My favorite hobbyshop is not in the Chicagoland area but about an hour and a half north of Chicago in southern Wisconsin and it is Model Empire. They have new car kits, old car kits, photo-etched and aftermarket parts, die-cast, supplies, tools, air brushes, slot cars, and even a slot car track. Fifteen minutes away is Greenfield News & Hobby which has 12,000 square feet and a great hobby shop also. In my book it is worth the drive, as I have been to all the hobby shops that SLANT has mentioned, and while they are good they don't compare with the Model Empire.