Cleveland store could be forced to close after President Trump's tariffs

From Local 3 News: Scale Trains president Shane Wilson says the small operation that started more than 10 years ago has grown to a group of dozens of employees from across the country.

"Thirty employees and their families are counting on us to be able to provide for them and their livelihoods,” said Wilson.

The business makes custom model trains, that are detailed to look as close as possible to the original inspiration.

"Each locomotive that you see, were probably north of 250 parts. Every one of those parts is hand assembled,” said Wilson.

The model pieces are manufactured in China, and there is no domestic supply chain for some of the parts they use. Wilson says it would take years to get a factory and its workers up to the standard of what they are currently putting out.

"There is no place to get super detailed model trains. There's no factory here, so you're going to have to start from scratch. To open a new factory is north of $10-million,” said Wilson.

Wilson says it would cost more to pay current tariff costs, and even hundreds more to make the product in Tennessee.

“We have people telling us they won't pay $450. Well, they certainly won't pay $900 if we brought the manufacturing back to the United States,” said Wilson.

People who have hobbies are less likely to develop certain diseases like dementia and more likely to live longer, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Research shows hobbies can help with skill development. One person living with autism was said he would not develop typical communication skills like speaking, but has been able to with the help of starting a model train hobby.

"Through his model trains, he's been able to find an outlet through his local club. He's very interactive. He's become a singer. It's really incredible what it has done for his and his family,” said Wilson.

Wilson says at the moment they are doing what they can to remain open, like holding off on shipments, but he anticipates having to make tough decisions if changes do not happen.

"I hate to even think this way, but it could lead to a downsizing or layoffs. Long term, I'd be surprised if our industry is even able to sustain this much more than weeks or a few months,” said Wilson.