While driving through Conway on the way to a costume party, I passed by my LHS (Creative Pastime Hobby Shop), and in the window there was a “Store Closing Sale” sign. I stopped by on my way home to look in the window for a moment, and after gazing at the MTH General that has been in the shop since my first visit several years ago, It finally hit me that the store would soon be gone.
I am going to call Tuesday (they are closed Sunday and Monday) to get more info on the sale and the closing date.
Its like the Great Train Store and Christie’s Christmas all over again. Oh well. I hope the government and the big name wholesalers are happy.
Cheese
PS: I AM going to buy that General, lol. (There are several sentimental reasons which justify the purchase)
It’s always sad to see an LHS that’s been around for years close shop & fade away. The shops I go to in my area are surviving, but one or two are just hanging on. The others are big, have an internet presence, and except for my favorite(Ready to Roll) also sell RC cars/planes, plastic models,rockets,etc. so that if one hobby is slow, the others take up the slack.
I would suggest telling the owner of your sentiments. First, it would be something that he can hold onto. We all need to know that we made a difference, and for you, he did. Second, he may have something that ties the locomotive to the train store and you can get that too. You may even have a picture made with the train in the front window, and perhaps, you can get your picture made with the owner and the locomotive. Then, express your heart felt condolences.
As I said I plan to pop up there on tuesday and take some photos and see if he can hold onto the General for me until Christmas.
Another reason why that engine has such sentimental value to me is that the owner has sold other General’s, but kept that specific one is his shop, as he uses it every year in the pre-christmas TV interview he does to promote the shop.