Mixed feelings about my LHS

[RobertInOntario]

I won't support any excuse for such behavior.
I seen several former good hobby shops take a nose dive in service.I didn't understand the reason but,little did I know in each case the hobby shop was breathing its last due to the owner closing the shop and retiring.He had a retirement target date and could care less..In all cases the inventory was sold in chunks to various train show dealers after the stores closed.
There was no closing discounts,no closing sales,no nothing.
I supposed that's one way of thanking your loyal customers.
That burned me on being a loyal customer to any hobby shop.

Interesting... I don't think this shop would be winding down due to a possible retirement but you never know! I'd guess the owner would be in his late-50s so it's possible. I'll definitely give them a third chance, as I've always appreciated their advice in the past. I've always enjoyed this shop, its character and have had good fellowship with other MRR-ers there.

Still -- especially when buying new or slightly used locos -- I can get much better deals online, especially eBay.