Although I don't need much, I had to visit the Trading Post Train Shop's temporary re-opening yesterday following the unfortunate death of long-time own Jim Berilla. This shop is a Cleveland icon....I remember my grandfather taking me there as a kid in the '70s when Ralph owned the store.
Jim's nephew (also Jim) and a couple other forum members are overseeing the last days of TPTS. For the first time, I was able to go behind the counter and see the masses of new, MPC, and PW era inventory Jim had squirreled away. I had heard stories, but wasn't prepared. I'm convinced he had the inventory to compete with many high-volume, online, and I'd probably have bought more on impulse if the store had a computerized, browseable inventory list.
They're going to be open a few more Saturdays this fall and then more frequently until the holidays. Prices are great with everything 30% off and the selection is amazing if you can afford the time to find it. I picked up a case (of 25) O27 long straights, couple of MTH semaphores, some powermaster cables with fuses, some figures, smoke, grease, a continuity tester, and an NKP TOFC for about $200.
I didn't see any recent, high-end engines, but saw many conventional Williams, lots of PW classics and sets, and some 1990-2010 with electronics, but the rolling stock available is unreal. I did see a couple with LionChief plus and many starter sets that'd make great Christmas gifts.
Well worth a trip even if just for one last bit of nostalgia.