Brewman1973 posted:I was disappointed when Tacoma Trains & Hobbies closed in 2017. George opened the store in 1985 and had a great selection of trains in many scales as well as model cars, race car sets, rockets, supplies and books. He had a good selection of Lionel starter sets, many box cars, tracks, some engines and a test track that he could demonstrate Lionelchief. He had a professional career prior to opening the shop; I believe his wife worked and he was able to be on her health care plan (which most people know is expensive). He was ready to retire, and had found someone to takeover the store. First, the landlord had an issue with the new guy assuming the lease, even though sales at the store were very strong. George had to also work out how to handle the selling of the existing inventory, which was extensive. The store hours were 9 to 6, six days a week. In the end, the new guy could not make it work and George needed to hold a going out of business sale to close the shop. I see doctors and dentists closing their shops because no one can afford to take over their practices.
I was saddened as well. I was even there the very last day he was in business, and bought my only On30 diesel on that day. Almost all my track for my On30 layout came out there, as did a lot of rolling stock, countless parts, jars of paint, glue, etc. Also bought lots of Magazines and books there. My wife bought me the gas station that I now have on the layout, for my birthday, at that store. Many of his prices were at or below mail order.
My wife never minded going there, as there is still a really nice birdhouse/animal related store on the same side of the street. Still, I haven't brought myself to go to the Proctor neighborhood since he closed. I don't want to see the place empty or with some other business inside.
It was ironic that the biggest item I ever bought there (the Bachmann On30 Whitcomb 50 tonner) was purchased on his final day.
I saw George at the Chehalis swap meet, with a table of stuff he's still trying to get rid of, recently. Really decent guy, I truly miss looking for reasons to be around Tacoma to hit his store (and then go over to the Sonic or Dickey's BBQ not far away for lunch afterward).
Yeah, I really miss Tacoma Trains...
