While in Florida on a recent trip, I visited H & R Trains (“Florida’s Largest Train Store”) located in Pinellas Park. A nice variety of all guage items and what appeared to be a large repair area. In addition to new stock, they have a section of Postwar items. The staff was very cordial.
Not being a Florida resident, I was wondering if you have ever shopped the store and if so, would you say that their price structure was “in-line” with other area train stores. (We are considering a move to Florida and I’m really just trying to get an idea of the economy in all areas, not specifically trains)
As always, many thanks.
When my Aunt was living in Clearwater, I made 3 or 4 trips a year to see her. When I drove, I would always stop at H&R trains. Good bunch of folks. Nice to deal with. Prices not out of line. They have a web site and they do take phone orders. They were always prompt in making shipments.
Mel: Appreciate your note.
Living south of there in Sarasota, I have visited their store. Personally, I wasn’t impressed. Their post war is priced somewhere between Saturn and Neptune.
The had a decent amount of modern trains and accessories, which all seemed to be priced at MSRP when I was there.
They have a large offerings in other scales and have a large lego area. Their craftsamn - scenery products were sparse.
If you are moving to Florida, home prices are ridicously low and small banks are being crushed by foreclosures. You can go right to a bank and buy property off their foreclosed properties list.
one more consideration that applies to anywhere you move to these days: Those foreclosed homes are not overly expensive, as the banks want to unload them as quickly as possible. There is one item that has been coming to light lately— Since these homes have been for the most part abandoned by their former owners, the property and the dwelling have not been maintained. In my city, there have been several properties that have over 30 thousand dollars in liens placed upon them by the city for code violations. The banks maintain that they are NOT required to keep up the maintanence of the property— so the fines get added to the cost of the property.
Just thought i’d warn you— and if you do move to florida, welcome!!
Frank53 and Willpick: Sincerst thanks for your Florida info.