Next Tuesday children around the world will be opening toys under the Christmas tree, but they're unlikely to be the classics that made Stanbridges a Perth icon.

What was once Australia's biggest hobby shop is closing the doors on over 70 years of history.

Jack Stanbridge started the store in November, 1948, the same day Prince Charles was born.

Camera Icon Stanbridges Hobby Shop is closing. Credit: Today Tonight

Mr Stanbridge retired in 1980, with a few more owners in before current owner Peter Dallimore’s father took over.

From humble beginnings the store grew its popularity and stock, earning its reputation as an institution in Perth.

“It started out as model trains and steam engines and Meccano, the metal construction kits, and developed over the years into plastic kits and stock cars and then radio control,” Mr Dallimore said.

“The science, I suppose, has come along in the last 20 years since I've been here.”

Camera Icon Stanbridges owner Peter Dallimore. Credit: Today Tonight

At the height of its success, Mr Dallimore and wife Fiona employed close to 30 staff.

Next month they will say goodbye to their longest serving and only remaining employee, Matt, who leaves after 18 years.

Partners in life and in business, the Dallimore's evolved as retail changed but say they simply can't compete any more - and their Mount Lawley shop will be closed.

“I think it's a dying breed. It's definitely not as popular as it used to be,” Mr Dallimore said.

“I think the peak of this industry has been and as people move away more to online, onto iPads and tablets for their entertainment, it's a lessening pastime.”

Camera Icon In the 80s, their biggest sellers were wooden ships, slot cars and radio-controlled boats. Credit: Today Tonight

In the 80s, their biggest sellers were wooden ships, slot cars and radio-controlled boats.

Now their most popular products are model rockets and paint. But for some, it's always been about the trains.

In a few weeks Stanbridges will end much like it began - in an old house.

“We're in an old building that was probably built in the in the 1890s,” Mr Dallimore said.

“The shopfronts were put on in the 1920s and we have the old Mt Lawley Bakery out the back.

“One of our old employees who comes in on Saturday mornings to do some plastic modelling ... actually used to work at the old bakery.”

Camera Icon Model trains, steam engines and Meccano were popular during the store’s early days. Credit: Today Tonight

The Dallimores are sad to see the end of this era but believe the world has moved on from more traditional pastimes.

“I think people are missing out on a lot because creating things in my mind is of interest but not to everyone's liking,” Mr Dallimore said.