If you’ve ever been walking, driving or biking down Brazier, then you’ve almost certainly noticed Frog & Diamond Hobbyworks, at the corner of Bowman and Brazier! With its playful, eye-catching murals on both sides of the building, Frog & Diamond has become a hotspot for the local model railroad community, under the warm and welcoming service of owner Tony Prud’homme.
EBC talked to Tony to find out more about his shop and all the good things that have come from it.
EBC: Tell us a little about Frog & Diamond Hobbyworks and how you came to open the shop.
Tony: I created Frog and Diamond Hobbyworks to serve the model railroad community. I was a nurse for 26 years and a model railroader enthusiast as well. When I retired from nursing, I needed to keep myself busy and knew that the city was lacking in a good model railroad store.
Kildonan Pets owner Ken Currie rented out this location to me. With his help, I was able to renovate the store and make it the biggest model train store in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, North Dakota. I own and run the shop with the help of an employee.
Above: A festive holiday model railroad display greets you as you enter Frog & Diamond.
EBC: What are your favourite things about running this business?
Tony: The best part of operating a hobby store is meeting a wide range of people with a love for the hobby. I also enjoy repairing and refurbishing people’s old trains so that they can get them going again.
Some of the customers that come to the store are retirees who remember their youth enjoying trains. The nice part is they bring their grandkids, who now will also have memories of trains as children.
EBC: Is there anything that’s surprised you about running the business?
Tony: The overwhelming enthusiasm and the support that the store is getting is surprising, but also it is comforting, and I am grateful for the interest in the store. It is surprising to see the diversity of people that embrace this hobby. The younger generation finds the concept of a brick and mortar store novel and fascinating.
EBC: Are there times of the year that are busier than others?
Tony: As expected, Christmas is all about model trains! No matter the scale whether N, HO, or O. That’s why Santa says HO HO HO !
Above: Owner Tony Prud’homme, in his element at Frog & Diamond Hobbyworks.
EBC: Frog & Diamond is more than a shop, it’s a community hub. Tell us more about that!
Tony: The basement has been remodeled to now house a model railroad club called Peg City Rail Joiners where people can take their trains and run them if they do not have their own layouts at home. We will also be offering clinics on how to build up your model railroad layout. In July, I celebrate my birthday by bringing a vintage bus for anyone in the community to come and see. It’s a community party with food and beverages.
Tony’s Favourite Elmwood Spots
“My wife and I love the Plaza Restaurant, and Sub Zero in the summertime. We bought our bikes at Bikes and Beyond. We take lots of walks along the Gateway pathway which, funny enough, used to be a railway.”
Frog & Diamond Hobbyworks is located at 301 Bowman Ave. The store is open Monday 10am-8pm, Tuesday through Saturday 9am-5pm, and closed on Sundays.
Phone: (204) 477-9254
Website: https://froganddiamond.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Frog-and-Diamond-Hobbyworks-100083857956432/
Are you an Elmwood Business Coalition member that would like to be profiled in an upcoming newsletter? Please reach out to us at info@elmwoodbiz.com.