awesome figure painters and the rest of us chat, do show and tell of current projects, and there are demos of different types. Well worth a visit! The shop has TONS of resin figures. Again, I already miss that place!

Andy

Good job Steve Okay their are some more for the state of Oklahoma,want them?

Ok Guys,

Got all the shops posted I think.

Jeff,

More is better, yes? I could use more listings, I just posted the ones I visit here in Okla.

Steve

salt6
NICE!!!

American Eagles Hobbies

http://americaneagleshobbies.com/

Seattle Store:
12537 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125

Tacoma Store:
5413 South Tacoma Way
Tacoma, WA 98409

The Seattle store is huge!!!