After I bought a Proto RDC on ebay for 70$, and then saw someone post here that you could get it on another online site for 20$, I had to make this thread. Here you can post an item you are looking for online (that you have already tried to find) and people can reply if they know of a site that sells it for a lower price than you found. The second use for this thread is if you are looking at buying a kit and you aren’t sure if there is a better (or cheaper) alternative. Say you’re looking for a gravel plant and you searched on the Walthers site. The Walthers offering looks the best, but it’s pretty expensive. Then you post here and someone replies that insert company makes a good, cheap one.
My item that I need to find cheap is Bachmann EZ track #6 switches (as Bachmann calls them). Internet hobbies have them pretty cheap, but shipping to Canada is horrendous. I’m trying to find them at 18.00$ (AM).
Also, I’m wondering if anyone makes an auto rack unloading ramp (other than the retired Walthers one)?
Personally, I find that checking the price on trainworld.com, 1sthobby.com and standardhobby.com will steer you right 99.99% of the time. There’s plenty of other good sources/retailers, but typically between these three you’ll find the lowest price.
Exception is DCC equipment, where you need to hit tonystrains.com and/or litchfieldstation.
I’m always amazed on Ebay how often I see stuff go for more (plus usually higher shipping) than the above-mentioned places sell it…
But as long as we’re at it, I’ll throw a couple out there, let’s see how this sucker works:
Walthers Heavyweight Passenger Cars
Bachmann Spectrum Passenger Cars
Walthers “loco service facility” series structures.
I know what I think the answer is for each, curious to hear what others say…
How about an HO scale sawmill kit. I want the kind that will sit at the side of my lake and would also require a log dump.
Now, I don’t have $300 for the BTS version. Are there any other good ones out there for around 100 clams?
OK, on this topic I have to pass on my “secret” source.
That would be Victor at: http://www.discounthobbywarehouse.net/. He has a pretty bare bones website, but don’t let that fool you. He has a fairly extensive stock, as you can see if you visit some of the midwest train shows near Chicago. If he doesn’t have it, he’ll get it for you in a couple of days.
He deals pretty much only engines, but from my experience so far he beats everyone else in price. Nice guy, easy to deal with, you can also find him on ebay if you choose.
Jeff
Kesytone used to offer their “Danby Mill” in HO for under a hundred bucks. Here’s my old version:
(click on photo to enlarge)
I left off the front wall of the mill so the inside details could be seen. I just checked Wathers web site, and they only list the N scale version as being available. The kit may be available from other sources. Do a Google (or Froogle) search on “Danby Mill” and you might come up with something.
Bob Boudreau
Vic is a good source and I purchase from him also, but he cannot get Genesis units since he does not have a store open to the public. He does not beat everyone else in price on items he thinks are hot.
Thanks for clearing that up. I believe you are correct, but for the most part he has been very straightforward with me. Haven’t tried to buy anything “hot”, but I’ll keep that in mind. Still a good source, as you say.
Wow, I didn’t think this would turn out so well. I’m planning on having a sawmill on my next layout too. I was thinking about the Walthers one, but I’ll look at what other people suggest as well.
How about a N scale Atlas Sd35, Altas SD60M.
It depends on which run of SD35’s. You can pick up a new one for about $60 (non-DCC) at two on-line stores (BLW and MB Klien). It really depends on the roadname too.
You can also scour eBay for some of the first runs from a few years ago. I purchase a pair of new ACL’s for about $35 each that were being cleared out a couple years back. If you’re not particular about roadnames, you should be able to score a nice price.
$67 new at BLW (non-DCC). Not sure about eBay. Depends on which run too. First was done in 1999, and another in 2004.
Thanks Bob! You did a fantastic job with your sawmill and that is a great idea. I like being able to see inside. That is certainly something to consider.
I made my decision and went with the Lucas Sawmill instead
It is a bit larger so I am hoping my railroad can support. I hope it turns out half as good as Bob’s.
Valley Model Trains has HO models of the Keystone for sale (just purchased one!). Price is $26.95.
I will [#ditto] Victor at www.discounthobbywarehouse.net . I don’t find lower prices than his very often. And he doesn’t mind calling you if he has a question about your order.
Terry[8D]