SPA Modeler

Hi Folks - I will be travelling to The Netherlands next week on a business trip from 7-10 october, staying over at the Raddison Blue Hotel, Schiphol, Amsterdam. I have little time during the weekdays, and only a half day on the 10th (my return flight is at 16:00 ) . I like to visit Amsterdam but was also looking whether there is a local model store or military museum around the city. or is there any one here around the neighbourhood? happy to catch up over coffee!

I wish I could wonder off to Soesterberg, but that might be just stretching the limits, isn't it?

suggestions are welcome!

Best, Monty

Hi Monty,

I guess Borg is the right guy to answer you, but regarding Soesterberg museum, it's roughly one hour drive from Amsterdam if you will be able to rent a car.
So might be tight, Dutch traffic jams are almost as notorius as the ones in Belgium, therefore to drive those 60 km might take hours to get through,,,,
Another option is of course a combination of train / bus / taxi ...

There is, close to Schipol airport (few minutes drive) the big Aviation Megastore modelshop:
It's big... the prices a little bit pricy, but you find there pretty much everything...
Here the link --> http://www.aviationmegastore.com/


- Kari

I agree with KSaarni. The Aviationmegastore is definitely worth a visit. And it at walking distance from your hotel.
As for Soesterberg is not that far away, about 70 km (then nothing is far in the Netherlands. (We are a small country) by car it will take you about an hour probably less. Just do not drive during rush hour and you will be fine. Both your hotel and the museum are near the highway so they are easy to travel.
The train and bus combination is not that good. You will have to take different trains and a bus so that is going to take you two hours ( Dutch public transport planner. http://m.9292.nl/reisalternatieven/schi ... 09-30T0930 ). And since we are not really experts in hospitality, do not try to hitch hike, it does not work overhere. and taxis are very expensive. (Althought Amsterdam has Uber service they probably will not take you to Soesterberg ).

Amsterdam also has a maritime museum. It has been a while since I have been there but if you have an interest in naval history it might be a good visit. It obviously has a connection to the VOC and Indonesia. https://www.hetscheepvaartmuseum.nl

It is a pity that I will be going on a vacation next week so we or else we could have made an appointment. If you have any other questions about the Netherlands or any of our idiosyncrasies or habits I will be more then happy to answer them.

Hi Borg and Kari - Really nice advice. very much appreciated getting info from those who knows the lay of the land! At least I can plan ahead and manage my risks. I wish I can stay a day longer, but all my flights and hotels are paid-by and pre-arranged by the organizers. Another time I guess...

Thanks!
Monty

Whatever you will do, Monty: I wish you a lot of fun!

Thanks guys!. Its my second day in NL now and iam enjoying every minute of it. Even if the conference took the bulk of my time, i still was able to explore a bit, walked the streets of Amsterdam and visited the Aviation Mega Store (wow, very intimidating store!).

Hope to see more things in my last two days!

Hope it is not too cold weather, mate! Get some more luggages for all the kits you will take back home!

dmminiatures wrote:Thanks guys!. Its my second day in NL now and iam enjoying every minute of it. Even if the conference took the bulk of my time, i still was able to explore a bit, walked the streets of Amsterdam and visited the Aviation Mega Store (wow, very intimidating store!).

Hope to see more things in my last two days!

Glad to hear that you enjoy your time in Amstelredamme (the old name of Amsterdam)

- Kari

dmminiatures wrote:Thanks guys!. Its my second day in NL now and iam enjoying every minute of it. Even if the conference took the bulk of my time, i still was able to explore a bit, walked the streets of Amsterdam and visited the Aviation Mega Store (wow, very intimidating store!).

Hope to see more things in my last two days!

Yes, the Aviationmegastore is great. The first taime I went there it toke me two hours just to browse all the stuff. And then another two to decide what to buy. I limit myself to 3 to 4 trips a year else I would have no money in my pocket and no space in my home left.