Model Train Suppliers

[Shay Fan]

I was wondering where you buy your trains.  Please tell why you do or don't like your supplier.

[Daylight4449]

i buy from ebay or hi way hobbies. I love hi way hobbies because they test every loco and help with  probems.

[Yampa Bob]

I buy primarily from Caboose Hobbies in Denver.  They have a huge store, and have been in business for 70 years.

http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/index_home.php

Other sources may be cheaper, but you get what you pay for.

[GN.2-6-8-0]

Factory Direct Trains....great prices / outstanding service

Micro-mark.... Good selection / great prices

Broadway Limited Imports....Quality products /outstanding Service

Affair with Trains Phx Az.....great selection / knowledge

Litchfield Station Phx Az.....outstanding selection / most knowledge in the
lower 48 on DCC

Ebay....worlds largest selection / must be watchful for less than truthful sellers, but most are honest if not overly knowledgeble folk. 

[richG]

I have purchased from all except the New site. Put these in your Favorites Folder and compare products when ordering. All have worked very well for me. When you order anything, make sure you indicate one box and email you if any products on back order. Some will charge for two boxes with only one order, i.e., more shipping charges.

http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/index.php  Have ordered over phone

http://www.cchobbies.com/

http://www.labellemodels.com/

http://www.micromark.com/freecat/mmfreecat.html

http://www.peachcreekshops.com/

http://www.rivercityrailroad.com/

http://www.tonystrains.com/

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/

http://www.yeoldehuffnpuff.com/HobbyShop.HTM

http://www.bittercreekmodels.com/  New site

http://yardbirdtrains.com/index.htm

http://www.kitbashdepot.com/catalog/default.php

http://www.litchfieldstation.com/lobby/index.htm Free shipping over $50.00.

Ebay. The Favorite Spot.

Rich

[grumpy]

My primary sources are Trainworld, St  Aubins Stn.,Wholesale Hobbies ,Caboose Hobbies, Micro Mark, IHC, .I am in Canada and these hobby stores have good pricing and excellent service which means a lot when the shipment has to cross ther border.
Don

[Metallus2000]

I found some very nice deals on

www.wholesaletrains.com

[Yampa Bob]

When researching sources, read the small print. "Usually ships in 2 or 3 business days".  When they say "in stock", that means that their distributor supposedly has it in stock.  You place the order, then next week you get a notice that it is backordered. Ask them if they can actually walk out and put their hands on the item.

If you have to click through 3 pages to find their toll-free number, but they request you not use it, that means a staff of one or two people, and they don't want to talk to anyone.  I like to see that number prominently displayed on the opening page.

Ask them what happens if the item comes in defective, do they take it back for exchange or refund?  Most require you to send it to the factory.  What if you just change you mind after receiving it or you don't like the item?  Will they take it back?

Do they sell trains only, or as a sideline to their airplanes, cars, boats, latch hook rugs and other stuff?

You have to ask what is more important to you, complete satisfaction during and after the sale, or just the cheapest price.

[Santa Fe buff]

I found some very nice deals on

www.wholesaletrains.com

With you on that one, it's in my favorites! But I found even better.
http://www.trainworld.com/ For HO bachmann, a 120.00 trainset is only 90.00!

[az2rail]

I perferr to give my money to the local stores, even if it does cost a little more.  But if I mail order, I always make sure it's in stock. I won't backorder.

Bruce

[glennk28]

Since I am a long way from any train stores, I do most by mail/phone.  Large Scale--St.Aubin's Las Vegas, Train World.
On3--Coronado, Caboose, or direct from manufacturer if necessary.
HO--I have a dealer that can order for me on special items, otherwiseCaboose, or TrainShop in Santa Clara or Bruce's in Sacramento.  gj

[kevin2083]

...or Bruce's in Sacramento.

that place is BIG!!

[Pacific Northern]

I perferr to give my money to the local stores, even if it does cost a little more.  But if I mail order, I always make sure it's in stock. I won't backorder.

Bruce

I would also prefer to support the LHS.

However, I can get the same item from an on line Vendor for less that 1/2 of what it would cost locally. If I shop e-bay which I do on occasion,  I usually pay about 1/3 of what it would cost locally.

The LHS used to be about 1/4 model railroading equipment, it is now only about 1/2 of what it used to be. I am not surprised with those prices.

[Yampa Bob]

When I first considered trains, I tried to buy from a  LHS (150 miles away). Everything was full retail price or more.  I know they can't compete with the internet sources, but even with a 10% discount, I would have bought from them.

I buy a lot from discount sources like Caboose Hobbies, my favorite.  The personalized service is worth a lot to me.

[az2rail]

I guess I am lucky. I have five train shops with-in 15 miles of me that only sell trains. Between them they pretty much cover all the scales. I don't alway get a good deal, compared to mail order houses and e-bay. But my needs are small, and if I pay more for one thing, I save that on the items I do mail order. I have also learned that if I am willing to wait, it will show up at a train show.

Also, I don't preorder or special order. If my local store has what I want, I will buy it, but if they don't have it and another store does, [mail order/e-bay] I will will buy theirs.

But, that is for me. I know that not every one is near a train store, and with gas as it is, mail order and e-bay is looking better and better.

Bruce