If you're in Tampa, you can visit Hobbytown USA in Brandon at the Regency Square Plaza.
(813) 655-6366
2488 W Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511.
It's been relocated just a few yards from the movie theater. Good supply of Woodland scenics materials and a decent number of HO RTR cars in stock and some structure kits. N scale is represented as well. Plenty of supplies for scratchbuilding and for painting. This store also stocks plenty of Alclad paint products.
Overall, prices hover around MSRP, but that's to be expected from brick and mortar hobby businesses paying rent in a busy plaza or mall.
If you're still in town Thursday afternoon, consider visiting the good guys at the Suncoast Model Railroader's Club. Visitors are welcomed and the layout is a beauty. I think that's still the regular meeting night. I'm a former member (had to leave due to work and family time constraints) but enjoyed my experience very much.
http://www.suncoastmrrc.com/index.html
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"
Since Tampa and Jax is pretty much a strike out, how about Ocala?
Orlando exit 82 of I-4 has Colonial Photo and Hobby. They have a large Train section. It is about 2 miles off of the interstate. Skip The Hobby Spot on Fairbanks Ave in Orlando as their prices are way out of line to other hobby shops.
I miss Kevin at Happy Hobo
In Jacksonville, there are two Hobby Shops, both called Hobby World. One is on 103rd (better N scale engines), and one is on Blanding south of I-295 on the left-hand side.
Both are meh, but they're what we have. If you pass by Savannah, there is one on King Street. That one is awesome!
I'm going to be heading down to Tampa on Sunday via I-95 to Jacksonville then over to I75, so I'm on the lookout for shops around those places.
I saw that Happy Hobo closed.
Know about H&R trains; pass.
Okay, looks like Jax and Tampa are out.
Any thoughts on the stores in Ocala? Looks like there is 1 that advertise in the back of MR. I know that Dan's Train Depot no longer has a physical store.
Thanks!
TR