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| - Being a big fan of the show, while in Vegas, made a point to stop by for a visit. Was there on February 19. Unlike the Pawn Shop, where there always seems to be a line, we were two of 4 people who took the tour.
The tour is $5 per person, or free if you buy T-shirts. The young man leading the tour - I believe his name was Bobby, was very congenial and showed some passion for the place.
The outside looks just like you see on TV. You enter the front office to buy the tickets/T-shirts. From there, you can look out the window and see the bone yard. Then you go through a door - the tour is all contained inside. there are numerous and very interesting artifacts in this area - restored and not. No pictures or video allowed in this area.
You're taken to different windows where you can see the shop areas and folks working. You see the different stations from when the item is brought in to the final assembly and packing. This truly is a working business - no doubt. We saw Ron, Rick's brother in one of the shops working. Although we didn't see Cowboy, we were told that he really is as grumpy as we see on the show,.
The one treat we had - the man himself, Rick Dale was walking from one shop to another carrying boxes. He had to come inside to where we were and was no more than a few feet from us.
He acknowledged us with a nod and smile as he walked by - didn't say anything and went on his way. Not more than a few minutes later, he comes back and it's basically the same scenario. Even though he didn't stop to chat, it was very cool too see him in person, up close.
It is a 1 year turn around for items to be restored ... unless of course, you're on the show. Then it only takes 30 minutes :-)
All in all, a very cool experience. Folks there were super nice. If you are a fan of the show, it's worth it in my opinion.
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