I was sorry to hear that they were not able to keep the place open. I first met Frank Hare, who owned the shop, back in about 1980. Bought the C&NW Trainmaster from him then, and still have the locomotive.
Frank was a real gentleman, knowlegeable about trains, a past president of TCA, and became a wonderful friend. He surrounded himself with some great employees who managed the store well as he became less able to participate.
I do miss the place on my less frequent visits to Pittsburgh these days.
Paul Fischer