For those with a passion for nostalgia, unique collectibles, and hard-to-find memorabilia, Off the Rails Collectibles in Broadway, Virginia, is a must-visit. I recently sat down with Rob Glazner, the owner of this vintage toy and collectible store, to learn more about his business and the inspiration behind it.
Walking into Off the Rails Collectibles is like stepping into a time machine. The store is packed with items that spark memories of childhood for many visitors. “It’s mainly vintage toys and just collectibles you can’t find just anywhere,” Rob explained. “We’ve got autographed memorabilia, ‘80s toys, early video game systems, and more.”
A Passion for Collecting
Rob, 42, has been collecting since he was young, but his interest really took off as an adult. “I grew up in a big family—six kids—so we didn’t always get the toys we wanted,” he shared. “As I got older, I started finding things I couldn’t have as a kid, and that’s how I got into collecting.” His passion eventually grew into what is now Off the Rails Collectibles, which opened just over a month ago.
Surprisingly, much of the inventory inside the store comes from Rob’s personal collection. “Most of it is mine, but I also have consignment spaces where others can sell their collectibles,” he pointed out.
More Than Just Toys
While the store is a paradise for toy collectors, it offers much more. Wrestling memorabilia is one of Rob’s personal favorites, with signed championship belts from legends like Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes prominently displayed. “I actually trained a little in wrestling myself,” he revealed. “It was tough, and I learned quickly that those rings are not soft!”
Beyond wrestling, Off the Rails Collectibles features a mix of pop culture items—vintage video games, Funko Pop figures, T-shirts, VHS tapes, comic books, and even custom-made Halloween masks. “I sculpt masks from clay, make the molds, and then finish them in latex,” Rob explained. His artistic skills don’t stop there—he also creates custom tufted rugs and art prints, all available for sale in the shop.
A Collector’s Haven for All Ages
You might expect a store like this to cater exclusively to Generation Xers reliving their childhood, but Rob says his customers come from all age groups. “I get younger kids who are discovering vintage collectibles for the first time, teenagers looking for retro games, and
adults reminiscing about the things they grew up with,” he observed. “Some parents even bring their kids in just to show them what they had when they were younger.”
Interestingly, VHS tapes are making a comeback, with some collectors seeking out unopened copies. The store also stocks classic video game consoles like Sega Genesis, PlayStation 1, and Nintendo GameCube, giving visitors a chance to relive the golden era of gaming.
A Place for Fun and Community
Off the Rails Collectibles is more than just a business for Rob—it’s about sharing his love for collecting and offering people a place to rediscover joy. “Sometimes, just the hunt for rare items is what gets me excited,” he admitted. “I like helping people find things they’ve been searching for or didn’t even realize they wanted until they saw it again.”
Rob hopes to expand his reach by attracting more collectors and retro enthusiasts. “I was a little late getting the Facebook page up, but it’s gaining traction now,” he mentioned. He also sees potential for community events, possibly even a cosplay or pop culture gathering in Broadway. “I go to big conventions, and thousands of people attend— something like that here would be amazing.”
Visit Off the Rails Collectibles
Currently, Off the Rails Collectibles is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM, but Rob plans to extend hours as business picks up. The store is located in Broadway, and those interested can check out the Facebook page for updates and new arrivals.
For anyone looking to reignite their childhood memories, start a new collection, or just browse a shop that’s filled with fun, Off the Rails Collectibles is the perfect spot. After all, as Rob and I agreed during our conversation, life isn’t just about work and responsibilities—sometimes, it’s about remembering how to have fun.
