Valley Trains & Models LLC, a new hobby store specializing in trains and plastic models, is set to open this weekend in Spokane Valley.

Located in the former Bullethole gun shop, a 1,200-square-foot space at 11518 E. Sprague, Valley Trains & Models is co-owned by local train set enthusiasts Gary Frizzell and Chris Coscia. 

Frizzell says he and Coscia are known for their involvement with model train clubs in the Spokane area and saw a demand for a business that could cater to their needs.

“We’re familiar with a lot of the people who enjoy this as a hobby and felt there was a need for a reliable and knowledgeable shop in the Valley,” he says. “We’re leasing the location, and Chris and I will be the only employees.”

Frizzell says Coscia previously had operated a similar online hobby shop, but many higher quality train models are only available for purchase by brick-and-mortar stores.

“We wanted to be able to feature higher quality products, so we searched for the right location and just happened to find this place.”