Howdy Jaberwocky
I'm afraid there's nothing to speak of in the San Francisco Bay Area, Franciscan Hobbies and the Hobby Co. in San Francisco, D+J Hobbies in Campbell (San Jose area) L+ M Hobbies in San Carlos and Talbot's Toys in San Mateo (S.F. peninsula) are small general hobby shops that cater very little to the historical miniaturist--muy pequeno in the way of figs, books, magazines , even paints. Gator Games in San Mateo has Vallejo paints but is a fantasy sci/fi joint. Gamescape in San Rafael (Marin Co.) had Ospreys and magazines. There are some good used book stores in the area, Dan Webb's in Oakland, Moe's in Berkeley and Green Apple in SF are personal faves. Two cool places you shouldn't miss if you have the time are the Military Antique Store in Petaluma (Sonoma Co. about 30 min.s north of SF) a militaria store with a pretty cool little military museum. Then there's the Military Vehicle Technology Foundation in Portola Valley (between SF/SJ, in the hills to the west of Palo Alto) The late Jacques Littlefield, scion of the heavy equipment contractor who built the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, collected and restored tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery pieces the way we collect model kits. The place is amazing, you got to book yourself on a tour. (I got to book myself for a tour) Check out the website. Hope this helps.
Cheers
John B
