Hi All.
I was hoping for some advice on good online tain shops that ship internationally (Australia). I recently used Trainworld and was happy with the speed of delivery however they dont show you the shipping cost at the time of ordering, only when they send the items. This is a concern especially with some of the more bulky items (building kits etc.).
So do you have a favorite shop you like to order from?
Thanks in advance
Sida
One that I do know does plenty of business with international customers is Caboose Hobbies in Denver, Colorado. Not sure where international shipping is documented in their process.
I will say that it’s not the easiest thing to do to automate that sort of thing into the ordering process like domestic postage is, so would be rather surprised to see accurate international shipping integrated into the online store in many cases, at least here in the US, where we tend to be, well, a bit provincial at times. I’m always surprised at the number of sellers on Ebay who don’t ship internationally, for instance. Every item and destination is different, but I always kind of enjoy the process of sending something I’ve owned to someone new to treasure in some faraway place. Never had an issue with an international buyer, either, which is more than I can say about some All-American customers.
I’ve been happy with Trainworld, too. You might try MB Klein–they have a large and happy following–I’ve used them, too.
As far as predictable shipping costs, if the website doesn’t somehow give you the needed info, maybe you could phone them up and discuss your concerns–can’t see a down side.
Ed
Hi,
the hobby shop that I order from is Otter Valley Railroad. Before I moved it was easy enough to drive there but now I have to order and they are very reasonable in their shipping costs and they ship all around the world.
Here is the web site http://www.ovrtrains.com/
Hope it helps
Frank
I don’t know how to help you, since I live here in the US and only do business with hobby businesses here in the U.S. However, I can give you the names of the companies I do buy from and you can check them out. Lately, I have been buying from M.B. Klein (Modeltrainstuff.com) I have found them to be a good replacement, since 1st place hobbies ceased doing business on the web. I also occasionally buy from Caboose Hobbies (caboosehobbies.com)
You don’t have hobby shops doing business on the web in Austrailia? I should think Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane and Perth would have good sized hobby shops?
Sorry, don’t feel I’ve been much help to you!
I like M.B. Klein the best out of all that I know of. Shipping is prompt and reasonable, They take PayPal, they have an instant running inventory, their stock is huge, and if you call them on the phone they are not in a hurry too get off the phone. I have tried many and to me they are No. 1. Doug
Based on conversations with my Aussie buddies, they do, but I suspect that the OP is looking for North American pattern models, so is looking for a US-based shop that handles international shipments.
Thanks for the replies all.
To clarify i have been buying US prototype models and i prefer to order from the US due to the massive price difference. I really would prefer to support my (semi)local hobby shop but i can justify the difference in price.
A good example is the Proto sw8/900 loco i got from trainworld. With sound and DCC its US $210 plus shipping. At my local the same model was $400 AUD. Considering that currently our currencies are almost at parody i really dont want to spend almost twice as much on the same model. I only had to wait a week for delivery from the US too.
Yes we have some large, well stocked shops in Melbourne and a few others around the country but for larger purchases the price gap is too big.
Thanks again 
MB Klein for me also. I like the prices and shipping speed/prices.
Unless you mean that there is a comedic resemblance between your dollars and ours, I think you mean parity[(-D]
MB Klein a.k.a. modeltrainstuff.com.
I will recommend MB Klein as well. Since I’m in the US I can’t speak to the international shipping but here is a link to their shipping policy