Reply to "Question about checking items at store."

I think that you should ask the train store employee to open the package for you - preferably so you can watch and see what it looks like (or what falls out) as it is unpacked. That is usually what I do at my LHS where I am a regular customer.  If they know you and know that you are careful with merchandise (or they are busy with other customers) they might allow you to do that but, again, that should be done in full view of the store owner / employee. Packaging on some items is often real tight and there is a risk of damaging delicate parts as you open them.