Anyone have a experience they would like to share about this company? I get their catalog in the mail a couple of times a year. Have no idea how they got my address, but that is another story.
Good experience or a bad one? Or maybe none at all because they are too expensive.
Thanks
I’ve done one order from them and had no problems. You have to read the catalog descriptions carefully because the scale of an item is not always apparent. They are expensive on models but the videos are not a bad deal. I compared the prices on a few of them to Amazon and Historic Rail had lower prices on nearly all of them. They also had some that Amazon listed as unavailable. I’ll probably order a couple next week. If nothing else, it’s a fun catalog to read.
Werner
I have ordered from them before (maps,pictures and christmas cards) and didn’t have any problems. About 2 years ago, they had Model Power HO dump trucks for half price, I don’t know if it was a typo or not ,but I bought 4 of them at half price. I still look for those types of sales in their flyer.
Way too expensive! I read their catalog for a good laugh and then throw it away!
Sheldon
Pretty much sums up what I do with mine.
–Randy
I ordered a video DVD from them once. I don’t think they actually stock anything but just forward your order to the company that makes the product. In my case, the DVD was mailed from Green Frog. If I had known who made the DVD I could probably have ordered directly from Green Frog and saved a couple of dollars.
I can usually tell from the picture or description who makes their locomotives, so if I ever wanted one of them I’d order from someone else who is cheaper.
Their structures are 15% or more over priced. The pickle plant presently advertised in Walthers latest monthly mailing is 109.98, while 129.98 in Historic Rail. There are many “one-off” items, like the coupler towbar gimmick that can be had elsewhere for far less.
I found other suppliers of a number of items- such as hats with logos- at a recent flea market for 30% less.
It also seems that some old IHC inventory has appeared in their catalogs periodically.
Interesting rest room material- for reading, not using- but buyer beware!
Cedarwoodron
I don’t even bother reading mine anymore. I just throw it away.
It seems that since I have never ordered from them, They have stopped sending me their catalogs.
Oh Well.
They either got my name and address from MR, Trains or when I signed up for my LHS quarterly mailer and they sold my name and address, as did Walthers, I believe.
Their catalog is a little too ‘giftish’ or gimmicky for me. I don’t consider it a scale modeler’s source but more or less a catalog for consumers with a casual railroad interest. And as others have said, their pricing is in the stratosphere. Most items can be had for far less at other retailers. As far as their customer mailing list goes, I have a strong suspicion that they get it from Walthers. But what can I say, different strokes for different folks.
I get their catalogs all the time. Not sure how they got my name / address either. I have bought stuff from them once or twice-- gifts for other people, nothing for myself from them. Can’t recall any issues with the orders though. Must have been okay or I’d remember. Still get their catalogs. They make for light throne room reading, IMO. Not much more. I agree they’re expensive.
John
Never order. Too expensive for me.
Enjoy
Paul
I seem to only get them when I am currently subscribed to MR, FWIW. I like how they do not mention scale or manufacturer most of the time. That just screams “shady” to me right away. I guess they don’t want the casual MRR to try and price shop.
I’ve ordered from them before with no problems. I don’t think they are shady or a rip off in any way.
However, I think you should order from them with a little knowledge about what you’re buying. Sort of like ebay. If you don’t know what you’re buying you can get burned.
I think their prices for models & structures can be beat by any good mail order hobby shop like Kleins, Blue Ridge or Caboose Hobbies. I also have to agree with the poster who said they aren’t too good about stating scale or manufacturer in their descriptions sometimes.
I mostly buy paintings, DVDs and books from them. They seem to offer some good buys in those catagories but even there one must be current on pricing. With the competitive nature of the hobby knowing the competition is necessary to stretch the hobby dollars available.
My 2¢,
Roger Huber
Same here.
I don’t buy from magazines that sell Nazi memorabilia. Especially the ones that try to pass it as rail road related, like a full size replica of Nazi rail road officer hat. [A]
I thought about writing them about it, but decided to just vote with my $$.
I just received an order from them. Found a Athearn Pan Am 50’ FMC boxcar that is difficult to find right now. Price was ok. Shipping a little high but I found what I wanted.
Rich
As much as I can share the sentiment, I also have a historical side in me that says, “Huh,someone else’s perspecive of 6 years of Human existance. Kinda cool”
My big interest though is the paintings and throws and such. Ordered one thing from them, the IHC GG1 model of Conrail 1976.
I ordered from them once about two years ago when their catalog listed a book - I think that it was about a RR in Arizona. It took weeks and I finally received notice that the book was no longer available, yet the catalog I ordered from was the first time that they had listed that book. Refund was not prompt, but did arrive.
I just glance through their catalogs now; I won’t order from them again.
Bill