Amsterdam Hobby Shops or Air Museums?

[Ronv]

Guys, I have returned from Holland. Had a great trip and took lots of photos of the Militare Luchtvaarht Museum in Sdesterberg, 65 anniversary of the Red Devils parachuting into the "Ginkelse Heide", the Airborne Museum Hartenstein in Oosterbek and the bridge at Arnhem. I did not make it to the model shop, but I did pick up a model of a 1/72 Dornier 228 in Royal Netherlands Coast Guard markings. I'll attach photos as I get to them.
RonV

[Ronv]

Thanks Michael. I checked out the web site, Looks like a cool store. I already told my wife that this is a must stop and that I'll be specifically looking for "Dutch" model kits. I'm putting together a list of must see sights right now.
Thanks
RonV

[Michael Campbell]

Ron,

Congratulations on you upcoming trip to the Netherlands.  I lived in The Hague for six years and yes, there is a "must see" hobby shop.
Check out his website:

http://www.aviationmegastore.com/ 

The aviation megastore is located adjacent to Schiphol Airport.  It is basically on the southeast corner of the airport in a small industrial / business park. 

It has the best selection of kits and books I have seen anywhere in the world and that includes three Squadron Shops and the Tokyo Toy District.  Everything is for sale; expect nothing to be on sale.  It is a Dutch thing!  Having the use of a car is great, gas is however, far more expensive than what you are used to.  I expect that you will find the exchange rate for Dollars and Euro to be quite rude as well.

Temperatures will be in the 70s and there is always a chance of rain.  A Gortex windbreaker / jacket is a good thing to have.  Good walking shoes are a must, not necessarily tennis shoes.  You do not want to have; tattooed all over you.  Petty theft and pick-pocketing is a way of life the supports the drug culture.

It is a beautiful country and you should really have a great time.  Arnhem has a world call zoo as well.  If you have any specific questions, just ask.

Regards,

Michael Campbell

[Ronv]

Thanks for the info! I'll checkout the web site.

We are going with my sister and staying with her friend. So we have a free place to stay and a host that has volunteered to drive us around as long as we pay for gas. I plan on packing in as much as I can for the 10 days we will be there.

RonV

[mmittenzwei]

Hello. I have not seen it but the Aviodome theme Park looks worth consideration. You can take the train there from Schipol airport. Check out the website at www.aviodome.nl/themapark/exposite/collectie-overzicht. You should also try google for aviation museums in the Netherlands. Interesting stuff. The great thing about The Netherlands is their VVV visitor's bureau offices. It is one of the best in Europe. Multilingual competent staff who can fill your needs for food, attractions, lodging etc. Amsteradm is best toured on foot or bicycle. Bikes have the right of way. Many Dutch don't own cars, especially in cities and use the outstanding public trams, busses and train system. A rental car will get you to see lots of Holland. Check with a tourist agent for International driver's license and insurance requirements, AAA might help if you are a member.   I was there in 82 and enjoyed the City for a few days.  Best of luck. Bring back pictures!         

[Bill L.]

Well there's' this Hobbie Shop in the 'Blue Light ' district..... oh wait.. Wrong hobby. 

Never mind!!

Bill L.

[Ronv]

Guys,
I'm going to Holland for a week, leaving Sept 17 and returning Sept 26th. Does anyone know of any air museums or hobby shops I should visit? Any WW2 places I should visit? The friends we are staying with are going to take me to their annual veterans day celebration on Sept 19th. I think they celebrate liberation around the dates of operation market garden.
RonV