Can You Recommend a Dependable Pre-Order Dealer for Locos?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

We’ve all heard stories of dealers who took pre-orders and weren’t ultimately supplied with their full order

of locos, leaving a buyer without their locomotive. I could use a recommendation or 3 for discount dealers who have always gotten your pre-ordered loco in without issues.

I swore that I’d never pre-order anything but after ebay searches, etc. looking for a Walther’s Proto,GN Empire Builder F7 or two, for a long time, I’m thinking seriously of pre-ordering as I need them for my passenger ops.

Thanks very much for any input,

Jim

2

Jim,

I would just pick any reputable dealer who’s selling the locomotive you’re interested in. If it’s a Walthers locomotive, they may even be able to tell you who they recommend, who is accepting pre-orders.

Tom

3

I’ve used Toy Train Heaven many times over the years and found them to be top notch!

Of course, any of the other major dealers would likely fall into that same category.

4

I preordered from Factory Direct Trains on two occasions, and was delerived everything as promised and on time. They didn’t charge me until it shipped. You gotta watch those places that charge up front, stay away from that.

5

Anyone pre-ordered through traintrack.net? I’ve purchased from him and have been happy but no pre-orders. I figured kbkelien (modeltrainstuff.com) would be a sure thing?

Thanks, Jim

6

Jim,

In my experience, MB Klein does not do the pre-ordering routine. They wait until the loco or car is released, then order some. Has MB Klein made pre-ordering available in this case?

Caboose Hobbies always accepts pre-orders and does not bill the customer until the product is available for shipping.

Rich

7

My LHS gave me 20% off of the U28B I pre-ordered. He wasn’t going to ask for payment until it arrived, but we had a sales-tax-free weekend and I payed for it that day. www.mainetrains.com. Check with your LHS. You may get a discount and save on shipping, too.

8

Klein’s is great for many things, but pre-ordering is not one of them. Back in 2005 I pre-ordered an Atlas CSX Dash8-40CW, and they neglected to call me when it came in. I finally got tired of waiting and called them, and luckily they still had it. I’m not sure they even do pre-orders anymore.

9

Last time that I called and inquired about pre-ordering something, they said No, they don’t take pre-orders on any items.

Rich

10

Check with Trainworld, www.trainworldonline.com. They are taking back orders on some items. I’ve never done a backorder through them, but they’ve always done right by me on regular orders.

But y’know, my LHS beat them on price on this one. Can you imagine that?

11

I’ve just been recommended to hohobbies.com which I’d not been formerly aquainted with.

They’re in Milwaukee. Wouldn’t mind hearing some more feedback about them if anyone has preordered with them.

I do a lot of biz with train world but didn’t think they pre-ordered. Are “back orders” the same in this case?

Train stores are extremely scarce in my area plus I live on an island! One can order directly from Walthers

and I save on shipping but it’ll be MRSP plus sales tax. I need to save $ at this juncture beyond that.

Thanks for the feedback guys.

JIm

PS: Edited: name change to hohobbies rather than hobby…

12

I’ve used Caboose in Denver for several years, they offer advanced items for pre-order at discounted prices. Keep checking the Walthers site for due dates and statuses. I try to stay informed because the first notice you will get is an invoice when they ship your order out.

13

If it’s an Intermountain engine, I would highly recommend “Ed’s Trains”, an EBay store. I have pre-ordered with him a couple of times and have received great service. And as a plus, he also has a nice discount.

14

You can go to HO Hobbies site and subscribe to their newsletters, this will give you an idea of their discounts and product selection.

15

Thanks Don, I’ve subscribed.

Jim