C.J. Vogler & Son

Known simply as Vogler’s to the locals, C.J. Vogler & Son hobby and model shop has been going since 1877, and as you enter and are immediately surrounded by walls covered in countless models and parts, you sense that it probably hasn’t changed much over the years. The Vogler family own and operate the store to this day, and it’s their specialty knowledge about their product that has people travelling from far and wide to pick up that very desirable item for their collection.

Not surprisingly, C.J. Vogler & Son is Australia’s longest running hobby store, and its home has always been in the top end of Brisbane Street, Ipswich, part of which in recent years has become known as Top of Town – an area with an eclectic array of cafes and specialty and vintage shops. This includes Daily Planet Comics, so it might be worth a trip to Ipswich to check out the two stores if both types of hobbying stimulate your drool factor.

Vogler’s does a roaring trade in collectables, and depending on what comes in you could find yourself the proud owner of models of 1st, 2nd and 3rd place getters in the 1981 James Hardie 1000, or a 1/18 scale of a Gran Turismo “Red Bull” X2010 S. Vettel. No doubt if you’re into that sort of thing, it will all make a lot of sense! 

Then there are the popular radio-controlled planes, cars and helicopters for kids big and small, and the evergreen model trains, tracks, scenery, spare parts and other associated bits and bobs. Diecast models, scalextric sets, slotcars and all related accessories are also on offer, and for good measure, Vogler’s also cut keys.

by Vicki Englund

And, for more great things to see and do in Ipswich, visit Discover Ipswich HERE.