Toy Train Parts in Kentucky by Richard Smith still in business?

Unfortunately, Smitty died last year.

I haven't heard what has become of the business.

TRW

Thanks for the reply.  Condolences to the Smith family.

Sorry to hear that.  I bought a lot of parts from him over the years and spoke with him several times at the larger train shows.  He had an amazing assortment of parts.  RIP Smitty.

Great Guy!!  I bought trains and parts from Smitty since the 80's.  Funny story Smitty moved to California for a while.  While closing his store he had a large box of o gauge box cars.  I bought said box. How to keep from  CEO?  I know.  Mix in with my other trains!!  Great idea!  But forgot about 15 year old son.  Basement layout shelves bulging with my new $75 box of trains.  CEO doing laundry in other room in basement.  Son Chris, Dad you have new trains!!!!  Picked out everyone. Wife comes out. What's this. Oh well.  I don't bother any more with hiding.  Didn't have a lot of funds then.  Would go to Smittys house. Put things on layaway. 

Like Christmas when paid off and could take home!!!!  Miss you Smitty!!!!!

Yes, Richard is missed. Ex Navy guy. He had the tooling from the old Chicago Line of plastic toys that included many post war space and Military loads made for him. And parts, like roofs for the operating boxcars (helicopter, cannon and missile).

I visited Smitty at his home several times.  He would chastise me for staying in the Army beyond 20 years (I stayed for 37), he would say anything beyond 20 I was working for half pay.  He was a 20 year Navy guy.

I remember seeing him set up at York once under the grandstands.  He had a guy that remade every Postwar handrail.  His sales that York were pretty brisk.

For me .. it it wasn't for dealing with Smitty  I would of never been interested in this hobby  as I do, back in the 80's and 90's their wasn't anything I ask that he did not have.. I remember he was making  flat cars with loads  , wish I got them all I bought repro  6414 cars with Lionel name on it with every color he had  it all..

Nicest guy i never met in person .. he would take the time to answer or just talk any time i called , might be because my Uncle was a airport navy watch tower  retire 20 yr man (lol)

As the yrs went by he told me he wanted to retire, but  he would sale me in bulk anytime I called  . He also told me to call Jeff at the train tender  which Im sure Smitty is looking down knowing He's doing a great job also .. Rip and thank-you for all the help time and parts..daniel

Late 80s / early 90s he was the parts guy at the TCA (and other) meets in central Indiana.  At the time, I had no idea that he was such a parts legend - I just thought that every area had a parts guy like that.

Update:  parts from Richard Smith were sold to Keith Hodges, but unfortunately, he passed away a month after getting them.  So, not sure where they are now (if they were passed on)