Business Spotlight: top shelf models

Royal Stuart is a connoisseur of collectibles.

His vast collection of model kits and toys can all be found throughout his store, Top Shelf Models, located in the heart of Owasso’s Redbud District.

Since opening in November 2000, Royal has been selling everything from trains, planes and cars to ships, rockets, monsters and more. He also carries a vast array of modeling supplies, including paints, sprays, tools and glues.

“When you look at my shelves and see how much stock I have, it’s never been this good,” Royal said. “There’s more models available now for sale than there have been in years and years, and it’s because there’s a resurgence in the hobby.”

For him, that hobby started in 1957 and has led him to oversee one of downtown Owasso’s staple stores.

“I love it,” Royal said. “I think Owasso’s a great place. I felt like Owasso would be a good place to put a hobby shop.”

When asked why more people should pick up the craft, Royal replied: “Building models is a great distraction from life, from all the stresses that you have, which means you get to turn everything off for a bit.”