SUNCOAST CENTER for fine modeling is closing there doors for good.

[TRAINS1941]

I got this in my email earlier today. What a shame. Wonder what will become of all the exhibits and the Sundance Central.

[Rick]

That’s not good.
Wonder why.

[deemery]

Well that really "inhales vigorously"! :-( I never made it to their center, but I've seen some of their layouts at NG conventions.

dave

[robert_goslin]

Some thought Dave owned the building, but apparently not.
This from their Facebook page.

The building is being sold. The business next door to us is expanding and has been adamant about securing the building.
I guess money talks.

https://www.facebook.com/FineScaleModeling/

Hopefully they can find somewhere else to set up.

[BurleyJim]

Wow!

[Rick]

Hopefully they can find somewhere else to set up.

I hope so too.

[desertdrover]

Now that is a shame for sure. Hopefully they don't just give up and close down forever. What a wonderful place they had going there.

[robert_goslin]

Their notice says they are closing indefinitely, not permanently, so may be some hope of them re-opening somewhere down the track.
It's not like they are closing because it was their decision. The choice was made for them, so I'm sure they will find a new place.
Just a lot of hassle to set it all up again.

I've never been there, and probably never will, but I had seen the Dolly Varden & Muskrat Ramble layouts, before they left Australia, that are displayed there.
And of course Forum member Frank Palmer (where are you Frank ?), has done threads here of models that are displayed there.

Good luck to them.

[Rick]

Rob, I was wondering the same thing, where's Frank?
Jerry, have you talked to him lately?

[TRAINS1941]

Yes I have. He just said they lost the lease. And there were no plans right now for a another building.

[quartergauger48]

Has anyone heard from Frank Palmer on this issue'.. I lost his email address last spring when my main PC crashed.... I' would think Frank would have the details on this... Opening in a new location is a major undertaking, ... Not easily accomplished. Greed caused by money.. The big downfall of this country'....

[TRAINS1941]

Ted read above!!!!!

[quartergauger48]

I always enjoyed Frank's posts and great sense of humor. I also learned many techniques from Frank, and I sure do miss him not posting. I can only imagine how upsetting this must be for him and his colleagues, After so much hard work and dedication they all put in... I can only wish them all the best and good luck in finding a new home for their fantastic modeling..........

[jsiekirk]

This is really a shame - a great group of modelers. I hope they can find a new home.

[Tyson Rayles]

I don't think any of the people from there have been on since we came back on line. I wonder if they couldn't log in and gave up. I miss them, they are a very nice group and of course really talented. This is terrible news but hopefully they will reopen somewhere. I was there a few years ago and it is/was a remarkable place!

[robert_goslin]

On Facebook this was posted by Jim Hopes, one of the members of the Suncoast Centre.
So this now clears up what exactly went on. The fact they are selling the layouts, to me that says the won't be re-opening.


Jim Hopes
rotoSednpsuu9 :04 l0984h1mu20eu8utAM 4u58 J5afn ·
There are a number of rumours regarding the Suncoast Center for Finescale Modeling so let me clarify those a bit based on what we know now. The Suncoast Center is indeed closing because Dave Revelia (one our members and the owner of the building) has decided to sell the building. The business next door has been very anxious to buy the building for some time and they finally made an offer that couldn't be refused. So, we were not evicted. It was a sound business decision that everyone understands.

The next big question is what happens to the centerpiece of the museum, the Sundance Central Modular Railroad? The layout is for sale, and we are attempting to find a new and appropriate home. Contrary to what you may have seen, no price has yet been established. We are also in the process of determining what to do with the other layouts in the museum. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to any us.
Jim Hopes
Suncoast Center for Finescale Modeling

Right now there are two parties looking at the Sundance Central, a winery in California and a zoo in Ohio, but no deals have been struck so far. The other layouts are still in limbo.

[Rick]

Thanks Rob for posting that information and clearing things up.