Top Shelf Models Stands Test Of Time

On the same block as a brewery and a boutique there’s a business that brings you back. Hobby stores like Top Shelf Models aren’t so common anymore.

But that’s not stopping the owner from staying open.

Lots of change has happened near Main Street in Owasso. But Top Shelf Models has stood the test of time.

23 years in the same strip, Royal Stuart has sold things much older than his business.

Model car and airplane kits are stacked high throughout the store.

He says he got into the business because it's a hobby he's loved since he was a kid.

"It's been my hobby since 1957,” Royal said. “I was ten years old and this is what I did. It's a distraction from everything else. From anything going on in your life. I love doing it and I love when they bring back something old that's new again."

Times have changed since he started building model cars.

"You could find models anywhere. Grocery stores, drug stores, TG and Y, Otasco, all those places had models," he said.

Now very few shops like Royal's remain, but that doesn't change the delight the hobby brings him and his customers.

“That's one of the joys about it,” he said. “You can spend hours working on something and not finish anything, but that's okay. You know you are going to finish at some point, but it's going to take the time."

Time will keep going and things will continue to change, but Royal plans to keep his shop open for as long as he can.