SC Hobby Shop to Help Build Largest HO Layout in US

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Let's be honest and objective for a moment. Taking into account the current economy and its probable evolution over at least the next half dozen years, can anyone truly envision a large, expensive, project like this obtaining necessary funding to get off the ground in a recessionary economy?

Currently many established museums and tourist attractions are in significant financial difficulty because of the drop-off in public attendance, support and the drying up of donations. I'd like to see something like this come about as much as the next guy, but I can't honestly see a lot of hope for such a grandeous idea considering the current financial climate.

NYW&B
 
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True, but even if only the first phase of it gets built, it will be quite impressive and by far and away the best layout within a 2 hour drive of my house. I applaude Frank Ruby, owner of Blueridge Hobbies, for leading the effort to build it.
 
Gotta say, looks like it'll be amazing if they do indeed get the kind of funding they're after. But I doubt anyone will hit the "Super Empire Builder" donation level... $1.5 mil is a bit optimistic.
 
I have my doubts this project is going to go anywhere. I mean seriously, he's going to have put in a lot more effort than what he does to run his seldom-open-at-odd-hours store.
 
Look, I dont mean to sound like the cheerleader of the project or the guy's store, but I just have to tell you what has been my experience dealing with him. It has been nothing but first class treatment.

In 6 years, the guy has built from scratch what is arguably one of the best hobby stores on the web and definitely one of the best in the SE. He has an excellent website and his customer service is outstanding. When you call their store, 90% of the time you get him, the owner, on the phone. I think building a small business and having it being successful, much less in this economy and a hobby shop at that, is no small feat; so for that I will praise him and give him business. It is also probably the best priced, best service hobby shop within 500 miles of my house. My next fav is out in Santa Margarita, CA (josh).

As far as this project goes, who knows. I was just passing it along. I certainly hope that all or at least some of it gets built. We all seem to agree the hobby has taken a hit in popularity, and I think it is refreshing to bring out some good news about someone trying to grow the hobby and expose future generations to it. The store is closed 3+days a week to work on the project, but he still manages to give excellent service that is better than 99% of the other hobby shops out there.
 


I actually do like the guys who work there and you can't ignore their prices, and yeah, I agree they are are best shop for a long ways (but not the ONLY hobby shop)...

Still, their store hours are just insipidly stupid for a brick and mortar retail store. What's worse is they change around! It's like they are purposefully trying to exclude the non-retired population from shopping there.

I hear people saying their website is good and I wonder what nightmarish sites these people must frequent to think that absolute train wreck of an online store is a good website. People must have some very low standards. That would quality as a good store site in 1998, maybe even 2002, but in 2010? It needs a total redesign, preferably by a 3rd party company that designs online stores for businesses.

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The project is a good idea yes, but I keep my fingers crossed and my breath held. The members of our hobby have only themselves to blame for it's decline, but that's a whole other rant. I am sincerely hoping that they don't go for size and forsake quality to get it done. I've seen far to many roadside attraction model/toy train layouts across the US that looked like a collection of Tyco kits and Hotwheels cars under a 1/4" of dust. That is not crafting a positive public image.
 
He actually got Go Daddy to do his website. Its better than most in the hobby industry. enjoy....
 
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