I looking for any good recommendations for a online hobby/train store with decent prices. I use Walthers from time to time for sale items. I used to use Standard Hobby Supply and another one (can’t recall the name) but went out of business for basic track supplies. I ran across a site wholesaletrains_com but seems to mixed reviews. Welcome any recommendations.
I always keep a handy go to list. Some of these are suggestions from others that I haven’t used myself.
Mainline Hobby Supply
Caboose Hobbies
Model Trainstuff/MB Klein
Standard Hobby
Allied Model Trains
Toms Trains
Train World
Horizon Hobby
Computer inventory systems are not always totally current so it’s a good idea to call ahead to make sure an item is in stock.
Lance
With some of the stores mentioned, compare prices as some charge full price.
Take each store mentioned and do a Google search for the store site. Save each site to Favorites and do some comparison shopping.
I sometimes open at least three Browser windows and compare each site.
Micro Mark has some good prices and shipping.
I have found some good buys on ebay also.You have to knpw what you are doing when shopping on ebay. Only had one problem on ebay the past six years and eventually got my money back.
Rich
You will get about as many answers as there are hobby e-tailers out there, with good and bad reviews for all.
I have no problems with wholesaletrains.com. I have bought extensively from them both online and at their store. But then again, if I did have a problem with an order, I can drive 45 mins. to get there and complain LOUDLY.
I also use: trainworldonline.com
and internethobbies.com. Again, I am about 1.25 hours away from internethobbies.com so I can go there and complain LOUDLY if I have a problem.
My personal favorite is MB Klein, modeltrainstuff.com. Prices are good and they have an accurate inventory tracking system so no surprises after you’ve placed the order and paid. Quick delivery, but I’m only an hour and a half away.
I’ve also used EMpire Northern, Litchfield Station, Gadget Tom, and Ulrich for DCC stuff, completely satisfied every time.
–Randy
MB Klein is my first choice. I really like their online inventory. I have used them several times and always been well satisfied.
Enjoy
Paul
I’ve used Trainworld Online and Advanced Model Railroad, with the latter a good source of Walthers items that have been discontinued.
Another recommendation for Trainworld and M.B. Klein.
Be careful of shipping costs. On small orders, you may spend more on shipping than you save on the item. Keep a list and order a bunch of stuff at once.
I get the Walthers flyer every month. You can sign up with them, and they’ll send it to you for free. Or, you might be able to pick one up at your LHS. My LHS supports the Walthers sale prices. So, if I see something in the catalog that I want, I send an e-mail to my LHS, and he orders it. This works great for small stuff, because I don’t have to pay shipping.
I used to use standard hobby supply all the time as well but now I mostly go thru Blue ridge hobbies. I don’t know how they compare with the others mentioned but the prices seem fair and my orders have always arrived quickly. They always have the Walthers sale catalogs posted on thier site and if a Walthers item is on sale the BRH price is always a few percent less than that.
Philip
After spending about $5k over the last 3 years on locos, DCC stuff, track/turnouts, it was quite apparent that “one store doesn’t fit all needs”. My criteria was availability, price, reputation, and service. I ended up using - quite successfully:
- Toy Train Heaven
-Caboose Hobbies
-NHS Hobbies
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Litchfield Station
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Tony’s Train Exchange
And a few others that I can’t recall at this time.
All the above are excellent, and some have better deals on DCC or track or “whatever” than the others. Check out their websites!
I have used:
Trainworld, discounttrainsonline, internet trains, cherry creek hobbies, caboose hobbies, tony’s train exchange (for DCC stuff,) micro mark, fast tracks, and MB Klein (model train stuff) Also, i’ve used microscale decals , scenic express, Walthers, and Dallee (for electrical supplies.) The best one so far has been MB Klein. They tell you up front if a product is available or not, and the order gets to my house really fast…chuck
I HAVE USED MB Klein same as Model Train Stuff.They come though every time.Robert Hart
I seldom buy on-line, but got a good price on a couple of things (for which I had been looking for some time) from Otter Valley Railroad. Since they’re only a couple of hours drive from me, and it was a beautiful Fall day, I opted to go down there to pick up my order.
The staff was very pleasant and I was surprised by the amount of stuff that was actually in-stock. Prices, as I’ve been told by several American friends to whom I’ve forwarded that link, are competitive and, if I needed more, wouldn’t hesitate to deal with them again.
Wayne
Thanks. I checked out modeltrainstuff and placed a small order.
Another one to throw out is Dallas Model Works. I happen to like some extras on the site that allow subscribers to maintain inventories of locos and rolling stock. Best of all, when you buy from them, you can automatically add purchases to your inventories. Handy to take along to shows so you don’t end up with duplicates.
I use 1stplacehobbies.com and Tony’s Train Exchange. Great prices, good inventories, and I am 100% satisfied.